From Constantinople to Moscow
According to the sources, Cassian was born Constantine, a descendant of the Greek princes of Mangup. In 1478 he came to Moscow as a member of the delegation to Great Prince Ivan III, traveling together with Sophia Paleologa, of the Roman imperial line, on her journey from Constantinople.
Although Ivan III offered him lands and a place at court, Constantine declined these worldly honors and chose instead to pursue the monastic life. He settled near Bishop Joasaph of Rostov and eventually followed him to the Therapon (Ferapont) Monastery, where he took up a strict ascetic discipline.
Monastic Tonsure
The sources relate that a nocturnal vision of Saint Martinian, a former abbot of the monastery, urged Constantine toward the monastic life. He received the tonsure and took the name Cassian after Saint Cassian the Roman, since he too was a Roman.
He became known for his spiritual guidance, offering quiet words of counsel to the many who came seeking him.
Foundation of the Monastery near Uglich
Cassian traveled to Uglich and there established a monastery dedicated to the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, near the confluence of the Volga and Uchma rivers. With the help of monks from the Therapon Monastery and the permission of Prince Andrew of Uglich, he built the Church of the Dormition.
By tradition he served as godfather to the prince's son. After severe flooding damaged the structure, the monastery and its church were moved to another site; the relocated church was rededicated to the holy Prophet John the Baptist and became a parish church serving the nearby villages. The foundation came to be known as the Uchma Monastery, and Cassian earned the title Wonderworker of Uglich.
He reposed in great old age on October 2, 1504.
Relics & Shrines
The sources record that Cassian's incorrupt relics remained at the monastery he had founded near Uglich. In the late 1930s the monastery was destroyed, blown up under the Communist authorities.
Miracles & Traditions
Historically Documented: The Uglich Chronicles recorded numerous miracles attributed to Cassian's intercession, including the protection of the monastery from Polish soldiers during the invasion of 1609–1611. He was glorified as a wonderworker of Uglich.
Traditional Accounts: The sources relate that Cassian was drawn to monasticism through a nocturnal vision of Saint Martinian, a former abbot of the monastery, and that he served as godfather to the son of Prince Andrew of Uglich.
