Venerable Euthymius of Syanzhema

Venerable Euthymius of Syanzhema labored in the Vologda lands in the first half to middle of the 15th century. He was tonsured at the Spaso-Kamenny Monastery on Lake Kubena under Abbot Dionysius of Glushitsa, where the future St. Alexander of Kushta also labored. Seeking silence, he withdrew into the deep forest on the Syanzhema River, where he built a cell and a church dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord, founding the Ascension Syanzhema Monastery. He established a strict communal rule and was known for non-acquisitiveness and prayerful labor. His closest disciple and successor was St. Chariton of Syanzhema, who continued building up the monastery after the founder's repose. The exact date of St. Euthymius's death is unknown; according to monastic tradition he reposed around 1470. He is venerated in the Synaxis of Vologda Saints.