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Obituary of Sergius of Radonezh. Venerable Sergius of Radonezh

SERGIUS OF RADONEZH

Born on May 3, 1314 in a village in the vicinity of Rostov the Great. At birth he was named Bartholomew (he received the name Sergius later when he was tonsured as a monk).

St. Sergius of Radonezh. Paintings by Nicholas Roerich.

Varnitsa is the birthplace of Sergius of Radonezh.






Trinity-Sergius Varnitsky Monastery

Bartholomew's parents - boyars Kirill and Maria Ivanchin - were known as simple people, despite their wealth and noble family. Very often wanderers and beggars stayed in their house. Then late into the night there were conversations about God, faith, and what interesting things had happened in the world.


St. St. Kirill and Maria. Painting of the Ascension Church on Gorodok (Pavlov Posad)

Bartholomew was a gentle, affectionate and shy child. He was not good at reading and writing at all, and this circumstance was the reason for ridicule from other children. In such cases, Bartholomew went aside and could not object.

In the evenings it was customary for their family to read Holy Bible, everyone did this in turn, except Bartholomew. And then one day a monk passing by the village stopped for the night. In the evening, as usual, after dinner, the whole family gathered in the large hall and began to read the Gospel of John. After reading a little, the children passed the Scripture to each other until it was Bartholomew’s turn. “Why don’t you read?” - the monk asked the child. “I don’t know how,” the boy answered timidly. “You will read. Take the book in your hands!” The monk handed the embarrassed Bartholomew a book and put his hand on the child’s head.


Youth Bartholomew and the monk. Nesterov M.V.

Due to Tatar raids and internecine wars, Bartholomew’s father and his family moved to village of Radonezhskoe seventy miles from Moscow. This happened in 1330. Bartholomew's parents and brother Stepan became monks in Khotkovsky Monastery .




Khotkovsky Convent

To Bartholomew himself, life in the monastery seemed too vain, so he persuaded his brother to go together into a remote thicket and create a monastery for themselves there in 1337.

On the site of the future Trinity-Sergius Lavra, they built a chapel and a cell and began to live in all alone. Unable to withstand too harsh and ascetic lifestyle, Stefan soon left for Moscow Epiphany Monastery, where he later became abbot. Bartholomew, left completely alone, called upon a certain abbot Mitrofan and received tonsure from him under the name Sergius, since on that day the memory of the martyrs Sergius and Bacchus was celebrated.
Having performed the rite of tonsure, Mitrofan introduced Sergius to St. Tyne. Sergius spent seven days without leaving his “church”, prayed, did not “eat” anything except the prosphora that Mitrofan gave. And when the time came for Mitrofan to leave, he asked for his blessing for his desert life.
The abbot supported him and calmed him down as much as he could. And the young monk remained alone among his gloomy forests.

Life alone suited him; he read and prayed a lot. Yes, Sergius did not feel lonely, the forest world was full of life - there a squirrel jumped from branch to branch, there a hare went hunting for a mouse, and a fox ran after him, hundreds of birds chirped from morning until late evening. different voices. Sergius fed the birds and two squirrels, and they completely stopped being afraid of man and began to take food directly from his hands.
Not far from his cell there was a whole plantation with wild berries; the young monk collected the berries and dried them for a long time. cold winter. One day, having heard a noise from the opposite side of the clearing, Sergius looked closely and saw a wild bear among the bushes.


The youth of St. Sergius. Nesterov M.V.

Neither man nor animal was in a hurry to give up their occupation. The animal occasionally rose on its hind legs, as if listening, but did not leave.

The next day the same thing happened again, and the day after that the bear, when Sergius went home, wandered after the man, keeping a short distance from him. And now, wherever Sergius went, he relentlessly walked behind him, as if guarding him.

Sergius lived alone for about three years. But no matter how lonely the monk was at this time, there were rumors about his desert life. And then people began to appear, asking to be taken in and saved together. Sergius dissuaded. He pointed out the difficulty of life, the hardships associated with it. Stefan's example was still alive for him. Still, he gave in. And he accepted several... And soon there were twelve of them.

Twelve cells were built. They surrounded it with a fence for protection from animals. The cells stood under huge pine and spruce trees. The stumps of freshly cut down trees stuck out. Between them the brothers planted their modest vegetable garden. They lived quietly and harshly.
The territory of the monastery was divided into three parts - residential, public and defensive.

Sergius led by example in everything. He himself chopped down cells, carried logs, carried water in two water carriers up the mountain, ground with hand millstones, baked bread, cooked food, cut and sewed clothes. And he was probably an excellent carpenter now. In summer and winter he wore the same clothes, neither the frost nor the heat bothered him. Physically, despite the meager food, he was very strong, “he had the strength against two people.”
He was the first to attend the services.


Works of St. Sergius. Nesterov M.V.

At first the abbot of the monastery was Abbot Mitrofan, who tonsured Sergius a monk. After the death of Mitrofan, the abbot of the monastery, the brethren wanted Sergius to become abbot. But he refused.
“The desire for abbess,” he said, “is the beginning and root of the lust for power.”
But the brethren insisted. Several times the elders “attacked” him, persuaded him, convinced him. Sergius himself founded the hermitage, he himself built the church; who should be the abbot and perform the liturgy?
The insistence almost turned into threats: the brethren declared that if there was no abbot, everyone would disperse. Then Sergius, exercising his usual sense of proportion, yielded, but also relatively.
“I wish,” he said, “it’s better to study than to teach; It is better to obey than to command; but I am afraid of God's judgment; I don’t know what pleases God; the holy will of the Lord be done!
And he decided not to argue - to transfer the matter to the discretion of the church authorities.

Metropolitan Alexy was not in Moscow at that time. Sergius and the two eldest of the brethren went on foot to his deputy, Bishop Athanasius, in Pereslavl-Zalessky.
Sergius returned with a clear instruction from the Church - to educate and lead his desolate family. He got busy with it. But he didn’t change his own life as abbess at all: he rolled the candles himself, cooked the kutya, prepared the prosphora, and ground the wheat for them.
In 1344, thirty-year-old Sergius received the rank of abbot.

In 1355, a new communal charter was introduced in the monastery.
He worked non-stop - he carried water from the spring, chopped wood for all the monks, and plowed “like a bought slave.” At the same time, he ate only bread and water, and had the strength of two.
When there was no food at all, Sergius, taking an ax, went and worked in a neighboring village - he built a canopy for someone, a house for someone, often the payment for his work was a piece of bread.
In this way he set an example of tolerance and obedience. Sergius forbade his monks to beg in neighboring villages, believing that it was better to earn food than to beg.
We had to walk a long way to get water, and the way back was uphill, which took a lot of time and effort. And then Sergius noticed that after the rain in one place the water did not dry out for a long time, he prayed, took a pickaxe in his hands and struck several times in this place. A spring of holy water gushed out of the ground, which is still in use today.
By the way, the water in this source has a completely different taste, depending on when you collect it. If you pick it before sunrise, it tastes sweet, after sunset it tastes bitter, and during the day it tastes like neither one nor the other. And the taste does not change, no matter how long the water sits, no matter where it is or in what container.

In the fifties, Archimandrite Simon from the Smolensk region came to him, having heard about his holy life. Simon was the first to bring funds to the monastery. They made it possible to build a new, larger Church of the Holy Trinity.
From then on, the number of novices began to grow. They began to arrange the cells in some order. Sergius' activities expanded. Sergius did not tonsure his hair right away. I observed and studied closely the spiritual development of the newcomer.
Despite the construction new church, to increase the number of monks, the monastery is increasingly strict and poor. Everyone exists on our own, there is no common meal, pantries, barns. It was customary for a monk to spend time in his cell either in prayer, or thinking about his sins, checking his behavior, or reading the Holy Scripture. books, rewriting them, icon painting - but not in conversations.

Sergius Monastery continued to be the poorest. Often there was not enough necessary things: wine for the liturgy, wax for candles, lamp oil... The liturgy was sometimes postponed. Instead of candles there are torches. Often there was not a handful of flour, bread, or salt, not to mention seasonings - butter, etc.
During one of the attacks of need, there were dissatisfied people in the monastery. We starved for two days and began to grumble.
“Here,” the monk said to the monk on behalf of everyone, “we looked at you and obeyed, but now we have to die of hunger, because you forbid us to go out into the world to ask for alms.” We’ll wait another day, and tomorrow we’ll all leave here and never come back: we can’t bear such poverty, such rotten bread.

Sergius addressed the brethren with an admonition. But before he had time to finish it, a knock was heard at the monastery gates; The gatekeeper saw through the window that they had brought a lot of bread. He himself was very hungry, but still ran to Sergius.
- Father, they brought a lot of bread, bless you to accept it. Here, according to your holy prayers, they are at the gate.

Sergius blessed, and several carts loaded with baked bread, fish and various foodstuffs entered the monastery gates. Sergius rejoiced and said:
- Well, you hungry ones, feed our breadwinners, invite them to share a common meal with us.

He ordered everyone to hit the beater and go to church to serve thanksgiving prayer. And only after the prayer service he blessed us to sit down for a meal. The bread turned out to be warm and soft, as if it had just come out of the oven.


Trinity-Sergius Lavra. Lissner E.

Soon a blind monk settled in the monastery, and Sergius began to treat him with water from the spring and prayer. The monk has received his sight!!! And the glory of miraculous healing spread far beyond the borders of nearby villages.
Those in need of help reached out to Sergius from everywhere, and he began to heal people from many diseases. One day a lifeless boy was brought to him; his parents, distraught with grief, asked him to return their son to them. Sergius was able to help a child who fell into a coma from a high fever and fell into a lethargic sleep.

Sergius sewed himself a cassock from simple fabric and walked around in it until the fabric turned into rags, setting an example of modesty. Other monks wore clothes much richer than those of their abbot, and for this many pilgrims did not recognize Sergius as the leader.

The Bishop of Constantinople - a Greek - did not believe that there could be such holy people in Russia. He decided to see for himself whether this was so.
But the bishop chose the path of deception - which Saint Sergius did not like. The Greek dressed his escort in his own clothes, thereby deciding to test Sergius, who not only now treated people, but could also read human thoughts and foresee the future.
When the retinue began to approach the Sergius Monastery, the bishop’s eyes suddenly began to water and burn terribly; the last meters of the journey were terribly painful. Sergius immediately learned about the substitution and pointed it out to the bishop. By laying on hands, the saint relieved the pain of the arriving guest, and he was able to open his eyes.

One rich man took a pork carcass from a poor man. When Sergius tried to persuade him to return the carcass, he refused. And when the rich man looked at this carcass in the morning, he saw that worms were eating it, although there was severe frost outside and the carcass was all frozen.

The monk wanted a stricter order, closer to the early Christian community. Everyone is equal and everyone is equally poor. Nobody has anything. The monastery lives as a community.
The innovation expanded and complicated the activities of Sergius. It was necessary to build new buildings - a refectory, a bakery, storerooms, barns, housekeeping, etc. Previously, his leadership was only spiritual - the monks went to him as a confessor, for confession, for support and guidance.
Everyone capable of work had to work. Private property is strictly prohibited.
To manage the increasingly complex community, Sergius chose assistants and distributed responsibilities among them. The first person after the abbot was considered the cellarer. This position was first established in Russian monasteries by St. Theodosius of Pechersk. The cellarer was in charge of the treasury, deanery and household management - not only inside the monastery. When the estates appeared, he was in charge of their life. Rules and court cases.
Already under Sergius, apparently, there was its own arable farming - there are arable fields around the monastery, partly they are cultivated by monks, partly by hired peasants, partly by those who want to work for the monastery. So the cellarer has a lot of worries.
One of the first cellars of the Lavra was, later, the abbot.


Rev. Savva Storozhevsky

The most experienced in spiritual life was appointed as confessor. He is the confessor of the brethren. Savva Storozhevsky, founder of the monastery near Zvenigorod, was one of the first confessors. Later this position was given to Epiphanius, the biographer of Sergius.

The ecclesiarch kept order in the church. Lesser positions: para-ecclesiarch - kept the church clean, canonarch - led “choir obedience” and kept the liturgical books.
This is how they lived and worked in the monastery of Sergius, now famous, with roads built to it, where they could stop and stay for a while - whether for ordinary people or for the prince.

According to the chronicle sources of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, in 1358 the Monk Sergius of Radonezh left the Trinity Monastery for a while and set off on a journey in search of a place to build a new monastery. He met with Abbot Stephen and took the monk Simon as his companion. After long wanderings, the travelers stopped at the high left bank of the Kirzhach River.

After some time, his students came to Sergius’s new place of residence. The brethren built cells and wooden church in honor of the Annunciation Holy Mother of God. Having lived in the monastery on Kirzhach for four years, Sergius of Radonezh returned to the Trinity Monastery, leaving as abbot his disciple, the Rev. Hieromonk Roman, who was engaged in the improvement of the Kirzhach monastery until his death - until 1392. Roman Kirzhachsky , canonized by the Church, is considered the first abbot of the monastery.

The monastery, which originally existed as a men's monastery, was under the jurisdiction of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. In the 16th century, on the site of the wooden Annunciation Church, a stone temple, and also a refectory church was erected, consecrated in honor of Sergius of Radonezh.


Annunciation Cathedral in Kirzhach

In 1656, behind the altar of the Annunciation Church, boyar Ivan Andreevich Miloslavsky built the Spasskaya Church with a bell tower over the graves of his parents. Subsequently, this place became the family tomb of the Miloslavskys. Archival documents indicate that in the Middle Ages the monastery was surrounded by a stone fence, behind which on the north side there was a chapel over a well dug by Sergius of Radonezh.
See the Holy Annunciation Kirzhach Convent.

Sergius constantly reconciled the Russian princes, who were waging internecine wars, with each other.
On August 18, 1380, Dimitry Donskoy with Prince Vladimir of Serpukhov, princes of other regions and governors arrived at the Lavra.
The prayer service began. During the service, messengers arrived - the war was going on in the Lavra - they reported on the movement of the enemy, and warned them to hurry up. Sergius begged Dimitri to stay for the meal. Here he told him:
- The time has not yet come for you to wear the crown of victory with eternal sleep; but many, countless of your collaborators are woven with martyr’s wreaths.
After the meal, the monk blessed the prince and his entire retinue, sprinkled St. water.
- Go, don't be afraid. God will help you.
And, leaning down, he whispered in his ear: “You will win.”
There is something majestic, with a tragic connotation, in the fact that Sergius gave two monks-schema monks as assistants to Prince Sergius: Peresvet and Oslyabya. They were warriors in the world and went against the Tatars without helmets or armor - in the image of a schema, with white crosses on monastic clothes. Obviously, this gave Demetrius’s army a sacred crusader appearance.
On the 20th, Dmitry was already in Kolomna. On the 26th-27th, the Russians crossed the Oka and advanced towards the Don through Ryazan land. It was reached on September 6th. And they hesitated. Should we wait for the Tatars or cross over?
The older, experienced governors suggested: we should wait here. Mamai is strong, and Lithuania and Prince Oleg Ryazansky are with him. Dimitri, contrary to advice, crossed the Don. The way back was cut off, which means everything is forward, victory or death.

Sergius was also in the highest spirit these days. And in time he sent a letter after the prince: “Go, sir, go forward, God and the Holy Trinity will help!”
September 8th, 1380!

According to legend, Peresvet, who had long been ready for death, jumped out at the call of the Tatar hero, and, having grappled with Chelubey, struck him, he himself fell. A general battle began, on a gigantic front of ten miles at that time. Sergius correctly said: “Many are woven with martyr’s wreaths.” There were a lot of them intertwined.
During these hours the monk prayed with the brethren in his church. He talked about the progress of the battle. He named the fallen and read funeral prayers. And at the end he said: “We won.”

After this victory, Sergius of Radonezh began to be considered the patron of the Russian army.

On September 25, 1392, in the seventy-eighth year of his life, Saint Sergius of Radonezh passed away.


Icon - the discovery of the relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh

The Cancer with his incorruptible relics is now in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, founded by him. Miracles of healing occur at the relics of the saint.


Cancer with the relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh in the Trinity Cathedral

Trinity Cathedral

Cancer with the relics of St. Sergius

Having received a label for the great reign in the Horde in 1432, Prince Vasily II came on a pilgrimage “to the Trinity,” thereby laying the foundation for the tradition of “sovereign pilgrimages.” Since then, every single Russian crown-bearer has prayed at the shrine of St. Sergius for the well-being of the Fatherland entrusted to them by God.

The Monk Sergius of Radonezh lived to a ripe old age. Six months before his death, foreseeing his imminent death, the holy abbot entrusted the monastery to the management of his disciple Nikon, and he himself surrendered to complete silence. In September 1392, he became seriously ill, called the brethren and commanded them to love each other unfeignedly, maintain unity of mind, purity of soul and body, and learn humility. Just before his death, on September 25, the saint took communion and gave up his soul to the Lord. Immediately the cell was filled with fragrance, and the face of the God-bearing elder shone with a wondrous light.

The orphaned disciples buried the righteous man in the Trinity Church. The Monk Nikon of Radonezh, “the perfect disciple of the perfect teacher,” became the abbot of the monastery. Under him, the monastery, burned during the Edigeevo invasion, was literally reborn from the ashes. On September 25, 1412, on the day of memory of St. Sergius, the wooden Trinity Cathedral was consecrated. Ten years later, on July 5, 1422, while digging ditches for the foundation of a new stone cathedral, the holy relics of St. Sergius were discovered. When they opened the coffin, a fragrance spread around and everyone saw that decay had not touched not only the body, but also the vestments of the saint. The holy relics were placed in a shrine and placed in the Trinity Church.

At the burial site of the saint, skillful architects built a beautiful white-stone Trinity Cathedral, for the painting of which Daniil Cherny and Andrei Rublev were called from the Spaso-Andronikov Monastery. Rublev painted here his famous temple image of the Holy Trinity - one of the most revered miraculous icons in Rus'.
After the consecration of the new Trinity Cathedral, the holy relics of the founder of the monastery were transferred there. The glory of the Trinity-Sergius Monastery attracted powerful pilgrims and benefactors. Less than half a century had passed since the death of Sergius, and the monastery had already become the main shrine of the Moscow principality.
In 1737, Empress Anna Ioannovna built a magnificent silver canopy on four pillars over the shrine, which cost more than 25 pounds of silver.
At the saint's shrine there were icons of his “praying”, that is, cell icons - the Mother of God Hodegetria and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The priestly robe, stole, armbands, wooden staff, schematic lectern, knife with vagina and spoon were also kept here.


Sergius of Radonezh. Fragment of the cover of Holy relics. 1420s

Sergius of Radonezh provides heavenly patronage to people born on October 8 (new century). Male babies at this time can be called Sergei.
Sergius of Radonezh is asked for help in difficult teachings, for deliverance from pride.

Memory

July 5/18 - memory of St. Sergius, abbot of Radonezh, wonderworker of all Russia,
October 8 - discovery of honest relics (1422),
June 23/July 6 at ,
- in the Cathedral of Radonezh Saints.


Church in the name of Sergius of Radonezh in Murom


Temple-monument to Sergius of Radonezh on the Kulikovo Field

Nizhny Tagil, Ural, Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh

Prayers to St. Sergius of Radonezh

First prayer

O sacred head, Reverend and God-bearing Father Sergius, by your prayer, and faith, and love, even for God, and the purity of your heart, you have established your soul on earth in the monastery of the Most Holy Trinity, and been granted angelic communion and the visitation of the Most Holy Theotokos, and the gift received miraculous grace, after your departure from earthly people, you drew closer to God, and partook of the Heavenly Powers, but also did not retreat from us with the spirit of your love and your honest power, like a vessel of grace full and overflowing, left to us! Having great boldness towards the All-Merciful Master, pray for the salvation of His servants, His grace existing in you, believing and flowing to you with love. Ask us from our great-gifted God every gift that is beneficial to everyone, observance of the immaculate faith, establishment of our cities, peace, deliverance from famine and destruction, preservation from the invasion of foreigners, consolation for the afflicted, healing for the sick, restoration for the fallen, for those who go astray on the path of truth and return of salvation, strengthening for those who strive, prosperity and blessing for those who do good in good deeds, education for infants, instruction for the young, admonition for the ignorant, intercession for orphans and widows, departing from this temporary life for the eternal, good preparation and guidance, blessed rest for those who have departed, and all of us are helped by your prayers vouchsafe on the day of the Last Judgment to be delivered from this part, and to be part of the right hand of the country and to hear the blessed voice of the Lord Christ: come, blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Amen.

Second prayer

O sacred head, Reverend Father, Most Blessed Abvo Sergius the Great! Do not completely forget your poor, but remember us in your holy and auspicious prayers to God. Remember your flock If you yourself have been saved, do not forget to visit your children. Pray for us, holy father, for your spiritual children, as if you have boldness towards the Heavenly King, do not remain silent for us to the Lord and do not despise us, who honor you with faith and love. Remember us, unworthy, at the Throne of the Almighty and do not stop praying for us to Christ God, for you have been given the grace to pray for us. We do not imagine that you are dead, even though you have passed away from us in body, but even after death you remain alive. Do not retreat from us in spirit, keeping us from the arrows of the enemy, and all the charms of the demonic, and the snares of the devil, our good shepherd; Even though your relics are always visible before our eyes, your holy soul is with the angelic hosts, with the disembodied faces, with By Heavenly Forces, those who stand at the Throne of the Almighty, are having fun with dignity. Knowing that you are truly and alive after death, we fall down to you and we pray to you, to pray for us to the Almighty God for the benefit of our souls, and to ask for time for repentance, and for the unrestrained transition from earth to Heaven, the bitter ordeals of demons, air princes and be freed from eternal torment, and be an heir to the Kingdom of Heaven with all the righteous who have pleased our Lord Jesus Christ from all eternity. To Him belongs all glory, honor and worship, together with His Beginning Father, and with His Most Holy, and Good, and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer three

O heavenly citizen of Jerusalem, Reverend Father Sergius! Look upon us graciously and lead those who are devoted to the earth to the heights of heaven. You are a mountain in Heaven; We on earth, below, are removed from you, not only by place, but by our sins and iniquities; but to you, as our kin, we resort and cry: teach us to walk in your way, enlighten us and guide us. It is characteristic of you, Our Father, to be compassionate and to love mankind: living on earth, you should not only care about your own salvation, but also about all those who come to you. Your instructions were the reed of a scribe, a cursive writer, inscribing the verbs of life on everyone’s heart. You did not only heal bodily illnesses, but more than spiritual ones, an elegant physician appeared, and your whole holy life was a mirror of all virtues. Even though you were so holy, more holy than God, on earth: how much are you now in Heaven! Today you stand before the Throne of the Unapproachable Light, and in it, like in a mirror, see all our needs and petitions; You are together with the Angels, rejoicing over the one sinner who repents. And God’s love for mankind is inexhaustible, and your boldness towards Him is great: do not stop crying to the Lord for us. Through your intercession, ask our All-Merciful God for the peace of His Church, under the sign of the militant Cross, agreement in faith and unity of wisdom, destruction of vanity and schism, affirmation in good deeds, healing for the sick, consolation for the sad, intercession for the offended, help for the needy. Do not disgrace us, who come to you with faith. Even though you are unworthy of such a father and intercessor, you, an imitator of God’s love for mankind, made us worthy by turning from evil deeds to good living. All God-enlightened Russia, filled with your miracles and blessed by your mercies, confesses you to be their patron and intercessor. Show your ancient mercies, and those whom you helped your father, do not reject us, their children, who are marching towards you in their footsteps. We believe that you are present with us in spirit. Where the Lord is, as His word teaches us, there His servant will be. You are a faithful servant of the Lord, and I exist everywhere with God, you are in Him, and He is in you, and moreover, you are with us in body. Behold your incorruptible and life-giving relics, like a priceless treasure, may God grant us miracles. Above them, as I live for you, we fall down and pray: accept our prayers and offer them on the altar of God’s mercy, so that we may receive grace from you and timely help in our needs. Strengthen us, the faint-hearted, and confirm us in the faith, so that we undoubtedly hope to receive all the good things from the mercy of the Master through your prayers. Do not cease to rule your spiritual flock, gathered by you, with the rod of spiritual wisdom: help those who struggle, raise up the weakened, hasten to bear the yoke of Christ in complacency and patience, and guide us all in peace and repentance, end our lives and settle with hope in the blessed bosom of Abraham, where you now rest joyfully after your labors and struggles, glorifying with all the saints God, glorified in the Trinity, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.


Venerable Sergius of Radonezh the Wonderworker
Tikhomirov V.A. Wood, gesso, tempera, varnish

CATHEDRAL OF RADONEZH SAINTS

The history of the establishment of the Council of Radonezh Saints dates back to the middle. XVII century It was at that time that the first lists of the disciples of St. Sergius of Radonezh were restored, and the “Canon of prayer by our Reverend and God-bearing Father to Abbot Sergius and his disciple Nikon, miracle workers” was printed. The icon of the Council of Radonezh Saints was painted around the same time.
Subsequent events in the establishment of the Council of Radonezh Saints are associated with the name of Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow. In 1843, the abbot of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, Archimandrite Anthony, with the blessing and under the supervision of Metropolitan Philaret, established a dormitory branch of the Lavra - the Gethsemane monastery. On September 27, 1853, a refectory church in the monastery was consecrated in the name of St. Sergius and Nikon of Radonezh. TO summer holiday The discovery of the relics of St. Sergius (July 18, new style) was compiled “Service by our Rev. Father Sergius and Nikon, Radonezh miracle workers. In their temple, in the monastery of Gethsemane.” During the XIV–XX centuries. The Patericon of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra was formed, which includes more than seventy-five saints of God, including relatives, disciples and interlocutors of St. Sergius, holy monks of the Trinity-Sergius monastery. On June 11, 1981, the abbot of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, Archimandrite Jerome, consecrated a new chapel in honor of the Council of Radonezh Saints, built in the northern part of the church in honor of All Saints who shone in the Russian land, which is under the Assumption Cathedral of the monastery.
By blessing His Holiness Patriarch Moscow and all Rus' Pimen established the celebration of the Council of Radonezh Saints on the day after the holiday in honor of the discovery of the relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh - July 19.
On July 19, 1981, the solemn celebration of the Council of Radonezh Saints was held for the first time.

The Council of Radonezh Saints, headed by St. Sergius, included his relatives, disciples and interlocutors, as well as holy monks of the Trinity-Sergius Monastery. In total, by the beginning. XXI century More than seventy-five saints of God are remembered in the Council, including:
St. Sergius, abbot of Radonezh and wonderworker of all Russia († 1392; commemorated July 5, September 25).
Relatives of St. Sergius:
Prpp. Cyril and Maria, parents († 1337; commemorated January 18, September 28);
St. Stefan, brother (XIV-XV centuries; commemorated July 14);
St. Theodore, Archbishop Rostovsky, nephew († 1394; commemorated November 28);
Students of St. Sergius:
St. Abraham of Galich, Chukhloma († 1375; commemorated July 20);
St. Sylvester of Obnor († 1379; commemorated April 25);
Prpp. warrior-schemamonks Alexander Peresvet († 1380) and Andrei Oslyabya (XIV century) (September 7);
St. Leonty Stromynsky († c. 1380; commemorated July 20);
St. Elijah the cellarer († 1384, commemorated May 29);
St. Micah († 1385, commemorated May 6);
St. Isaac the Silent († 1388; commemorated May 30);
St. Athanasius the Iron Staff and Theodosius of Cherepovets († c. 1388; commemorated September 25, November 26);
St. Vasily Sukhy († before 1392; commemorated January 1);
St. Mitrofan-abbot, elder († until 1392; commemorated June 4);
St. Simon, archimandrite, Smolensk († before 1392; commemorated May 10);
St. Methodius of Peshnoshsky († 1392; commemorated June 4, June 14);
St. († 1392; commemorated July 29);
St. Savva Stromynsky († 1392; commemorated July 20);
St. Ignatius († after 1392; commemorated December 20);
St. Macarius († after 1392; commemorated January 19);
St. Simon the Ecclesiarch († after 1392; commemorated May 10);
St. Andronik of Moscow († c. 1395-1404; commemorated June 13);
St. Bartholomew (XIV century; commemorated June 11);
St. Elisha the deacon (XIV century; commemorated June 14);
St. Jacob the Ambassador (XIV century; commemorated October 23);
St. Jacob Stromynsky (XIV century; commemorated April 21);
St. Ioannikiy (XIV century; November 4);
St. Naum (XIV century; commemorated December 1);
St. Nectarius, messenger (XIV century; November 29);
St. Onisim the goalkeeper (XIV century; commemorated February 15);
St. Grigory Golutvinsky, Kolomensky (XIV-XV centuries; January 25);
St. Ferapont Borovensky, Kaluga (XIV-XV centuries; memory May 27);
Prpp. Afanasy the Elder († after 1401) and Afanasy the Younger († 1395), Vysotsky, Serpukhov (September 12);
St. Savva Storozhevsky, Zvenigorod († 1406; commemorated January 19, December 3);
St. Savva of Moscow († c. 1410; commemorated June 13);
St. Nikifor Borovsky († until 1414; commemorated February 9);
St. Epiphanius the Wise († c. 1418-1422; commemorated May 12);
St. Sergius of Nuromsky, Obnorsky († 1421; commemorated October 7);
St. Nikita Borovsky († after 1421; commemorated May 1);
St. , icon painter, Moscow († 1426; commemorated July 4);
St. Daniil Cherny, icon painter, Moscow († 1426; commemorated June 13);
St. and wonderworker of all Russia († 1426, commemorated November 17);
St. Alexander of Moscow († after 1427; commemorated June 13);
St. Pavel Komelsky, Obnorsky († 1429; commemorated January 10);
St. Jacob of Zheleznoborovsky († 1442; commemorated April 11, May 5).
Interlocutors of Rev. Sergius:
St. , Metropolitan Kiev and All Rus' († 1385; commemorated June 26, October 15);
Blgv. led book († 1389; commemorated May 19);
Prmchch. Gregory and Cassian of Avnezh († 1392; commemorated June 15);
St. († 1392; commemorated February 11, June 3);
St. Stefan, bishop Velikopermsky († 1396; commemorated April 26);
St. Mikhail, bishop Smolensky († 1402; commemorated November 28);
St. († 1404; commemorated April 1, July 4);
St. († 1406; commemorated July 14);
St. princess († 1407; commemorated July 6);
Prpp. Theodore († 1409) and Paul († after 1409) of Rostov (October 22);
St. Ferapont Belozersky, Mozhaisky, Luzhetsky († 1426; commemorated May 27, December 27);
St. Kirill Belozersky († 1427; commemorated June 9).
Holy monks of the Trinity-Sergius Monastery:
St. Vassian (Snout), Archbishop. Rostov († 1481; commemorated March 23);
St. Martinian of Belozersky († 1483; commemorated January 12, October 7);
St. Serapion, Archbishop Novgorod († 1516; commemorated March 16);
St. Arseny Komelsky († 1550; commemorated August 24);
St. Joasaph (Skripitsyn), Metropolitan. Moscow and All Rus' († 1555; commemorated July 27);
St. Maxim the Greek († 1556; commemorated January 21, June 21);
Sschmch. Joasaph Borovsky († 1610; commemorated January 12);
St. Irinarch the Sexton († 1621; commemorated January 12, November 28);
St. Dorotheus the Bookkeeper († 1622; commemorated June 5);
St. Dionysius of Radonezh († 1633; commemorated May 12);
St. Joasaph (Gorlenko), bishop. Belgorodsky († 1754; commemorated September 4, December 10);
St. Anthony (Medvedev), archimandrite. († 1877; commemorated May 12, October 3);
St. Innocent (Veniaminov), Metropolitan. Moscow († 1879; commemorated March 31, September 23);
St. Barnabas (Merkulov) of Gethsemane, Hierom. († 1906; commemorated February 17)


Copyright © 2015 Unconditional love

Venerable Sergius born in the village of Varnitsa, near Rostov, on May 3, 1314 in the family of pious and noble boyars Kirill and Maria. The Lord chose him from his mother's womb. The Life of St. Sergius tells about what Divine Liturgy Even before the birth of her son, Righteous Mary and the worshipers heard the baby cry three times: before the reading of the Holy Gospel, during the Cherubic Song, and when the priest said: “Holy to saints.” God gave him a son, who was named Bartholomew. From the first days of his life, the baby surprised everyone by fasting; on Wednesdays and Fridays he did not accept mother’s milk; on other days, if Maria ate meat, the baby also refused mother’s milk. Noticing this, Maria completely refused to eat meat. At the age of seven, Bartholomew was sent to study with his two brothers - the elder Stefan and the younger Peter. His brothers studied successfully, but Bartholomew lagged behind in his studies, although the teacher worked with him a lot. The parents scolded the child, the teacher punished him, and his comrades mocked him for his stupidity. Then Bartholomew with tears prayed to the Lord to grant him book understanding. One day his father sent Bartholomew to fetch horses from the field. On the way, he met an Angel sent by God in a monastic form: an old man stood under an oak tree in the middle of a field and prayed. Bartholomew approached him and, bowing, began to wait for the end of the elder’s prayer. He blessed the boy, kissed him and asked what he wanted. Bartholomew replied: “With all my soul I wish to learn to read and write, Holy Father, pray to God for me, so that He will help me learn to read and write.” The monk fulfilled Bartholomew's request, raised his prayer to God and, blessing the youth, said to him: “From now on, God gives you, my child, to understand literacy, you will surpass your brothers and peers.” At the same time, the elder took out a vessel and gave Bartholomew a piece of prosphora: “Take, child, and eat,” he said. “This is given to you as a sign of God’s grace and for the understanding of Holy Scripture.” The elder wanted to leave, but Bartholomew asked him to visit his parents’ house. The parents greeted the guest with honor and offered refreshments. The elder replied that first one should taste spiritual food, and ordered their son to read the Psalter. Bartholomew began to read harmoniously, and the parents were surprised at the change that had taken place in their son. Saying goodbye, the elder prophetically predicted about St. Sergius: “Your son will be great before God and people. He will become the chosen abode of the Holy Spirit.” From then on, the holy youth easily read and understood the contents of books. With special zeal, he began to delve deeper into prayer, not missing a single service. Already in childhood he imposed on himself strict fast, did not eat anything on Wednesdays and Fridays, and on other days he ate only bread and water. Around 1328, the parents of St. Sergius moved from Rostov to Radonezh. When their eldest sons got married, Cyril and Maria, shortly before their death, took the schema at the Khotkovsky Monastery of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, not far from Radonezh. Subsequently, the widowed elder brother Stefan also accepted monasticism in this monastery. Having buried his parents, Bartholomew, together with his brother Stefan, retired to live as a desert in the forest (12 versts from Radonezh). First they erected a cell, and then a small church, and, with the blessing of Metropolitan Theognost, it was consecrated in the Name Holy Trinity. But soon, unable to withstand the difficulties of life in a deserted place, Stefan left his brother and moved to the Moscow Epiphany Monastery (where he became close to a monk, commemorated February 12).

Bartholomew, on October 7, 1337, took monastic vows from Abbot Mitrofan with the name (October 7) and laid the foundation for a new residence in glory Life-Giving Trinity. Enduring temptations and demonic fears, the Reverend rose from strength to strength. Gradually he became known to other monks who sought his guidance. The Monk Sergius received everyone with love, and soon a brotherhood of twelve monks was formed in the small monastery. Their experienced spiritual mentor was distinguished by his rare diligence. With his own hands he built several cells, carried water, chopped wood, baked bread, sewed clothes, prepared food for the brethren, and humbly performed other work. St. Sergius combined hard work with prayer, vigil and fasting. The brethren were surprised that with such a severe feat, the health of their mentor not only did not deteriorate, but became even stronger. Not without difficulty, the monks begged St. Sergius to accept the abbess of the monastery. In 1354, Bishop Athanasius of Volyn ordained the Rev. a hieromonk and elevated him to the rank of abbot. Monastic obediences were still strictly observed in the monastery. As the monastery grew, so did its needs. Often the monks ate meager food, but through the prayers of St. Sergius, unknown people brought everything they needed.

The glory of the exploits of St. Sergius became known in Constantinople, and Patriarch Philotheus sent the Rev. a cross, a paraman and a schema as a blessing for new exploits, a Blessed Letter, and advised the chosen one of God to establish a cenobitic monastery. With the patriarchal message, the Reverend went to Saint Alexy and received from him advice to introduce a strict community system. The monks began to grumble about the severity of the rules, and the Reverend was forced to leave the monastery. On the Kirzhach River he founded a monastery in honor of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Order in the former monastery began to quickly decline, and the remaining monks turned to Saint Alexis so that he would return the saint.

The Monk Sergius unquestioningly obeyed the saint, leaving his disciple, the Monk Roman, as abbot of the Kirzhach Monastery.

During his lifetime, St. Sergius was awarded the grace-filled gift of miracles. He resurrected the boy when the desperate father considered his only son forever lost. The fame of the miracles performed by St. Sergius began to quickly spread, and sick people began to be brought to him both from surrounding villages and from remote places. And no one left the Reverend without receiving healing of ailments and edifying advice. Everyone glorified St. Sergius and reverently revered him on a par with the ancient holy fathers. But human glory did not seduce the great ascetic, and he still remained a model of monastic humility.

One day (April 26), who deeply revered the Reverend, was heading from his diocese to Moscow. The road ran eight miles from the Sergius Monastery. Intending to visit the monastery on the way back, the saint stopped and, having read a prayer, bowed to St. Sergius with the words: “Peace be with you, spiritual brother.” At this time, the Monk Sergius was sitting with the brethren at meal. In response to the blessing of the saint, the Monk Sergius stood up, read a prayer and sent a return blessing to the saint. Some of the disciples, surprised by the extraordinary act of the Rev., hastened to the indicated place and, having caught up with the saint, were convinced of the truth of the vision.

Gradually, the monks began to witness other similar phenomena. Once, during the liturgy, an Angel of the Lord concelebrated with the Saint, but in his humility, Saint Sergius forbade anyone to tell about this until the end of his life on earth.

Close ties of spiritual friendship and brotherly love connected St. Sergius with St. Alexis. The saint, in his declining years, called the Venerable One to him and asked to accept the Russian Metropolis, but Blessed Sergius, out of humility, refused the primacy.

The Russian land at that time suffered from the Tatar yoke. Grand Duke Dimitri Ioannovich Donskoy, having gathered an army, came to the monastery of St. Sergei to ask for a blessing for the upcoming battle. To help the Grand Duke, the Reverend blessed two monks of his monastery: schema-monk Andrei (Oslyabya) and schema-monk Alexander (Peresvet), and predicted victory for Prince Demetrius. The prophecy of St. Sergius was fulfilled: on September 8, 1380, on the day of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Russian soldiers won a complete victory over the Tatar hordes on the Kulikovo field, marking the beginning of the liberation of the Russian land from the Tatar yoke. During the battle, St. Sergius stood with his brethren in prayer and asked God to grant victory to the Russian army.

For his angelic life, St. Sergius was awarded heavenly vision from God. One night, Abba Sergius read the rule in front of the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. Having finished reading the canon Mother of God, he sat down to rest, but suddenly told his student (May 6) that a wonderful visit awaited them. A moment later, the Mother of God appeared, accompanied by and. From the unusually bright light, the Monk Sergius fell on his face, but the Most Holy Theotokos touched him with her hands and, blessing him, promised to always patronize his holy monastery.

Having reached a very old age, the Reverend, having foreseen his death six months later, called the brethren to him and blessed a student experienced in spiritual life and obedience to become abbess (November 17). In silent solitude, the Monk reposed before God on September 25, 1392. The day before, the great saint of God called the brethren for the last time and addressed the words of his testament: “Take heed to yourselves, brethren. First have the fear of God, spiritual purity and unfeigned love...”

Iconographic original

Moscow. XVI.

St. Sergius with his life. Workshop Feodosius. Icon. Moscow. 1st third of the 16th century. 136 x 97.5. From the Assumption Cathedral in Dmitrov. Since 1965 in the Central Museum of Ancient Russian Culture and Art named after Andrei Rublev. Moscow.

Moscow. 1420s.

St. Sergius. Sewn cover. Moscow. 1420s 196 x 84. "Sacristy of the Trinity - Sergius Lavra" SPGIKHMZ.

Monk of the Russian Church, founder of the Trinity Monastery near Moscow, transformer of monasticism in Northern Rus'. (Wikipedia)

July 5 (old)/ July 18 (new style)- acquisition of honest relics (1422);
July 6 (old)/ July 19 (new style)— Cathedral of Radonezh Saints;
September 25 (old) / October 8 (new style)- repose (death) (1392).
Besides, August 24 (September 6) The appearance of the Mother of God to St. Sergius is celebrated.

Date and place of birth: 14 May 1314, p. Varnitsy, (near Rostov the Great)
Date and place of death: September 25, 1392 (age 78), Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius

St. Sergius of Radonezh is one of the most famous Russian saints. Founder of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, teacher and mentor of many dozens of Russian saints. The monk truly became the abbot and intercessor of the entire Russian Land, an example of meekness and humility for monks and laity. They pray to St. Sergius for help in learning, in monastic work, for overcoming passions, for increasing faith, for preserving the Fatherland from the invasion of foreigners.

Brief Life

The Monk Sergius was born in the village of Varnitsa, near Rostov, on May 3, 1314, into the family of pious and noble boyars Kirill and Maria. The Lord chose him from his mother's womb. The Life of St. Sergius tells that during the Divine Liturgy, even before the birth of her son, Righteous Mary and those praying heard the baby exclamation three times: before the reading of the Holy Gospel, during the Cherubic Song, and when the priest said: “Holy to Holies.” God gave the Monk Cyril and Mary a son, who was named Bartholomew.

From the first days of his life, the baby surprised everyone by fasting; on Wednesdays and Fridays he did not accept mother’s milk; on other days, if Maria ate meat, the baby also refused mother’s milk. Noticing this, Maria completely refused to eat meat.

At the age of seven, Bartholomew was sent to study with his two brothers - the elder Stefan and the younger Peter. His brothers studied successfully, but Bartholomew lagged behind in his studies, although the teacher worked with him a lot. The parents scolded the child, the teacher punished him, and his comrades mocked him for his stupidity. Then Bartholomew with tears prayed to the Lord to grant him book understanding.

One day his father sent Bartholomew to fetch horses from the field. On the way, he met an Angel sent by God in a monastic form: an old man stood under an oak tree in the middle of a field and prayed. Bartholomew approached him and, bowing, began to wait for the end of the elder’s prayer. He blessed the boy, kissed him and asked what he wanted. Bartholomew replied: “With all my soul I wish to learn to read and write, Holy Father, pray to God for me, so that He will help me learn to read and write.” The monk fulfilled Bartholomew’s request, raised his prayer to God and, blessing the youth, said to him: “From now on, God gives you, my child, to understand literacy, you will surpass your brothers and peers.” At the same time, the elder took out a vessel and gave Bartholomew a piece of prosphora: “Take it, child, and eat it,” he said. “This is given to you as a sign of God’s grace and for the understanding of Holy Scripture.” The elder wanted to leave, but Bartholomew asked him to visit his parents’ house.

The parents greeted the guest with honor and offered refreshments. The elder replied that first one should taste spiritual food, and ordered their son to read the Psalter. Bartholomew began to read harmoniously, and the parents were surprised at the change that had taken place in their son. Saying goodbye, the elder prophetically predicted about St. Sergius: “Your son will be great before God and people. It will become the chosen abode of the Holy Spirit.” From then on, the holy youth easily read and understood the contents of books. With special zeal, he began to delve deeper into prayer, not missing a single service. Already in childhood, he imposed a strict fast on himself, did not eat anything on Wednesdays and Fridays, and on other days he ate only bread and water.

Around 1328, the parents of St. Sergius moved from Rostov to Radonezh. When their eldest sons got married, Cyril and Maria, shortly before their death, took the schema at the Khotkovsky Monastery of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, not far from Radonezh. Subsequently, the widowed elder brother Stefan also accepted monasticism in this monastery. Having buried his parents, Bartholomew, together with his brother Stefan, retired to live as a desert in the forest (12 versts from Radonezh). First they erected a cell, and then a small church, and with the blessing of Metropolitan Theognostus, it was consecrated in the Name of the Holy Trinity. But soon, unable to withstand the difficulties of life in a deserted place, Stefan left his brother and moved to the Moscow Epiphany Monastery (where he became close to the monk Alexy, later Metropolitan of Moscow, commemorated February 12).

Bartholomew, on October 7, 1337, took monastic vows from Abbot Mitrofan with the name of the holy martyr Sergius (October 7) and marked the beginning of a new residence for the glory of the Life-Giving Trinity. Enduring temptations and demonic fears, the Reverend rose from strength to strength. Gradually he became known to other monks who sought his guidance.

The Monk Sergius received everyone with love, and soon a brotherhood of twelve monks was formed in the small monastery. Their experienced spiritual mentor was distinguished by his rare diligence. With his own hands he built several cells, carried water, chopped wood, baked bread, sewed clothes, prepared food for the brethren, and humbly performed other work. St. Sergius combined hard work with prayer, vigil and fasting. The brethren were surprised that with such a severe feat, the health of their mentor not only did not deteriorate, but became even stronger. Not without difficulty, the monks begged St. Sergius to accept the abbess of the monastery. In 1354, Bishop Athanasius of Volyn ordained the Rev. a hieromonk and elevated him to the rank of abbot. Monastic obediences were still strictly observed in the monastery. As the monastery grew, so did its needs. Often the monks ate meager food, but through the prayers of St. Sergius, unknown people brought everything they needed.

The glory of the exploits of St. Sergius became known in Constantinople, and Patriarch Philotheus sent the Rev. a cross, a paraman and a schema, as a blessing for new exploits, a Blessed Letter, and advised the chosen one of God to establish a cenobitic monastery. With the patriarchal message, the Reverend went to Saint Alexy and received from him advice to introduce a strict community system. The monks began to grumble about the severity of the rules, and the Reverend was forced to leave the monastery. On the Kirzhach River he founded a monastery in honor of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Order in the former monastery began to quickly decline, and the remaining monks turned to Saint Alexis so that he would return the saint.

The Monk Sergius unquestioningly obeyed the saint, leaving his disciple, the Monk Roman, as abbot of the Kirzhach Monastery.

During his lifetime, St. Sergius was awarded the grace-filled gift of miracles. He resurrected the boy when the desperate father considered his only son forever lost. The fame of the miracles performed by St. Sergius began to quickly spread, and sick people began to be brought to him both from surrounding villages and from distant places. And no one left the Reverend without receiving healing of ailments and edifying advice. Everyone glorified St. Sergius and reverently revered him on a par with the ancient holy fathers. But human glory did not seduce the great ascetic, and he still remained a model of monastic humility.

One day Saint Stephen, Bishop of Perm (April 27), who deeply revered the Monk, was heading from his diocese to Moscow. The road ran eight miles from the Sergius Monastery. Intending to visit the monastery on the way back, the saint stopped and, having read a prayer, bowed to St. Sergius with the words: “Peace be with you, spiritual brother.” At this time, the Monk Sergius was sitting with the brethren at meal. In response to the blessing of the saint, the Monk Sergius stood up, read a prayer and sent a return blessing to the saint. Some of the disciples, surprised by the extraordinary act of the Rev., hastened to the indicated place and, having caught up with the saint, were convinced of the truth of the vision.

Gradually, the monks began to witness other similar phenomena. Once, during the liturgy, an Angel of the Lord concelebrated with the Saint, but in his humility, Saint Sergius forbade anyone to tell about this until the end of his life on earth.

Close ties of spiritual friendship and brotherly love connected St. Sergius with St. Alexis. The saint, in his declining years, called the Venerable One to him and asked to accept the Russian Metropolis, but Blessed Sergius, out of humility, refused the primacy.

The Russian land at that time suffered from the Tatar yoke. Grand Duke Dimitri Ioannovich Donskoy, having gathered an army, came to the monastery of St. Sergius to ask for a blessing for the upcoming battle. To help the Grand Duke, the Reverend blessed two monks of his monastery: schema-monk Andrei (Oslyabya) and schema-monk Alexander (Peresvet), and predicted victory for Prince Demetrius. The prophecy of St. Sergius was fulfilled: on September 8, 1380, on the day of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Russian soldiers won a complete victory over the Tatar hordes on the Kulikovo field, marking the beginning of the liberation of the Russian land from the Tatar yoke. During the battle, St. Sergius stood with his brethren in prayer and asked God to grant victory to the Russian army.

For his angelic life, St. Sergius was awarded heavenly vision from God. One night, Abba Sergius read the rule in front of the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. Having finished reading the canon of the Mother of God, he sat down to rest, but suddenly told his disciple, the Monk Micah (May 6), that a miraculous visit awaited them. A moment later, the Mother of God appeared, accompanied by the holy apostles Peter and John the Theologian. From the unusually bright light, the Monk Sergius fell on his face, but the Most Holy Theotokos touched him with her hands and, blessing him, promised to always patronize his holy monastery.

Having reached a very old age, the Venerable One, having foreseen his death six months before, called the brethren to him and blessed a disciple experienced in spiritual life and obedience, the Venerable Nikon (November 17), to become hegumen. In silent solitude, the Monk reposed before God on September 25, 1392. The day before, the great saint of God called the brethren for the last time and addressed the words of his testament: “Take heed to yourselves, brethren. First have the fear of God, spiritual purity and unfeigned love...”

Troparion to St. Sergius of Radonezh, tone 8

From your youth you received Christ in your soul, reverend, and most of all you desired to evade worldly rebellion: you courageously moved into the desert and the children of obedience in it, the fruits of humility, you grew. Thus, having given residence to the Trinity, you enlightened with your miracles all those who come to you by faith, and abundantly provided healing to everyone. Our Father Sergius, pray to Christ God to save our souls.

Troparion to St. Sergius of Radonezh, tone 4
(Finding of relics)

Today the reigning city of Moscow shines brightly, as with the radiant dawns and lightning of your miracles, it convenes the whole universe to praise you, God-Wise Sergius; Your most honorable and glorious abode, even in the Name of the Holy Trinity, you have created many of your works, Father, having your flocks within you, your disciples are filled with joy and gladness. We, celebrating the glorious discovery of your honorable relics, in the hidden lands, like a fragrant flower and a fragrant censer, kindly kissing me, accept various healings and are honored by your prayers for the forgiveness of sins, Father Reverend Sergius, pray to the Holy Trinity to save our souls.

Troparion and Kontakion to St. Sergius of Radonezh, Brothers of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra

Prayers to St. Sergius of Radonezh

Other sources

Library of Yakov KROTOV— THE LIFE AND MIRACLES OF THE REVEREND SERGIUS IGUMENE OF RADONEZH, RECORDED BY Reverend Epiphanius the Wise, Hieromonk Pachomius Logothetes and Elder Simon Azaryin. Moscow: Orthodox Encyclopedia, Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra. M, 1997

Missionary and apologetic project “TO THE TRUTH”— The complete life of St. Sergius of Radonezh. Compiler of the Life of Sergius of Radonezh, Archimandrite Nikon of the Nativity, Archbishop of Vologda and Totem (1851 - 1919), prayer, akathist, canon, Hagiographic and scientific-historical literature about St. Sergius of Radonezh.

Publications about Sergius of Radonezh on the Pravmir.ru website: pravmir.ru

Life of Sergius of Radonezh, written on paper at the end of the 16th century, more than 600 facial images: Facial Life of Sergius of Radonezh

Additional materials

Archpriest Andrey Tkachev " Earth Angels, heavenly people." M.: Danilovsky blagovestnik, 2013.-192s -

Life of St. Sergius of Radonezh, video (Sense and benefit)

Paintings by Sergei Efoshkin, cycle “The Life of St. Sergius of Radonezh”

Sergey Efoshkin – artist-painter, member of the Union of Artists of Russia and the International Association Fine Arts lives and works in Moscow. Graduated from the Moscow State Art Institute. V.I.Surikov Academy of Arts. And since 1988 he himself became a teacher at Russian Academy painting, sculpture and architecture.

The artist works in genres historical painting, portrait, landscape, book design and illustration. Sergey Efoshkin is the author of picturesque historical cycles: “The Life of St. Sergei of Radonezh, XIV century,” “From the history of the Russian State,” “The Life and Miracles of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker,” as well as the author of the design and illustrations of the books: V.P. Stolyarov "The Legend of the Saint" Nicholas the Archbishop Mirlikiysky, miracle worker”, O. Kastkina “Reverend Sergius of Radonezh”, publications of the Novospassky Monastery “ABC in Proverbs”.

A separate direction in the artist’s work was the work on murals Orthodox churches Moscow. S. Efoshkin is a repeated winner of various domestic and international competitions, actively participates in exhibition activities. It is impossible not to note those that were held with great success in many cities of Russia, as well as in near and far abroad. personal exhibitions artist.






Book miniatures “The Life of St. Sergius of Radonezh the Wonderworker”

Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra. 16 postcards. Published in the printing house of the Patriarchal Publishing and Printing Center of the Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra. -2014

Book miniatures by Tatiana Kiseleva, made in an iconographic manner, repeat the plots of the miniatures of the ancient manuscript of the Facial Life of St. Sergius of Radonezh - the oldest known manuscript of the Life of St. Sergius, the basis of which was the first biography of the saint, created by his disciple St. Epiphanius the Wise in the 15th century, a priceless artistic masterpiece, decorated with 652 miniatures.

One of the most famous and beloved saints of the Russian land among the people is Sergius of Radonezh. There is probably an icon of the saint in every church; many people also buy it for home prayers. The elder was not just a miracle worker, he did a lot for the state and the development of monasticism in Rus'. Disciples of St. Sergius also became famous ascetics of the faith.


Description of the icon

The saint’s life path took place in the 14th century; he lived to a ripe old age. Although he did not leave any works, a lot has been written about him. The monk achieved great respect during his lifetime, so it is not surprising that his first icons appeared almost immediately after his death - at the beginning of the 15th century. The icons of Sergius of Radonezh are easy to recognize not only by their description, but also by the inscriptions that are made at shoulder level - the name of the saint is indicated there in Church Slavonic letters.

The saint is depicted either in full height, or waist-deep. The old man has a narrow face, right hand he blesses the believers. He holds a scroll in his left hand. Since Sergius of Radonezh devoted his entire life to serving God and was a priest, he is depicted in monastic robes. Usually this is a cassock (black or red), a cassock (of a different color) is visible under it, an epitrachelion on top, sometimes it is only visible under the cloak.

The elder has a long beard, sometimes wedge-shaped, a mustache, thick hair, but not very long, combed back. The gaze is direct, attentive and stern; in some images the eyes look to the side. In addition to this “portrait” image, there are many others.

The hagiographic icon of Sergius of Radonezh has a large image of the saint in the center, and so-called stamps are located around it. Their plots may be different, but they are all taken from the life of the monk. The number of such scenes also varies - from 9 to 20 or more.

There is one such icon in the A. Rublev Museum. The first mark represents birth, then learning to read and write, becoming a monk. Next are images of many lifetime miracles performed by the saint. The cycle ends with a burial, at which an Angel is present holding an open prayer book.

The meaning of the icon of Sergius of Radonezh with his life is edifying. Each plot not only has historical background, but also calls on believers to open their hearts to learn the proper lesson. In everything, the monk was a role model. Not only miracles occupy an important place in his life. He managed to become the person who helped the Russian people rediscover the gift of faith in Christ and believe in their high destiny.

Looking at the image of the monk, reflecting on his life, everyone involuntarily conducts a mental audit of their own actions. How much one man was able to do for the Lord - how many monasteries he founded, how many people he healed and guided to Right way. What needs to be changed in own life so that you wouldn’t be ashamed to turn to this saint for help?

For your home, you can choose any icon that will better help you gather your thoughts before prayer - after all, this is exactly what holy faces are needed in the house. It is important to place the image in the appropriate place: not among the trash on the shelves in the closet, but on a separate shelf or on the wall.


How do prayers in front of the icon of Sergius of Radonezh help?

As a youth (that is, a teenager), the monk studied very poorly. And not because he was careless - he was simply not given the diploma. An unexpected meeting with a mysterious monk changed everything. After joint prayer, Bartholomew (that was the name the future saint bore) began to study very successfully. Thanks to this famous miracle, it is believed that the icon of Sergius of Radonezh helps in mastering knowledge.

You can pray in front of the image in cases when children do not listen to the advice of their parents, when teenagers need to be brought to their senses. If a person sees in himself such a flaw as pride, lack of patience, he should ask the monk to help him improve. At first it will seem that nothing is helping, but diligence must be shown - the Lord is simply testing how great the desire of the person asking is.

Also, prayer in front of the icon of Sergius of Radonezh helps the monk:

  • from bad influence;
  • from enemy invasion;
  • from everyday troubles.

The monk protects widows and orphans, becomes heavenly patron everyone who bears the name Sergei.


Meaning of the icon

The greatness of some ascetics is such that during their lifetime they are rewarded with a vision of Angels, and some of the Mother of God Herself. Although Seraphim of Sarov and Sergius of Radonezh lived in different time, they have a common icon. Both venerable elders are depicted in the usual way, with Christ sitting above them on a cloud, blessing.

This composition speaks of the special divine election that the righteous were awarded. This is in this case a unifying factor, allowing the monks to be placed nearby. After all, everyone is alive with the Lord, the icon serves as a wonderful reminder of the transitory earthly existence.

Quite often, different saints are depicted together at the Throne of God, where they pray for those who still remain on earth. At the head of the host of saints is the Mother of God. Novgorod masters often painted joint icons of St. Sergius and Varlaam of Khutyn.

Unusual guests

Such a wonderful event as a visit to the Mother of God, of course, also became the subject of the icon of St. Sergius of Radonezh. The story is known from the story of cell attendant Micah, who participated in the singing of the akathist. Having completed the prayer, Saint Sergius warned the disciple that something supernatural was about to happen. The Most Pure Virgin appeared accompanied by the apostles, and this is how the event is depicted on the icon. Peter and John stand behind the Mother of God, who extends her right hand to the monk.

Saint Sergius is depicted on his knees, like his disciple, covering his face with both hands. Although many are seduced by the word “miracles,” often behind it there are such unusual events that human consciousness I just can't stand them. Therefore, it is worth preparing your soul in advance, cleansing it so that it can get used to the afterlife.

Unusual image

The past never ceases to amaze scientists with new secrets. In the second half of the 20th century. a rare icon of Sergius of Radonezh was uncovered, depicting the Battle of Kulikovo. Its authors were Yaroslavl masters of the 17th century. For many centuries, the composition was hidden under a layer of drying oil - previously old images were covered with it, and others were painted on top. Only in the last century were they able to make a composition that made it possible to open an older layer.

In the center, as it should be on hagiographic icons, is the image of the saint himself. On the sides there are numerous marks with fragments of the life. Below there is a longitudinal composition, very unusual for icons. There's a lot in it characters, complex plot. There are even explanatory notes. The author depicted here the famous Battle of Kulikovo. The icon asks historians a lot of questions to which there are no answers yet.

  • Both troops have the same banners - they depict the Savior Not Made by Hands.
  • The opposing armies look exactly the same.
  • Dmitry Donskoy's opponents descend from the mountain, then ford the river to get to the battlefield.
  • The army of Dmitry Donskoy is armed with cannons, which are depicted as firing.

In this regard, some scientists put forward a completely new interpretation of the famous event. The icon itself is kept in the Yaroslavl Museum, but its image can be found on the World Wide Web.

How to pray correctly

In any matter related to the spiritual sphere, it is necessary to show diligence. For inexperienced people, prayer in front of the icon of Sergius of Radonezh can take a lot of energy. Thoughts run wild, your legs begin to ache, and even a headache may appear. This kind of discomfort is a normal reaction without habit. You shouldn’t blame yourself for this, a person is weak and God knows about it.

Even the saints were tired - as it is said in the life of the saint that before the appearance of the Mother of God he sat down to rest. Therefore, there was a need for this, but they need rest when fatigue sets in. Do your legs hurt a lot? Prayers should be read while sitting. If a person is sick and in bed, then prayers can be said while lying down. The main thing is that the words pass through the soul, the mind focuses on the heavenly.

During his lifetime, the monk brought water out of the ground, cast out demons, healed, and even once resurrected a dead child. There are many descriptions posthumous miracles, it is not without reason that a stream of believers rushes to the resting place of St. Sergius of Radonezh. Therefore, one must address the elder as if he were alive.

During prayer, it is better to adhere to proven texts taken from the prayer book, adding only the very essence of the request from yourself. It is not necessary to pray for a long time; it is more important to do it every day. Sometimes it’s better to pray briefly: “Reverend Father Sergius, pray to God for us!”

Prayers to St. Sergius of Radonezh

First prayer

O sacred head, Reverend and God-bearing Father Sergius, by your prayer, and faith, and love, even for God, and the purity of your heart, you have established your soul on earth in the monastery of the Most Holy Trinity, and been granted angelic communion and the visitation of the Most Holy Theotokos, and the gift received miraculous grace, after your departure from earthly people, you came closer to God, and partook of the Heavenly Powers, but also did not retreat from us with the spirit of your love and your honest power, like a vessel of grace full and overflowing, left to us! Having great boldness towards the All-Merciful Master, pray to save His servants, His grace existing in you, believing and flowing to you with love. Ask us from our great God for every gift that is beneficial to everyone, observance of the immaculate faith, strengthening of our cities, peace, and deliverance from famine and destruction, preservation from the invasion of foreigners, consolation for the afflicted, healing for the sick, restoration for the fallen, and for those who are led astray on the path of truth. and return of salvation, strengthening for those who strive, prosperity and blessing for those who do good in good deeds, education for infants, instruction for the young, admonition for the ignorant, intercession for orphans and widows, departing from this temporary life for the eternal, good preparation and guidance, for those who have departed into blessed repose, and for all of us to help and through your prayers, on the day of the Last Judgment, grant that the last part of the world will be delivered, and the right hand of the country will be partakers and hear the blessed voice of the Lord Christ: come, blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Amen.

Second prayer

O sacred head, Reverend Father, Most Blessed Abvo Sergius the Great! Do not completely forget your poor, but remember us in your holy and auspicious prayers to God. Remember your flock, which you yourself shepherded, and do not forget to visit your children. Pray for us, holy father, for your spiritual children, as if you have boldness towards the Heavenly King, do not remain silent for us to the Lord and do not despise us, who honor you with faith and love. Remember us, unworthy of the Almighty Throne, and do not stop praying for us to Christ God, for you have been given the grace to pray for us. We do not imagine that you are dead, even though you have passed away from us in body, but even after death you remain alive. Do not retreat from us in spirit, keeping us from the arrows of the enemy, and all the charms of the demonic, and the snares of the devil, our good shepherd; Even though your relics are always visible before our eyes, your holy soul with the angelic hosts, with disembodied faces, with the Heavenly Powers, standing at the Throne of the Almighty, rejoices with dignity. Knowing that you are truly and alive after death, we fall down to you and we pray to you, to pray for us to the Almighty God for the benefit of our souls, and to ask for time for repentance, and for the unrestrained transition from earth to Heaven, the bitter ordeals of demons, air princes and be freed from eternal torment, and be an heir to the Kingdom of Heaven with all the righteous who have pleased our Lord Jesus Christ from all eternity. To Him belongs all glory, honor and worship, together with His Beginning Father, and with His Most Holy, and Good, and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Sergius of Radonezh is one of the most famous Russian saints, the spiritual patron of the Russian land and the founder of the first Trinity Church in Russia (now -). St. Sergius revived the traditions of strict monasticism in Rus' and himself became a symbol of Russian monasticism.

Bartholomew (that was the name of the monk before his monastic tonsure) was born into a pious family of Rostov boyars. Later the family moved to the village of Radonezh (still exists today). The boy loved to pray since childhood. He lived during the difficult era of the Tatar-Mongol yoke for Rus'. The surrounding environment strengthened him in his desire to leave the bustle of the world. After the death of his parents, Bartholomew settled in a deep forest near Radonezh, on Makovets Hill, and built a church there in the name of the Holy Trinity. Now the Trinity-Sergius Lavra stands on this site. At the age of 23, Bartholomew became a monk with the name Sergius. Gradually, other monks began to gather around Sergius, his hermitage became the Trinity Monastery, and Sergius became its abbot.

Hegumen Sergius did not strive for power and desired solitary prayer, lived simply and poorly and set an example for the monks of humility and hard work: he himself made clothes and shoes for the brethren, built cells, baked prosphora. Visitors to the monastery often mistook him for a simple monk. wanted to appoint the monk as his successor, but Sergius refused, wishing to continue the simple monastic life.

Sergius played a big role in the liberation of Rus' from the Tatar-Mongol yoke, blessing the prince’s army for the Battle of Kulikovo. Even then, his spiritual authority was very high: he reconciled the warring Russian princes and contributed to the unity of the Russian lands. Sergius of Radonezh had a huge influence on Russian monasticism and on Russian culture. For believers, he is a model of firmness and spiritual strength.

The veneration of St. Sergius of Radonezh began immediately after his death. His student Epiphanius the Wise in 1412 wrote “A Word of Praise to Sergius of Radonezh,” and in 1418 - a detailed life of the saint. In 1422, the relics of the saint were found incorrupt and placed in the Trinity-Sergius Monastery. Established it in 1449 or 1450 church-wide veneration. 10 years after this, the first church appeared in Novgorod, consecrated in the name of St. Sergius of Radonezh.

VIDEO ON THE WEBSITE

    As a child, the youth Bartholomew had a hard time studying. He prayed a lot to God for help and received it: one day an angel appeared to him in the form of an old man, and on the same day the boy mastered reading and writing. Therefore, they pray to Sergius of Radonezh for help in their studies. This plot is depicted in Mikhail Nesterov’s painting “Vision to the Youth Barthlemy.”

    Based on the plot of the life of St. Sergius, the great Russian artist Mikhail Nesterov painted a number of paintings: “Vision to the Youth Bartholomew”, “Youth of St. Sergius”, “Works of St. Sergius”.

    The Monk Sergius possessed the gifts of prophecy and miracles. Among the miracles he performed was the resurrection of a dead teenager. During his prayers, he was repeatedly rewarded with revelations and divine appearances. Thus, one day Sergius was honored with the appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos. She responded to his worries about the fate of the monastery and its monks, saying that the monastery would prosper, and She, the Mother of God, would take care of it. In honor of this event, at the Trinity-Sergius Monastery on September 6 (August 24, old style), on the second day of dedication, a special service is held in honor of the Most Holy Theotokos.

    The monk had two brothers - the elder, Stefan, and the younger, Peter. The elder also became a monk, but almost nothing is known about Peter.

    Sergius's parents - Cyril and Maria - took monasticism in their old age. In 1992 they were canonized. The relics are located in the Khotkovsky Intercession Monastery.

    St. Sergius founded not only the Trinity Monastery, but also several other monasteries: on Kirzhach, Staro-Golutvin near Kolomna, Vysotsky Monastery in Serpukhov, Rostov Boris and Gleb Monastery, St. George's Monastery on Klyazma. Sergius' disciples founded more than 40 monasteries.

    Among the disciples of Sergius of Radonezh there are many famous saints. Among them are the reverends.

    During the War of 1812, when Russian troops left Moscow, the relics of St. Sergius were taken from the Trinity-Sergius Lavra to. They returned back only after the war. This was not a wasted precaution: Napoleon’s soldiers destroyed many Moscow churches and destroyed a number of ancient shrines.

    During the anti-religious campaign of 1919-1920, the relics of the saint were uncovered and turned into an exhibit in a museum located on the territory of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. In 1941, they were evacuated along with the rest of the exhibits, and returned in 1946.

    Having lived to a ripe old age, Sergius of Radonezh predicted his death six months in advance. On the eve of his death, the Monk Sergius called the brethren, bequeathing to have “fear of God, spiritual purity and unfeigned love”- the main principles of “high living”.

    From birth, baby Bartholomew demonstrated a desire for fasting, refusing mother's milk on Wednesdays and Fridays, as well as on days when the mother ate meat.

    Sergius of Radonezh was the first in Russia to rethink the idea of ​​the Holy Trinity as a Christian example of Love and Unity. This idea was embodied in the Trinity icon, a contemporary and spiritual disciple of St. Sergius.
 

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