Presbyter
Saint Zosima was born on December 24, 1893, in the village of Puchuga, Solvychegodsky district of Vologda province. He received his education at a theological school and the Theological Academy, graduating in 1918. In March 1918, he was ordained as a deacon, and on April 25, he became a priest. His first place of service was the Nativity of the Mother of God Church in the village of Podosinovets. Father Zosima actively engaged in pastoral work, preaching and confronting sectarians. He visited the sick, organized resurrection discussions, and addressed parishioners with Christian upbringing for children. In 1922, he was arrested during the campaign to confiscate church valuables but was soon released. In 1924, he moved to serve in the Ivanovo diocese, where he became the rector of the Vvedensky Church. He courageously defended the Orthodox faith, refusing to cancel processions even under the pressure of atheists. In 1928, he was arrested for helping orphans belonging to Bishop Augustine and sentenced to three years of exile. In 1932, he was allowed to move to Yuriev-Polsky, where he served in the only functioning church. In 1938, he was arrested again and shot on February 26 at the Butovo firing range.
