Saint Alexander was born in 1448 in the Obonezh region, in the village of Mandera, to parents Stephen and Vasilissa. From a young age, he showed a desire for spiritual life, diligently praying for understanding of the Divine Scriptures. After receiving his parents' blessing, he went to the Monastery of Saint Spas (Savior) on Valaam, where he was tonsured into monasticism at the age of 26.
The saint diligently practiced virtues, avoided fame, and soon withdrew into solitude, building a cell by the lake. He received a revelation from God that many people would come to him, and he would become their guide. After the death of his brother John, he continued to lead a strict life, and the number of brethren increased.
Saint Alexander was endowed with the gift of wonderworking, and his prayers drove away demons. He built a church in honor of the Holy Trinity and became the igumen (abbot), setting an example of humility and labor. The saint worked alongside the brethren, performing all tasks himself.
At the end of his life, feeling the approach of death, he called the brethren, instructing them to keep love and virtues. He died in 1533, leaving behind many healings from his grave. His body was buried with honors near the Church of the Transfiguration, and he was canonized in 1547.
