Blessed Nikolai Kochanov, born in Novgorod to a wealthy family, showed deep piety from his youth, diligently attending church, loving fasting and prayer, and distributing alms. Fearing fame, he began to act as a fool for Christ, leaving home and wandering the city in beggar's clothes. The Blessed one rejoiced even in insults and beatings, praying for his offenders. He lived on the Sophia side, where at the same time the blessed Theodore was also ascetic. Both saints seemed to be at odds, but there was no real enmity.
The Lord glorified Nikolai with the gifts of insight and miracles. Once, a magistrate invited him to a feast, but the servants drove the saint away. After his departure, the wine disappeared, and when he returned, it was again filled in the vessels.
Blessed Nikolai passed away on July 27, 1392, and his body was buried according to his will at the edge of the cemetery. In 1554, a church was built over the grave in honor of the holy great martyr Panteleimon, but in the people, it is called the church of Saint Nikolai the Miracle Worker Kochanov. The church was particularly revered, and in the 17th century, on the day of the saint's memory, the service was performed by the archbishop.
In 1815, a carved tomb was arranged over the relics. In the icons, Nikolai is depicted in a princely robe with a cabbage in his hand.
