Saint Andrew of Totma, the Fool-for-Christ was born in the year 1638
in the village of Ust-Totma in Russia and chose to leave the world while
still a child. With the blessing of Stephen, igumen of the Resurrection
monastery in Galich, Andrew took upon himself the arduous calling of
fool-for-Christ. He lived at the church of the Resurrection of Christ in
the city of Totma on the banks of the River Sukhona.
Walking barefoot in both winter and summer, Andrew wore tattered
clothing, and ate only bread and water, and that in such a small
quantity that it just barely kept him from starving. He prayed both day
and night, and if anyone gave him anything, he would give it away to the
poor. For his efforts and toil the Blessed Andrew acquired the gift of
wonderworking.
One winter a blind man by the name of Azhibokai came to the blessed
fool, asking for healing while offering him a large sum of money. But
the fool fled away. Azhibokai then washed his eyes with snow from where
the saint had stood. In doing so, he was able to see.
The time of his own death was revealed to the Blessed Andrew. He made
his confession, received the Holy Mysteries and peacefully fell asleep
in the Lord in 1673. Over his grave was built the bell-tower church of
the holy Martyr Andrew Stratelates (August 19), whose name he bore. Many
miracles were witnessed at the grave of the Blessed Andrew.
Source:http://oca.org
