Little is known about the worldly life of the boyar son Fedor Poskochin. He was born in Volokolamsk, about 1335. Since his youth he was very devout, spent a lot of time in fasting and prayer. When he was 40 years old, he came to Moscow and begged the abbot of the Simonovsky monastery to cut his hair in a monk, without going through novice.
In the monastery Fedor-Ferapont became close to Kirill Belozersky. Both monks spent much time in conversations with Sergius of Radonezh, who often visited the monastery.
Ferapont earned the respect of the brethren by a strict life, obedience and inclination to spiritual exploits. After 25 years, on behalf of the senior clergy, the monk came to the Russian North. The beauty of nature, tranquility and remoteness from large settlements greatly impressed the elder.
At this time St. Cyril had a vision of the Most Holy Mother of God, who ordered him to leave Moscow and go to the North, to the White Lake.
The returning Ferapont told Cyril about the quiet solitude, harsh nature and his desire to return to the northern lands. Then it was decided that they would go to the White Lake together. Arriving in the North, the monks dug their own cell and installed a wooden cross. Thus was born the Kirillo-Belozersky monastery. But Ferapont did not stay in it, but chose a secluded place 15 kilometers away. He wanted to do the feat of silence and retreated from people.
But other monks sought his company. Gradually a dozen monks joined him. A monastery was formed. Ferapont considered himself unworthy to lead her, another man became abbot, whose name has not been preserved.
For 10 years, Ferapont led a life full of work, physical and spiritual. Once, the viceroy of the Mozhai prince Andrei, the son of Dmitry Donskoy, came to the monastery. The elder’s wisdom so impressed him that he told the prince about his visit.
The prince invited Ferapont to Mozhaisk and for a long time persuaded him to found a new monastery in the city. In the end, the Reverend agreed. Thus the Luzhetsky Monastery was formed. That was in 1408. The elder turned 70 years old.
In the new monastery he spent many years, resting only in 1426, but all the time longed for Belozero, its silence and solitude.
He was buried in a wooden church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God. Later it was replaced by a stone one, which in 1720 was dedicated to St. Ferapont.
The relics of the saint were found in 1515, and in 1547 he was canonized.
Remembrance days
January 9th Obtaining relics
June 9th Resignation
July 3 (transitional) – Cathedral of Vologda Saints
July 19 – Council of Radonezh Saints
September 4 (transitional) – Cathedral of Moscow Saints
The Holy Land Charitable Foundation
Lives of Saints
