The iconography of the Venerable Alexander Oshevensky includes both images in which he is depicted alone and the so-called paired icons. The choice of the second saint was determined in the order received by the icon painter, and could be explained by the similarity of their ministry (for example, the founders of monasteries in the same area were painted together) or spiritual connection. The latter case is illustrated by the presented icon: on the left St. Alexander stands in a prayer, on the right is St. Cyril of Beloozero.

Although Cyril died just a few months after the birth of Alexander (born as Alexei) and the saints never met in their earthly life, their spiritual connection is undeniable for the admirers of the Kargopol wonderworker.

The Father Superior Cyril prayed to the Mother of God for a spiritual heir and She responded: the Virgin told Alexander’s mother that she would give birth to a son who would become a hermit. From childhood, Alexei was prepared to continue his father’s service and was taught literacy and housekeeping. Upon reaching the age of 18, he was to marry. However, he took leave to go on a pilgrimage to the St. Cyril of Beloozero Monastery (White Lake Monastery) and stayed there. Later, in 1453, he took monastic vows. After his novitiate (training) and ordination to the deacon, the abbot of the same monastery blessed the monk to become a hermit.

The hagiography informs that two of Alexander Oshevensky’s nephews wished to take vows. The father of the young men, Ambrose (Amvrosy), was angered by that, and although the issue between the saint and his brother was resolved, both novices abandoned their ascetic aspirations. Worried for his spiritual children, Alexander took ill and prayed to the Lord only while lying down. Cyril of Beloozero appeared to Alexander, blessed him with the cross, promised to pray for his recovery and asked him to remember his vow and stay in the monastery.

The scroll depicted in the displayed image presents the most complete version of Alexander Oshevensky’s deathbed instruction to the brethren: he promises the monastery prosperity and his protection, if only God approves of his deeds.

As evidenced by a recorded vision of one of the monks of the Oshevensky Monastery, Mark, after his death, the Venerable Alexander not only stayed at the monastery himself, but also appeared there together with Nicholas the Wonderworker and Cyril of Beloozero.