Russian Russian Orthodox Monk Sergius of Radonezh (1314-1392) was one of the greatest Russian saints, the founder of the Trinity—Sergius Lavra, the spiritual leader of Russian monasticism and a prayer book for the Russian land. In the world, Bartholomew was born into a family of pious boyars and aspired to God from childhood. His inability to read and write led him to fervent prayer, and after meeting with a monk who blessed him with prosphora, he received a wonderful gift of understanding. The boy became diligent in his studies and became even more determined in his desire to devote himself to God.
After the death of his parents, Bartholomew went into the forest with his brother Stephen, where he built a cell and a church in the name of the Holy Trinity — this is how the future Lavra was founded. Having accepted monasticism with the name Sergius, he asceticized alone for several years, enduring hardships, temptations and hunger. Even the animals did not touch him: the bear that came to the cell became tame, feeding from the hands of the ascetic.
The rumor about the saint spread, and monks began to visit him. Initially refusing to be ordained, Sergius accepted the abbacy at the request of the brethren and became an example of humility, prayer and work. The monastery, founded in poverty, became the center of spiritual life. He taught the brotherhood to live in love, unity of mind, humility and prayer. Even in poverty, the monk did not lose hope, and the Lord sent what was necessary in difficult times.
St. Alexy, Metropolitan of Moscow, appreciated Sergius and instructed him to reconcile the princes. Sergius refused the offer to occupy the metropolitan throne. Before the Battle of Kulikovo, Grand Duke Dimitri Donskoy received his blessing and support from monks Peresvet and Oslyabi. Sergius became the spiritual leader of Russia.
The monk was honored with wonderful revelations. One day, the Most Holy Theotokos appeared to him with the Apostles Peter and John, promising Her protection to the monastery. This vision inspired the monks and became a symbol of God's grace residing in the Lavra.
Before his death, Sergius handed over the abbacy to his disciple Nikon, and he retired into silence. He commanded the brethren to keep faith, humility, love and obedience. When he was dying, he took communion and quietly gave his spirit to God. He was buried in the church, despite his request to be buried in the general cemetery. Crowds gathered over the saint's tomb, feeling the saint's living presence.
In 1422, his incorruptible relics were found. The monastery, destroyed by the Tatars, was restored and flourished. The Trinity-Sergius Lavra became the center of the spiritual life of Russia. Sergius and his disciples founded more than 70 monasteries and brought the light of the gospel to the most remote lands. He was called "the abbot of the Russian land" and "the exiled governor."
St. Sergius was not only an ascetic, but also a theologian. He revealed to the world the spiritual contemplation of the Holy Trinity as an image of conciliarity, love and unity. His teaching became the basis of the Russian spiritual path. Andrei Rublev's Trinity icon, the embodiment of the depth and light of his prayer, became a symbol of this leadership.
And in the following centuries, Sergius continued to help the people. During the time of Troubles, in the war of 1812, and in the twentieth century, the spirit of the monk was always with Russia. His school, his prayer, and his monastery remain a beacon of faith and hope.