Our Venerable Father Makarios of Zheltovod and Unzha was born in 1349 in Nizhni-Novgorod to a pious family. At age twelve, he left home to become a monk at the Ascension Monastery of the Caves under Saint Dionysios. Known for his strict asceticism, he soon gained a reputation for holiness. When the attention became burdensome, he retreated to the banks of the Volga River near Yellow Waters, eventually founding the Makariev-Trinity Monastery in 1435. He preached to the local Cheremis, Chuvash, and Finnish peoples, converting many and baptizing them in nearby lakes. Captured by the Kazan Tatars in 1439, he was released along with 400 Christians due to his reputation for holiness.

Following this, he led the freed captives through the forest and settled near Lake Unzha, where he founded another monastery. Saint Makarios reposed at the age of 95, and his relics became a source of numerous miracles and healings. After his death, he appeared in visions, including one that miraculously rescued a kidnapped bride. The monastery he founded flourished, and in 1522 and 1532, his intercessions were credited with saving people from Tatar invasions. Saint Makarios is commemorated on July 25, the day of his repose, and October 12, the uncovering of his relics.

Troparion — Tone 5

Today your city of Galich praises you, for within its boundaries you shone as a great sun; / and by your miracles, O Venerable Makarios, you have illumined all things. / Now pray to the Lord that our souls may be delivered from the temptations of the Enemy, / and that your city may be protected from the invasion of pagans.

Kontakion — Tone 2

You appeared as a second Moses, O Venerable one, for he divided the sea with his staff, / and you conquered the passions like Amalek, passing through the impenetrable wilderness with an untroubled mind. / There, by your prayers, you worked great miracles, feeding hungry people to satiety. / Now pray to the Lord to give consolation to all those in sorrow, O ever-memorable Father Makarios, / and to the region of Galich, and praise and affirmation to all the Russian land.