In the 16th century, among the host of Rostov saints, who graced this ancient Russian region with spiritual deeds, there shone “truly a pillar of unshakable piety and a perfect ascetic for Christ,” the Venerable Irinarch the Recluse, “the broadcast of his long-suffering life went forth to all ends of the Russian country.” With heavy weight chains on his body, “like a strong warrior dressed in iron armor,” the monk lived in the cramped cell of the Rostov Borisoglebsky (on the Ustye) monastery in prayer and labors for the brethren and the poor for 38 years. For his patience, he was awarded The Lord had the gift of foresight, “the humble monk had interlocutors with angels - he contemplated the future as well as the present,” read the destinies of people, predicted the Troubles, and then “the destined expulsion of the Poles” and the restoration of Rus' in glory and greatness. And as in due time the blessing and prayer of St. Sergius was accompanied by Russian regiments on the Kulikovo field, contributing to the liberation of the long-suffering Fatherland from heterodox power, and St. Irinarch “ever and again begged Christ for the victory of the Orthodox,” and his prayer and blessing remained with the Russian soldiers, helping the victorious expulsion of foreigners by the people’s militia of Minin and Pozharsky. Source: