TICHON of Zadonsk
One of the most prominent and popular figures in Russian hagiography. Born in Novgorod in 1724, died at Zadonsk on 13 August 1783.
He successively served as professor, bishop, ascetic, and *staretz*. Having become a monk at a very young age, he changed his name from Timothy. He was rector of the Tver Seminary, 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 explained in a small book, and established the practice of public spiritual reading after the liturgy. He was an assiduous preacher, and his sermons emphasize love for Jesus, imitation of Him, and criticize social injustices and ritualism. After four years (1769), citing his frail health, he retired not far from Voronezh in the monastery of the Madonna of Zadonsk. As an ascetic, sought out by numerous pilgrims, he distinguished himself by his severity toward himself and his gentleness and understanding toward others. He suffered many trials, both from his successor bishop and from the superior of the monastery, who mistreated and humiliated him out of revenge. Tikhon had a special tenderness for children and the poor, whom he generously assisted. He died without receiving Communion, due to the negligence of the superior whom he had summoned.
The Russian Church
TIBURTIUS, VALERIAN, AND MAXIMUS, SS., Martyrs
Martyrdom of SS. V. and T. painted by A. Aspertini (1474–1552) – Bologna, church of S. Cecilia.