Venerable Cassian the Greek, Wonderworker of Uglich, in the world Constantine, was a descendant of the Greek princes of Manguy. In 1478, he arrived in Moscow as part of the embassy accompanying Princess Sophia and expressed a desire to remain in Russia. He refused the offers of Grand Prince Ivan III, seeking solitude and monastic service to God.
With the permission of the Grand Prince, he went to Rostov Veliky, where he was with Archbishop Joasaph. Later, following the Archbishop, he took monastic vows in the Ferapontov Monastery, receiving the name Cassian after a vision in which he was commanded to be tonsured by the igumen.
Once, while sailing down the Volga to the city of Uglich, he chose a picturesque spot on the riverbank and erected a cross, founding a hut. His fame spread, and people began to come for his blessing and guidance.
With the permission of Prince Andrei, he founded a monastic community in honor of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos and built the Dormition Church, which laid the foundation for the Uchem Monastery. The church was damaged during a flood, and Prince Andrei helped him move the monastery to a safer location, where a new church was built and consecrated in honor of the Holy Prophet John the Forerunner.
Venerable Cassian labored for a long time in the monastery he founded and departed to the Lord on October 2, 1504. His relics were buried in the monastery, and after his death, he was glorified by numerous miracles, as recorded in the Uglich Chronicle.
The service to Venerable Cassian was written and presented as a gift to the monastery on May 17, 1686. The icon of Blessed Cassian was painted by Priest Simeon, who, having received a vision, was able to complete his vow.
The memory of Venerable Cassian is celebrated on October 2/15 – the day of his repose and on May 21/June 3 – the day of his name day.
