Biography
Tikhon of Lukh
About Tikhon of Lukh
Tikhon was originally named Timothy and came from Lithuania, where the church account describes him as a soldier. In 1482 he moved to Russia, gave away his property, and entered monastic life. Near Lukh in the Kostroma region he established a solitary cell. When Photius and Gerasimus joined him, the little group moved farther away to preserve its quiet.
His remembered life combined prayer with work. He copied books and turned wooden objects to support himself, and declined ordination to the priesthood. The account stresses his poverty at death: the burial shroud had to be supplied through the archbishop of Suzdal. He died on June 16, 1503. A monastery dedicated to Nicholas subsequently grew at the site, and the discovery of his relics in 1569 became another occasion of commemoration.
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