Andrew Joasaph

Venerable Andrew Joasaph, called Joasaph of Kubensk, wonderworker of Vologda, was of princely birth and became a monk at the Kamenny Monastery in the Kubensk region of northern Russia, where he died in the year 1453.

At baptism he received the name Andrew. His parents, Prince Demetrius Vasilievich of Lesser Zaozersk, a descendant of the holy Prince Theodore Rostislavich of Smolensk and Yaroslavl, and Princess Maria, were known for their deep piety, which they imparted to their son. At twenty years of age Andrew was tonsured at the Kamenny Monastery of the Savior at Kubensk with the name Joasaph, in honour of Saint Joasaph, the royal son of India (19 November).

The brethren of the monastery were amazed at the meekness and humility of the young monk. He gained a good name through complete obedience, the keeping of the fasts, zeal in prayer and love of books. Under the guidance of the experienced Elder Gregory, later Bishop of Rostov, he advanced in virtue. He lived as a hermit in his cell and reached a high spiritual level. He struggled in this way for five years at the Kamenny Monastery.

In the last year of his life he ate only once a week and received Holy Communion every Sunday. Before his death he took leave of the brethren, consoling them and urging them not to grieve at his departure. When the brethren gathered in his cell, he asked that the prayers for the departure of the soul from the body be read. He prayed to the Lord and to His All-⁠Holy Mother, not only for himself but for all the brethren of the monastery. Then he lay down on his bed and fell asleep with prayer on his lips, on 10 September 1453.

He is commemorated on 10 September by the old style (23 September by the new style).