This year, the church celebrates 510 years since the day when the relics of St. Martinian of Belozersk were found.
The future abbot of the Ferapont monastery was born in the northern regions, on the White Lake. From early childhood he had a desire to renounce the worldly life. At the age of 10, he begged his relatives to bring him to the monastery to Elder Kirill (Belozersky). He asked the monk to accept him as a novice. He learned to read and began rewriting books. But he did not avoid other obediences, served where necessary: at least in the cookhouse, even in the field.
At home, the young man was very ascetic, kept a strict fast, wore creeks.
After the death of Abbot Kirill, he left the monastery as a hermit. But he wasn’t a hermit for long. As often happens, other monks soon came to him to learn humility and soak up wisdom. Soon a small church was cut down, cells were set up. Thus the Holy Transfiguration Monastery was formed.
At this time without the abbot was Ferapontov monastery and the brethren begged Father Martinian tearfully to lead it.
During the visit of Grand Duke Basil II (Dark), Martinian made such an impression on him that he was soon appointed abbot of the Trinity-Sergius monastery and became the confessor of the sovereign.
But the principled, truthful and honest father was not long at the mercy of the prince. By 1453, their relationship had become formal. Therefore, in 1455 the elder returned to the Ferapontov monastery. There he took over the management of construction work and did much to expand the monastery.
In 1483, Martinian died. He was buried near the temple of the Most Holy Mother of God.
After 30 years, one of Martinian’s disciples, Archbishop of Rostov, died. He was buried next to his teacher. When the tomb was opened, everyone was amazed at the safety of the body and clothes. It was all the more wonderful that the pit was filled with water. Some monks collected water from the tomb and sap it and were healed.
The relics were moved to the left of the altar.
The monastery was first closed in 1788, in 1904 it was opened as a women’s monastery, and in 1924 it was closed again. But they did not destroy, but opened a museum there, so the ancient buildings and priceless frescoes of Dionysius were preserved.
Remembrance days
October 20
Charity foundHoly Land.
Soul investment!
