Blessed John “the Hairy” and Fool-For-Christ at Rostov
Commemorated on September 3.
Blessed John the Merciful of Rostov (also known as “the Hairy”) struggled at Rostov in the exploit of holy foolishness, enduring much deprivation and sorrow. He did not have a permanent shelter, and at times took his rest at the house of his spiritual Father, a priest at the church of All Saints, or with one of the aged widows.
Living in humility, patience and unceasing prayer, he spiritually nourished many people, among them Saint Irenarchus, Hermit of Rostov (January 13). After a long life of pursuing asceticism, he died on September 3, 1580 and was buried, according to his final wishes, beside the church of Saint Blaise beyond the altar.
He had “hair upon his head abundantly,” therefore he was called “Hairy.” The title “Merciful” was given to Blessed John because of the many healings that occurred at his grave, and also in connection with the memory of the holy Patriarch John the Merciful (November 12), whose name he shared.
Troparion
You lived in the city as if in the wilderness,
with humility, purity, labors, and ascetical contests,
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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.
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Podvig
Kontakion
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.”