Vasily Fyodorovich Starorussky (1818–1871) was a Russian composer and priest known for his contributions to sacred music. Born in 1818, the exact location of his birth remains unknown. He received his education at the Novgorod Theological Seminary, where he also conducted the seminary choir. In 1856, Starorussky was awarded a certificate from the Imperial Court Chapel, recognizing him as a teacher of singing. By 1863, he had become the precentor for the choir of the Novgorod archbishop and also led a private choir for a time.

Despite his active involvement in church music, Starorussky's compositions were not approved by the censor of the Imperial Court Chapel during his lifetime. It was only in the early 20th century that twenty of his works were published. These compositions were heavily influenced by the Italian and German styles prevalent in Russian church music during the era of composers like D. S. Bortniansky and A. F. Lvov. Although his works were considered to have modest artistic qualities, pieces such as "Milost' mira" ("A mercy of peace"), "Ot unosti moyeya" ("From my youth"), and "Mnogaya leta" ("Many years") became staples in the repertoire of church choirs.

Starorussky passed away in 1871 in Novgorod, leaving behind a legacy that would be recognized and appreciated posthumously.