Andrei Poltavskii

Andrei Poltavskii was a Russian hieroschemamonk, born at Izmail in Bessarabia, abbot of the Skete of St Elias from 1873. He is venerated by the faithful, without a synodal canonization.

Named Avramy Zakharovich in the world, he came to Athos in 1847 and entered the Skete of St Elias, where in 1857 he was tonsured into the schema with the name Andrei, in 1858 ordained hierodeacon, and in 1863 hieromonk. In 1873, after Father Gavriil withdrew into stillness, the brethren elected him abbot. At first he met great opposition from some monks who thought themselves worthy of the abbacy, but relying on the majority of the brethren he quickly strengthened his position. He was also supported by the elders of Rossikon, Hieronymus and Macarius. In a dispute with Father Innokenty he asked Hieronymus's counsel and submitted humbly to the great elder's wisdom, extending a hand of collaboration to Father Innokenty, but full reconciliation was not achieved.