Saint Cyril was born in the city of Galich to pious parents and, feeling the call to monastic life, secretly left home. He came to the monastery of Saint Cornelius, where he was accepted and tonsured as a monk. His parents searched for him for a long time, but learned of his whereabouts only after 12 years. Cyril's father took monastic vows under the name Varsonofy, while his mother passed away in monastic life under the name Elena.
After the death of his parents, Cyril began to labor diligently, working in the monastery. Striving for perfection, he went into the forests, living on herbs and roots. By God's direction, he came to Belozero and then to the Tikhvin Monastery, where he received the instruction to go to the New Lake. On the Red Island, he saw a pillar of fire, which confirmed the choice of the place for his life.
Cyril settled on the island, built a hut, and then two churches. He fervently prayed and fasted, enduring tribulations. Around him, brethren gathered, and on the Red Island, a monastery arose, known as the Novozeretskaya.
Reaching old age, Cyril was endowed with the gift of foresight. He predicted calamities for Russia, but also saw that after them, the kingdom would be pacified and arranged by God. Saint Cyril reposed on February 4, 1532, and was buried in the monastery he founded.
