Venerable Ananias the Iconographer

Commemorated on June 21.

Saint Ananias was born in Russia and was tonsured in the Monastery of Saint Antony the Roman at Novgorod. God endowed him with a gift for painting icons, and he exercised this talent for the glory of the Lord. The Venerable Ananias painted "marvelous icons of many holy wonderworkers." For thirty-three years, he never went beyond the Monastery fence.

Historical records do not agree about the year of his repose. Some say that he went to the Lord in 1521, 1561, or 1581. His relics are buried in a hidden place at the Monastery.

Saint Ananias is commemorated on June 17 and on the third Sunday after Pentecost (Synaxis of the Novgorod Saints). (Movable Feast).

Troparion

In you, O Father, was preserved with exactness what was according to the image;
for you took up the Cross and followed Christ.
By so doing, you taught us to disregard the flesh, for it passes away;
but to care for the soul, since it is immortal.
Therefore, O Venerable Ananias, your spirit rejoices with the Angels.

Kontakion

(Podoben: “You sought the heights...”)
Having divinely armed yourself with purity of soul
and firmly grasping unceasing prayer as a spear, you slew the hordes of demons.
Therefore, we beseech you, O Father Ananias:
“Always intercede for those who honor you.”