After completing the Tambov Religious School and then the Theological Seminary, he enrolled in the [[Moscow Theological Academy]], then under the rectorship of Archimandrite [[Anthony (Khrapovitsky) of Kiev|Anthony (Khrapovitsky)]], the future Metropolitan and First Hierarch of the [[ROCOR]]. After completing the Academy, in April 1898, he was tonsured a monk by Bishop Alexander of Tambov with the name Anastasy for St Anastasy of Sinai. On April 23, 1898, he was ordained [[hierodeacon]], and shortly thereafter [[hieromonk]].