Metropolitan Bishop
Saint Joasaph came from the noble Skripitsyn family. From 1529, he served as abbot of the Lavra of Saint Sergius. He baptized Ivan, the son of Grand Prince Vasily Ivanovich, who later became Tsar Ivan the Terrible. After the prince’s death, Joasaph tonsured him as a monk. In 1539, he was elected Metropolitan, demonstrating his faith in the true God and refusing to yield to the pressure of the boyars.
At that time, when cruelty and violence prevailed throughout the country, Joasaph strove in every way to restore order, defending prisoners and those who were being persecuted. His efforts aroused the hatred of the boyars, so that he himself became a victim of violence. His life was placed in danger. Therefore, he lived in exile at the Monastery of Saint Cyril of Belozersk, where, after enduring many trials, he reposed in the Lord on July 27, 1555.
Before withdrawing from the world, the saint devoted himself to the correction of Church books, seeking accuracy of expression and fidelity to the truth in accounts concerning the lives of the saints.
The relics of Saint Joasaph are preserved in the southern chapel of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. His memory is celebrated on the anniversary of his repose.
