Blessed John “the Hairy” and Fool-For-Christ at Rostov

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 the All-Holy, or with one of the aged widows.

Living in humility, patience and unceasing prayer, he spiritually nourished many people, among them St 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 St 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.

The Orthodox Church in America

11/25/2017

See also
Righteous Maxim of Totma, fool-for-Christ Righteous Maxim of Totma, fool-for-Christ Righteous Maxim of Totma, fool-for-Christ Righteous Maxim of Totma, fool-for-Christ
He was made a priest, and for forty-five years he lead the ascetic life of a fool-for-Christ, abiding in ceaseless prayer, fasting, nakedness, and with total disregard for his own body. Holy Righteous Procopius of Ustiug, Wonder-Worker and Fool-for-Christ Holy Righteous Procopius of Ustiug, Wonder-Worker and Fool-for-Christ Holy Righteous Procopius of Ustiug, Wonder-Worker and Fool-for-Christ Holy Righteous Procopius of Ustiug, Wonder-Worker and Fool-for-Christ
Gregory Sobolev
A wealthy German merchant, St. Procopius came to trade in Novgorod the Great. He was amazed that the grandeur of the churches and the piety of the people, and abandoned his former faith, homeland, and wealth, considering the true faith and importance of the spiritual life to be worth more than all these. But the path of his service would not be an easy one… Feeling Like a Fool Feeling Like a Fool
Fr. Stephen Freeman Feeling Like a Fool Feeling Like a Fool
Fr. Stephen Freeman
Since all of this is true, and pretty universal, it is deeply surprising to discover that there are great saints who have chosen to make fools of themselves for the sake of their salvation and the salvation of others. Holy Fools Holy Fools
Bev Cooke Holy Fools Holy Fools
In our faith, Holy Fools often serve the same purpose as their Old Testament counterparts: that is, to warn a city, or a parish or a monastery about their failings and turning away from God. But their behaviour often isn’t just that simple, and to be a Holy Fool is a difficult and dangerous calling. It requires someone to reject the values of the world, and sometimes, even to seem to reject the teachings of the church. They forfeit the acceptance of others, and they act in ways that often convince people they are insane. It’s not unusual for holy fools to spend time locked up in madhouses and asylums, or to find themselves mocked, beaten, and thrown out of churches and monasteries. It’s not a way of life most people can tolerate or understand, either to do it or to be around it. Blessed John, Fool-for-Christ of Moscow Blessed John, Fool-for-Christ of Moscow
Commemorated June 12/25, July 3/16 Blessed John, Fool-for-Christ of Moscow Blessed John, Fool-for-Christ of Moscow
Commemorated June 12/25, July 3/16
John feared God alone, and spoke the truth to every person no matter how highly placed. Even to Tsar Boris Gudunov he would often repeat the words: “You, with your smart head in the air, take a look at God’s affairs. God has a lot of patience first, but when He beats, it really hurts.” St. Procopius, the Fool-for-Christ of Ustiug St. Procopius, the Fool-for-Christ of Ustiug
July 21 (July 8)
Saint Procopius was a German Catholic. He was running a merchant business in Novgorod when he became enraptured by the beauty of the Orthodox services. He converted into Orthodoxy, gave his wealth and possessions to the indigent and became a monk at the Saint Varlaam-of-Khutyn monastery outside Novgorod.
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