John the Hairy
Fool-for-Christ
Commemorated September 3 · November 12
Blessed John the Merciful of Rostov (also known as "Vlasatyi" – "the Hairy") asceticised at Rostov in the exploit of holy folly (iurodstvo), in it enduring deprivation and sorrow. He did not have a permanent shelter and at times took his rest at the house of his spiritual father – a priest at the church of the All-Holy ("Veskhsvyatsk"), or with one of the aged widows. Living in humility, patience and unceasing prayer, he spiritually nourished many a person, in which number was also the Monk Irinarkh, Hermit of Rostov (Comm. 13 January). After his lengthy life of pursuing asceticism he died on 3 September 1580 and was buried, according to his final wishes, alongside the church of Saint Blaise beyond the altar.
He had "hair upon his head abundantly", wherefore he was called "Vlasatyi" or "Hairy". The title "Merciful" was bestown upon Blessed John for the many healings that occurred at his grave, and also in connection with the memory of the holy Patriarch John the Merciful (VII Century, Comm. 12 November), whose name he had in common.
Troparion
Having heard the voice of Thine apostle Paul, saying: We are foolish for Christ's sake, Thy servant John, 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 John, 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
