St. Pitirim, Bishop of Tambov, in the world of Prokopy, was born in 1644 or 1645 in Vyazma. Since childhood, he has been distinguished by hard work, maturity of judgment and a desire for a spiritual life. Prokopy studied the Holy Scriptures and the works of the holy fathers, was engaged in icon painting and knew church singing well.
Having decided to devote his life to the service of God, he entered the Vyazma Baptist Monastery, known for the strictness of its rules. At the age of about 20, Prokopy took monastic vows with the name Pitirim. The young monk earned the respect of the brethren and was subsequently elected abbot of the monastery. In 1684, he was elevated to the rank of archimandrite, and on February 15, 1685, Patriarch Joachim ordained Pitirim Bishop of Tambov.
The Tambov Diocese, which had been formed shortly before, was experiencing serious difficulties. There were many pagans, Gentiles, Old Believers, fugitives and exiles among its inhabitants. There were not enough temples, educated priests and spiritual literature. Saint Pitirim zealously set about organizing church life.
On his initiative, the construction of a two-story stone Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior with a chapel in the name of St. Nicholas began in Tambov. The bishop not only monitored the progress of the work, but also participated in the construction himself. He set up a special school to train clergymen, and began collecting a library of spiritual literature at the bishop's house.
The saint regularly toured the diocese, preached, got acquainted with the needs of the parishes and talked with those who had departed from the Orthodox Church. His piety, patience, and compassion won people's trust. In 1690, he founded the Voznesensky Convent in Tambov, the first abbess of which was his sister Ekaterina.
Prayer occupied a special place in the life of the saint. He attended divine services daily, often served himself, and on his free days sang in the choir, teaching the clergy proper church singing and reading. The saint also liked to retire to prayer in the Tregulyaev St. John the Baptist Monastery, which he founded together with St. Mitrofan of Voronezh. He worked a lot physically: there is a legend about the wells dug by his hands.
Saint Pitirim passed away in 1698 at the age of 53. He was buried in the lower church of the Tambov Transfiguration Cathedral, next to the St. Nicholas chapel. The resting place of the archpastor soon became revered by believers. Since 1819, records have been kept at the cathedral of cases of grace-filled help received through prayers to the saint.
The veneration of St. Pitirim gradually spread far beyond the borders of the Tambov diocese. In 1914, he was canonized. The saint's memory is celebrated on August 10 — July 28, Old style.