Stephen of Perm

Saint Stephen of Perm was a fourteenth century Russian missionary who brought the Gospel to the Komi people and became the first bishop of Perm. For this people he devised an alphabet and translated the service books, so that they could praise God in their own tongue.

Preparation

He was born around 1340 at Veliky Ustyug, into the family of a servant of the town's church. He learned to read early and entered the Monastery of Saint Gregory the Theologian in Rostov, famous for its library. There he read widely, learned Greek and prepared himself for preaching, for he knew the Komi language from home.

Around 1372 he created an alphabet of their own for this people and began to translate the Holy Scriptures and the service books into their language.

Apostle of the Komi

In 1379, with a blessing, he set out for the Komi lands. He built a church dedicated to the Annunciation and preached patiently, though he met opposition from sorcerers and those bound to the old beliefs. According to tradition, he cut down a birch the pagans revered as sacred, and a leading sorcerer whom he challenged to the trial of fire and water withdrew. Many received baptism.

In 1383 he was consecrated bishop of Perm. He founded churches and monasteries, trained priests from among the local people, and defended his flock against raids and heavy taxes, bringing food in years of famine.

Repose and veneration

Between him and Venerable Sergius of Radonezh there was a great spiritual love. According to tradition, passing once near Sergius's monastery, Stephen bowed toward it from afar, and Sergius, sitting at table, rose and bowed in return.

He reposed in Moscow on 26 April 1396 and was buried in the Kremlin. His Life was written by Venerable Epiphanius the Wise. He is commemorated on 26 April.