Saint Abraham of Rostov

Also known as: Averkii
Avraamii of Rostov
Memorial: 29 October
Profile: Raised a pagan. As a young man, he was striken with a nearly fatal illness, then cured by prayer. Convert. Monk, taking the name Abraham. Travelling evangelist and preacher in Rostov, Russia. Legend says that a vision of Saint John the Divine gave Abraham his own staff, and that Abraham used it to smash the pagan stone idol of Veles in Rostov; he then built the monastery of the Theophany on the site of the old pagan temple, and the staff was later carried into battle by Ivan the Terrible who hoped to benefit from its holy power. Built two parish churches, one dedicated to Saint John, and started charitable organizations. Chosen abbot, he led by doing the most menial tasks, and serving all others.
Born: 10th century in Galich, Russia as Averkii
Died: at the monastery of Rostov of natural causes; buried at the church of the Theophany monastery
Additional Information: Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
Dictionary of Saints, by John Delaney
Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Saints, by Matthew Bunson, Margaret Bunson, and Stephen Bunson
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