Ioann Olenyevsky, in the world Ivan Vasilyevich Kalinin, was born on September 11, 1854, in Olenyevka, Penza Province, and died on August 6, 1951, in Solovtsovka, Penza Region. He was a confessor and one of the most revered ascetics of the Penza land. On December 27, 2000, the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church canonized Ioann Olenyevsky as part of the Assembly of New Martyrs and Confessors of the Russian Church of the 20th century.

Ioann was born to a peasant woman, Ksenia Ivanovna Kalinina. His father's name is unknown, and he likely received his patronymic from his godfather, his uncle Vasily Ivanovich Kalinin. He graduated from the zemstvo school in Olenyevka. From childhood, Ioann led a spiritual life, was strict in prayers and fasting, did not consume fish or meat, slept little in uncomfortable conditions, and avoided sweets. Ksenia's father expelled her and the child from the house, but later built a cell for them near the village church. After becoming an orphan at an early age, Ioann lived with relatives, engaged in sewing and knitting, served at the altar, and worked as a psalmist in the church.

In 1920, Ioann Olenyevsky was ordained as a deacon by Bishop Ioann (Pommer) of Penza and Saransk at the Penza Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery. His diaconate was unique in the history of the Church, as he performed pastoral duties without being a priest. Even bishops sought his counsel. He became a priest on September 2, 1946, after 26 years as a deacon.

During his lifetime, Ioann was known as a holy man, a helper and comforter, possessing the gift of insight and miracle-working. People of various professions and nationalities turned to him for help and advice, and many came to faith after meeting him. His life mentions gifts of spiritual guidance, prophecy, healing, discernment of spirits, and distant vision. Despite poor health and government prohibitions, he received visitors daily.

Ioann Olenyevsky faced multiple arrests and persecutions for his religious activities. In 1924, a slanderous campaign was organized against him, after which he lost his home and was forced to live with relatives or spiritual children. He was first arrested on April 8, 1932, on charges of counter-revolutionary activities. On May 14, 1932, he was sentenced to exile but was soon released under a pledge not to leave. In 1934, he was detained again but was soon released due to illness and age. In 1936, he was arrested based on a denunciation, but after a trial in 1937, the sentence was overturned, and Ioann was released.