Blessed John the Hairy of Rostov
died September 3, 1580
A fool-for-Christ of Rostov who bore reproach with patience (d. 1580)
- November 12NewNovember 25Old
Our Holy Father among the Fools-for-Christ John the Hairy of Rostov
Life
John the Hairy (Russian: Иоанн Власатый) was a holy fool (yurodivy) of Rostov who lived during the second half of the sixteenth century. Known for his long, unkempt hair — the source of his epithet — he lived without permanent shelter, sometimes resting with a priest or elderly widows, and embraced humility, patient endurance of reproach, and unceasing prayer as the marks of his ascetic labor. He died on September 3, 1580, and was buried at his own request beside the church of Saint Blaise in Rostov.
Among his spiritual connections was Saint Irenarchus the Hermit of Rostov, whom he is said to have mentored. After his death, many healings were reported at his grave, which gave rise to his secondary title 'the Merciful' — an echo of the Patriarch John the Merciful, whose name he bore. His relics are preserved in Rostov at the church honoring the Theotokos of Tolga. He is commemorated on September 3 and also on November 12.
Troparion & Kontakion4 hymnsReadHide
You lived in the city as if in the wilderness,
with humility, purity, labors, and ascetical contests, and much patience, O Blessed Father John.
For having taken up the Cross of Christ, you followed Him and dwelt day and night in prayers and singing psalms in Latin
for the salvation of the whole world, and the Christian family,
and you moved toward the Unwaning Light.
Now the faithful come to your tomb and pray to the Lord, to the Mother of God, and to the Forerunner,
and they receive healing, by your prayers.
O Blessed Father John, pray for us always, and for the salvation of our souls.
Text used with permission of the Orthodox Church in America (oca.org).
Captivated by love for Christ, O Blessed Father John,
and desiring heavenly beauty, you despised all earthly things, counting them as nothing;
and having lived like the Angels on earth,
you were translated to eternal rest, where you stand before Christ’s throne.
Entreat Him that we and all the Christian family may be saved,
that we may cry out to you:
“Rejoice, most Blessed Father John.”
Text used with permission of the Orthodox Church in America (oca.org).
By distributing your wealth to the poor, O John most wise,
you gained the wealth of heaven and were called the merciful one:
Therefore we honor you and celebrate your holy memory!
Text used with permission of the Orthodox Church in America (oca.org).
In your patience, you possessed your reward, O holy father.
You were constant in prayer, while loving and aiding the poor.
Beseech Christ God, O John the merciful, that He may save our souls!
Text used with permission of the Orthodox Church in America (oca.org).
Companions2 figuresShowHide
Related SaintsShowHide
Browse other saints who share his calling and place.