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Artemy VerkolskyRussian Orthodox Saint
Date of Birth: 01.01.1532
Country:  Dive |
Content:
- Saint Artemy of Verkhola
- Early Life
- Tragic Death
- Discovery of Remains
- Miraculous Healing
- Canonical Recognition
- Reverence and Lost Relics
- Legacy
Saint Artemy of Verkhola
Saint Artemy, a devout Russian Orthodox saint, was canonized in 1619. His memory is celebrated on June 23 (July 6) and October 20 (November 2).
Early Life
Born into a humble peasant family in Verkhola, Arkhangelsk Oblast, Artemy exhibited exceptional virtues from a young age. Known for his gentleness, obedience, and industriousness, he preferred assisting his parents in their daily chores to childish pastimes.
Tragic Death
At the tender age of 13, while working in a field, Artemy was struck and killed by lightning during a thunderstorm. Superstitious villagers, believing his death to be divine retribution, refused to bury his body. It lay neglected for 28 years until its miraculous discovery by a church cleric.
Discovery of Remains
Astonishingly, Artemy's remains were found to be miraculously preserved. Moved by this wonder, the cleric alerted the villagers, who brought the body to the village. However, without proper respect, they placed it on the church porch, covered with birch bark.
Miraculous Healing
In 1577, a fever epidemic broke out in the region. Locals began venerating Artemy's relics, and miraculously, many were healed, leading to the epidemic's end. A series of subsequent miracles contributed to Artemy's growing reputation as a revered saint.
Canonical Recognition
In 1610, Artemy's remains were enshrined in the church. Metropolitan Makary of Novgorod officially recognized his popular veneration in 1618. In 1648, at the behest of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, the Holy Artemy Verkhola Monastery was founded, where the saint's relics were subsequently interred.
Reverence and Lost Relics
During the monastery's destruction by Bolsheviks in 1920, Artemy's relics were concealed by monks and have remained unaccounted for to this day.
Legacy
According to historian E. A. Ryzhova, Artemy's veneration reflects pre-Christian beliefs regarding the divine power attributed to those struck by lightning. His tragic death highlights the dual perception of such individuals as either divinely punished or singularly blessed.
