THEOPHANES the RECLUSE. - Bishop (secular name: Georgij Govorov), one of the most celebrated and influential Russian spiritual writers and moralists of the 19th century. Born in central Russia in 1815, died in the Vyshensky hermitage in 1894.
He pursued his studies at the Seminary and later at the Theological Academy in Kiev. After taking monastic vows, he became a professor of philosophy and moral theology, rector of the Olonets Seminary, and rector of the Theological Academy in St. Petersburg. In 1847 he participated in a mission sent to the Balkan East to study the “Orthodox” Church; he remained there for seven years, during which he learned Greek and all the monastic and ethical traditions of the Greek Church.
In 1859 he was consecrated Bishop of Tambov and later transferred to the see of Vladimir, until in 1866 he retired to monastic life and devoted himself to the apostolate of the pen in the Vyshensky Desert. From 1872 he confined himself to a double cell of great poverty, where he celebrated Mass daily and, in moments of relaxation, painted icons. T. translated the Philokalia into Russian, significantly expanding it (6 vols.), and compiled a major work on the Rules of St. Pachomius, St. Basil, St. Benedict, and Cassian. He also wrote several books of commentaries on the Epistles of St. Paul. Part of his spiritual guidance works were published in 10 volumes.