Theodore of Sanaksar was an 18th-century Eastern Orthodox monk, born Ivan Ignatievich Ushakov in the village of Burnakovo. After entering the monastic life at the Alexander Nevsky Lavra in 1748, he was given the name Theodore by Archbishop Feodosy. He eventually moved to the Sarov desert before becoming the leader of the Sanaksar monastery in 1764. He is recognized as a saint for his long monastic service and his role in reviving the Sanaksar community.
Life and service
Born into the Ushakov family, Theodore was the uncle of Admiral Fyodor Ushakov. Following his tonsure, he spent forty-five years living as a monk. In 1764, he assumed leadership of the Sanaksar monastery, where he worked to restore the institution. He passed away in 1791 at the age of seventy-three and was buried near a church he had established.
Veneration
The saint was first recognized locally within the Saransk diocese in 1999. Later, in 2004, the Church Council of the Russian Orthodox Church approved his veneration for the entire church. His relics are kept in the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Mother of God at the Sanaksar monastery. He is commemorated on February 19 and during the feast of the Assembly of Rostov Saints.