Venerable Xenophon, Abbot of Robeika, Novgorod
Our holy Father Xenophon of Robeika was the disciple of Saint Barlaam of Khutyn (November 6). He became the third Igoumen of the Khutyn monastery after Igoumen Isidore (+1243), and at the insistence of Saint Anthony of Dymsk (June 24). After resigning as Igoumen, Saint Xenophon would later establish Holy Trinity Monastery on the banks of the Robeika River (not far from Novgorod).
Saint Xenophon's pious disposition was apparent from his earliest years, for he knew that this world will soon pass away. He also knew that this life is filled with sorrow, but after it there shall be everlasting life, which is true, filled with joy and spiritual consolations. With all his heart, mind, and soul, the Venerable one was drawn to the attainment of this eternal, joyous life with the Lord. He tried his best to avoid the sensuality of worldly life, striving only for its higher meaning.
Saint Xenophon settled with Saint Barlaam of Khutyn in the wilderness at the place where Xenophon would shine forth like a pillar of fire. There they put up a cross, built a chapel and a humble dwelling. By the Lord's will, however, the disciple went far away from his Elder to another spot where he could live an ascetical life under harsh conditions. This occurred while they were inspecting the site where they wanted to establish their dwelling. A terrible storm sprang up, and Saint Xenophon called his Elder to come into the cell and take cover; but the Elder became angry at his disciple, telling him to go on a raft in search of another place for his ascetical struggles, and he gave him a quarter of a loaf of bread.
Saint Xenophon set off on the raft upon the Robeika River, miraculously sailing against the current, and soon he stood upon the shore. He stopped at the place where the raft had stuck, and there he fished, praying that the Lord would strengthen him.
After some time, Saint Xenophon went back to his Spiritual Father Saint Barlaam, asking for forgiveness. He received the Elder's blessing to build a chapel at the place where he now lived. Saint Barlaam blessed him, and in all humility, the disciple went back, set up a cross, and then built a chapel and a small hut for his cell.
Later, after the consecration of the church of Saint Nicholas, Saint Xenophon's monastic community was established in the same remote marshland. Other ascetics of piety began to flock there, but the number of monks was small.
In 1251, Saint Xenophon became the Igoumen of the monastery. Although the monastery was neither wealthy nor distinguished, the monks labored to make it beautiful.
Saint Xenophon reposed peacefully on June 28, 1262. His holy relics rested for many years in the monastery church, which later became a parish.