Saint Irenarch, born into a peasant family in the village of Kondakovo in the Rostov district, received the name Elijah at Baptism. At the age of 30, he took monastic vows in the Borisoglebsky Monastery in Rostov. He diligently labored in monastic feats but was forced to leave the monastery due to the cruelty of the abbot. Moving to the Avraamiev Bogoyavlensky Monastery, he became a cellarer and mourned the neglect of the monastery's possessions. After a vision of Saint Avraamiy, he began to distribute to the needy. After living in solitude for three years, he returned to the Borisoglebsky Monastery, where he began to strive even more strictly. For 25 years, he was chained and endured mockery from the brethren. After being expelled from the community, he returned to Rostov and was again accepted into the Borisoglebsky Monastery, where he continued his feats, making clothing for the poor and praying. The saint predicted the invasion of Lithuania on Moscow and was sent to Moscow to warn Tsar Vasily Shuisky. Enemies captured Rus', but thanks to the saint's prayers, the Russians achieved victory. Saint Irenarch, possessing the gift of healing, healed the sick and the possessed. He died on January 13, 1616, leaving behind many miracles, especially healings at his tomb.
