Venerable Kosma Yahromsky

Cosmas of Yakhroma (Church Slavonic: Venerable Cosmas of Yakhroma) is a saint of the Orthodox Church. He lived in the 15th century. He took monastic vows at the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, where he resided for some time. After receiving a divine revelation, he left the brethren and settled by the Yakhroma River, near Suzdal, east of Moscow. There, he founded a monastery and became its superior. The saint led an exceptionally strict, ascetic life, setting an example for others on how to dedicate oneself to God. He welcomed pilgrims and those seeking spiritual counsel with particular love. He died at a great age in 1492 and was buried under the Dormition Church of the community he founded. The holiness of the monk's life was attested to by numerous healings that occurred at his grave. His veneration is local in nature. The liturgical commemoration of the saint falls on February 18. In icons, the saint is depicted as an old man in a monastic habit. His long, grey beard, which tapers toward the bottom and reaches almost to his waist, is particularly striking. His right hand is raised in blessing, and in his left, he holds a scroll with words of instruction.