In Russian chronicles, the description of the year 7000 (1492) from the creation of the world begins in the same way. Grand Duke Ivan III ordered the detention of his brother, the coal prince Andrei Vasilyevich. His sons were in prison with him. Ivan was 14 and Dmitry was 7.
When, in 1494, Prince Andrew died, his sons were transferred to Pereslavl-Zalessky, and then to Vologda, to the Holy Priluk monastery. Ivan spent 32 years in prison, in chains.
He showed himself to be a true Christian. He did not curse his uncle, but told his younger brother that he had shown great mercy. Having imprisoned them, the Grand Duke nullified all worldly temptations. He claimed that the narrow path to the gates of Paradise, and he happily chose it, rather than the wide road to perdition. Ivan urged his younger brother not to be discouraged, but to imitate the saints, to trust in the Lord in difficult circumstances and to praise him in spite of everything.
At the age of 45, Ivan fell seriously ill. Anticipating his death, he summoned the abbot Misail from the monastery of Dmitry Priluksky and took his tonsure into the monastic rank under the name of Ignatius.
When the spirit of Ignatius flew away from him, the room and then the whole building was filled with a wonderful aroma. The townspeople, attracted by the smell, learned of the death of the innocent prince and prepared his body for burial in the Priluka monastery, where he was laid at the altar, next to St. Dmitry.
Immediately after the funeral, the faithful began to pray at the tomb of Ignatius and many miracles were accomplished through these prayers.
Memorial Day
June 5 — Cathedral of Rostov-Yaroslavl Saints
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Lives of Saints
