St. Alexander, Abbot of Kusht

Even as a young man, Saint Alexander, in the world Alexei, was tonsured as a monk in the Vologda Savior-Stone Monastery. He followed the law, prayed, and fasted a lot. A few years later, he was given the rank of hieromonk. The brethren greatly appreciated and loved the saint, but his attention was heavy. One day, he decided to go into the desert. On the shore of the forest lake he built a cell and began to lead a strict prayer life. However, even in the wilderness, the fame of the hermit quickly spread and Alexander again decided to leave the inhabited place. He reached the river Kushta, where it flowed into the lake. To his surprise, there already lived a hermit, Saint Euthymius. The monks decided to exchange cells. Alexander remained on Kushta, and Euthymius went to Xiangema.

After some time, one monk joined Saint Alexander, and after 5 years another. Then they decided to cut down the church. For this occasion, the hermit Alexander went on a long journey, to the Bishop of Rostov, so that he would bless the structure of the temple. A small wooden church soon became a place of worship not only for hunters, local peasants and traders, but also for the nobility. The widow of the local prince, Maria donated to the village brethren. The church was expanded, decorated, church utensils appeared in it.

In 1439. Saint Alexander felt that he would soon join the Lord. He celebrated the Liturgy, partook of the Holy Mysteries and quietly departed into the other world. He was 67 years old.

The saint was buried not far from the altar, and in the spring a mountain ash grew on that place. One day a little boy broke a branch off that tree. His hand was numb and he could not use it. Then the parents brought the boy to the temple, where at the tomb of the monk they tearfully prayed for healing. It was given. Since then, the berries have been taken by believers for healing.

Over time, a temple was built over the grave, dedicating it to Nicholas the Wonderworker. The faithful claimed that during prayer they saw St. Nicholas and St. Alexander praying or churning the church together. Numerous evidences of healing were received by prayer at the tomb of the saint.

Remembrance days