Life and Monastic Foundation
Born in 1539, Macarius left no surviving records of his life before he entered monasticism. At his initial tonsure he received the name Onuphrius. In 1585 he founded the Zhabyn Monastery of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple, situated near the River Oka not far from Belev.
The saint practiced severe asceticism, enduring frost, heat, hunger, and thirst. The monastery synodicon remembers him as a beloved abbot who instructed his community through both word and personal example. Toward the end of his life he took the great schema — the highest monastic vow — receiving the name Macarius, and withdrew to a secluded spot along the upper tributary of the River Zhabynka.
The Time of Troubles and Restoration
In 1615 the monastery was completely destroyed by Polish forces under the command of Lisovski during the Time of Troubles. Macarius subsequently rebuilt it, replacing the wooden church with a stone church in honor of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple, together with a bell-tower at the gates.
Even amid the devastation, the saint extended mercy to his enemies, sheltering Polish soldiers who were dying alongside the poor and the sick of his own land.
Miracles and Traditions
Historically Documented: The relics of Saint Macarius were discovered in 1816 during church construction. His formal veneration was restored on January 22, 1888, largely through the efforts of Igumen Jonah, and a church dedicated to him was completed in 1889.
Traditional Accounts: By tradition, when Macarius encountered a lost Polish soldier dying of thirst in the forest, he prayed and plunged his staff into the ground, whereupon a fresh spring of water gushed forth. This miraculous spring became known as the Zhabynets Well and a place of pilgrimage. Many healings are recorded at the saint's tomb after his repose.
Relics & Shrines
Macarius died in 1623 at the age of eighty-four and was buried opposite the gates of his monastery on January 22. His relics were uncovered in 1816 during church construction, and his tomb became a site of pilgrimage where many healings were reported.
