The first information about the venerable Andronicus is found in the life of the venerable Sergius of Radonezh. Venerable Andronicus was from the Rostov land and, as a youth, came to the venerable Sergius, asking for a holy monastic tonsure. The venerable Sergius, seeing his love for silence, blessed him to live in a cell alone. Andronicus endeavored to zealously follow his elder, strengthening himself in the spiritual life.
After ten years, the venerable Andronicus thought about founding his own monastery and did not conceal this from the venerable Sergius. Saint Alexis, who came to the venerable Sergius, asked him to give one of his disciples for the foundation of a monastery. The venerable Sergius, knowing of Alexis's intention, gave him Andronicus.
The place for the monastery was chosen on the river Yauza, and in 1361, a church was erected in honor of the Uncreated Image of the Savior. Venerable Andronicus, becoming the abbot, bore the burdens of the abbacy with diligence and humility. The brethren of the monastery prospered in virtues, and the venerable Sergius visited them many times.
Venerable Andronicus, after many years of service, departed to the Lord on June 13, 1395. His relics rest in the Spaso-Andronikov Monastery. His disciples, the venerable Savva and the venerable Alexander, also became known for their virtues and service to the Church.
Venerable Savva, after the death of Andronicus, maintained the monastery in piety, while the venerable Alexander, his successor, erected a beautiful church. The venerable Daniel and Andrew, iconographers, were also venerated as saints, leaving significant works in iconography.
The memory of venerable Andronicus is celebrated on June 13/26 and in the Synaxis of the Radonezh Saints on July 6/19. The memory of venerable Andrei Rublev is commemorated on July 4/17.
