The Monk Vassian of Uglich
Commemorated on February 12
The Monk Vassian
of Uglich was a disciple of the Monk Paisii of Uglich (+ 6 June 1504,
Vide account about him under 6 June). He was born in the village of Rozhalov,
situated in the Kesovsk district of the city of Bezhetsk Verkha. He was
descended from the Shestikhin line of princes (their ancestor was the prince
Saint Theodore (Feodor) of Smolensk, + 1299; the account about him is under 19
September).The Monk Vassian came to the Pokrov monastery when he was 33 years
of age, and was soon tonsured by the Monk Paisii. He made his obediences
without complaint and lived in great abstinence. In 1482 the Monk Vassian
discovered the Pokrov Icon of the MostHoly Mother of God. Having spent 20 years
at the monastery of the Monk Paisii, the Monk Vassian then asked blessing for
the life of silence. His teacher gave him blessing, saying: "Go my child,
guided by Christ with the blest yoke of the Lord as it pleaseth the Lord. Soon
thou thyself shalt form thine own monastery and gather a monastic flock to the
glory of the Name of the MostHoly Trinity".
In 1492 the Monk
Vassian left the monastery and, having spent a certain while at the
Nikolo-Uleimsk monastery, he went on to a remote place 30 versts to the south
of Uglich and began to asceticise as an hermit. But soon people learned of his
solitary habitation and began to come for advice and guidance. On a gift of
land the monk established in 1492 a wooden church in the Name of the MostHoly
Trinity, and soon there gathered those wishing monastic tonsure. The Monk
Vassian did not cease his relationship with his teacher until the latter's end,
at which he was present together with other disciples. Having dwelt for 17
years at the Trinity monastery, the Monk Vassian died on 12 February 1509.
Three years later a certain fellow named Gerasim received at his grave healing
from unclean spirits, and another fellow named Valerian – healing from palsy.
In 1548 the Monk Vassian was glorified at the uncovering of his incorrupt
relics, over which was built a stone crypt. The memory of the Monk Vassian is
made twice yearly: on the day of his repose, 12 February, and on 6 June in
conjunction with his spiritual teacher the Monk Paisii of Uglich.
© 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos.