Saint Nil was born in Derevskaya Pyatina, of the Zhaben pious community, and was tonsured in the Krypets Monastery. He went into the wilderness in the Rzhev district, where he lived for thirteen years in fasting and prayer, feeding on herbs and acorns. The devil tempted him with various visions, but the saint steadfastly resisted. After prayer, Nil received a command to go to the Stolobensky Island, where he arranged a cell and a chapel, spending his life in prayers and labors.
On the island, he faced attacks from demons and wicked people, but he always remained under God's protection. Once, robbers attacked him and were blinded, but after the saint's prayer, they regained their sight. Nil admonished sinners, helped them on the path to repentance, and accepted gifts from righteous fishermen.
The saint labored on the island for twenty-seven years, preparing a place for his burial. Before his death, he prayed to the Lord for communion with the Holy Mysteries, and his desire was fulfilled. In 1554, on December 7, he departed to the Lord, leaving behind many miracles and teachings for the faithful.
The Nilov Stolobensky Monastery was founded in 1594, and the relics of the saint were discovered in 1667. Every year on May 27, a procession is held in his honor.
