Ηegumen / Abbot
Saint Irenaeus, having accepted monasticism in the Solovetsky monastery, became known for his high qualities of soul. In 1614, after the death of Igumen Anthony, he was appointed as the igumen of the Solovetsky monastery. At that time, the monastery played an important role in defending northern Russia from the Swedes and Danes. Saint Irenaeus made significant efforts to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the monastery, building a second stone wall and moats, as well as barracks for soldiers. His concerns for the defense of the Fatherland bore fruit when, in 1623, the Danes, seeing the well-fortified fortress, did not dare to initiate military actions.
Alongside his concerns for external security, he paid attention to the spiritual strengthening of the monastery, supporting the true monastic spirit among the monks. Tsar Michael Fyodorovich supported his endeavors and prescribed strict oversight of the sobriety and silence of the brethren. Under his spiritual guidance, many worthy ascetics grew in the monastery.
Two years before his blessed repose, he left the management of the monastery and focused on silent prayer. On July 17, 1628, the holy ascetic peacefully departed to God, and his holy relics rest beneath the ground in the chapel bearing his name.
After his death, there were manifestations of Saint Irenaeus, testifying to his intercession for those in distress. One such manifestation occurred when the inhabitants of the Sumsky ostrog, finding themselves in a dangerous situation on an ice floe, received a warning from the elder, who identified himself as Solovetsky Irenaeus and helped them avoid disaster.
