Venerable Leonid of Ustnedumsk

Life

This Russian saint labored from his youth in several monasteries, in Solovetsky, Mirozhsky, and others. At last he founded his own monastery on the River Luza in the Vologda province. He struggled firmly until his soul was filled with the grace-bearing light and power of the Holy Spirit. As a great lamp he attracted many to the ascetical life. He was called "of Ustnedumsk" because once, when a venomous serpent bit him, he would neither think about it nor speak of it, and he remained alive. Having pleased God, he peacefully departed this life on July 17, 1653. His relics rest in his monastery.