Venerable
Venerable, Fool for Christ Arsenius of Novgorod, Fool for Christ
XVI век — †12 июля 1570
Venerable Arsenius of Novgorod, Fool for Christ — born in Rzhev in the Tver land to a family of leather-workers; founded a monastery in honor of the Nativity of the Theotokos in Novgorod the Great (1562); in his final years he lived in seclusion, wearing chains under tattered clothing.
Venerable Arsenius, born Ambrosius, was born in the 16th century in the city of Rzhev in the Tver land to a devout family of leather craftsmen. He took upon himself the ascetic feat of foolishness for Christ's sake, wearing chains under poor, tattered clothing; children often mocked him in the streets, and many considered him mad, not recognizing the profound spiritual struggle beneath the guise of folly. In 1562 he founded a monastery in honor of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos in Novgorod the Great. He spent his final years in seclusion. He reposed on July 12, 1570. After his incorrupt relics were found, a church in honor of the Nativity of Christ was built over them. His memory is kept on May 8/21 (translation of relics) and July 12/25 (day of repose).
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