Vladimir Kolesnikov

Vladimir Kolesnikov was a Russian hieroschemamonk of St Panteleimon Monastery, born on 27 July 1851 in the village of Chudovo, Novgorod province, a writer and editor. He reposed on 10 December 1918. He is venerated by the faithful, without a synodal canonization.

Named Vasily Vasilievich in the world, he was left an orphan at seven, with a four-⁠year-⁠old sister and a two-⁠year-⁠old brother, after his parents died of consumption within three months of each other. He grew up under the care of his grandmother Matrona and his grandfather Timothy, who shaped his Christian outlook though he died before the parents. Later he came to Athos. He was a friend and publishing colleague of the monk Vladislav (Popov). He had boundless gratitude to the liberator Tsar Alexander II, to whom, as a descendant of serfs, he owed his education and freedom to decide his own life. He reposed on 10 December 1918.