The saint library

Saint Nicholas Kochanov of Novgorod

Fool for Christ
Novgorod, Russia · 14th century
Feast day: July 27

July calendar icon row: Nicholas Kochanov stands at the far right, with saints commemorated July 23–27. Image source: Museum of Russian Icons, July calendar publication

A life of faith

Nicholas Kochanov came from a prosperous family in Novgorod. He left his family home and adopted the life of a fool for Christ. The received account remembers him praying quietly for people who insulted him. With Theodore, another holy fool on the opposite bank of the river, he acted out a rivalry that reflected the divisions between the city’s neighborhoods. He died in 1392.

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

A reflection

Pray for someone with whom you disagree, without turning the disagreement into a public performance.

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