Venerable Zosimas of Solovki (+1478)
The Venerable Zosimas of Solovki (+1478), a great luminary of the Russian Church and founder of the monks’ dwelling on the Solovki island, was born in the diocese of Novgorod near Lake Onega. From his youth he grew up in pious surroundings. After the death of his parents he gave away his property and was tonsured a monk.
Seeking a secluded place, the venerable father set out for the shore of the White Sea and there met the Venerable Germanus (commemorated 30 July), who told him about an uninhabited island.
Around 1436 the hermits safely reached the island. The Lord blessed their dwelling place with a divine vision, which the Venerable Zosimas beheld. The monks began to work with their bare hands, built cells, and tilled the land. Once in autumn Father Germanus went to the mainland for provisions and could not get back, and Father Zosimas stayed alone on the island the whole winter. The holy monk had to overcome many temptations. He faced certain death from hunger, but two strangers who miraculously appeared left him bread, flour and oil. In spring Father Germanus returned with the fisherman Mark and brought provisions.
When several hermits had gathered on the island, Father Zosimas built them a wooden church in the name of the Transfiguration of the Lord. At his request an abbot came from Novgorod to the newly founded monastery and brought an antimension for the church. So the foundation was laid of the famous Solovki monastery. In harsh natural conditions the brethren managed to set up their household, but the superiors sent from Novgorod could not get used to the unfamiliar surroundings, and so the brethren chose the Venerable Zosimas as abbot.
Shortly before his death the Venerable Zosimas made his own coffin. He was buried in front of the church of the Transfiguration (+17 April 1478). On 8 August 1566 the holy relics of Zosimas and Savvaty were translated into the church of the Transfiguration.
After his death many miracles took place through prayer offered to Saint Zosimas. He is considered the patron of fishermen and beekeepers.
