Saint Innocent of Komel, Vologda, was born in Moscow from the lineage of the Moscow princes Okhlabins. Having accepted monasticism in the monastery of Saint Cyril of Belozersk, he was placed under the guidance of Saint Nil of Sora. While wandering in the East, they visited Palestine and Constantinople, spending several years in the monasteries of Mount Athos. Upon returning to Russia, they settled in a secluded cell beyond the monastery's enclosure, and later retreated into an impenetrable forest by the river Sora, where they built a church and lived a harsh life.
Foreseeing his own death, Saint Nil sent Saint Innocent to the river Nurma, predicting his glorification and the founding of a monastery. After the death of Nil, Innocent moved to the Vologda region and in 1491 founded a cell on the river Eda. Disciples began to gather around him, and following his teacher's command, he did not ask for donations.
For thirty years, Innocent labored to establish the monastery, leaving instructions for the brethren. He urged them to avoid quarrels and to keep love for Christ. The saint forbade the acceptance and tonsuring of young and beardless monks, as well as the introduction of women into the wilderness. He requested that the future church be consecrated in the name of Saint John the Baptist, in memory of the third finding of his honorable head.
Saint Innocent reposed on March 19, 1521, and was buried in a corner of the monastery near a swamp, where a stone with the date of his repose was placed on his grave.
