Saint Varlaam of Vaga, in the world Vasily Stepanovich Svozemtsev, was a Novgorod posadnik and one of the wealthiest people in Great Novgorod. He founded Christian churches on the Vaga River and cared for the moral education of the local inhabitants. In 1444, he established a monastic community in honor of the evangelist John, generously donating land for its needs.
Vasily Stepanovich also defended his settlements from attacks by wild tribes. Later, leaving his family, he embraced monasticism under the name Varlaam and lived strictly, engaging in prayer and fasting. He died on June 19, 1462, bequeathing care for the poor.
In 1552, during the flooding of the Vaga River, the incorrupt relics of the saint were discovered, which became renowned for many miracles. His feast day was established in 1613, and in 1630 a canon was composed for Saint Varlaam.
