TICHON di ZADONSK. – One of the most prominent and popular figures in Russian hagiography. Born at Novgorod in 1724, died at Zadonsk on 13 August 1783.
He was successively a professor, bishop, ascetic, and « starets ». Having become a monk at a very young age, he changed his name from Timoteo. He was rector of the Seminary of Tver, auxiliary bishop of Novgorod, and residential bishop of Voronez. As bishop, he took care to instruct the clergy in the administration of the Sacraments, which he explained in a small volume, and established the practice of publicly giving spiritual readings after the liturgy. He was a tireless preacher, and his sermons insist on love for Jesus and imitation of him, while criticizing social injustices and ritualism. After four years (1769), pleading his frail health, he retired not far from Voronez 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 his successor as bishop and from the superior of the convent, who mistreated and humiliated him out of revenge. T. had a particular tenderness for children and for the poor, whom he generously assisted. He died without receiving Communion, owing to the negligence of the superior whom he himself had summoned. The Russian Church
canonized T. in 1861. His principal works are: True Christianity; The Spiritual Treasury Collected from the World and Letters from the Cells.