Cassian of Komela

Holy Venerable Cassian of Komela was a disciple of Saint Cornelius of Komela, abbot of the Komela monastery, and died in the year 1537. The Church commemorates him on 29 May and on 11 July (new style, a movable day), in the Synaxis of the Saints of Vologda.

He directed the Komela monastery during the time that Venerable Cornelius († 1537) withdrew to Lake Sura. Chosen abbot by the brethren, with the blessing and agreement of Cornelius, he sought to follow his teacher in everything and strictly kept his rule. Following Cornelius's guidance, Cassian taught the monks to remain in prayer with the fear of God, to care for the inner work and to drive away all earthly thoughts, to be sober in mind, vigilant in soul and contrite in heart (the rule "On Good Order in the Church and on Common Prayer", chapter 1).

When Cornelius returned to the monastery, Cassian welcomed his teacher with joy, gave up the abbacy and wished to remain, as before, in obedience to his elder. Venerable Cassian passed to the Lord in 1537, before his teacher, and completed his struggle before him.