Metropolitan Agafangel (Preobrazhensky)

Agafangel (27th of September 1854, Tula gov., Russian empire – 16th of October 1928, Yaroslavl, RSFSR) – Orthodox Bishop of Riga and Mitau from 1897, Arch-Bishop of Riga and Mitau from 1904 to 1910.

Agafangel became famous not only as holy pastor but also as an advocate of enlightenment and technical progress. He took part in the first trial run of electric tram in Riga and promoted installation of electricity in the Nativity Cathedral in Riga. During his position as the head of Riga Diocese, 30 new parochial schools had been opened. During time of the revolution of 1905 he called for mercy. After the victory of  the Bolsheviks in 1917 he spent some years in exile and prison.

In 2000 the Assembly of the Russian Orthodox Church canonized him as a holy New Martyr.