St. Barlaam of Khutyn
Feast 11-06
Patron of
About
Barlaam of Khutyn, also spelled Varlaam, was a twelfth-century Russian Orthodox hegumen and the founder of the Khutyn Monastery of the Transfiguration near Novgorod. Born Aleksa or Aleksy, he came from a noble family of Novgorod. Drawn to the life of prayer, he left the world as a young man and settled in a remote spot on the Khutyn or "muddy" field, living in solitude, fasting, and labor. His reputation for holiness gathered disciples, and in time a monastery arose. Miracles are said to have multiplied through his prayer, and even the chronicles record accounts of healing and deliverance. Barlaam was a friend of Prince Mstislav, and reposed around 1193. He is honored as a patron of Novgorod.
Suggested prayer
O God, who called St. Barlaam from noble rank to the muddy field of Khutyn and made him a father of monks, grant through his intercession that we may seek You above all worldly honors. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
