Presbyter
He was born on May 13, 1762, in the village of Bortsurman, Simbirsk Province, to a priest's family. After graduating from the Nizhny Novgorod Seminary in 1784, he got married and was appointed as a deacon in the village of Bortsurman, where he served until the end of his life. At the beginning of his ministry, he did not exhibit strictness, but after a vision of an Angel holding the Holy Chalice, he changed his life, began to serve the Divine Liturgy daily, and adhered to the monastic prayer rule.
He welcomed parishioners, providing spiritual guidance with great meekness. He distributed to the poor everything that remained after generous donations and healed the sick through his prayers. During Napoleon's invasion, he prayed for Russia and saw an Angel who announced victory. Nine years before his death, he retired but continued to serve the Liturgy almost every day.
In his last years, he lived in a small cell, dedicating himself to prayer. He did not wash and wore a hair shirt, in which he was buried. His cell was modest, and he prayed incessantly. He ate no more than once a day and strictly observed the fasts. The enemies of mankind subjected him to trials, but he continued to pray and comfort the sorrowful.
He died on January 1, 1848, sitting by the window and blessing those who came to bid farewell to him. He was buried in the garden of the Assumption Church in the village of Bortsurman. His grave became a place of veneration, and many came to it to pray.
He was canonized in the year 2000. The canonization had been prepared since the early 20th century but was postponed due to historical events. In 1989, the restoration of parishes began, and in 1993, the holy relics were transferred to the restored Assumption Church, where they remain to this day.
