He was born in the city of Velikiye Luki during the reign of Tsar Ivan Vasilyevich. At the age of eight, he began to learn literacy, but after the death of his parents, relying on the Mother of God, he began to live in the church. He served in the church as priest Boris, who became his spiritual mentor. After the death of the priest's wife, he took monastic vows and became known as Bogolyub. The Venerable often came to him for spiritual guidance.
Soon, under the influence of his mentor, he accepted the monastic life with the name Martinian. He lived in strict fasting and prayer, and soon became the abbot of the monastery of Venerable Sergius of Radonezh. In the monastery, he proved himself to be a good shepherd, and many came to him wishing to take on the monastic life.
One day, during prayer, he had a vision of a fiery pillar with the image of the Most Holy Theotokos, which prompted him to go into the wilderness. He settled in a desolate place, where he lived in prayer and fasting, overcoming the temptations of demons. Many people came to him for spiritual help, and he guided them on the path of salvation.
In the last years of his life, he cherished silence and fasting, preparing for death. Calling the brethren, he reminded them of the importance of hope in the Most Holy Theotokos and the necessity to live in love and humility. He died in 1603, leaving behind many disciples and spiritual children who continued his work.
His body was buried with honor in the church he himself built, and his memory is venerated in the Orthodox Church.
