died January 29, 1210
A bishop of Smolensk venerated as a wonderworker.
Our Father among the Saints Ignatius, Bishop of Smolensk, the Wonderworker
Ignatius served as Bishop of Smolensk in Rus' during the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries, and is venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church as a wonderworker. Historical records of his life are limited, but tradition remembers him as a kindly and pious elder who may have been the first bishop of Smolensk.
He is principally remembered for his close relationship with the monk Abraham of Smolensk, whom he ordained to the priesthood, defended against accusations brought by adversaries, and ultimately joined as a spiritual friend in monastic retirement. His commemoration falls on January 29, the day tradition assigns to his repose in 1210.
Ignatius governed the see of Smolensk in pre-Mongol medieval Rus'. Sources describe him as 'a kindly and pious Elder' and suggest he may have held the distinction of being Smolensk's first bishop, though the biographical record about him remains sparse.
Although the anchor record assigns his era as Byzantine, his death in 1210 places him firmly within the era of pre-Mongol medieval Rus'.
Much of what is known of Ignatius comes through the life of Saint Abraham of Smolensk. In 1198 Ignatius persuaded Abraham to accept ordination to the priesthood. According to one account, tensions with local clergy led Ignatius initially to transfer Abraham to another monastery.
When enemies accused Abraham of heresy and of leading people astray, Ignatius conducted a trial and suspended him from ministry. Tradition relates that a drought then struck Smolensk, prompting the citizens to demand Abraham's reinstatement. Ignatius reopened the case, cleared Abraham's name through a second investigation, lifted the suspension, and permitted him to serve and preach again. He then established a monastery in honor of the Placing of the Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God and entrusted its leadership to Abraham. In his old age Ignatius retired to this same monastery, becoming Abraham's spiritual friend.
Ignatius's relics are preserved in the cathedral church of Smolensk, where his memory is honored both as bishop and as miracle-worker.
Traditional Accounts: According to tradition, upon his death on January 29, 1210, 'a great light came down from heaven upon him, wherein fear befell all.' He is venerated as a wonderworker, and devotees honor his memory at his relics in the Smolensk cathedral.