Isaakios Alfanov

Holy Venerable Isaakios Alfanov, also called Sokolnitsky, was one of the five Alfanov brothers, ascetics of Novgorod in the fourteenth century and founders of the Sokolnitsky monastery. They are commemorated on 17 May and on the third Sunday after Pentecost, in the Synaxis of the Saints of Novgorod.

The brothers Nikita, Cyril, Nikephoros, Clement and Isaakios Alfanov (Sokolnitsky) lived a righteous life in Novgorod and founded the Sokolnitsky monastery. According to the chronicles, in the year 1389 they raised a wooden church of Saint Nicholas on the Sokolya hill and established the monastery. The Alfanov brothers were related to Yakov Anfal, or Alfan, known from the chronicles, who fled to the Dvina to escape persecution for his connections with Moscow. Because of this kinship the righteous men had their share of troubles, being purified by hardships of innocent suffering for blessed eternity.

The "Tale" of the holy brothers describes the miracles worked by their relics after death. Because of a fire that destroyed the Sokolnitsky monastery, the relics of the venerable brothers were moved to the Anthony monastery on 4 May 1775. Their commemoration is appointed on 4 (17) May and on the third Sunday after Pentecost. They are also commemorated on 11 July (a movable day), in new style.