Venerable Sergius, abbot of Radonezh, wonderworker of all Russia. Venerable Sergius, abbot of Radonezh, wonderworker of all Russia (†1392)

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 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 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, 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 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 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 guide was distinguished by 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 despairing father thought 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 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 Reverend, but out of his humility, the Reverend 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 she appeared Mother of God 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 last time called on the brethren 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 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 Andrei Tkachev “Earthly 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 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 the genres of historical painting, portrait, landscape, book design and illustrations. Sergei Efoshkin is the author of pictorial 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, and actively participates in exhibition activities. It is impossible not to note the artist’s personal exhibitions that were held with great success in many cities of Russia, as well as in near and far abroad.

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 ancient manuscript The Facial Life of St. Sergius of Radonezh is 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.

Saint Sergius is one of the patrons of the city of Moscow and therefore he is asked to protect the capital from various troubles, as well as the prosperity of our entire country.

In front of the icon of this saint they pray for the protection of children from evil influences, for help in their studies, as well as for the protection of widows and children who were left without care.

St. Sergius can help in righteous court cases; he protects you from judicial errors or injustices.

Sergius of Radonezh himself was humble, so prayers in front of his image help in taming the pride of either one’s own or another person.

It must be remembered that icons or saints do not “specialize” in any specific areas. It will be right when a person turns with faith in the power of God, and not in the power of this icon, this saint or prayer.
And .

THE LIFE OF REVEREND SERGIUS OF RADONEZH

Sergius of Radonezh was born near Rostov in the village of Varnitsa into a wealthy boyar family. By birth he received the name Bartholomew. The Russian Church considers May 3, 1314 as its birthday, but the exact day of Bartholomew’s birth is unknown.

From the very first days, the baby did not accept milk from his mother on Wednesdays and Fridays; when his mother ate meat, he also refused milk.

When the boy grew up, he, along with his brothers Stefan and Peter, were sent to study at a parochial school, but Bartholomew found it very difficult to study. And then one day, when he was 13 years old, an amazing event happened to him.

One day, Bartholomew went to look for horses. During these searches, the boy came to a clearing where the elder schema-monk was praying. He was kind

“like an Angel who stood in the field under an oak tree and prayed earnestly, with tears.”

Having humbly bowed to the elder, Bartholomew came up and stood next to him, waiting for him to finish praying. When the elder, having prayed, saw Bartholomew, he asked him: “ What are you looking for and what do you want, child?».

And then the boy told the stranger about his failures in his studies, and then asked him to pray for him, so that the Lord would help him master reading and writing. Then the elder took out a piece of prosphora from his knapsack, then blessed and ordered him to eat it. At the same time he said:

“...from now on the Lord will grant you good knowledge of literacy, greater than that of your brothers and peers.”

After this, Bartholomew asked the traveler to visit his parents’ house, and already leaving their hospitable home, the elder said:

“Your son will be the abode of the Holy Trinity and will lead many after him to the understanding of the Divine commandments.”

Bartholomew, already in adolescence, began to be strict about eating and prayed at night. Mom tried to dissuade her son from excessive severity and abstinence, but Bartholomew was adamant in his choice. Instead of playing with his peers, the boy went to church, read holy and spiritual books.

Around 1328, the parents of the future saint went bankrupt due to the excesses of the then officials, and then his family moved to Radonezh from Rostov. Bartholomew already wanted to live then monastic life and asked his parents for blessings. His father and mother asked him to take care of them until death, and then become a monk. But after some time, both parents of the saint themselves took monastic vows, then each went to his own monastery. They lived as monks for several years, after which they left earthly life.

Monastic life

After Bartholomew buried his parents, he went to the Khotkovo-Pokrovsky Monastery, to his older brother Stefan, who by that time was a monk. But the saint needed more “strict monasticism,” so he stayed in the monastery for only a short time. Around 1335, he, together with Stefan, left the monastery and founded a hermitage in the remote Radonezh forest on the banks of the Konchura river. At this place they built a small wooden church in the name of the Holy Trinity. Now on this site there is a cathedral church also in the name of the Holy Trinity.

The life of the “hermits” was very hard and ascetic. Stefan could not withstand the harsh tests and left for Moscow to the Epiphany Monastery. Later he became its abbot.

When Bartholomew was left alone, he invited Elder Mitrofan to his place, who tonsured him as a monk. This happened at the age of about twenty years. When he was tonsured, the new monk was named Sergius.

Formation of the Trinity-Sergius Monastery

The Monk Sergius remained to live in the hermitage. In the biography of the saint it is written that he fed the wild animals that came to his hut; a bear even visited him for a whole year, to which Sergius left a piece of bread every day.

Life was not easy, but, despite the difficulties, there were monks who wanted to live next to Sergius, they even built their cells nearby.
Over time, twelve monks joined Sergius. In the hermitage they served midnight office, matins, hours, and a priest was invited to serve mass, since Sergius by that time was neither a priest nor an abbot, he did not want to take the rank out of his humility. Despite his leading role in the creation of this settlement, Sergius still remained a model of humility for the monks - he, like everyone else, did any work. He carried water, chopped wood, cooked food, and prayed fervently at night. By his example, he confirmed the established rule - to live according to one’s labors, and not with the help of alms.

Very little time passed, and this monastery became famous in the area; many people decided to donate their property to it and moved closer to Sergius. Thus, this monastery ceased to suffer from poverty, and gradually turned into a rich monastery.
They even learned about it in Constantinople, and Ecumenical Patriarch Philotheus solemnly handed over to Sergius the cross, paraman, schema and letter in which he glorified him for such a virtuous life.

On the advice of the patriarch and with the blessing of Metropolitan Alexei, the Monk Sergius introduced a community-living charter in the monastery, which was later taken as the basis in almost all monasteries in Rus'.

Having begun to live according to such a strict rule, the monks began to grumble about their hard life, because they were already accustomed to wealth and glory, and, seeing this discontent, St. Sergius decided to leave the monastery. He went to the Kirzhach River, where he founded a new monastery in honor of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Without St. Sergius, the former monastery began to decline, the monks began to scatter, and those who remained asked Metropolitan Alexy to help them return the saint.
The Monk Sergius complied with the saint's request and returned, leaving the Kirzhach Monastery in the care of the Monk Roman, his favorite disciple.

Even during his lifetime, St. Sergius received from God the gift of working miracles; the fame of his miracles became known not only in the immediate area, but also far beyond the monastery. Everyone received help, healing or life-saving advice from him. There is a known case when a saint was able, by God’s will, to resurrect a child who died in his father’s arms.

People loved St. Sergius and revered him on a par with the holy fathers, but he still remained a model of humility; human glory was not a vital necessity for the saint.

Known interesting case, which happened to the Bishop of Perm, Saint Stephen (April 27), who very much loved and revered St. Sergius.
Saint Stephen once passed by the Sergius Monastery on his way to Moscow, but he did not have the opportunity to visit Sergius. Stefan decided that he would visit the monastery on the way back, stopped on the road, prayed, bowed and said the words that were addressed to St. Sergius:

"Peace be with you, spiritual brother"

At this time the saint was in the refectory; he suddenly stood up, read a prayer and sent a return blessing to the saint. The brethren who were next to Sergius were very surprised by the unusual act, and some disciples went to the indicated place, caught up with the saint and were convinced that the vision was true.

More than once, monks witnessed other miracles that happened to Saint Sergius. Once, during the divine liturgy, an Angel of the Lord served the Reverend, but Sergius, in his humility, never talked about this and even forbade anyone to talk about this miracle until the end of his earthly life.

The Monk Sergius was spiritually very close to Metropolitan Saint Alexy, who very much wanted, after his death, to leave the Russian Metropolis in the care of the saint. Sergius never became high priest, humbly refusing such an honor.

In his life, Sergius often turned out to be an instrument of reconciliation between warring people. During the Mongol-Tatar yoke, to defeat the enemy, he was able "in quiet and meek words" convince the princes to submit to the Grand Duke of Moscow. Rostov, Nizhny Novgorod, Ryazan prince Oleg and many others, according to the conviction of St. Sergius, humbled their pride and stood under the banner of Prince Dmitry Ioannovich in the Battle of Kulikovo.

Before this decisive battle, Prince Dmitry, along with many boyars and governors, came to Sergius to receive his blessing. The saint blessed the prince and predicted his victory in this battle. From the monastery on a campaign, together with Dmitry, two warrior monks, Peresvet and Ooslabya, went on a campaign, who, together with the soldiers, fought the enemy.
According to church canons, monks are not allowed to take up arms, but St. Sergius deviated from this law. When people saw two monks next to Prince Dmitry, everyone understood that this war was sacred and this instilled great confidence in victory.

During his angelic life, St. Sergius was awarded a heavenly vision. One night, the Mother of God herself appeared to Saint Sergius, who was praying with his disciple the Monk Micah (May 6), along with the holy apostles Peter and John the Theologian. From an unearthly bright light, St. Sergius fell to the ground, and the Most Holy Mother of God touched him with her hands and blessed him, promising to always be the patroness of his holy monastery.

Having lived to an advanced age, Sergius, six months before his death, blessed his disciple, the Monk Nikon, experienced in spiritual life and obedience, to be abbot.
On the eve of the day of his departure from earthly life, the Monk Sergius addressed the brethren for the last time with his will, in which he said:

“Take heed to yourselves, brothers. First have the fear of God, spiritual purity and unfeigned love...”

In addition to the Trinity-Sergius Monastery, Sergius founded several more monasteries, such as the Annunciation Monastery on Kirzhach, Staro-Golutvin near Kolomna, the Vysotsky Monastery, and the St. George Monastery on Klyazma. In all these monasteries he appointed his students as abbots.
More than 40 monasteries were founded by his students: Savva (Savvo-Storozhevsky near Zvenigorod), Ferapont (Ferapontov), ​​Kirill (Kirillo-Belozersky), Sylvester (Voskresensky Obnorsky), etc., as well as his spiritual interlocutors, such as Stefan of Perm.

GREATNESS

We bless you, Reverend Father Sergius, and honor your holy memory, teacher of monks and interlocutor of angels.

VIDEO

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 marks 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 story not only has a historical basis, 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 managed to do for the Lord - how many monasteries he founded, how many people he healed and guided on the right path. What needs to be changed in your own life so that you are not 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 and becomes the heavenly patron of all who bear 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 times, 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 the human consciousness is simply unable to bear 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. It has a lot of characters and a 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. U 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 of posthumous miracles; it is not for nothing that a stream of believers strives for 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 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 to save 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, 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 think that you are dead, even though you have passed away from us in body, but even after death you remain alive. Do not give up on us in spirit, keeping us from the arrows of the enemy, and all the charms of the devil, 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 alive even 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.

Venerable Sergius of Radonezh - Holy Russian Land

The personality of St. Sergius of Radonezh, on the one hand, has long been studied and widely known. But, on the other hand, a whole series of questions are associated with it. For example, what did this saint do if he was already revered during his lifetime, and later generations awarded him the high title of “abbot of all Rus'”? Is the monastic path of Sergius different from the feat of the early monks, and if so, what exactly is its uniqueness? And, finally, what influence did the venerable saint of God have on the culture of Northeast Rus'?

Since childhood, we have known the story of how the youth Bartholomew experienced difficulties in mastering literacy and one day, running away into the field from the ridicule of his brothers and grief, he begged for help. An Angel of the Lord appeared to him in the form of an old monk and gave the boy a piece of prosphora as a consolation. Having tasted it, the boy miraculously began to understand the Holy Scriptures and soon found himself best student. The elder’s prediction to Bartholomew’s parents, the pious Cyril and Mary, also came true: “Your son will be great before God and people.”

The prayer book of the Russian land was born in 1314 in the village of Varnitsa* near Rostov the Great, in the estate of the boyars Cyril and Maria. Bartholomew and his brothers lived in Rostov until he was 14 years old, then the family moved to Radonezh. After the death of their parents, in a deserted place on Mount Makovets not far from Radonezh, the brothers built a cell for themselves. Having taken monastic vows at the age of 23 with the name Sergius, the future saint founded the monastery of the Life-Giving Trinity. This is how the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, now known to the whole world, began, which became the spiritual center of Moscow Rus'. Sergius labored there, first with his brother Stefan, and then alone. Monks began to gather at the monastery, and the Reverend himself endured heavy physical labor and feat of prayer. He built cells, carried water, chopped wood, sewed clothes and prepared food for the brethren. Seeing such humility and hard work, the monks asked St. Sergius to become abbot of the monastery.


While still alive, having been awarded the gift of miracles, the abbot of Radonezh resurrected the youth when the despairing father considered his son dead.

The rumor about a young ascetic living in the Radonezh forests quickly spread throughout Rus', and sick people from the most remote places began to be brought to him.

The Russian land at that time suffered from Mongol yoke. Grand Duke Dimitri Donskoy, having gathered an army, came to Saint Sergius for a blessing for the battle.


To help the prince, the Reverend blessed the monks of the monastery: Andrei (Oslyabya) and Alexander (Peresvet), and predicted victory for the prince. On September 21, 1380, on the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Russian soldiers defeated the enemy on the Kulikovo Field.

One night the saint prayed before the icon of the Most Pure One and suddenly felt that a miraculous visit awaited him. A moment later, the Mother of God appeared, accompanied by the apostles Peter and John the Theologian.

From the bright light, St. Sergius fell on his face, but the Mother of God touched him with her hand and promised to patronize his holy monastery. Having reached a very old age, having foreseen his death within six months, the Reverend reposed in God on October 8, 1392 and soon began to be revered by the Trinity monks as a saint.
The relics of St. Sergius were found on July 18, 1422 at Reverend Abbot Nikone (d. 1426).

In 1408, when Moscow and its environs were invaded by the Tatar hordes of Edigei, the Trinity Monastery was devastated and burned, the monks, led by Abbot Nikon, took refuge in the forests, preserving icons, sacred vessels, books and other shrines associated with the memory of St. Sergius. In a night vision on the eve of the Tatar raid, the Monk Sergius informed his disciple and successor of the upcoming trials and predicted as a consolation that the temptation would not last long and the holy monastery, rising from the ashes, would prosper and grow even more. Metropolitan Philaret wrote about this in “The Life of St. Sergius”: “In the likeness of how it was fitting for Christ to suffer, and through the cross and death to enter into the glory of the resurrection, so it is likewise for everything that is blessed by Christ for long days and glory to experience its cross and your death." Having gone through fiery cleansing, the monastery of the Life-Giving Trinity was resurrected in the length of days, and St. Sergius himself rose to dwell in it forever with his holy relics. Before the start of the construction of a new church in the name of the Life-Giving Trinity on the site of a wooden one, consecrated in September 1412, the Reverend appeared to one pious layman and ordered to inform the abbot and brethren: “Why do you leave me for so long in a tomb, covered with earth, in the water oppressing my body? " And during the construction of the cathedral, when they were digging ditches for the foundation, the incorrupt relics of the Saint were opened and worn out, and everyone saw that not only the body, but also the clothes on it were unharmed, although there was indeed water around the coffin. With a large gathering of pilgrims and clergy, in the presence of the son of Dimitri Donskoy, Prince of Zvenigorod Yuri Dimitrievich (d. 1425), the holy relics were carried out of the ground and temporarily placed in the wooden Trinity Church (the Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit is now located on that site). During the consecration of the stone Trinity Cathedral in 1426, they were transferred to it, where they remain to this day.

Since then, the saint's memory has been celebrated on July 18 and October 8.

For 620 years now, Russian people have been turning to the Radonezh miracle worker in prayer. The lamps of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra are glowing, the covenants of the Saint are being honoured, and many worshipers come to bow to his shrine. In former times, visiting the Trinity (in the city of Sergiev Posad) was considered a sacred duty for everyone.

In 1859, returning from Siberian exile, F.M. Dostoevsky made a detour to look at the Lavra, which he remembered from childhood. During the God-fighting hard times, in 1919, the entire monastery brethren was arrested, and the Trinity Cathedral was sealed, then by decree of the Council of People's Commissars, the “Former Lavra” was turned into a museum. A shooting gallery was set up in the refectory, and a dining room and club in the cells. After the Great Patriotic War, the Trinity-Sergius Lavra was revived and for many years remained one of the eighteen monasteries operating in the USSR. Main temple The laurels - Trinity, where the relics of the Saint are buried - were painted by outstanding icon painters Andrei Rublev and Daniil Cherny. The famous “Trinity”** was painted for the iconostasis of the cathedral.

In the sacristy of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra there is a silk-embroidered image of St. Sergius (15th century), which cannot be seen without excitement. This is the cover on the saint’s shrine, donated to the Lavra by Grand Duke Vasily, the son of Demetrius Donskoy... This image shows the depth of sorrow for the Russian land, tormented by the Tatars. With what love this fabric was embroidered by a Russian woman, who perhaps knew the Reverend!

Traditionally, the saint is painted waist-length or full-length, in monastic vestments, with a scroll in the left hand of the Reverend, and with his right hand he blesses us.

The image of the Abbot of the Russian Land, who during his ascetic life was honored with a visit to the Mother of God, is strict and sublime. “The saint, gray-haired, cross-shaped robe, to the left are monks in hoods and robes, black robe, undersides of a robe, golden heads and roofs, white cross,” says the Saint in the “Facebook of the Holy Fathers” of the 17th century.

“How imperceptible and meek everything is about him!.. Oh, if only I could see him, hear him! I don’t think he would have been struck by anything right away. Not a loud voice, quiet movements, a calm face, a holy Great Russian carpenter. This is how he is even in the icon - an image of the invisible and charming in the sincerity of the Russian landscape, the Russian soul,” noted the Russian writer B.K. Zaitsev.

The earthly path and posthumous miracles of Sergius of Radonezh, performed at his tomb, about which chronicles and legends tell us, are reflected in icons with hagiographic stamps. For centuries until this day.

The monk is the patron saint of the Russian state.
In the homeland of the Saint, in the village of Varnitsa, the Trinity-Sergius Monastery was founded back in the 14th century. But in the 30s of the 20th century it was razed to the ground by atheists, and in its place until the 90s of the last century there was a garbage dump.

And the small miraculous icon of Sergius of Radonezh from the plundered monastery was saved by the residents of Varnitsa, and it was passed down from generation to generation, preserved either in a cellar, wrapped in a rag, or in a well during searches of local peasants. When in 1995 the monastery was taken under the care of the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius and it began to be restored, this icon, in a form almost beyond restoration, was brought by some person to the memorial cross erected by the brethren of the monastery at the place where the Angel appeared to the youth Bartholomew.


A prayer service was served at the cross, and from that hour the revival of the monastery, which had undergone all sorts of obstacles: a shortage of workers, building materials, food, suddenly became remarkably successful.
Now the Varnitsky Trinity-Sergius Monastery is one of the most significant in Rostov region, in 2004, an Orthodox boarding school was established here, where young men from all over Russia study in high school. And again the Reverend, through his saved miraculous image, helps the children in their studies and bestows courage in spiritual warfare.

The life of St. Sergius of Radonezh is rich a large number 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 lift moral forces which had been weakened for a long time, the saint gave shining example godly life: honest and disciplined performance of work, restrictions of the flesh and tongue.

Holy Venerable Sergius of Radonezh

The Monk Sergius of Radonezh demonstrated unprecedented philanthropy, patience and knowledge of 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 cattle.

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, for a long time spent in prayer for the enlightenment of Bartholomew. The monk treated the boy to a 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 the fateful meeting, young Bartholomew grew stronger in faith and desire to selflessly serve the Almighty Lord. He remained in 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 older 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

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 the 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 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.

Note! Even when the monastic community ceased to need bread, the monk remained faithful to his asceticism, recognizing poverty and denying all benefits. He wasn't interested at all distinctive features, high ranks or titles. This saint had a desire to introduce strict orders closer to the realities of the first Christians. For him, his whole life was poverty.

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. The saint approved of the heroic impulse of the 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 a large number of 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 the 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, the venerable elder appeared to him and ordered him 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 curse words, raging and biting. He was led 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 the 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 religious nature. Everyone who communicated with Sergius gained faith and joined the Holy Trinity. The monk received from the Almighty the gift of prophecy, miracles, heartfelt consolation and dispassion. He had no differences in his vision of the three times; people from other cities, as well as foreigners, came to him.

Read about prayers to the saint:

Interesting! The Russian army, led by D. Donskoy, stopped in some doubt and fear, seeing the superior forces of the cruel enemy. At the same moment, a messenger appeared bringing a blessing from St. Sergius. Then everything Russian army was filled with indestructible courage, as she believed in the help of the Almighty. The Tatar hordes were defeated and fled in panic. Prince Donskoy thanked the saint and made large investments for the needs of the monastery.

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 the last paternal teaching. There was a sense in his words 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 answer 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 to join the simple image life of St. Sergius.

Life of St. Sergius of Radonezh