Saint Nikandr of Pskov (in Baptism Nikon) was born on July 24, 1507, to peasant parents Philip and Anastasia in the village of Vidileb'e in Pskov. From childhood, he aspired to asceticism, inspired by the example of Saint Euphrasius of Spaso-Elizarov Monastery. After the death of his father, seventeen-year-old Nikon convinced his mother to distribute their possessions and withdraw to a monastery.
Nikon, wishing to read the Word of God, hired himself out to a resident of Pskov named Philip, who sent him for education. Through prayer, he heard a call to go into the wilderness, indicated to him by a peasant named Theodore. They arrived at the river Dem'yanka, where Nikon began his ascetic life.
After several years of silence, Nikon came to the monastery founded by Saint Savva of Krypetsk. The igumen, seeing his frailty, initially refused to accept him, but upon witnessing his humility, he tonsured Nikon with the name Nikandr. He endured many temptations and hardships, but through the prayers of the saints, he overcame all difficulties.
Nikandr lived in Krypetsk Monastery for a short time, then returned to his wilderness, where he continued to pray and fast. He often visited the Dam'yansky Monastery for confession and communion. Eight years before his death, he accepted the great schema. Many people came to him for prayerful help, and he lovingly attended to their needs.
Saint Nikandr remained a hermit until the end of his life, bequeathing that his place of labor should not be abandoned after his death. He predicted his passing, which occurred on September 24, 1581, during the invasion of the Polish King Stephen Batory. He was found deceased with a cross on his chest.
In 1584, a monastery named Nikandrov Desert was founded at the site of his labors. In 1686, under Patriarch Joachim, Saint Nikandr was glorified, and his feast day was established on September 24. During the reconstruction of the cathedral, his relics were discovered, which are now venerated by the faithful in Pskov land.
