Venerable Tryphon, Abbot of Vyatka

Commemorated on October 8.

In 1580 he arrived in the city of Khynov in Vyatka diocese, and he also founded a monastery there in honor of the Dormition and was made Archimandrite. Being a strict ascetic, he wore a hairshirt on his body and also heavy chains. The Elder's soul longed to enlighten the lost with the light of faith in Christ, and he devoted all his energy to this holy effort.

Before his death, Saint Tryphon wrote a last testament to the brethren, in which he says, “Fathers and brethren, the flock gathered about Christ! Heed me, a sinner. Though I am coarse and worse than anyone, God and His Most Pure Mother have permitted me, a sinner, to manage His household. I beseech you, for the sake of the Lord and His Mother, to have spiritual love among yourselves. Without this no virtue is complete before God. Christ spoke to the disciples, 'Love one another’ (John 13: 34). And in the words of the Apostle Paul, ‘Bear one another’s burdens’ (Galatians 6: 2). Do not condemn one another before God, whether in the temple or in the cell, either alone or in common with the brethren. Pray with the fear of God. And by no means neglect church singing; although there are other matters, hasten to church to God for spiritual song. First render to God what is God’s, and then fulfill the other matters.”

Saint Tryphon, by inspiration from on high, went to Vyatka to found a monastery there. This had been a cherished wish of the citizens, about which he had not known. At first they rejoiced, but later their zeal cooled, and for this they were chastened with a pouring rain which did not cease from August 15 to September 8. On this day, the Most Holy Theotokos appeared to a pious citizen and commanded that their promise be fulfilled, so that the city might escape the wrath of God. Finally, the monastery was finished and dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God. Saint Tryphon was elevated to the rank of Archimandrite, and became its first Superior.

He traveled, on monastery business, to Moscow and Kazan where he foretold to Metropolitan Germogenes that he would become Patriarch, and would suffer a martyric end. At the end of his life, Venerable Father Tryphon had to endure a grievous sorrow. Some members of the brotherhood, dissatisfied with the strict Rule he had introduced, rose up against him. They were led by his beloved disciple Jonah, whom he had groomed to be his successor. They rose up against him, and had him deposed and expelled.

Then the holy Elder left to journey through various cities and monasteries of Russia. Everywhere he held Cross Processions and distributed alms. In the town of Slobodsk, he founded the Theophany Monastery. However, he wished to die in his own monastery, so when he began to feel ill, he returned to Vyatka.

Deacon Maximos found him sick in a boat. Under the influence of all the clergy of the town, Archimandrite Jonah repented and sent a request to his Spiritual Father to rejoin the monastery. The Saint's joy was great. At the monastery gates he was met by Archimandrite Jonah with the brotherhood, on their knees, and asking forgiveness. The Saint replied, “May God forgive you, my child Jonah. The ancient Enemy of our salvation is to blame for everything.”

Within a few days, on October 8, 1612, Saint Tryphon peacefully reposed and was buried with great honor. In his Testament, he left Archimandrite Jonah as his successor, but entreated him to preserve the monastery Rule.

In 1648 the relics of St. Tryphon were found to be incorrupt. There is a special Service to Saint Tryphon with an Akathist in his honor.

Saint Tryphon fell asleep in the Lord at an advanced age in 1612. He was buried in the Vyatka Monastery he founded.