Procopius of Ustyug

Who was Procopius of Ustyug?

Procopius of Ustyug was a fool for Christ, a miracle worker, saint of Russian Orthodox Church, formerly a merchant from Lübeck. He was born in Germany, a Roman Catholic merchant who converted to Eastern Orthodox Christianity during his travels.

Though he is sometimes identified as one Jacob Potharst, son of a Lübeck merchant, Procopius' worldly name, surname, date and place of birth are not reliably determined . In 1818 the universal celebration of the saint was established.

St. Procopius lived as yurodivy for 60 years. In 1290 he predicted the fall of meteorite near Veliky Ustyug, as well as tornado and conflagration.