John the Hairy

John the Hairy (Russian: Иоанн Власатый, also known as John the Merciful of Rostov) was a holy fool (Yurodivy), of the Russian Orthodox Church in the second half of the 16th century.

[1] "He did not have a permanent shelter, and at times took his rest at the house of his spiritual Father, a priest at the church of the All-Holy, or with one of the aged widows."

According to Orthodox Church in America sources, Blessed John, Living in humility, patience and unceasing prayer... spiritually nourished many people, among them St Irenarchus, Hermit of Rostov (January 13).

After a long life of pursuing asceticism, he died on September 3, 1580, and was buried, according to his final wishes, beside the church of Saint Blaise beyond the altar.

[1] John the Hairy is commemorated on November 12 in the Eastern Orthodox Church.