Blessed Maximus of Totma, the Fool-for-Christ

Maxim, called Popov in the later records, served as a priest at the Resurrection church in Varnitsy, near the town of Totma in the Vologda land. For about forty-five years he lived as a fool for Christ, an ascetic who takes on the appearance of madness and homelessness. His Life says that he spent his days in prayer and fasting, often unclothed, and took little care of his body. When he was ordained and what led him to this way of life are not known. He died on 16 January 1650 and is remembered among the saints of Vologda.