Ηegumen / Abbot
Saint Simon of Volomsk (Symeon Mikhailovich) was born in 1586 into a peasant family. In 1607, during the Time of Troubles, he left Moscow and travelled to the north. Seeking a life of solitude and prayer, he visited the Solovetsky Monastery, where he learned to read and chant. However, desiring a life of strict asceticism, he settled in a remote monastic hermitage in the mountains.
In 1613, having received the blessing of the abbot, he founded a new monastery in a secluded area of the Volomsk forest. There he built a church dedicated to the Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross. Despite the persecution and hostility he endured from local inhabitants, he continued his monastic life, attracting disciples and strengthening the faith of his brotherhood.
On July 12, 1641, while most of the monks were away from the monastery, the saint was murdered by three criminals. As he prayed before an icon, he was brutally beaten, tortured, and ultimately put to death. His body remained incorrupt for several days until, upon the return of the brethren, it was buried with great honour.
From that time onward, numerous miracles and healings were reported at the saint's tomb. In 1646, there began the veneration of Saint Simon, while there was also composed a hymn in his honour.
