Bishop
Saint Leontius, Bishop of Rostov, was a monk of the Pechersk Monastery and was of Russian origin. He became the first bishop to emerge from the monastery in the Caves of Kiev. After being elevated to the rank of bishop, Saint Leontius began to preach the faith of Christ in the Rostov land, where he encountered fierce resistance from pagans. He converted the local population to Christ, unafraid of danger, and built a church in honor of the Archangel Michael. His martyr's death occurred in 1073 when he was killed by pagans at the behest of the sorcerers.
The body of the saint was buried in the Church of the Most Holy Theotokos in Rostov. In 1164, his relics were discovered, and they remained incorrupt. Saint Leontius became a popular saint, and the Rostov cathedral was referred to as the 'cathedral of Leontius the Miracle Worker.' After his death, many miracles were performed at his grave. The commemoration of Saint Leontius is established on May 23/June 5, the day of the discovery of his relics.
