The boy Gregory was born in 1490 near the Danilov monastery in Pereslavl-Zalessky. The family was deeply religious, they often visited the monastery and asked for the blessing of the abbot Daniel. When Gregory was 13 years old, he decided to become a novice and disciple of Father Daniel. He agreed to the request and, after some time, Gregory took tonsure under the name Gerasimus. In the monastery Gerasim was revered for asceticism and kindness. Repeatedly he accompanied the abbot Daniel to Moscow, where he met with Grand Duke Vasily III.
But Gerasim’s soul asked for a new spiritual feat. After 26 years spent in the monastery, the rector blessed him for hermitage. Gerasim chose a place for his desert in the remote Smolensk forests, but not far from the road. He built a hut for himself, and by the road he hung a special kettle, a “mastermaster”, for almsgiving and donations. Life on the road was full of dangers. There were many robbers in those forests, and they often offended the hermit and took away what little he owned. He forgave them and prayed for them. He shared his poor ration with the sick and the poor.
After 2 years of such a life, Gerasim heard a bell ringing. He went to the sound and went out to a huge oak tree next to the stream. He placed a cross there, and built a hut for himself. And again I began to pray and to fast. It was near the Boldinka River.
Oddly enough, the local residents of the hermit were not happy, plotted plots against him and even the viceroy of the prince was persuaded to arrest him by false libel. But then a messenger from Moscow visited the viceroy, who Gerasima recognized, asked him for his blessing and told him about it.
The vicar about his spiritual exploits. Gerasim was honorably released. Gradually, other monastics began to settle next to him. Together they built a chapel. The people were added, and Gerasim, with a staff and a kit, went to Moscow to ask permission to open a monastery. In 1530, the Trinity wooden church was built, and the desert turned into a monastery. Later, the wooden church was replaced by a stone one. The monastery quickly grew, acquired land and flourished.
Gerasim worked tirelessly, and everything was not enough for him. He chopped and made trees, sawed wood. Washing clothes, taking care of the sick. He was both a miller and a baker. He slept very little, and ate only bread and water, but did not weaken. On the contrary, he struck everyone with his strength, dragging huge logs from the forest. The monk was distinguished by great humility, wept during prayer, and explained miracles and healing by the intervention of the Holy Spirit, claiming that he had nothing to do with it.
The more the monastery grew, the more Gerasim dreamed of silence and solitude. He left the Boldin monastery and, with several disciples, settled on the river Bebri. The reverend chose the creepy place. He himself said that there was a lot of blood shed and terrible things were done and “great soul”. In 1543, John IV signed a charter allowing the opening of the monastery of John the Baptist. Gerasim helped to build cells and a church, and when life in the monastery was adjusted, he left his pupil there as rector, and he returned to the Boldin monastery for a short time.
But again I wanted the Monk solitude, again he went on his way. This time he settled in the Bryansk region. But the fire burning in his soul attracted people. Again, monks and novices began to join, built a church, received permission for a monastery. The monk participated in the construction, although he was already old. Digging holes, carrying stone. And when the temple was consecrated, he left. Like many saints, the elder knew the time of his death. He called beforehand the abbots of all the monasteries he founded and told them the events of his life. This story became the basis of the Life of St. Gerasim. The monk departed to the Lord on May 1, 1554. He was buried in the Boldinsky Monastery, in his first temple – the Trinity Cathedral.
And in 2001, during repair work, the burial of St. Gerasim was opened at a depth of 3 meters. The body lay in a coffin hollowed out of the whole trunk. Remains of 16th century ceramics and leather shoes were found. The relics were placed in the Vveden temple of the monastery.
Memorial Day
May 14
June 5 — Cathedral of Rostov-Yaroslavl Saints
July 20
August 7 (transitional) – Cathedral of Smolensk Saints
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Lives of Saints
