After the cruel executions and pogroms committed in Novgorod in 1570 the Tsar accompanied by his retainers was on his way to Pskov. On a Saturday, of the second week of Lent he stayed for a night in Lyubyatovo, in the Nikolsky Monastery on the bank of the Pskova River. The next morning, to the order of the Mayor of Pskov, Prince Yuri Tokmakov, male townspeople with their wives and children laid the tables in front of their houses and kneeled to welcome their tsar with bread and salt. A legend states that Nicholas rode a wooden stick back to the tsar, constantly repeating: "Ivanushko, Ivanushko, have bread and salt, not Christian blood!" The tsar ordered to seize him but the blessed turned invisible. The stunned tsar let mercy season justice. Having visited St. Trinity Cathedral he came to see blessed Nicholas in his cell. Nicholas blamed the tzar for being so cruel. The legend says that Nicholas offered a piece of raw meat to the tsar. The tsar refused: "I'm a Christian. I don't eat meat during Lent". Then Nicholas replied: " You do much worse - you feed yourself with human flesh and blood. You forgot Lent and Our Lord!" He predicted misfortunes for the tsar and the last left the city immediately. His retainers robbed rich houses and destroyed monastic treasures but soon Ivan the Terrible returned to Moscow and his servants followed him. Pskov was left in peace.
