The Unknown by origin Venerable Theophilus and Jacob labored on the island of Koneva, possibly beginning their monastic efforts together with Venerable Arsenius of Koneva.
In 1395 or 1396, both ascetics left Koneva and moved to the river Omucha, where in the vicinity of the Demyansky wilderness they founded a hermitage in honor of the Dormition of the Mother of God. Venerable Theophilus was regarded as the founder of the monastery, while Venerable Jacob was its organizer. The Venerable ones departed in the early 15th century, around 1412. The day of the repose of Venerable Jacob is unknown, while Venerable Theophilus reposed on December 29.
Local celebration. The holy relics of God's servants rest beneath the earth in the church of the Dormition of the Mother of God, since 1764 a parish church.
