Ηegumen / Abbot
He was a disciple of the venerable Cornelius of Komel and an icon painter. By the blessing of the abbot on September 13, 1540, taking the icon of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, he went to a desolate place for silence. In the Poshikhon forest, on the banks of the Votka River, he was shown a place for hermit life, where he founded a monastery in honor of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos and became its abbot. A strict rule was introduced in the monastery, forbidding the access of women to the monastery. The venerable one continued to lead a strict ascetic life and was an example for the brotherhood.
He endured many sorrows from the neighboring peasants, who, by the suggestion of the devil, plotted to destroy the monastery. On March 5, 1550, after cruel tortures, he was wickedly strangled by robbers. His body was thrown into the forest, but a pious priest Isidore secretly buried him and planted a rowan tree, under which many healings occurred. On November 19, 1626, his holy relics were found and placed in the monastery church, where many miracles and healings took place.
The finding of the relics took place on November 19, 1626, and on December 17 of the same year, under Patriarch Philaret, his incorrupt relics were transferred to the monastery he founded.
