Saint Job (in the world John), the first patriarch of Moscow and all Rus', was born in the second quarter of the 16th century in the ancient Russian city of Staritsa into a family of pious townspeople. As a child, John was taught to read and write by the abbot of the Assumption Staritsky Monastery, Archimandrite Herman. The youth loved to read the Holy Scriptures and, having excellent memory, knew some Bible texts by heart. Monastic upbringing aroused in him the desire to serve God in a monastic image. Around 1553, when John graduated from the monastery, his father wanted to marry him. On the day of the wedding, the young man asked his parents to go to the monastery for a conversation with the spiritual elder. Arriving at Archimandrite Herman, he begged the elder to tonsure him into monasticism.
In 1571, Saint Job was appointed rector of the Simon Monastery in Moscow. He diligently fulfilled the obedience entrusted to him. As the rector of one of the most important monasteries of that time, Saint Job took part in the affairs of the Russian Church, and often the state. In 1572, and later in other years, he was a participant in Church Councils. In 1575, Saint Job was appointed rector of the Novospassky Monastery and headed the ancient Moscow monastery for six years.
In 1581, Archimandrite Job was consecrated Bishop of Kolomna, and in 1586 he was moved to the ancient Rostov see with elevation to the rank of archbishop; in December 1587, by the Council of Bishops, he was appointed High Priest of the Russian Church —, Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia.
At the beginning of 1589, with the blessing and personal participation of Patriarch Jeremiah II of Constantinople, Metropolitan Job in the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin was appointed Patriarch — as the first Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. The Russian government, archpastors and the entire people happily accepted this significant event in the history of Rus. The canonical subordination of the Russian Church of Constantinople was abolished.
In 1590, at the Council of Eastern Hierarchs, the canonical independence of the Russian Church was also approved. Patriarchs Jeremiah of Constantinople, Joachim of Antioch, Sophrony of Jerusalem, metropolitans, archbishops and bishops present at the Council determined the Russian Patriarch fifth place in the diptych of the Patriarchs — after Jerusalem. This decision was confirmed at the Council of 1593.
The main goal of all the activities of Patriarch Job was to strengthen Orthodoxy and the spiritual power of the Russian Church in Russia. Saint Job diligently improved church life. He led a number of measures aimed at strengthening discipline among clergy, improving their morality and maintaining deanery in churches. Many of the saint’s works were aimed at the spiritual development of the people, the dissemination of Holy Scripture and patristic books.
Particularly important was the printing of liturgical books begun by the saint, which were in short supply everywhere, especially in the newly consecrated lands of — in Kazan, Astrakhan, and Siberia. With the blessing of St. Job, the Lenten Triodion (1589), the Colored Triodion (1591), Oktoih (1594), the Common Minea (1600), the Official of the Bishops' Ministry (1600) and the Servant (1602) were published for the first time. The saint also took some measures to correct existing inaccuracies in liturgical books. By comparing ancient lists, he selected the best ones as a model for printing. Patriarch Job was the first to put the work of printing on a broad basis.
During the difficult times of state turmoil in the early 17th century, Saint Job retained his true Christian patience, fearlessness and courage. In an effort to stop the actions of False Dmitry, he sent patriotic appeals to Russian regiments, boyars and governors. Amid the general confusion of the people, St. Job remained strong in spirit and sought to introduce organization in an unstable environment. After the death of Boris Godunov, he was the first to express loyalty to the Dowager Queen Mary and her children. The boyars and all residents of Moscow swore allegiance to him. However, not everyone supported the saint.
After some time, False Dmitry captured Moscow. The High Priest and prayer book for the entire Russian people, Saint Job fearlessly denounced the destroyers of the state order who brought disorder to the Church of God. He spent most of his time in prayer in the Assumption Cathedral. One day, during the Divine Liturgy, supporters of False Dmitry took the saint out of the cathedral in disgrace and led him to the Execution Place, dishonored and beat him along the way. After some time, Saint Job, exhausted, was put on a cart in a simple black cassock and taken to the Assumption Staritsky Monastery in captivity.
Saint Job lived in the monastery for two years. Weakened and having lost his sight, he spent all his time in prayer. After the overthrow of False Dmitry, Saint Job could not return to the throne due to weakness. In his place he blessed Metropolitan Hermogenes of Kazan. Saint Job was distinguished by deep, pure faith, love for neighbors and the Fatherland, the affirmation and defense of Orthodoxy, and the sacrificial service of the Church of Christ, confirmed by his confession.
Saint Job died peacefully in 1607 and was buried at the western doors of the Assumption Cathedral of the Staritsky Monastery. Subsequently, a chapel was built over the saint's grave. In 1652, under Patriarch Joseph (1642-1652), the incorruptible and fragrant relics of St. Job were transferred to Moscow and laid near the tomb of Patriarch Joasaph (1634-1640). Healings came from the relics of St. Job.
For all-Russian veneration, Saint Job was canonized at the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church in 1989.