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, a model 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 the worshipers 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 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, Kirill and Maria, shortly before their death, took the schema at the Khotkovo Monastery of the Intercession Holy Mother of God, 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 built 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 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 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 lost forever. 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 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 Saint’s extraordinary act, hastened to the indicated place and, having caught up with the saint, became 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 out of 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 monk, having foreseen his death six months later, called the brethren to him and blessed a disciple experienced in spiritual life and obedience, the venerable Nikon (November 17), to become abbess. 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 monastery, even in the Name of the Holy Trinity you have created many of your works, Father, having your disciples in your flock, joy and joy are filled. 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 the Russian Academy of 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: "Life St. Sergei 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 St. Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra, the Wonderworker”, 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.

SERGIUS OF RADONEZH

Reverend Sergius was born in the village of Varnitsa, near Rostov, on May 3, 1314 into a pious and noble boyar family.

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, his mother and the worshipers heard the baby’s exclamation three times: before the reading of the Holy Gospel, during the Cherubic Song and when the priest said: “Holy to the holy.”

God gave the Monk Cyril and Mary a son, who was named Bartholomew. From the first days of his life, the baby surprised everyone with fasting: on Wednesdays and Fridays he did not accept mother’s milk, on other days, if his mother 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. Then Bartholomew with tears prayed to the Lord to grant him book understanding. One day his father sent Bartholomew to look for the missing horses. 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 that he wanted to learn to read and write and asked God to pray for him. The monk fulfilled Bartholomew's request, raised his prayer to God and, blessing the youth, told him that God would give him the ability to read and write. At the same time, the elder took out a vessel and gave Bartholomew a piece of prosphora 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. When 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 as a child, 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, the Monks Cyril and Maria, shortly before their death, accepted the schema at the Khotkovo Monastery of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, 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 in the wilderness in the forest near Radonezh. First they built 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).

Bartholomew, on October 7, 1337, took monastic vows from Abbot Mitrofan with the name of the holy martyr Sergius and laid the foundation for a new residence in honor of the Life-Giving Trinity. Enduring temptations and demonic fears, the monk rose from strength to strength. The exploits of St. Sergius could not be hidden, and the fragrance of his holy life spread far away. People began to flock to him and gather under his roof, eager to bear the yoke of Christ. 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 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 monk 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 the Monk Sergius became known in Constantinople, and Patriarch Philotheus sent the monk 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 monk 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 monk 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, Saint Sergius was awarded the grace-filled gift of miracles. He resurrected the boy when the desperate father considered his only son lost forever. 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 monk without receiving healing of ailments and edifying advice.

One day, Saint Stephen, Bishop of Perm, who deeply revered the saint, 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 a meal. In response to the saint’s blessing, the Monk Sergius stood up, read a prayer and sent a return blessing to the saint. Some of the disciples, surprised by the saint’s extraordinary act, hurried to the indicated place and, having caught up with the saint, became convinced of the truth of the vision.

Gradually, the monks began to witness other similar phenomena. Once during the Liturgy the Angel of the Lord concelebrated with the saint, but out of his humility the Monk Sergius forbade anyone to tell about this for the rest of his life.

Close ties of spiritual friendship and brotherly love bound St. Sergius with St. Alexis. The saint, in his declining years, called the saint to him and asked to accept the Russian metropolitanate, 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 monk 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, and also remembered all those who fell on the battlefield, seeing with spiritual eyes the battle that was taking place.

For his angelic life, the Monk 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, that a miraculous visit awaited them. Soon the Mother of God appeared, accompanied by the holy apostles Peter and John the Theologian. The Monk Sergius fell on his face before the Most Holy Theotokos. She touched him with her hands and, blessing him, promised to always patronize his holy monastery.

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 them with the words of his testament: “Take heed to yourselves, brethren. First have the fear of God, spiritual purity and unfeigned love.”

On July 5, 1422, the Monk Nikon carried out the incorrupt relics of the Monk Sergius and placed them in the stone Trinity Cathedral of the monastery, specially erected for this purpose. To this day, the holy relics of St. Sergius are the most precious treasure of the monastery, a source of grace-filled healings for mental and physical infirmities of all who prayerfully resort to his intercession.

Special prayers are offered to the monk for the abolition of pride and conceit, for the gift of children with the ability to learn science.

The life of St. Sergius of Radonezh is rich big amount righteous and godly accomplishments and miracles. The saint is God's messenger, called by the Almighty Lord at critical times for the Church.

The meaning of Sergius of Radonezh for the Orthodox

Sergius of Radonezh came to Russian soil when the Tatar tribe had filled almost the entire territory of the fatherland, and the princes were engaged in fierce civil strife.

These enormous problems promised complete destruction for Rus', so the Lord called upon St. Sergius to free the people from cruel misfortune. To strengthen and raise moral forces that had been weakened for a long time, the saint set a vivid example of a pious life: honest and disciplined performance of work, restrictions of the flesh and tongue.

Holy Venerable Sergius of Radonezh

St. Sergius of Radonezh demonstrated unprecedented philanthropy, patience and knowledge psychological aspects. He knew how to devote all his time to the common cause, well-behavedly preaching true religiosity.

The saint did not hesitate to try on the responsibilities of any profession: he was engaged in cooking, baking, carpentry, chopping wood, grinding flour. He was a true servant of the brethren, not sparing himself and never falling into despondency.

Read about Sergius of Radonezh:

Biography of the Reverend

Bartholomew's parents (secular name Sergius) were called Cyril and Maria. They were Rostov boyars, lived in a village called Radonezh and led a humble home life caring for horses and livestock.

Parents rejected licentiousness and luxury and were considered respectable, religious and fair people. They always gave alms to the poor and warmly welcomed travelers into their own home.

• At the age of seven, Bartholomew went to learn to read and write. The child showed an undeniable desire, but his studies were not at all successful. Bartholomew prayed to God for a long time to help him open his heart and mind to accept true knowledge.
• When the child was looking for the missing horses in a large field, he saw a monk in a black robe and approached him to tell him about his own grief. The elder, showing mercy, spent a long time in prayer for Bartholomew’s enlightenment. The monk treated the boy to blessed prosphora and promised that from now on the child would be able to understand the essence of the Scriptures. The youth truly felt great grace and began to easily perceive book teaching.
• After fateful meeting young Bartholomew grew stronger in faith and desire to selflessly serve the Almighty Lord. He stayed with the family, with loving parents, despite the desire for privacy. Those around him noted his modesty, silence, ability to be meek and affectionate; the boy never got angry or showed disrespect to his elders. His diet included only bread and water, and during his fasts he completely abstained from any food.
• When his godly parents left the mortal world, Bartholomew left an inheritance to his younger brother and settled in a deep forest, several miles from his native Radonezh. His elder brother Stefan kept him company, and together they built a wooden cell and a small chapel. This place was soon consecrated in honor of the Trinity.

Venerable Sergius. Construction of the monastery

On a note! The monastery of the majestic abbot was distinguished by simplicity and beggary. Parishioners noted the poverty of food and furnishings, but learned to unite even in years of difficult conditions. When the brethren did not have even a piece of bread, they did not lose heart, but continued to work and humbly read their prayers. In each of the monks one could feel the hidden fire of self-sacrifice and the desire to give all of oneself for the good of religion.

Took monastic vows

After some time, Stefan leaves his younger brother and becomes the abbot of a Moscow monastery. Bartholomew is tonsured a monk and receives the spiritual name Sergius; he spends two years alone, living in a dense forest.

• Thanks to prayer and courageous patience, the young monk was able to overcome the flattering temptations attacking his consciousness. People ran near Sergius's cell beasts of prey, but no one dared to harm the true servant of the Lord.
• The fame of the monk’s ascetic deeds spread beyond his monastery and attracted other humble monks who wanted to receive instructions in a righteous life. Soon the disciples persuaded St. Sergius of Radonezh to accept the priesthood.
• Some time after the founding of the monastery, ordinary peasants began to settle nearby. Thanks to the nearby road to Moscow, the funds of the Holy Trinity Monastery began to increase, which allowed the monks to distribute alms and take into the care of the unfortunate sick and wandering pilgrims.
• Patriarch Philotheus of Constantinople learned about the holy life of Sergius of Radonezh, who blessed the works of the saint and sent approval of the rules of the desert community created by the saint. Metropolitan Alexey extremely revered the founder of the Holy Trinity Monastery, treated him with friendly love and entrusted the task of reconciling the Russian princes, and also counted on him as his successor. However, Sergius humbly refused the offer to take a high church post.

Miracles and visions of the saint

Prince D. Donskoy greatly revered Sergius of Radonezh and asked for blessings for victory in the fight against the hordes of the Tatar-Mongols. Saint approved heroic impulse Russian army and ordered two ascetics to take part in a grandiose battle.

St. Sergius blesses D. Donskoy

• The Mother of God repeatedly came to Sergius, accompanied by the first apostles of Christ. The Virgin Mary promised to make sure that the meager monastery would never again need housing and food.
• One day an indescribable light illuminated him, and hundreds of birds circled in the sky, filling the area with harmonious singing. Immediately he received a revelation promising the imminent arrival of large quantity monks to his monastery.
• When Kazan still belonged to the Tatar horde, many residents of the city saw St. Sergius walking along the walls with sign of the cross, sprinkling them with holy water. The Tatar sages announced that Russian soldiers would soon capture them and the Tatars would lose power over the city.
• When enemies were approaching the Trinity Monastery, Sergius appeared in a dream to the monastery’s resident and warned of an imminent siege. The saint walked around the walls and sprinkled them with holy water. The next night, the Tatar hordes, wanting to attack unexpectedly, met courageous resistance and left this place.
• One person had severe eye pain and could not sleep at all. When he fell, exhausted from illness, a man came to him. reverend elder and ordered to come to the temple and serve a prayer service. He received his sight after he saw the holy abbot riding on a white horse. Realizing that the illness had gone away by the grace of God, he hastened to thank Him in the Church.
• Once Sergius healed a possessed nobleman who was shouting swear words, raging and biting. They brought him by force to the holy elder, who cured him with the help of strong prayer and the cross. The nobleman later said that he saw a terrible flame and escaped from it in the water.
• Three decades after his death, his remains began to flow myrrh. After a while, an icon of the appearance of the Virgin Mary was solemnly placed on Sergius’s tomb. This shrine is extremely revered in Orthodox world and performs various miracles.
• The venerable elder learned from his own experience the true Christian life, united with God and became a partaker of the religious nature. Everyone who communicated with Sergius gained faith and joined the Holy Trinity. The reverend monk received from the Almighty the gift of prophecy, miracles, heartfelt consolation and dispassion. He had no differences in the vision of the three times; people from other cities, as well as foreigners, came to him.

Read about prayers to the saint:

Farewell to the world

The sight of death never frightened the holy monk, since his ascetic life had accustomed him to a courageous perception of what was happening. The incessant work exhausted his body, but Sergius never missed a church service and set an example of diligence for his young students.

Vision of St. Sergius about the disciples

Six months before his death, the monk received a vision of the exact time of death. He gathered his students around him and transferred managerial rights to the monk Nikon. In September 1391, the elder became seriously ill and, having again convened the brethren, began to give his last fatherly teaching. His words conveyed endless love, strength and simplicity.

Sergius of Radonezh preached to his disciples the path of benevolence towards everyone, maintaining unanimity, observing Orthodox principles, and also the absence of arrogance.

Before his death, the saint desired his final communion with the Body and Blood of Christ. With the help of his disciples, he rose from his wretched bed and drank from the cup. Experiencing grace-filled peace, the monk raised his right hands to heaven, pronounced a blessing to the Lord and departed with a pure soul.

As soon as Sergius gave up the ghost, a divine aroma spread inside the cell, and his face shone with a beautiful light.

Finding the relics

All the disciples cried and sighed, walked around drooping, pouring out to each other their grief of irreparable loss. They often visited the elder’s grave and talked with his image, asking for mercy and salvation. The brethren sincerely believed that the spirit of Sergius was constantly nearby and guided the disciples along the true path.

Once the pious abbot saw the saint at an all-night vigil: he was singing hymns of praise to the Lord along with others. This episode instilled joy in the disciples and was a mystical response to the mourning over his grave.

In July 1422, during the creation of a new stone monastery, the relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh were discovered. Having opened the coffin, eyewitnesses felt a fragrant fragrance; the body of the monk and his clothes remained completely untouched by decomposition. Four years later, the miraculous remains were transferred to the Trinity Cathedral. The Church gives praise to St. Sergius on July 5, the day of the discovery of the relics.

Parts of the saint's remains can be found in several churches in Moscow.

1. In the Cathedral of the Life-Giving Trinity, the local courtyard looks like a small monastery in which the necessary services are performed.
2. The relics of Sergius of Radonezh are also in the temple St. Nicholas, located in Klenniki. During the Time of Troubles, a famous community was created here under the leadership of St. Alexis.
3. In the temple, illuminated in honor of Elijah the Ordinary, Orthodox believers observe the icon of Sergius and particles of his miraculous remains.
4. In the Cathedral of the Vladimir Icon of the Virgin Mary there are relics and one consecrated chapel.

Studying the life of St. Sergius of Radonezh, the believer is imbued with great respect and love for this saint.

From an early age, his whole nature showed mercy, meekness and selfless love for the Lord. He became the founder of the Trinity Monastery, where crowds of pilgrims and monks flocked who wanted to join the simple way of life of St. Sergius.

Life of St. Sergius of Radonezh Name:

Sergius of Radonezh (Bartholomew Kirillovich) Age:

78 years old Activity:

hieromonk of the Russian Church, founder of a number of monasteries Family status:

wasn't married

Sergius of Radonezh: biography

Little is known about the life of Sergius of Radonezh, hieromonk of the Russian Church, reformer of monasticism in northern Rus' and founder of the Holy Trinity Monastery. Everything we know about the “great old man,” canonized, was written by his disciple, the monk Epiphanius the Wise. Later, the life of Sergius of Radonezh was edited by Pachomius the Serb (Logothetus). From it our contemporaries draw information about the main milestones of the biography church leader . In his biography, Epiphanius managed to convey to the reader the essence of the teacher’s personality, his greatness and charm. The earthly path of Sergius recreated by him makes it possible to understand the origins of his glory. His life path is indicative in that it makes it clear how easily any life difficulties

with faith in God.

The date of birth of the future ascetic is not precisely known, some sources call 1314, others - 1322, others are inclined to believe that Sergius of Radonezh was born on May 3, 1319. At baptism, the baby received the name Bartholomew. According to ancient legend, Sergius’s parents were boyar Kirill and his wife Maria, who lived in the village of Varnitsa in the vicinity of Rostov.

Their estate was located not far from the city - in the places where the Trinity Varnitsky Monastery was subsequently built. Bartholomew had two more brothers, he was the middle one. At the age of seven the boy was sent to study. Unlike the smart brothers who quickly grasped literacy, the training of the future saint was difficult. But a miracle happened: in an amazing way the boy learned to read and write.

This event is described in his book by Epiphanius the Wise. Bartholomew, wanting to learn to read and write, prayed for a long time and with zeal, asking the Lord to enlighten him. One day an old man in a black robe appeared before him, to whom the boy told about his trouble and asked him to pray for him and ask God for help. The elder promised that from that moment the boy would write and read and surpass his brothers.

They entered the chapel, where Bartholomew confidently and without hesitation read the psalm. Then they went to their parents. The elder said that their son was marked by God even before giving birth, when she came to church for the service. During the singing of the liturgy, the child, being in his mother’s womb, cried out three times. Based on this story from the life of the saint, the painter Nesterov painted the painting “Vision to the Youth Bartholomew.”

From that moment on, books about the lives of saints became available to Bartholomew. While studying the Holy Scriptures, the youth developed an interest in the church. From the age of twelve, Bartholomew devoted a lot of time to prayer and observed strict fasting. On Wednesdays and Fridays he fasts, on other days he eats bread and drinks water, and prays at night. Maria is worried about her son's behavior. This becomes a subject of controversy and disagreement between father and mother.

In 1328-1330, the family faced serious financial problems and became poor. This was the reason that Kirill and Maria and their children moved to Radonezh, a settlement on the outskirts of the Principality of Moscow. It wasn't easy troubled times. The Golden Horde ruled in Rus', lawlessness arose. The population was subjected to regular raids and subjected to excessive tribute. The principalities were ruled by princes appointed by the Tatar-Mongol khans. All this caused the family to move from Rostov.

Monasticism

At the age of 12, Bartholomew decides to become a monk. His parents did not interfere, but set the condition that he could become a monk only when they were gone. Bartholomew was their only support, since the other brothers lived separately with their children and wives. Soon my parents died, so I didn’t have to wait long.

According to the tradition of those times, before their death they took monastic tonsure and schema. Bartholomew goes to the Khotkovo-Pokrovsky Monastery, where his brother Stefan is located. He was widowed and took monastic vows before his brother. The desire for a strict monastic life led the brothers to the bank of the Konchura River in the Makovets tract, where they founded a hermitage.

In a remote forest, the brothers built a wooden cell made of logs and a small church, on the site of which the Holy Trinity Cathedral currently stands. The brother cannot stand the hermit life in the forest and moves to the Epiphany Monastery. Bartholomew, who was only 23 years old, takes monastic vows, becomes Father Sergius and remains to live in the tract completely alone.

A little time passed, and monks flocked to Makovets, a monastery was formed, which over the years became the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, which still exists today. Its first abbot was a certain Mitrofan, the second abbot was Father Sergius. The abbots of the monastery and disciples did not take alms from believers, living on the fruits of their labor. The community grew, peasants settled around the monastery, fields and meadows were reclaimed, and the former abandoned wilderness turned into a populated area.

The exploits and glory of the monks became known in Constantinople. From the Ecumenical Patriarch Philotheus, St. Sergius was sent a cross, a schema, a paraman and a letter. On the advice of the Patriarch, the monastery was introduced into the monastery - a communal charter, which was subsequently adopted by many monasteries in Rus'. This was a bold innovation, since at that time the monasteries lived according to a special charter, according to which the monks arranged their lives as their means allowed.

Cenovia presupposed equality of property, food from one cauldron in a common refectory, identical clothes and shoes, obedience to the abbot and the “elders.” This way of life was an ideal model of relationships among believers. The monastery turned into an independent community, whose residents were engaged in prosaic peasant work, praying for the salvation of the soul and the whole world. Having approved the charter of “common life” in Makovets, Sergius began to introduce life-giving reform in other monasteries.

Monasteries founded by Sergius of Radonezh

• Trinity-Sergius Lavra;
• Staro-Golutvin near Kolomna in the Moscow region;
• Vysotsky Monastery in Serpukhov;
• Annunciation Monastery in Kirzhach, Vladimir region;
• St. George's Monastery on the river. Klyazma.

Followers of the saint's teachings founded more than forty monasteries on the territory of Rus'. Most of them were built in the wilderness. Over time, villages appeared around them. “Monastic colonization”, begun by Radonezh, made it possible to create strongholds for the development of lands and the development of the Russian North and Trans-Volga region.

Battle of Kulikovo

Sergius of Radonezh was a great peacemaker who made an invaluable contribution to the unity of the people. With quiet and meek speeches, he found his way to the hearts of people, calling for obedience and peace. He reconciled the warring parties, calling for submission to the Prince of Moscow and the unification of all Russian lands. Subsequently, this created favorable conditions for liberation from the Tatar-Mongols.

The role of Sergius of Radonezh in the battle on the Kulikovo field was great. Before the battle, the Grand Duke came to the saint to pray and ask for advice on whether it was a godly thing for a Russian man to fight against the atheists. Khan Mamai and his huge army wanted to enslave the freedom-loving, but fear-ridden Russian people. The Monk Sergius gave the prince his blessing for the battle and predicted victory over the Tatar horde.

Together with the prince, he sends two monks, thereby violating church canons that forbade monks to fight. Sergius was ready to sacrifice the salvation of his soul for the sake of the Fatherland. The Russian army won the Battle of Kulikovo on the day of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This became another evidence of the special love and patronage of the Mother of God on Russian soil. The prayer of the Most Pure One accompanied the saint’s entire life; his favorite cell icon was “Our Lady Hodegetria” (Guide). Not a day passed without singing an akathist - a hymn of praise dedicated to the Mother of God.

Miracles

The ascetic’s ascent along the path of spiritual perfection was accompanied by mystical visions. He saw angels and birds of paradise, heavenly fire and divine radiance. The name of the saint is associated with miracles that began even before birth. The first miracle mentioned above took place in the womb. Everyone in the church heard the baby's cry. The second miracle is associated with unexpectedly revealed abilities for knowledge.

The top spiritual contemplation there was an appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos, which the holy elder was honored with. One day, after selfless prayer in front of the icon, he was illuminated by a dazzling light, in the rays of which he saw the Most Pure Mother of God, accompanied by two apostles - Peter and John. The monk fell to his knees, and the Most Pure One touched him and said that she had heard the prayers and would continue to help. After these words, she became invisible again.

The appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos was a good omen for the monastery and all of Rus'. A big war with the Tatars was coming, people were in a state of anxious anticipation. The vision became a prophecy, good news about successful outcome and the coming victory over the horde. The theme of the appearance of the Mother of God to the abbot has become one of the most popular in icon painting.

Death

The decline of Sergius, who lived to a ripe old age, was clear and quiet. He was surrounded by numerous disciples, he was revered by great princes and the last beggars. Six months before his death, Sergius handed over the abbess to his disciple Nikon and renounced everything worldly, “began to remain silent,” preparing for death.

When the illness began to overcome him more and more, in anticipation of his departure, he gathers the monastic brethren and addresses them with instructions. He asks to “have the fear of God”, to maintain like-mindedness, purity of soul and body, love, humility and love of strangers, expressed in caring for the poor and homeless. The elder passed away into another world on September 25, 1392.

Memory

After his death, the Trinity monks elevated him to the rank of saints, calling him a venerable, miracle worker and saint. A stone cathedral, called Trinity Cathedral, was built over the saint’s grave. The walls of the cathedral and the iconostasis were painted by an artel under the leadership. The ancient paintings were not preserved; new ones were created in their place in 1635.

According to another version, the canonization of Radonezh took place later, on July 5 (18), when the relics of the saint were found. The relics are still in the Trinity Cathedral. They left its walls only when there was a severe threat - during fires and the Napoleonic invasion. When the Bolsheviks came to power, the relics were opened, and the remains were kept in the Sergiev Historical and Art Museum.

The modest Radonezh abbot gained immortality in the memory of his followers, all believers and in the history of the state. The Moscow kings, who attended pilgrimages in the Trinity Monastery, considered the saint their intercessor and patron. His image was turned to during difficult times for the Russian people. His name became a symbol of the spiritual wealth of Russia and the people.

The dates of commemoration of the saint are the day of his death on September 25 (October 8) and the day of glorification of the holy monks of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra on July 6 (19). The saint’s biography contains many facts of selfless service to God. Many monasteries, temples and monuments were built in his honor. There are 67 churches in the capital alone, many were built in the 17th-18th centuries. There are them abroad too. Many icons and paintings with his image were painted.

The miraculous icon “Sergius of Radonezh” helps parents when they pray for their children to study well. In a house where there is an icon, children are under its protection. Schoolchildren and students resort to the help of the saint when they experience difficulties in their studies and during exams. Prayer before the icon helps in legal cases, protects against mistakes and offenders.