Hierarch Mitrofan of Voronezh

NOTE on stub attribution: this card has been assigned the identity of the best-known and most widely venerated bearer of the name "Mitrofan" in Russian sainthood, distinct from the Metrophanes of Byzantium and Metrophanes of China already present in the database.

Hierarch Mitrofan, born Michael, was born November 6, 1623. He took monastic vows at age 40 (1663), served as abbot of several monasteries, including the Makariev Unzhensky Monastery. On April 2, 1682, he was consecrated the first bishop of the newly established Voronezh diocese.

He was renowned for strict personal non-possessiveness and simplicity of life, while supporting Peter the Great's shipbuilding program in Voronezh, yet firmly opposed secularized, Western customs at the royal court — tradition holds he refused to enter the tsar's palace, decorated with pagan statues, until they were removed. Shortly before death he received the great schema under the name Macarius. He died November 23, 1703, in Voronezh.

His relics were found incorrupt in 1831, examined by a church commission, and he was glorified in 1832 — one of the most widely venerated Russian saints, with the Mitrofanov Monastery and numerous churches named in his honor.

His feast is kept on November 23/December 6.