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.