Scarce information about the Venerable Jacob, born in the 14th century in a pious family of Galician nobles, the Amosovs. From a young age, he showed a desire for a pious life, being fascinated by the lives of the saints. After the death of his parents, he distributed his inheritance to the needy and decided to become a monk.
He sought a mentor and found one in the Venerable Sergius of Radonezh, where he underwent the school of monasticism. Having withdrawn into silence, he founded a monastery in Zhezlon Bor, where he led an ascetic life, attracting people for spiritual help. Over time, a brotherhood formed, and he became their igumen.
Having received the blessing of Metropolitan Cyprian, he established the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist. The Venerable Jacob performed miracles, healed the sick, and foretold the future. In 1415, at the request of Grand Duke Vasily Dmitrievich, he prayed for the health of his wife, predicting the birth of an heir.
In 1420, during a plague, he opened the monastery for the suffering, showing compassion and assistance. In 1429, during a Tatar attack, the brotherhood took refuge in the forests, and after returning, they restored the monastery.
He passed away on April 11, 1442, appointing his disciple Dosifei as his successor. His relics were buried in the monastery he founded, where miracles later occurred. The discovery of his incorrupt relics took place on May 5, 1613, which became a sign of God's favor to Rus.
After the monastery was closed in 1927, the relics of the Venerable were hidden from the authorities. There is evidence that they were reburied on the territory of the monastery, but the exact location remains unknown.
