Ηegumen / Abbot
Saint Alexander of Oshevensk was born on March 17, 1427, 80 versts from Belozersk. His parents, Nikifor and Photinia, waited long for his birth, and the Mother of God herself appeared to Photinia, promising the birth of a son. At the age of 18, after preparing for marriage, he went to the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, where he soon took monastic vows.
Wishing to live in solitude, Alexander received the blessing of the igumen and chose a place on the Churyuga River to found a monastery. He consecrated this place and, after receiving the priestly ordination from the Archbishop of Novgorod Jonah, became the igumen of the new monastery, building a church in the name of Saint Nicholas.
The saint established a strict rule requiring complete silence and constant prayer. Many came for his guidance, and even his nephews took monastic vows in his monastery. However, the sorrows and cares for his spiritual children undermined his health, and he prayed for help from Saint Cyril, who appeared to him and promised support.
Alexander labored in the monastery for 27 years and peacefully reposed on April 20, 1479. After his death, the monastery fell into decline, but he had a vision in which he predicted the restoration of the monastery. His incorrupt relics were found during the construction of a new church, and his image was painted according to the memories of his contemporaries.
