Tikhon of Zadonsk

TIKHON OF ZADONSK. - One of the most prominent and popular figures in Russian hagiography. B. at Novgorod in 1724, d. at Zadonsk on 13 Aug. 1783.

He was successively professor, bishop, ascetic and "starets." Having become a monk at a very young age, he changed his name from Timofei. He was rector of the Seminary of Tver, auxiliary bishop of Novgorod and residential bishop of Voronezh. As bishop he took care to instruct the clergy on the administration of the Sacraments, which he illustrated in a small volume, and he established the practice of publicly reading spiritual texts after the liturgy. He was an assiduous preacher, and his sermons insist on the love of Jesus and on the imitation of him, and criticize social injustices and ritualism. After four years (1769), pleading his frail health, he withdrew not far from Voronezh to the monastery of Our Lady of Zadonsk. As an ascetic, sought out by numerous pilgrims, he was notable for his severity toward himself and for his gentleness and understanding toward others. He had to endure many trials, both from the bishop who succeeded him and from the superior of the convent, who mistreated and humiliated him out of revenge. T. had a special tenderness for children and for the poor, whom he generously helped. He died without Communion, owing to the negligence of the superior whom he had summoned. The Russian Church canonized T. in 1861. His principal works are: True Christianity; The Spiritual Treasure Gathered in the World and Letters from the Cells.

Giovanni Kologriov