German of Solovki was a 15th-century Russian hermit and monk who played a central role in establishing the Solovetsky Monastery. Born in Totma, he sought solitude and traveled to the remote Solovetsky Islands around 1429 with a monk named Sabbatius. After several decades of living as a hermit on the islands, he later joined Zosima to help found the monastic community. He spent much of his life in isolation before eventually returning to the mainland, where he died in Veliky Novgorod in 1479.
Monastic life
Seeking to avoid crowds, German lived for approximately fifty years in the desolate Solovetsky Islands. Following the death of his companion Sabbatius, he briefly returned to the continent before reuniting with Zosima. Together, they returned to the islands, where the Solovetsky Monastery was eventually established. After Zosima's death, the new leader, Arseniy, sent German to Novgorod, where he passed away later that year.
Veneration
The Russian Orthodox Church has recognized him as a saint since 1692. Although he was initially buried near the Svir River, his remains were transferred to the Solovetsky Monastery in 1484. He is commemorated on July 30 and August 21, the latter date marking the translation of his relics.