Venerable Vassian of Tiksna

Venerable Vassian of Tiksna (secular name Vasily) was born in the village of Burtsevo, Totma district, Vologda province, into a peasant family. He worked as a tailor and was married with two sons before leaving the world for monastic life. He was tonsured by Hieromonk Therapont at the Spaso-Sumorin Monastery. In 1594 he withdrew as a hermit to the Church of St. Nicholas on the Tiksna River, where for thirty years he led a severe ascetic life — strict fasting, prayer, and wearing chains. He reposed on September 12, 1624. His veneration grew after a 1647 plague epidemic in the surrounding area ceased following prayers at his grave; a monastery was founded on the site in 1694.