Fool for Christ
Aleksey Ivanovich Voroshin was born in 1886 in a pious peasant family of Ivan and Evdokia Voroshin in the village of Kaurchikha, Kostroma province. From an early age, he showed diligence in prayer and a desire for a righteous life. When the time came to marry, he thought about choosing a bride, but upon seeing that she did not heed his request to avoid conversations, he decided to refuse marriage.
Soon, the First World War began, which deeply affected his soul. He postponed the matchmaking and went to the Krivozerskaya desert, where he became a novice. Returning home, he lived in seclusion, dedicating his time to prayer and contemplation.
In 1917, after the revolution, Aleksey Ivanovich became the chairman of the village council, but soon left this position and secluded himself in prayer again. In 1928, he took on the feat of foolishness for Christ, became a wanderer, and gained unusual fame among the peasants.
He predicted the troubles and persecutions that would befall the people and warned of the impending arrests. Aleksey Ivanovich often appeared in unexpected places, warning people of danger. His behavior caused laughter and bewilderment, but soon his predictions came true.
In 1931, he was arrested and sent to the Kostroma psychiatric hospital, but the doctors recognized him as healthy. He continued to pray and share his meager ration with other prisoners. Soon, after torture, he passed away in the prison hospital.
His body was buried in Kineshma, and in 1985, his honorable remains were transferred to the church of the village of Zharki. Currently, his relics are in the Holy Vvedensky Women’s Monastery in the city of Ivanovo.
