Venerable Sabbas of Krypetsk, Pskov

St. Sabbas of Krypetsk arrived in Russia in the mid-15th century — by some accounts from Serbia, by others from Mount Athos, where he had been tonsured. He began his monastic life on Snetnaya Hill near Pskov, in the brotherhood of the Snetogorsky Monastery, then moved to the more secluded hermitage of St. Euphrosynus on the Tolva River. Seeking complete solitude, he withdrew fifteen versts further into impenetrable forest and settled by a small lake in the Krypetsy wilderness. Disciples gathered around him, and with the blessing of the Pskov clergy the John the Theologian Savvo-Krypetsky Monastery was founded. The saint lived in strict asceticism, was known for the gift of foresight and healing, and — according to his Life — refused to bless Prince Yaroslav of Pskov for his cruelty toward the people. He reposed on August 28, 1495. His Life was written in 1555 by the Pskov priest Basil. He is venerated as a wonderworker and patron of the Pskov land.