Saint Stephen lived during the same period as Saint Sergius of Radonezh. He was born and raised in Kyiv. After becoming a monk at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, he led a life of strict asceticism and prayer. During the persecutions against Christians, he moved to the Orthodox Moscow, where he founded a monastery in the forested region of Makhra.
With the blessing of Saint Alexius, Saint Stephen became the abbot of the newly established brotherhood. There he devoted himself to prayer and labour, guiding the monks on the path of salvation. He was renowned for his humility and virtue, while his charismatic personality attracted many people. He dedicated his life to the service of God and the monastic community.
He also maintained close ties with Saint Sergius, who likewise sought a life of silence and seclusion.
In 1406, sensing that the time of his repose was drawing near, he gathered the brethren and instructed them to live in the love of God. Saint Stephen reposed on the 14th of July. His relics were buried in the Monastery of the Holy Trinity.
After his death, numerous miracles began to occur through his intercessions. In 1550, during the construction of a new church, his relics were found to be incorrupt, providing clear testimony to his sanctity.
