Matthew of Zaransk

Venerable Matthew of Zaransk, in the world Metrophanes Kuzmich Svetov, was born in 1861 in the city of Vyatka. His father was a shoemaker, and as a young man the saint engaged in commerce. In 1891 he was tonsured in the monastery of Saint Alexander and received the name Matthew. There he labored in asceticism and obedience and taught unceasing prayer. God bestowed upon him the gift of working miracles, and the saint became a spiritual refuge and consolation for the people of God. After a godly life he reposed peacefully in 1927. He is commemorated on 27 May (new style; 9 June on the old calendar).