Eleazar Anzersky Saint of the Russian Church, founder of the Holy Trinity Anzersky Skete of the Solovetsky Monastery. Date of Birth: . Country: Operator

1. Early Life and Monastic Vows
2. Artistic Pursuits and Ascetic Striving
3. Foundation of the Anzer Skit
4. Growth of the Monastic Community
5. Prophecy and Conflict with Patriarch Nikon
6. Literary Contributions and Royal Recognition
7. Independence and Imperial Patronage
8. Later Years and Passing

Early Life and Monastic Vows

Eleazar was born into the family of the merchant Afanasy Sevriukov in the town of Kozelsk. At an early age, he joined the Solovetsky Monastery, where he received his monastic vows from Hegumen Irinearkh of Solovetsky.

Artistic Pursuits and Ascetic Striving

Within the monastery, Eleazar developed his skills in woodcarving and participated in decorating the iconostasis of the monastery's Transfiguration Cathedral. In 1612, yearning for a more ascetic life, he settled on Anzer Island.

Foundation of the Anzer Skit

To sustain himself, Eleazar crafted wooden utensils, trading them with fishermen for provisions. In 1616, he was ordained into the great schema and four years later established a modest monastic settlement on the opposite end of the island.

Growth of the Monastic Community

Gradually, a monastic community began to gather around Eleazar. He established rules of solitary living, with cells built at a distance from each other. Monks gathered on Sundays and holy days for common services.

Prophecy and Conflict with Patriarch Nikon

Around 1635, Nikita Minin, who would later become Patriarch Nikon of Moscow and All Russia, joined the skit and was tonsured as a monk by Eleazar. According to legend, Eleazar had a vision of Nikon wearing an omophorion, foreseeing his future patriarchate. However, a conflict arose between Nikon and Eleazar, with Nikon accusing the monks of greed.

Literary Contributions and Royal Recognition

Eleazar transcribed and compiled numerous books for the Anzer Skit. His writings included biblical passages and liturgical texts. His reputation reached Moscow, where he was summoned by Tsar Mikhail Fyodorovich to pray for the birth of an heir.

Independence and Imperial Patronage

In 1633, the Anzer Skit was granted independence from Solovetsky Monastery. In recognition of Eleazar's foresight, the Tsar provided an annual subsidy and placed the skit under military protection.

Later Years and Passing

In 1648, Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich summoned Eleazar to Moscow to meet the man who had foretold his birth. The Tsar confirmed the skit's privileges and ordered a stone church to be built. Patriarch Nikon, despite his earlier dispute with Eleazar, became a generous benefactor, securing increased royal support.

Before his death in 1656, Eleazar designated his disciple Nicodemus as the skit's hegumen. His body was discovered incorrupt in 1757, and a service was composed in his honor. In the 20th century, his relics were destroyed, but a fragment was later rediscovered and is now kept in the Resurrection Church of the Anzer Skit.