What was Sergius of Radonezh like? Venerable Sergius of Radonezh
According to ancient legend, the estate of the parents of Sergius of Radonezh, the boyars of Rostov, was located in the vicinity of Rostov the Great, on the road to Yaroslavl. The parents, “noble boyars,” apparently lived simply; they were quiet, calm people, with a strong and serious way of life.
St. Kirill and Maria. Painting of the Ascension Church on Grodka (Pavlov Posad) Parents of Sergius of Radonezh
Although Cyril more than once accompanied the princes of Rostov to the Horde, as a trusted, close person, he himself did not live richly. One cannot even talk about any luxury or licentiousness of the later landowner. Rather, on the contrary, one might think that home life is closer to that of a peasant: as a boy, Sergius (and then Bartholomew) was sent to the field to fetch horses. This means that he knew how to confuse them and turn them around. And leading him to some stump, grabbing him by the bangs, jumping up and trotting home in triumph. Perhaps he chased them at night too. And, of course, he was not a barchuk.
One can imagine parents as respectable and fair people, religious to a high degree. They helped the poor and willingly welcomed strangers.
On May 3, Maria had a son. The priest gave him the name Bartholomew, after the feast day of this saint. The special shade that distinguishes it lies on the child from early childhood.
At the age of seven, Bartholomew was sent to study literacy in a church school together with his brother Stefan. Stefan studied well. Bartholomew was not good at science. Like Sergius later, little Bartholomew is very stubborn and tries, but there is no success. He's upset. The teacher sometimes punishes him. Comrades laugh and parents reassure. Bartholomew cries alone, but does not move forward.
And here is a village picture, so close and so understandable six hundred years later! The foals wandered somewhere and disappeared. His father sent Bartholomew to look for them; the boy had probably wandered like this more than once, through the fields, in the forest, perhaps near the shores of Lake Rostov, and called to them, patted them with a whip, and dragged their halters. With all Bartholomew’s love for solitude, nature and with all his dreaminess, he, of course, carried out every task most conscientiously - this trait marked his entire life.
Sergius of Radonezh. Miracle
Now he - very depressed by his failures - found not what he was looking for. Under the oak tree I met “an elder of the monk, with the rank of presbyter.” Obviously, the elder understood him.
What do you want, boy?
Bartholomew, through tears, spoke about his sorrows and asked to pray that God would help him overcome the letter.
And under the same oak tree the old man stood to pray. Next to him is Bartholomew - a halter over his shoulder. Having finished, the stranger took out the reliquary from his bosom, took a piece of prosphora, blessed Bartholomew with it and ordered him to eat it.
This is given to you as a sign of grace and for the understanding of the Holy Scriptures. From now on, you will master reading and writing better than your brothers and comrades.
We don’t know what they talked about next. But Bartholomew invited the elder home. His parents received him well, as they usually do with strangers. The elder called the boy to the prayer room and ordered him to read psalms. The child made the excuse of inability. But the visitor himself gave the book, repeating the order.
And they fed the guest, and at dinner they told him about the signs over his son. The elder again confirmed that Bartholomew would now understand the Holy Scripture well and master reading.
[After the death of his parents, Bartholomew himself went to the Khotkovo-Pokrovsky Monastery, where his widowed brother Stefan had already been monasticized. Striving for “the strictest monasticism”, for living in the wilderness, he did not stay here long and, having convinced Stefan, together with him he founded a hermitage on the banks of the Konchura River, on the Makovets hill in the middle of the remote Radonezh forest, where he built (about 1335) a small wooden church in the name of Holy Trinity, on the site of which now stands a cathedral church also in the name of the Holy Trinity.
Unable to withstand the too harsh and ascetic lifestyle, Stefan soon left for the Moscow Epiphany Monastery, where he later became abbot. Bartholomew, left completely alone, called upon a certain abbot Mitrofan and received tonsure from him under the name Sergius, since on that day the memory of the martyrs Sergius and Bacchus was celebrated. He was 23 years old.]
Having performed the rite of tonsure, Mitrofan introduced Sergius of Radonezh to St. Tyne. Sergius spent seven days without leaving his “church”, prayed, did not “eat” anything except the prosphora that Mitrofan gave. And when the time came for Mitrofan to leave, he asked for his blessing for his desert life.
The abbot supported him and calmed him down as much as he could. And the young monk remained alone among his gloomy forests.
Images of animals and vile reptiles appeared before him. They rushed at him with whistling and gnashing of teeth. One night, according to the story of the monk, when in his “church” he was “singing matins,” Satan himself suddenly entered through the wall, with him a whole “demonic regiment.” They drove him away, threatened him, advanced. He prayed. (“May God rise again, and may His enemies be scattered…”) The demons disappeared.
Will he survive in a formidable forest, in a wretched cell? The autumn and winter snowstorms on his Makovitsa must have been terrible! After all, Stefan couldn’t stand it. But Sergius is not like that. He is persistent, patient, and he is “God-loving.”
He lived like this, completely alone, for some time.
Sergius of Radonezh. Tame bear
Sergius once saw a huge bear, weak from hunger, near his cells. And I regretted it. He brought a piece of bread from his cell and served it - since childhood, like his parents, he had been “strangely accepted.” The furry wanderer ate peacefully. Then he began to visit him. Sergius always served. And the bear became tame.
The youth of St. Sergius (Sergius of Radonezh). Nesterov M.V.
But no matter how lonely the monk was at this time, there were rumors about his desert life. And then people began to appear, asking to be taken in and saved together. Sergius dissuaded. He pointed out the difficulty of life, the hardships associated with it. Stefan's example was still alive for him. Still, he gave in. And I accepted several...
Twelve cells were built. They surrounded it with a fence for protection from animals. The cells stood under huge pine and spruce trees. The stumps of freshly cut down trees stuck out. Between them the brothers planted their modest vegetable garden. They lived quietly and harshly.
Sergius of Radonezh set an example in everything. He himself chopped down cells, carried logs, carried water in two water carriers up the mountain, ground with hand millstones, baked bread, cooked food, cut and sewed clothes. And he was probably an excellent carpenter now. In summer and winter he wore the same clothes, neither the frost nor the heat bothered him. Physically, despite the meager food, he was very strong, “he had the strength against two people.”
He was the first to attend the services.
Works of St. Sergius (Sergius of Radonezh). Nesterov M.V.
So the years passed. The community lived undeniably under the leadership of Sergius. The monastery grew, became more complex and had to take shape. The brethren wanted Sergius to become abbot. But he refused.
The desire for abbess, he said, is the beginning and root of the lust for power.
But the brethren insisted. Several times the elders “attacked” him, persuaded him, convinced him. Sergius himself founded the hermitage, he himself built the church; who should be the abbot and perform the liturgy?
The insistence almost turned into threats: the brethren declared that if there was no abbot, everyone would disperse. Then Sergius, exercising his usual sense of proportion, yielded, but also relatively.
I wish, - he said, - it is better to study than to teach; It is better to obey than to command; but I am afraid of God's judgment; I don’t know what pleases God; the holy will of the Lord be done!
And he decided not to argue - to transfer the matter to the discretion of the church authorities.
Father, they brought a lot of bread, bless you to accept it. Here, according to your holy prayers, they are at the gate.
Sergius blessed, and several carts loaded with baked bread, fish and various foodstuffs entered the monastery gates. Sergius rejoiced and said:
Well, you hungry ones, feed our breadwinners, invite them to share a common meal with us.
He ordered everyone to hit the beater, go to church, and serve a thanksgiving prayer service. And only after the prayer service he blessed us to sit down for a meal. The bread turned out to be warm and soft, as if it had just come out of the oven.
Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius (Sergius of Radonezh). Lissner E.
The monastery was no longer needed as before. But Sergius was still just as simple - poor, poor and indifferent to benefits, as he remained until his death. Neither power nor various “differences” interested him at all. A quiet voice, quiet movements, a calm face, that of a holy Great Russian carpenter. It contains our rye and cornflowers, birches and mirror-like waters, swallows and crosses and the incomparable fragrance of Russia. Everything is elevated to the utmost lightness and purity.
Many came from afar just to look at the monk. This is the time when the “old man” is heard throughout Russia, when he becomes close to Metropolitan. Alexy, settles disputes, carries out a grandiose mission to spread monasteries.
The monk wanted a stricter order, closer to the early Christian community. Everyone is equal and everyone is equally poor. Nobody has anything. The monastery lives as a community.
The innovation expanded and complicated the activities of Sergius. It was necessary to build new buildings - a refectory, a bakery, storerooms, barns, housekeeping, etc. Previously, his leadership was only spiritual - the monks went to him as a confessor, for confession, for support and guidance.
Everyone capable of work had to work. Private property is strictly prohibited.
To manage the increasingly complex community, Sergius chose assistants and distributed responsibilities among them. The first person after the abbot was considered the cellarer. This position was first established in Russian monasteries by St. Theodosius of Pechersk. The cellarer was in charge of the treasury, deanery and household management - not only inside the monastery. When the estates appeared, he was in charge of their life. Rules and court cases.
Already under Sergius, apparently, there was its own arable farming - there are arable fields around the monastery, partly they are cultivated by monks, partly by hired peasants, partly by those who want to work for the monastery. So the cellarer has a lot of worries.
One of the first cellarers of the Lavra was St. Nikon, later abbot.
The most experienced in spiritual life was appointed as confessor. He is the confessor of the brethren. , founder of the monastery near Zvenigorod, was one of the first confessors. Later this position was given to Epiphanius, the biographer of Sergius.
The ecclesiarch kept order in the church. Lesser positions: para-ecclesiarch - kept the church clean, canonarch - led “choir obedience” and kept liturgical books.
This is how they lived and worked in the monastery of Sergius, now famous, with roads built to it, where they could stop and stay for a while - whether for ordinary people or for the prince.
Two metropolitans, both remarkable, fill the century: Peter and Alexy. Hegumen of the army Peter, a Volynian by birth, was the first Russian metropolitan to be based in the north - first in Vladimir, then in Moscow. Peter was the first to bless Moscow. In fact, he gave his whole life for her. It is he who goes to the Horde, obtains a letter of protection from Uzbek for the clergy, and constantly helps the prince.
Metropolitan Alexy is from the high-ranking, ancient boyars of the city of Chernigov. His fathers and grandfathers shared with the prince the work of governing and defending the state. On the icons they are depicted side by side: Peter, Alexy, in white hoods, faces darkened by time, narrow and long, gray beards... Two tireless creators and workers, two “intercessors” and “patrons” of Moscow.
Etc. Sergius was still a boy under Peter; he lived with Alexy for many years in harmony and friendship. But St. Sergius was a hermit and a “man of prayer”, a lover of the forest, silence - his life path was different. Should he, since childhood, having moved away from the malice of this world, live at court, in Moscow, rule, sometimes lead intrigues, appoint, dismiss, threaten! Metropolitan Alexy often comes to his Lavra - perhaps to relax with a quiet man - from struggle, unrest and politics.
The Monk Sergius came into life when the Tatar system was already breaking down. The times of Batu, the ruins of Vladimir, Kyiv, the Battle of the City - everything is far away. Two processes are underway, the Horde is disintegrating, and the young Russian state is growing stronger. The Horde is splitting up, Rus' is uniting. The Horde has several rivals vying for power. They cut each other, are deposited, leave, weakening the strength of the whole. In Russia, on the contrary, there is an ascension.
Meanwhile, Mamai rose to prominence in the Horde and became khan. He gathered the entire Volga Horde, hired the Khivans, Yases and Burtases, came to an agreement with the Genoese, the Lithuanian prince Jagiello - in the summer he founded his camp at the mouth of the Voronezh River. Jagiello was waiting.
This is a dangerous time for Dimitri.
Until now, Sergius was a quiet hermit, a carpenter, a modest abbot and educator, a saint. Now he faced a difficult task: blessings on the blood. Would Christ bless a war, even a national one?
St. Sergius of Radonezh blesses D. Donskoy. Kivshenko A.D.
Rus' has gathered
On August 18, Dimitri with Prince Vladimir of Serpukhov, princes of other regions and governors arrived at the Lavra. It was probably both solemn and deeply serious: Rus' really came together. Moscow, Vladimir, Suzdal, Serpukhov, Rostov, Nizhny Novgorod, Belozersk, Murom, Pskov with Andrei Olgerdovich - this is the first time such forces have been deployed. It was not in vain that we set off. Everyone understood this.
The prayer service began. During the service, messengers arrived - the war was going on in the Lavra - they reported on the movement of the enemy, and warned them to hurry up. Sergius begged Dimitri to stay for the meal. Here he told him:
The time has not yet come for you to wear the crown of victory with eternal sleep; but many, countless of your collaborators are woven with martyr’s wreaths.
After the meal, the monk blessed the prince and his entire retinue, sprinkled St. water.
Go, don't be afraid. God will help you.
And, leaning down, he whispered in his ear: “You will win.”
There is something majestic, with a tragic connotation, in the fact that Sergius gave two monks-schema monks as assistants to Prince Sergius: Peresvet and Oslyabya. They were warriors in the world and went against the Tatars without helmets or armor - in the image of a schema, with white crosses on monastic clothes. Obviously, this gave Demetrius’s army a sacred crusader appearance.
On the 20th, Dmitry was already in Kolomna. On the 26th-27th, the Russians crossed the Oka and advanced towards the Don through Ryazan land. It was reached on September 6th. And they hesitated. Should we wait for the Tatars or cross over?
The older, experienced governors suggested: we should wait here. Mamai is strong, and Lithuania and Prince Oleg Ryazansky are with him. Dimitri, contrary to advice, crossed the Don. The way back was cut off, which means everything is forward, victory or death.
Sergius was also in the highest spirit these days. And in time he sent a letter after the prince: “Go, sir, go forward, God and the Holy Trinity will help!”
According to legend, Peresvet, who had long been ready for death, jumped out at the call of the Tatar hero, and, having grappled with Chelubey, struck him, he himself fell. A general battle began, on a gigantic front of ten miles at that time. Sergius correctly said: “Many are woven with martyr’s wreaths.” There were a lot of them intertwined.
During these hours the monk prayed with the brethren in his church. He talked about the progress of the battle. He named the fallen and read funeral prayers. And at the end he said: “We won.”
Venerable Sergius of Radonezh. Demise
Sergius of Radonezh came to his Makovitsa as a modest and unknown young man Bartholomew, and left as a most illustrious old man. Before the monk, there was a forest on Makovitsa, a spring nearby, and bears lived in the wilds next door. And when he died, the place stood out sharply from the forests and from Russia. On Makovitsa there was a monastery - the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the four laurels of our homeland. The forests cleared up around, fields appeared, rye, oats, villages. Even under Sergius, a remote hillock in the forests of Radonezh became a bright attraction for thousands. Sergius of Radonezh founded not only his monastery and did not operate from it alone. Countless are the monasteries that arose with his blessing, founded by his disciples - and imbued with his spirit.
So, the young man Bartholomew, having retired to the forests on “Makovitsa”, turned out to be the creator of a monastery, then monasteries, then monasticism in general in a huge country.
Having left no writings behind him, Sergius seems to teach nothing. But he teaches precisely with his whole appearance: to some he is consolation and refreshment, to others - a silent reproach. Silently, Sergius teaches the simplest things: truth, integrity, masculinity, work, reverence and faith.
In central and northern Rus', the Monk Sergius of Radonezh (in the world Bartholomew) was born on May 3, 1314 in the village of Varnitsa, near Rostov, in the family of the boyar Cyril and his wife Maria.
At the age of seven, Bartholomew was sent to study with his two brothers - the elder Stefan and the younger Peter. At first he lagged behind in learning to read and write, but then, thanks to patience and work, he became familiar with the Holy Scriptures and became addicted to the church and monastic life.
Around 1330, Sergius's parents left Rostov and settled in the city of Radonezh (about 55 kilometers from Moscow). When the eldest sons got married, Cyril and Maria, shortly before their death, accepted the schema at the Khotkovsky Monastery of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, not far from Radonezh. Subsequently, the widowed elder brother Stefan also accepted monasticism in this monastery.
Having buried his parents, Bartholomew ceded his share of the inheritance to his married brother Peter.
Together with his brother Stefan, he retired to live in the desert in the forest several kilometers from Radonezh. First, the brothers built a cell (a dwelling for a monastic), and then a small church, consecrated in the Name of the Most Holy Trinity. 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, the future Metropolitan of Moscow, and later became abbot.
In October 1337, Bartholomew took monastic vows in the name of the holy martyr Sergius.
News of Sergius's asceticism spread throughout the area, and followers began to flock to him, wanting to lead a strict monastic life. Gradually a monastery was formed. The foundation of the Trinity Monastery (now the Holy Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius) dates back to 1330-1340.
After some time, the monks convinced Sergius to accept the abbess, threatening to disperse if he did not agree. In 1354, after long refusals, Sergius was ordained hieromonk and elevated to the rank of abbot.
With deep humility, Sergius himself served the brethren - he built cells, chopped wood, ground grain, baked bread, sewed clothes and shoes, and carried water.
Gradually, his fame grew, everyone, from peasants to princes, began to turn to the monastery, many settled in the neighborhood and donated their property to it. Initially suffering from the extreme need of everything necessary in the desert, she turned to a rich monastery.
The Trinity Monastery was at first “separate”: subordinate to one abbot and converging to pray in one temple, the monks each had their own cell, their own property, their own clothes and food. Around 1372, ambassadors from the Patriarch of Constantinople Philotheus came to Sergius and brought him a cross, a paraman (a small quadrangular cloth with an image of a cross) and a schema (monastic vestment) as a blessing for new exploits and a patriarchal letter, where the patriarch advised the abbot to build a cenobitic monastery following the Christian example communities of apostolic times. With the patriarchal message, the Monk Sergius went to Metropolitan Alexy of Moscow and received from him advice to introduce strict communal life in the monastery.
Soon the monks began to grumble about the severity of the rules, and Sergius left 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 Metropolitan Alexy so that he would return the saint. Then Sergius obeyed, leaving his student Roman as abbot of the Kirzhach monastery.
Hegumen Sergius was called by Metropolitan Alexy in his declining years with a request to accept the Russian Metropolis, but out of humility he refused the primacy.
Sergius of Radonezh also acted as a wise politician, striving to pacify discord and unite the Russian lands. In 1366, he resolved a princely family dispute over Nizhny Novgorod, and in 1387 he went as ambassador to Prince Oleg of Ryazan, achieving his reconciliation with Moscow.
July 18 marks the memorable day of the famous, revered saint and wonderworker St. Sergius of Radonezh. He is the founder of monasteries, the founder of the Russian eldership, the collector of the Russian people, an assistant in the unification of Rus' under the reign of Dmitry Donskoy.
The date of birth of the saint is still not precisely known. Different researchers and historians interpret the dates in different ways. Basically, everyone agrees either by May 1314 or by May 1322. An interesting fact is that at birth the saint received the name Bartholomew, and only then, when he took monastic vows, he received the name Sergius. Sergius was born into the family of noble boyars Maria and Kirill, in the village of Varnitsa, near the city of Rostov. He had 2 brothers - Stefan and Peter. When he was seven years old, he was sent to school to study literacy. He went to school with his brothers. Studying was difficult. Parents were unhappy, friends mocked. Sergius did not give up, he tearfully asked the Lord God for help. According to the life of the saint, one day, dejected by his failures, he met an elder and told him about his problems and experiences, told him that he wanted to study and master literacy. The old man read a prayer and ordered to eat a piece of sacred bread - prosphora. The boy invited the Elder home, where he was very well received. After this meeting a miracle happened. The boy began to read, and reading came to him very well and easily. From that moment his life changed dramatically. With great zeal and interest, he began to read prayers, go to all services and join the church. Sergius began to follow a very strict fast. He abstained from food on Wednesday and Friday; on other days he drank water and bread.
In 1328, Sergius's family moved to live in the city of Radonezh. With the death of their parents, Sergius and his brother Stefan decided to found a small cell. A few years later, it became a real monastery. A little later, the Church of the Holy Trinity was built. In the fall of 1337 he became a monk and received a new name - Sergius. The monastery gradually grew, and the church turned into a monastery. 1354 - the year Sergius assumed the abbess. Saint Sergius of Radonezh was on good terms with Moscow Metropolitan Alexy. One day Alexy spoke about inviting Sergius to accept the Russian Metropolis after his death, but remaining devoted to his monastery, he refused.
During the course of his life, the Monk Sergius performed a miracle. He healed the sick, taught with advice, and reconciled those at war. His role was great in the unification of the Russian land and in the great victory on the Kulikovo field. During his life, in addition to the fact that he founded the Holy Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, he founded such monasteries as: Holy Annunciation Kirzhach, Rostov Borisoglebsky, Vysotsky, Epiphany Staro-Golutvin and others.
In his declining years, he handed over the abbess, in the event of his death, to his faithful disciple Nikon. He died in the fall of 1392, in his monastery. St. Sergius of Radonezh is still revered to this day and is one of the greatest saints of our time. Until now, people pray to him, ask for help, and in response he continues to work miracles.
At the end of the 14th century, Russian lands were under the yoke of the Tatar-Mongol Golden Horde. At this time, the largest battle took place during the entire invasion of the Tatar-Mongols - the Battle of Kulikovo. The Russian army was led by the Moscow prince Dmitry, who after the battle began to be called Dmitry Donskoy. Before crossing the Don, the prince met with a monk and asked him for a blessing before the battle. This monk, who blessed Prince Dmitry Donskoy for battle, was St. Sergius of Radonezh, the founder of the famous Trinity-Sergius Lavra. Since the 15th century, this greatest ascetic of Rus' has been revered by the Orthodox Church in the person of the venerable one.
Biography of Sergius of Radonezh
Place and time of birth
We know the life of Sergius of Radonezh mainly from his disciple Epiphanius the Wise, who compiled the biography of the saint. The future Orthodox saint was born into the family of boyar Kirill and was baptized under the name Bartholomew. Bartholomew's parents besides him had three sons. As for the date of birth of the monk, there is some disagreement. Some researchers call the year 1314, others - 1322. The village of Varnitsa, which is not far from Rostov, is considered to be the place of birth.
Venerable Sergius of Radonezh
Video “Prayer to St. Sergius of Radonezh”
In this video you can listen to an audio recording of a prayer to St. Sergius of Radonezh.
Childhood and first miracles
Bartholomew was sent to study at the age of seven. But knowledge was difficult for him; it was especially difficult for him to learn to read. At that time, his brothers quickly mastered literacy. Parents and teachers scolded Bartholomew and punished him, but this did not help matters.
And here the first miracle associated with the life of the saint happened. One day Bartholomew met a mysterious monk monk in a field. The old man, like an angel, stood and prayed with tears. Bartholomew waited until the end of the prayer and told the elder about his inability to learn to read and write. The elder prayed fervently and gave the youth a prosphora, which he ate. After this, the boy acquired the ability to quickly grasp new knowledge and soon surpassed his brothers in academic success. This story formed the basis of the painting “Vision to the Youth Bartholomew” written by Mikhail Nesterov. Even in adolescence, Bartholomew began to observe all fasts; on Wednesday and Friday he did not eat at all, and the rest of the time he consumed only bread and water. At night the boy often did not sleep, but prayed.
Relocation to Radonezh
After some time, Bartholomew's family became very poor. This was due to the difficult years of the Tatar-Mongol invasion and unbearable exactions. The saint's family was forced to move from Rostov to Radonezh.
Monastic life
Already in adolescence, Bartholomew decided to devote his life to monasticism. His parents did not object to this, but asked not to take monastic vows until their death. Bartholomew did just that. He looked after his parents until their death.
After Bartholomew buried his parents, he gave his share of the inheritance to his brother Peter, and he himself went to the Intercession Monastery, where his brother Stefan was. Then, together with his brother Bartholomew, he went into the desert, where they cut down a cell and began to lead a hermit’s lifestyle. Over time, the brothers cut down a small church next to the cell and, after consulting, consecrated it in the name of the Holy Trinity.
However, soon Brother Stefan could not stand the hardships of a hermit’s life and left the hermitage, heading to Moscow. Bartholomew, on the contrary, remained in the desert to accomplish the feat of hermitage. Soon he received monastic tonsure from Abbot Mitrofan under the name Sergius.
Life of Sergius of Radonezh Soon other monks who became his disciples begin to settle around the monk’s cell. After some time, the number of brethren increased to twelve people. The famous Trinity-Sergius Lavra originates from this monastic monastery.
Having become the abbot of the resulting monastery, the Monk Sergius forbade the monks to beg for alms. This became an immutable rule when all the monks lived only from their labor. At the same time, the abbot himself fully observed this rule all his life and set an example for the monks in this.
At this time, through the efforts of Sergius of Radonezh, the so-called dormitory was included in the way of life of the monasteries instead of the previously existing monastery.
However, not everything was smooth in the life of the monastery brethren. Due to disagreements that arose, the Monk Sergius left the monastery he founded and founded a small monastic monastery on the Kirzhach River, thus becoming the founder of the now existing Annunciation Monastery.
In addition to these two monasteries, Sergius of Radonezh is the founder of several more. In total, his disciples founded about forty monasteries, many of whose inhabitants subsequently became abbots of other monasteries. Thus, St. Sergius is rightfully considered the founder of monasticism in Rus'.
Service to the Fatherland
Saint Sergius of Radonezh made a great contribution to the formation of the unity of the then Rus'. In those difficult years for Rus', with quiet and meek words he penetrated into the most bitter and rude hearts of the warring princes, reconciled them among themselves and, most importantly, convinced them to recognize the primacy of the Moscow prince.
The great merit of the holy elder is that by the beginning of the Battle of Kulikovo, which was mentioned at the beginning of this story, the majority of Russian princes recognized the supremacy of the Moscow prince Dmitry, who received the name Dmitry Donskoy after the battle with the Mamai horde.
When Dmitry Donskoy's soldiers crossed the Don and saw Mamai's army, they stopped in indecision. And at that moment, a messenger appeared from Sergius of Radonezh, conveying to the prince the words of the venerable elder, who said decisive words: “Boldly go forth, Grand Duke, against fierce enemies, without fearing them at all, and the Lord God will certainly help you in this battle!”
Service to the Fatherland of Sergius of Radonezh Old age and death of the monk
The Monk Sergius of Radonezh lived a great life and died at the age of seventy-eight. Six months before his death, he notified the brethren of the monastery about this. Having called the monks, he handed over the abbess to his student, giving him brief instructions, after which he became silent. Only just before his death, foreseeing his departure to God, he called the brethren to him and delivered his last instructions to them.
Veneration of the Reverend
We have not received documentary evidence about the time when they first began to venerate Sergius of Radonezh as a saint. Some church researchers say that St. Sergius became a Russian saint by himself, because of his glory. Church historians cite the text of a princely charter from the mid-15th century, in which he is called a reverend. Probably, this time should be considered the beginning of the veneration of Sergius of Radonezh in Rus'.
It is also interesting that, along with the Orthodox Church, St. Sergius is also considered a saint of the Roman Catholic Church. By decree of Pope Paul VI, his name was included in the Catholic martyrology.
The glorification of St. Sergius of Radonezh is celebrated:
- October 8, new style;
- July 18, discovery of relics.
Features of iconography
The most ancient image of Sergius of Radonezh, dating from the beginning of the 15th century, now resides in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.
The Russian icon painter Andrei Rublev owns an icon with seventeen marks of life, which is now in the Rublev Museum. In the middle of this icon, St. Sergius is depicted in full growth, his right hand is folded in a blessing gesture, and in his left there is a scroll.
Temples in honor of the saint
The most famous is the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, founded by St. Sergius himself. It is located in the town of Sergiev Posad near Moscow. In total, in Russia there are (including chapels and temples with side chapels of St. Sergius of Radonezh) more than seven hundred churches dedicated to him. In Moscow alone there are about seventy churches of St. Sergius of Radonezh. If we count only the churches in which the main altar is dedicated to him, then there will be five such main churches in Moscow. There are churches in honor of St. Sergius abroad, for example in Johannesburg (South Africa) and the monastery of St. Sergius of Radonezh in Montenegro.
The holy image depicts the divinely inspired face of an elder Theological interpretation of the holy image
The holy image depicts the divinely inspired face of the elder. Clutched in his hand is a scroll, which is a reminder to the Christian of what is for him the meaning of his whole life - the salvation of the soul.
In front of the icon of the miracle worker, they cry out for the admonition of the rulers - after all, through his efforts, in the difficult times of unrest and the Mongol-Tatar invasion, the rebellious princes still found a common language and united against a common enemy. They ask in front of the icon for protection from enemy invasion, for the sending of peace.
Pavel Florensky called Sergius of Radonezh the Guardian Angel of Russia. And indeed, by kneeling before the icon of St. Sergius, every Christian becomes more merciful, tolerant and kinder, strengthens in faith, and learns to trust in our Lord in any circumstances.
Prayer to St. Sergius of Radonezh
O sacred head, venerable and God-bearing Father Sergius, by your prayer, and by faith and love, even for God, and by purity of heart, you have settled your soul on earth in the monastery of the Most Holy Trinity, and have been granted angelic communion and the visitation of the Most Holy Theotokos, and the gift of miracles received by grace, after your departure from the earthly, especially drawing closer to God and sharing heavenly powers, but also not retreating from us with the spirit of your love, and your honest relics, 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. Help us, may our Fatherland be well-governed in peace and prosperity, and may all resistance submit under its feet. Ask us from our great-gifted God every gift that is beneficial to everyone: observance of the blameless faith, establishment of our cities, peace, deliverance from famine and destruction, preservation from the invasion of foreigners, consolation for the afflicted, healing for the sick, restoration for those who have fallen, for those who have gone astray on the path of truth and salvation return, strengthening for those who struggle, prosperity and blessing for those who do good in good deeds, education for babies, instruction for young people, admonition for unbelievers, intercession for orphans and widows, departing from this temporary life for the eternal, good preparation and parting words, blessed rest for those departed, and all of us are helped by your prayers vouchsafe, on the day of the Last Judgment, to be delivered from this part, and to be partakers of the right hand of the country and to hear that blessed voice of the Lord Christ: come, blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
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 in the biography of the 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 difficulties in life are overcome with faith in God.
Childhood
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. These were difficult, 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 students 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 introduced the konoviya - 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 assumed 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.
Sergius of Radonezh blesses Dmitry Donskoy for the Battle of Kulikovo 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 pinnacle of spiritual contemplation was the 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 a successful outcome and impending 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 in 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. They also exist abroad. 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.