Ignatius of Smolensk

Holy Hierarch Ignatius of Smolensk, bishop and wonderworker († about 1210), is considered by some data the first bishop of Smolensk. He was a friend of Venerable Abraham (commemorated on 21 August), whom he ordained priest. Bishop Ignatius was a gentle and pious elder, who presided at the trial brought by enemies of Saint Abraham, at which the venerable one was found innocent. The hierarch founded a monastery in honour of the Deposition of the Robe of the Mother of God. He is also credited with founding in Smolensk the most ancient monastery of Abraham, in which, leaving the bishopric, he spent the rest of his days. At the death of Saint Ignatius a miracle took place: a great light came down upon him from heaven, so that fear fell on all. The hierarch's relics rest in the cathedral of Smolensk.

He is commemorated on 8 August (new style, a movable day), in the Synaxis of the Saints of Smolensk.