The Elders of Optina Monastery Elder Nektary (January 15, 1853 – April 29, 1928) Commemorated on April 29 Optina Elder Nektary was raised in a poor family. His father died when he was seven and he buried his mother later in his youth. Born Nicholas Vasiliovich Tikhonov, his mother taught him to pray and encouraged him to read, which he grew to love. She found him a job when he was eleven years old which he kept until…
The Elders of Optina Monastery Elder Isaac II (1865 – December 26, 1937) Commemorated on December 26 Elder Isaac was born Ivan Nikolayevich Bobrikov into a pious peasant family in Ostrov in Orel province. Latter in life, his father became a schemamonk in Optina. Ivan came to Optina in 1884 and became a novice under Elder Ambrose until the Elder’s repose and then under the guidance of Elder Joseph. He fulfilled his obediences with zeal and in silence. He…
Fr. Seraphim (Rose) Fr. Seraphim Rose (July 31, 1934 – August 20, 1982) These brief, hagiographical accounts of the Elders of Optina are concluded with the life of Hieromonk Seraphim Rose. He did not consider himself a hesychast or an Elder and said that he did not have any experience of such things. Nonetheless, he desired to learn the life of the Church – life that has been in existence since the beginning of Christianity and in our…
The Elders of Optina Monastery Elder Nikon, the Confessor (September 26, 1888 – June 25, 1931) Commemorated on June 25 September 26, 1888, Nicholas Balaev, the future Elder Nikon was born. It was in this first year that the family was visited by Fr. John of Kronstadt who gave his picture to Nicholas’ mother. Nicholas was raised in a pious and God-fearing family and was one of eight children. After the death of his grandfather, Nicholas committed himself…
The Elders of Optina Monastery Elder Hilarion of Optina (April 8, 1805 – September 18, 1873) Commemorated on September 18 April 8, 1805, Pascha night, Rodion Nikitich Ponamarov, the name given to the future Elder Hilarion at his birth, was born. Rodion was clumsy in his youth, earning the ridicule of friends. He was also treated rudely by his siblings for being introspective. Growing up he desired monasticism and desired to learn his father’s trade, tailoring, thinking it…
The Elders of Optina Monastery Elder Macarius (November 20, 1788 – September 7, 1860) Commemorated on September 7 Elder Macarius, born Michael Nikolaevich Ivanov in Orlov province near Kaluga, was raised in a noble family. He spent his youth reading many books and developed a wide breadth of theological understanding. He enjoyed nature, loved music and played the violin well. He was not favored with good looks and never tried to marry. He was of medium height…
THE ELDERS OF OPTINA MONASTERY Elder Moses (January 15, 1782 – June 16, 1862) Commemorated on June 16 First in the line of Optina Elders is Moses, born Timothy Putilov. He and two brothers became monks and later abbots at different monasteries. On their father’s gravestone was written: “He was the father of three abbots: Moses of Optina, Isaiah of Sarov, and Antony of St. Nicholas Monastery of Little Varoslavetz.” He was always an avid reader which nurtured…
A wonderful article drafted by our own Rdr. Victor Lahnovych has been published on the homepage of the Eastern American Diocese. The article discusses the festive period beginning with Nativity and continuing through Theophany and is accompanied by Photo Reports of the various festivities including caroling for Bp. George and Igumen Seraphim, as well as our Parish Yolka. Many thanks to Rdr. Victor and the editors of eadiocese.org for the wonderful article and its accompanying translation into Russian. The article…