Saint Stephen was born in the second half of the 15th century in the land of Vologda to pious parents. His father served at the princely court, but the young man, seeking solitude, left the princely court and went to the Dionysius Lavra, where he was accepted as a novice and tonsured into monasticism with the name Stephen.
Seeking spiritual perfection, Stephen wandered through the northern deserts and monasteries. He stopped in Tikhvin but soon returned to his native Vologda region, choosing a secluded place by Lake Komelskoye for a life of prayer and fasting.
In the early years of his life in the wilderness, he faced many hardships and temptations, but God's grace did not abandon him. One day, during prayer, the Most Holy Theotokos and Saint Nicholas appeared to him, blessing him to establish a monastery. Three years later, brothers came to him, wishing to share in his labors.
Stephen went to Moscow for the blessing of Metropolitan Daniel to build a church and a monastery. The Metropolitan received him with love, and Stephen was ordained to the priesthood and appointed as the igumen of the new community. He returned to the wilderness with the necessary blessings for the foundation of the monastery.
Upon arriving at the lake, he served a thanksgiving moleben and, together with the brothers, began the construction of the church, which was consecrated in 1534 in the name of Saint Nicholas. Blessed Stephen, like a loving father, cared for the brothers, setting an example of humility and labor.
Having reached a deep old age, he sensed his end and prepared for it. He passed away on June 12, 1542. After his death, the community was ravaged by Tatars, but a new church was built at the site of his grave, where many saw a light, as if candles were burning.
Saint Stephen left behind many miracles, including the appearance to merchant Gavriil, who, during a storm, called upon him for help and saw a radiant elder assuring him of protection from drowning.
