The Solovetsky Monastery, located on the islands of the White Sea, is consecrated by the exploits of many saints. Its founders were the Venerable Savvati and Zosima, who chose the harsh northern region as a place of prayer, labor and spiritual solitude.
Saint Savvati had previously worked in the Kirillo-Belozersky monastery, and then in the Valaam Monastery. In an effort to avoid human glory and wishing to lead a desert life, he left the monastery and went to the White Sea. Savvaty learned from the fishermen about the uninhabited Solovetsky Island, the way to which was dangerous due to frequent storms. People tried to dissuade the elder, reminding him of his age and the difficulties of living far from settlements. However, the monk replied that the Lord would give him strength and would not leave him without help.
At the Vyga River, Savvaty met the pious monk Herman. Together they went to Solovetsky Island. Upon reaching the shore, the hermits erected a wooden cross, built a small cell, and began to live by their own handiwork, combining incessant prayer with cultivating the land and arranging their homes. This was the beginning of monastic life in Solovki.
A few years later, Herman left the island, and Savvaty remained in complete seclusion. Having reached a great old age and anticipating his imminent demise, he wished to partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ. The monk crossed to the mainland and met Abbot Nathanael at the Vyga River, who confessed and gave him communion. Soon after, Savvati peacefully departed to the Lord. His body was prayerfully interred near a local church.
A year after the death of the monk, Monk Zosima settled on Solovetsky Island. He came from a wealthy family, but after the death of his parents, he gave away his property and became a monk. After meeting with Elder Herman and hearing from him the story of Savvati's exploits, Zosima decided to continue the work he had begun.
According to legend, shortly after arriving on the island, Zosima saw a beautiful temple in the air. This vision was an omen of the monastery's future prosperity. Gradually, other monks began to join the hermits. They built cells and a small church in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord. The number of the brethren increased, and the monks unanimously elected Zosima their abbot.
Having headed the monastery, the monk established a communal order and himself set an example of diligence, prayer and piety to the brethren. New churches were built under him in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The relics of St. Savvati were also transferred to the monastery. Despite numerous difficulties and harassment, Zosima managed to gain recognition of the monastery's rights to the Solovetsky Islands and strengthen the monastery he founded.
Before his death, St. Zosima called the brethren together, appointed a successor, and gave the monks final instructions. After saying goodbye to his disciples and blessing them, he peacefully surrendered his soul to God on April 17, 1478.
The Venerable Zosima and Savvati are revered as the founders of the Solovetsky Monastery and spiritual mentors of Russian monasticism. Their lives remind us of the power of faith, prayerful constancy, humility and willingness to work for God and others. Numerous generations of believers turn to the wonderworkers of Solovetsky with requests for help, strengthening in trials and guidance on the path of salvation.
Venerable Fathers Zosima and Savvaty of Solovetsky, pray to God for us!