Hierarch
Theophan the Recluse of Tambov
Saint Theophan the Recluse, Bishop of Tambov
New Calendar January 10 Old Calendar January 23
Why they are a saint
Theophan the Recluse of Tambov is remembered as Bishop of Tambov. Holy hierarchs are venerated because they guarded the faith and shepherded a local church. Orthodox Christians remember him as a hierarch who kept the apostolic faith in his see.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Life
Saint Theophan, in the world George Govorov, was born on January 10, 1815, in Chernavsk in Orel province, where his father was a priest. He studied at the Kiev Theological Academy (1837-1841) and was tonsured while still a student. He served as rector of church schools and seminaries, in the Russian Mission in Jerusalem, at the embassy church in Constantinople, and as rector of the St. Petersburg Academy.
Consecrated Bishop of Tambov on May 9, 1859, and later serving in Vladimir, he founded diocesan schools for girls and visited his parishes tirelessly. In 1866 he was relieved of his duties and retired to the Vysha Monastery; from 1872 he lived in seclusion, serving the Liturgy in a small chapel in his quarters. He wrote many books, among them 'The Path to Salvation' and 'Letters on the Spiritual Life', and translated the Philokalia in five volumes. He departed to the Lord on January 6, 1894, and was buried at the Vysha Monastery.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source names no specific patronage.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Theophan the Recluse of Tambov as a patron when they bear the name Theophan at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on January 10. As a bishop, he is also remembered by clergy and those who serve the Church.
Prayer
O holy Theophan the Recluse of Tambov, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.