The first Archbishop of Rostov came from a pious family, to which the Venerable Sergius of Radonezh belonged. He was the nephew of Sergius, the son of his brother Stephen, who, after the death of his wife, took monastic vows and became the igumen of the Bogoyavlensky Monastery in Moscow. From an early age, John, the future Theodore, was sent for education and soon took monastic vows under the name Theodore.
Theodore lived in the Trinity Monastery, where he showed diligence in prayer and fasting. He was ordained a priest and served the liturgy together with Venerable Sergius and his father. Soon he conceived the idea of founding a new monastery, which he communicated to his teacher. Venerable Sergius blessed him for this undertaking.
Theodore found a suitable place for the new monastery, which was approved by Sergius. Having received episcopal permission, he founded a church in honor of the Most Holy Theotokos and gathered the monastic brotherhood. He set an example of strict living and attracted many to spiritual feats.
Having become the igumen of the Simonov Monastery, Theodore actively participated in church affairs and was the spiritual father of Grand Duke Dmitry Ivanovich. He repeatedly traveled to Constantinople on matters of the metropolis and received the rank of archimandrite. In 1389, Theodore was appointed Archbishop of Rostov.
Theodore continued to care for his flock, performing miracles, including the healing of Prince John. He also founded the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Convent in Rostov and engaged in icon painting. He died on November 28, 1395, and his relics rest in the Rostov Assumption Cathedral.
