Blessed John the Hairy of Rostov

John the Hairy (Russian: Иоанн Власатый) was a holy fool (yurodivy) of Rostov who lived during the second half of the sixteenth century. Known for his long, unkempt hair — the source of his epithet — he lived without permanent shelter, sometimes resting with a priest or elderly widows, and embraced humility, patient endurance of reproach, and unceasing prayer as the marks of his ascetic labor. He died on September 3, 1580, and was buried at his own request beside the church of Saint Blaise in Rostov.

Among his spiritual connections was Saint Irenarchus the Hermit of Rostov, whom he is said to have mentored. After his death, many healings were reported at his grave, which gave rise to his secondary title 'the Merciful' — an echo of the Patriarch John the Merciful, whose name he bore. His relics are preserved in Rostov at the church honoring the Theotokos of Tolga. He is commemorated on September 3 and also on November 12.