Metropolitan Benjamin (Kazansky) was appointed to lead the Petrograd diocese in 1917, focusing on his spiritual duties amid political upheaval. In 1922, when the Soviet regime began confiscating Church valuables under the pretense of aiding the starving, Benjamin agreed to voluntary donations but opposed forced seizures. He reached a temporary agreement allowing parishes to control the process, which drew praise from the public but angered Soviet leaders. When pro-Soviet clergy from the "Living Church" tried to seize control, Benjamin refused to acknowledge their authority and declared them outside the Church. This defiance led to threats, his eventual arrest, and a show trial intended to break him and his fellow clergy.

Despite false accusations and pressure, Metropolitan Benjamin and the other defendants remained steadfast, refusing to betray their faith or one another. During the trial, Benjamin expressed sorrow for being labeled an enemy of the people and offered only praise to God. On July 5, 1922, he and nine others were sentenced to death. Metropolitan Benjamin, along with Archimandrite Sergius, George, and John of Petrograd, was executed on July 31, 1922. They are now commemorated as saints at the Synaxis of the New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia, held on January 25 or the Sunday following.

Troparion — Tone 4

Your holy martyrs O Lord, / through their sufferings have received incorruptible crowns from You, our God. / For having Your strength, they laid low their adversaries, / and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. / Through their intercessions, save our souls!