He was born into a wealthy family from
Novgorod. After the death of his parents, he became a
hermit on the
Volkhov and handed all of his inheritance to the poor. He went to live in solitary at Khutyn, where he built a wooden chapel. At this time, he had gained many followers as his reputation for holiness was spreading. So great were their numbers that he founded a monastery, the
Khutyn Monastery, which was dedicated to Christ's transfiguration. He also took the name of Barlaam (Varlaam), and among the benefactors of the monastery was Yaroslav, the prince of Novgorod. Barlaam died on 6 November 1192 or 1193, and his grave became a site for
pilgrimage. Prior to his death, he had nominated a monk by the name of Antony to succeed him. Barlaam's relics were enshrined in 1452 and the Serbian monk
Pachomius wrote about his life. He is commemorated in Russian liturgy when bread and wine is being prepared. ==References==