Andrew of Vologda

Venerable Andrew of Vologda, in monastic life Joasaph, was prince of Vologda, son of Dimitri Vasilievich, a prince of Zaozerye, and grandson of Prince Vasili Vasilievich. He reposed on 10 September 1453.

At the age of twelve he left the world and came to the Spaso-⁠Kamenny Monastery on Lake Kubenskoe, to Abbot Cassian, where he was tonsured with the name Joasaph. Another account, from the history of the town of Vologda, says he was tonsured at about twenty. After only five years of monastic life he died.

His relics were laid in the wooden church of the Dormition and for many years were seen incorrupt, working miracles. When the monastery burned in 1478, the remains were gathered by the elder Martinian and placed under the altar. In 1650, with the blessing of Archbishop Markel of Vologda, they were set in a tomb beside the south doors of the monastery cathedral. After a second fire in 1773 the relics were moved to Vologda, and in 1801 the monastery was restored. The saint is remembered locally on 10 September, old style.