Venerable Iona of Klimetsky

Saint Iona of Klimetsky (John in the world), the son of a Novgorod magistrate, inherited great wealth and engaged in trade, sailing goods across Lake Onega. During a violent storm, facing certain death, he vowed to dedicate his life to God if spared — and his boat was miraculously cast ashore on Great Klimetsky Island. There he found an icon of the Holy Trinity on a juniper bush and heard a voice commanding him to build a church in honor of the Trinity. Returning to Novgorod, Iona distributed his wealth to the poor and was tonsured a monk. Coming back to the island, he founded the Klimetsky Trinity Monastery, but, refusing the office of abbot, remained a simple monk until the end of his life. He reposed on 6 June 1534; a chapel was later built over his grave, followed by local glorification.