Venerable Anthony, Abbot of Dymsk, Novgorod
Commemorated on June 24.
Saint Anthony of Dymsk was born at Novgorod about the year 1157. Once in church he heard the words of Christ: “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me” (Mt.16:24), the saint resolved to leave the world and receive monastic tonsure under Saint Barlaam of Khutyn (November 6) at his monastery.
When he was dying, Saint Barlaam appointed Saint Anthony as igumen in his place; but Anthony, shunning glory, left the monastery and settled at the shores of Lake Dyma, on the outskirts of the city of Tikhvin. Here he founded a monastery and struggled there until the end of his own life.
According to Tradition, Saint Anthony made a journey to Constantinople, and returned to his monastery on the day that the igumen Barlaam died. Saint Anthony fell asleep in the Lord on June 24, 1224. In the year 1330 his relics were found incorrupt, and from that time they were glorified by many miracles.
Saint Anthony of Dymsk is also commemorated on January 17.
Troparion
You were a zealot of virtue, a desert dweller, and ascetic of faith in Christ our God,
and by fasting and labors you deadened carnal lusts.
O namesake of Anthony the Great,
you emulated his life and built a divine church in his name;
now together with the venerable Anthony,
beseech the Savior of all,
that He may make us victorious over the lusts of the flesh,
and temples of the Holy Spirit,
according to His great mercy.
Kontakion
You were a peer and emulator of Venerable Barlaam,
and when you attained true obedience to him, you were shown to be worthy of him,
and you shepherded his flock until the time,
when having been zealous for his virtues, you attained the same age;
and loving silence, you were shown to be pleasing to the Lord,
and became the first Superior in the wilderness at Lake Dymsk;
therefore, we cry out to you:
“With Saint Barlaam, O Father Anthony,
entreat God for us, so He may grant us to please Him as you did,
an image of obedience and a zealot for stillness.”