In the village of Malaya Ilovitsa, on November 27, 1894, the son of Varnava Golovatyuk was born, named Yakov. From early childhood, he absorbed the piety of his parents. In 1912, he was drafted into the army, where he became a feldsher, and then fell into captivity with the Germans, working for a farmer in the Alps. In 1919, he returned to his native village.
In 1925, he came to the Pochaev Lavra, where he fulfilled obediences. On July 8, 1932, he was tonsured into monasticism with the name Joseph. He became renowned as a healer, curing the sick, and people brought their suffering from all around. Father Joseph lived for about twenty years in a small house at the gate of the monastery cemetery.
During the Great Patriotic War, he was saved from execution, and after the Germans retreated, he returned to the Lavra. Father Joseph healed, cast out demons, restored hearing to the deaf, and sight to the blind. His gift of healing attracted people from all corners of the country. He tried to hide his virtues and did not seek glory.
The authorities planned to turn the Lavra into a museum of atheism, but the monks bravely endured persecution. Father Joseph defended the Trinity Cathedral, for which he was arrested and placed in a psychiatric hospital. After his release, he returned to Ilovitsa, where he continued to heal the sick.
In 1970, in the last days of his life, he sensed his death approaching. He died on January 1, 1971, and was buried on January 4. His incorrupt relics were discovered in 2002, and he was canonized as the Blessed Amfilohije of Pochaev.
The life of Father Joseph was a self-sacrificial service in the name of love for God and neighbor. He left an indelible memory in the hearts of the faithful, healing and comforting even after death.
