Barlaam or Varlaam of Khutyn (secular name: Aleksa or Aleksy; died 13 November 1192/1193) was a Russian Orthodox hegumen and saint who founded the Khutyn Monastery.

Life

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.