Blessed Maximus the Fool-for-Christ of Totma, Vologda
Commemorated January 16
Blessed Maximus, Priest of Totma, was for a certain time, a priest in the city of Totma in the Vologda diocese. For forty years he undertook the difficult exploit of foolishness for Christ, constantly in fasting and in prayer. St Maximus died in great old age on January 16, 1650 and was buried at the Resurrection church in which he served. The local veneration of the saint began in 1715, because of the numerous miracles occurring at his grave.
Troparion
Having heard the voice of Thine apostle Paul, saying: We are foolish for Christ's sake, Thy servant Maximus, O Christ the God, did love on earth the life of the foolish for Thy sake. Wherefore in venerating his memory we entreat Thee, O Lord, to save our souls.
Kontakion
Desirous of the heavenly beauty, the low delights of the body hast thou, O blessed Maximus, left alone and passed away, after having led a life utterly void of any desire for the things of this vain world, like unto that of the angels; together with these do thou incessantly intercede before Christ the God for us all.
Source: Crkveni Kalendar
