Blessed Simon the Blessed

Simon the Blessed (also known as Simon of Yuryevets, Simon of Yuryev, or Simon of Yuryegorsk; born in the village of Bratskoye near Odelevo, Plyos volost — died November 4 (14), 1584 or 1586, Yuryevets, present-day Ivanovo Oblast) was an Eastern Orthodox saint and fool for Christ. Having secretly left his parents' home, he chose the path of foolishness for Christ’s sake. He settled in the forest, later living in the village of Yelnat and the town of Yuryevets. He walked barefoot and wore only a single tattered shirt in both winter and summer. He wandered, enduring mockery and beatings. He possessed the gift of clairvoyance. Through his prayers, miracles occurred, including healings. He was canonized in 1635. His feast days are celebrated on November 4 (17), the day of his repose, and May 10 (23), his name day shared with the Apostle Simon the Zealot. His relics rest in the Epiphany Church in Yuryevets.