The saint library

Saint Joasaph of Belgorod

Bishop and teacher
Kyiv and Belgorod · 18th century
Feast day: December 10 (Finnish Church and OCA); December 23 (UOCC civil-calendar observance)

Icon of Joasaph, Bishop of Belgorod. Image source: Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, article by Fr. Ihor Kutash; icon artist not identified

A life of faith

Joasaph was born Joachim Gorlenko in 1705 and studied in Kyiv. He entered monastic life and later served as abbot of the Transfiguration Monastery at Mgar, working to restore the monastery. In 1748 he became bishop of Belgorod. He emphasized the education of clergy and the careful celebration of church services. His writings addressed the struggle to practice Christian virtues. He died in 1754, and the Church canonized him in 1911.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

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