Venerable Nikita the Stylite of Pereslavl

Saint Nikita the Stylite of Pereslavl was a twelfth-century Russian ascetic who labored at what became the Nikitsky Monastery near Pereslavl-Zalessky. In his early life he served as a tax collector and mercilessly extorted his fellow townspeople, amassing considerable wealth through injustice. Hearing the prophet Isaiah's words read in church — "wash yourselves, make yourselves clean" — he was struck with remorse; a terrifying vision at a family feast completed his conversion, and he fled to a nearby monastery, begging the abbot to save his perishing soul. After the monks tested his sincerity, he was tonsured. Nikita forged heavy iron chains for himself and dug a deep pit beside the church, where he lived in stylite-like seclusion, given over to unceasing prayer. God granted him the gift of healing, and he is remembered for curing Prince Michael of Chernigov of paralysis. On the night of 24 May 1186, Nikita was murdered by his own relatives, who mistook his chains — polished bright from years of wear — for silver. He was buried at the monastery that bears his name, where his relics rest today.