View source for Ignatius of Smolensk

Our father among the [[saint]]s '''Ignatius of Smolensk''' was the Bishop of Smolensk and [[Wonderworker]] during the late twelfth century and first decade of the thirteenth. His [[feast day]] is [[January 29]].

==Life==
Little is known of his life. Bishop Ignatius is remembered as a kindly and pious elder and is thought by some to have been the first Bishop of Smolensk. He became a friend of the monk [[Abraham of Smolensk|Abraham]], whom he [[ordination|ordained]] to the [[priest]]hood. Bp. Ignatius is credited with the founding of a number of monasteries including a [[monastery]] in honor of the Placing of the Robe of the Mother of God and the ancient Abraham (Avraamiev) Monastery.  

When the monk Abraham came under charges by his enemies of heresy, immorality, and pride, Bp. Ignatius initially [[suspension|suspended]] St. Abraham, but after a new investigation he cleared his name. Later, Bp. Ignastius resigned his [[see]] to spend his remaining years at the Abraham Monastery. 

When St. Ignatius died on January 29, 1210 a miracle occurred: "A great light came down from heaven upon him, wherein fear befell all". His [[relics]] rest in the [[cathedral]] [[church]] in Smolensk.

==Sources==
*[http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsLife.asp?FSID=109040  OCA: St Ignatius, Wonderworker and Bishop of Smolensk]
*[http://thaumaturges.blogspot.com/2009/09/eastern-orthodox-wonderworkers-13th.html  Wonderworkers]

[[Category: Bishops]]
[[Category:12th-13th-century bishops]]
[[Category: Saints]]
[[Category: Russian Saints]]
[[Category: Wonderworkers]]
[[Category:13th-century saints]]