Blessed, Fool for Christ John of Ustyug

Blessed John was born in the village of Pukhovo, near ancient Ustyug, to the pious parents Savva and Maria. From his youth he led a strict ascetic life, eating only bread and water. Moving to Orlets and then to the town of Ustyug itself, he took up the feat of foolishness for Christ's sake: he spent his nights in prayer and by day walked through the town in rags, meekly bearing mockery and abuse. Even during his lifetime he was granted by God the gift of wonderworking. He died young on May 29, 1494, and was buried by the walls of the Dormition Cathedral in Ustyug; a church was later built over his relics, and in the 16th century his life and service were composed. The people of Ustyug turned in prayer to Blessed John during the Time of Troubles: he was credited with the tsar's army's victory over Sapieha in 1610, and in 1613 with intercession against the Poles, through the prayers of both Ustyug wonderworkers, Procopius and John. His memory is kept on May 29/June 11, often together with Righteous Procopius of Ustyug.