From Yelets to the theological academies
Born Ivan Alexeyevich Borisov in 1800, Innocent was the son of a priest in Yelets. He completed his studies at the Kyiv Theological Academy in 1823 and began teaching in Saint Petersburg. That same year he became a monk. He returned to Kyiv as rector in 1830, became Bishop of Chigirin in 1836, and later held the sees of Vologda and Kharkov. In 1848 he was appointed Archbishop of Kherson and Taurida. He died in 1857.[2]
The historical biography places three major works in his Saint Petersburg period: lives of Saint Cyprian and Saint Paul, and the account of Christ’s last days. These writings contributed to the award of his doctorate in theology in 1829.[2]
Teaching, publishing, and the Kyiv academy
At Kyiv, Innocent helped make theology accessible through Russian rather than Latin instruction. His reforms extended beyond language: he broadened philosophical teaching, encouraged historical research, and supported the study of preaching. The Orthodox Encyclopedia records his attention to the academy’s library, hospital, accommodation, and students’ food and clothing. Intellectual work and the practical conditions of student life belonged to the same responsibility.[1]
In 1837 he founded the periodical Voskresnoe chtenie, or Sunday Reading. It carried sermons and articles, including unsigned contributions by Innocent. For him, the preacher’s conviction, prayer, and concern for listeners mattered more than elaborate phrasing. His work in education and publishing helped carry religious instruction beyond a single classroom or congregation.[1]
The last days of Christ’s earthly life
The Last Days of the Earthly Life of Jesus Christ follows the movement toward the Passion across the Gospel narratives. Its chapters include the raising of Lazarus, the entry into Jerusalem, the washing of the disciples’ feet, the Last Supper, and Gethsemane. This arrangement gives the work a connected historical and devotional course rather than the form of a verse-by-verse commentary on one Gospel.[3]
At the end of the opening chapter, Innocent explains that understanding the events and forming the reader’s heart belong together. The following chapter contrasts Christ’s resolve with the disciples’ incomplete understanding. It moves through the journey toward Jerusalem, the request of two disciples for prominence, the healing near Jericho, and Zacchaeus. These episodes prepare readers to approach the Passion through the responses of people who encounter Christ.[3]
Our Lent and Holy Week reading guide suggests chapter routes through this book alongside selected homilies. It distinguishes a private reading plan from the Church’s appointed readings and follows the scope of Innocent’s narrative through the sealed tomb.
Preaching about death with fear and hope
In the opening address of Discourses on Death, Innocent states two aims: an awareness of mortality that checks sinful habits, and Christian hope that resists despair. The sermon addresses both the fear of bodily decay and the confidence of a life shaped by faith. His language of judgement is therefore accompanied by a concern to console.[4]
A later address asks what Christ has changed about death. Innocent answers through the resurrection: the separation of soul and body will not last forever, the dead will rise, and death itself will be overcome. Read together, these addresses show the movement of his preaching from the reality of human mortality toward the Christian promise of life.[4]
Books and where to begin
Begin with The Last Days of the Earthly Life of Jesus Christ for a connected reading centered on the Passion. Choose the sermon collection for shorter readings on repentance and the last things. The product pages identify the editions and current purchase options.
Related authors and places
For another Russian bishop whose teaching addresses conscience and daily conduct, see Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk. Saint John of Kronstadt provides a later setting in which preaching and personal spiritual reflection stand close together.