Gregory Krupchenkov

Gregory Krupchenkov was a Russian schemamonk, a singer and choir director, born in 1828 in Kursk province, in a family of serf peasants. He reposed on 20 July 1890. He is venerated by the faithful, without a synodal canonization.

Named Gerasim Nikolaevich in the world, he had from childhood a rare musical talent, developed by his master, a great lover of singing and music, who made him regent and conductor of his own choir and orchestra. At Stary Oskol he gave lessons in music and singing and directed choirs in many churches. He came to Athos and at St Panteleimon raised Athonite chant to exemplary level. He spent his last years, very modest yet rich in talents and surrounded by the love of the brethren, in a cell at Krumitsa, coming to the monastery choir only on the great feasts, when all heard, under his direction, model Athonite chanting. He reposed on 20 July 1890.