Bishop
He was born near Kyiv to pious parents and was raised in the Orthodox faith. In his youth, he left the vanity of the world and came to the Kyiv-Pechersk Monastery, where he was tonsured into monasticism. He lived in strict asceticism of fasting and prayer, demonstrating meekness, humility, and brotherly love. The fame of his deeds spread, and in 1065 he was elevated to the igumen of the Monastery of Saint Dmitry.
As igumen, he continued to live in humility and prayer, participating in the communal prayers of the Pechersk elders. In 1078, after the death of Bishop Leontius, he was elevated to the episcopal see of Rostov. At that time, pagan peoples were subject to superstitions, and Saint Isaiah diligently preached Christianity, burning idols and strengthening the faith of the newly enlightened.
During the reign of Grand Prince Vladimir Monomakh, a cathedral was built in Rostov in honor of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. Saint Isaiah had a loving attitude towards the poor and needy, performing many miracles. He died in 1090, after thirteen years of episcopacy, and his soul was taken to heaven.
In 1164, his relics were found, which remained incorrupt. Since then, the people began to venerate Saint Isaiah as a saint. In 1474, his relics were transferred to a new coffin with honor, and from that time his ecclesiastical veneration began. In 1722, the relics were placed in a silver tomb.
