Fool for Christ
Blessed Feodor was born in the 14th century in Veliky Novgorod. His parents were pious, and he was raised in the fear of God and good habits. Devoting himself to the service of God, he imposed a strict fast upon himself and spent his time in prayers and almsgiving. Feodor acted as a fool for Christ on the Trading side, spending all his time under the open sky, having no shelter, and giving all his alms to the poor.
He often visited churches, praying for his native city, and for his strange actions and words, he received insults, but he patiently endured them. Feodor acted as a fool for Christ together with Blessed Nikolai Kochanov, with whom he had a fictitious enmity, vividly demonstrating the absurdity of discord among fellow citizens.
Blessed Feodor received the gift of insight and prophecy, foretelling calamities and healings. He was forewarned of the time of his death by an Angel of God and, rejoicing, continued to act as a fool for Christ, forgiving everyone. On January 19, 1392, he passed away, and his body was buried near the marketplace at the church of Saint Great Martyr George. A chapel was built over his grave, where healings occurred.
The service to Blessed Feodor was composed no earlier than the second half of the 16th century, and his memory is honored on January 19/February 1.
