Tryphon of Pechenga

Life and missionary work Baptized with the name Mitrofan, he was the son of a priest from the Novgorod region. he felt that he was called by God to proclaim the Gospels to the Sámi. Though he was met with hostility from the pagans, he was effective in convincing many of them to convert to Christianity. His effectiveness is attributed to the fact that he took the time to study their beliefs and languages. After his ordination and tonsure, Tryphon became the leader of the Holy Trinity Monastery on the banks of the Pechenga River. He continued spreading the Gospel to the residents near the river.

Veneration St. Triphon's Brook in Pechenga got its name from Tryphon (1894 painting by Konstantin Korovin).Tryphon died in 1583 at the age of 88 Russian seamen traditionally pray to Tryphon when they are in danger.

Tryphon is relatively unknown in the greater Orthodox traditions, but achieved and maintained popularity among Orthodox Christians in the Lapland Regions. His popularity is often attributed to his skillful blends of Orthodoxy and pagan practices.