Sainted Vassian I, ArchBishop of Rostov

Commemorated on March 23

      Sainted Vassian I, ArchBishop of Rostov, was a kinsman of Saint Joseph of Volotsk (+ 1515; Comm. 9 September and 18 October). He was also a beloved disciple of the Monk Paphnutii of Borovsk (+ 1477; Comm. 1 May), from whom he accepted monastic vows. In the year 1455 he became head of the Trinity-Sergiev monastery; in 1466 – archimandrite of the Novospassky; and in 1467 – archbishop of Rostov. In 1479 the saint participated in the transfer of the relics of Saints Kiprian, Photii and Jona – Sainted-hierarchs of Moscow and Wonderworkers of All Russia (Comm. 27 May). Sainted Vassian was known for his gift of edifying words of wisdom, and he often came forward as mediator in princely quarrels. At Rostov he built and beautified churches. In 1480 the saint wrote a famous missive to Great-prince Ivan III at Ugra, calling on him for decisive action against the Tatars – as an high form of Christian patriotism. Saint Vassian also wrote a Life of Saint Paphnutii of Borovsk.
      The saint died in extreme old age on 23 March 1481 and was buried in the Rostov Uspenie/Dormition cathedral.

© 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos.