Fool for Christ
In the first half of the 13th century, a German merchant who arrived in Novgorod was struck by the beauty of the Orthodox churches and, witnessing the blessed service, decided to embrace Orthodoxy. He approached Elder Varlaam at the Khutyn Monastery, who taught him the faith. Prokopyi distributed his wealth to the poor and began to live in the monastery, but seeking solitude, he left it and traveled to the eastern lands, where he endured hardships and sufferings for the sake of Christ.
In Ustyug, where he arrived, Prokopyi became a fool for Christ, but his wisdom and insight soon attracted the attention of the local people. He predicted the city's deliverance from fiery hail, calling the people to repentance, and when danger befell the city, his prayers saved Ustyug from destruction.
Prokopyi spent his days in foolishness and his nights in prayers, and his life was full of sufferings, yet he remained faithful to God. In the last years of his life, he endured a harsh winter, but despite the cold, he continued his feats. Before his death, an Angel appeared to him, announcing his imminent departure.
After Prokopyi's death, his body was found on the porch, covered with snow, and was honorably transferred to the cathedral. The place of his burial became a source of miracles and healings. In 1547, the Moscow Council canonized him, establishing his feast day on July 8 (21).
