Cornelius of Krypetsk

Venerable Cornelius of Krypetsk, in the world Luka Polyakov, was a monk of Krypetsk Monastery near Pskov, where he spent his whole monastic life. He was born in 1841 and is commemorated on 28 December (10 January). The Serbian source also calls him the founder of the monastery, which does not agree with the Russian source, which says only that he lived in it.

He was born in the village of Velikoe Selo, in the Krivovitsy parish, Vyshnegalkovo volost, eight kilometres from Pskov. While still young he went to Krypetsk Monastery and always kept obedience. People marvelled at his love. His favourite words were that what you wish for another, you will receive yourself. Many people asked him to foretell the future and he refused no one. According to the Serbian source, he reposed on 28 December 1902 (10 January 1903).

In 1917 and 1918 the monastery was attacked and plundered by the followers of Serebryakov. After this event Abbot Nathanael gathered the brethren in council about what to do next. All agreed to carry out the will of Cornelius, who had long before foretold the coming of these men. A memorial service was served at the open grave.

In 1943 and 1944 the question of moving the relics was raised, but wartime did not allow it. On 8 September 1998 the monk's remains were placed in a new coffin. Since then, from the right hand of the elder, kept in a special reliquary, a faint fragrance has constantly been sensed, attested by many pilgrims.

On 10 January 2000, with the blessing of Patriarch Alexy II, Archbishop Eusebius of Pskov and Velikie Luki served in Krypetsk Monastery, before a great crowd, the service of glorification of Venerable Cornelius among the locally venerated saints. On 3 February 2016, by a decision of the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church, he was canonized for veneration throughout the Church, together with other ascetics who had been venerated but not glorified in the whole Church.