Saint Roman of Kirzhachsk

Commemorated on July 29.

Saint Roman of Kirzhachsk was a co-ascetic and student of Saint Sergius, Igumen of Radonezh (September 25 and July 5). Saints Sergius and Roman built a church in the forests of Vladimir governia at the River Kirzhach in honor of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, and established a new monastery (in 1371). Three years later, with the blessing of Saint Alexis, Metropolitan of Moscow (February 12), Saint Sergius returned to the Trinity monastery, and Saint Roman remained to head the newly-created wilderness monastery.

Ordained to the priesthood by Saint Alexis, the new head of the Annunciation monastery fulfilled the precepts of his spiritual father and teacher, Saint Sergius with great fervor. A zealous ascetic, a good and demanding instructor, Saint Roman was an example for all the brethren.

The saint died on July 29, 1392 and was buried in the Annunciation temple. In the manuscripts, Saint Roman is numbered among the saints and is called a wonderworker.