St. Sergius of Radonezh, in the world Bartholomew, was born in 1314 into the family of the pious Rostov boyars Cyril and Maria. As a child, he had difficulty reading and writing, and the boy prayed fervently to the Lord for the gift of understanding. One day he met a black-haired elder, who blessed him and gave him a particle of prosphora. After that, Bartholomew began to easily comprehend the wisdom of books. This event strengthened his desire to dedicate his life to God.
After the death of his parents, Bartholomew, along with his older brother Stefan, retired to the forest near Radonezh. The brothers built a cell and a small church in the name of the Life-Giving Trinity with their own hands. This is how the Trinity Monastery arose, which later became the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.
Having taken monastic vows with the name Sergius, the saint asceticized for about two years in complete solitude. He endured cold, hunger, and numerous temptations, strengthened by prayer and trust in God. According to legend, a bear came to his cell, with whom the monk shared the last piece of bread.
Gradually, monks began to gather around Sergius. At their request, he accepted holy orders and became abbot of the monastery. The monk taught the brethren primarily by his own example: he was the first to work, observed strict fasting, was distinguished by humility and never sought honors. Even after becoming a well-known spiritual mentor throughout Russia, he continued to wear simple clothes and do hard work.
A dormitory was established in the monastery: the brethren lived by common labor and prayer, received pilgrims, and helped the sick and needy. The fame of Saint Sergius reached Constantinople. Patriarch Filofey sent him a blessing and a letter approving the organization of monastic life.
The monk enjoyed the deep respect of St. Alexy, Metropolitan of Moscow, and the Russian princes. He sought to reconcile the warring rulers and called them to unity. Grand Duke Dimitri Donskoy received the saint's blessing before the Battle of Kulikovo. Monks Peresvet and Oslyabya set off with the prince's army.
The appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos occupies a special place in the life of the monk. The Mother of God appeared before him together with the Apostles Peter and John and promised not to leave the monastery he had founded. The memory of this event is carefully preserved in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.
Six months before his death, St. Sergius received a revelation about his approaching retirement. He handed over the management of the monastery to his disciple Nikon and called on the brethren to preserve the Orthodox faith, like-mindedness, purity, humility, sincere love and a love of wandering.
St. Sergius peacefully departed to the Lord on September 25, 1392. His last words were addressed to God: "Into Your hands I commit my spirit, Lord." In 1422, his incorruptible relics were found, which now reside in the Trinity Cathedral of the Lavra.
The saint's disciples and followers founded dozens of monasteries throughout the Russian land. These monasteries became centers of prayer, enlightenment, charity and spiritual unity of the people. The main testament of the saint was the creation of peace and love in the image of the Holy Trinity. The temple of the Life-giving Trinity was erected by him, according to a well-known expression, "so that by constantly looking at Her the fear of the hateful strife of this world would be overcome."
For his spiritual service to the Church and the Fatherland, St. Sergius was named Abbot of the Russian land. And today, believers turn to him with a prayer for strengthening faith, helping in teaching, reconciling the warring parties and preserving the unity of the people.
Reverend Father Sergius, pray to God for us!