Icon of Saint (St.) Sergius of Radonezh
In the days of the wild middle Ages, in Central Russia, a boy was born, and called him Bartholomew. And he was born in Rostov Veliky, in a pretty rich family. His parents were from the boyar class. But not all the same life to be rich, it so happened that the family lost their wealth and therefore they decided to move away from Rostov. And the location was chosen – Radonezh. Here's two adult sons, Stefan, Bartholomew and Peter-moved into the desired position. And then suddenly the elder brother goes to the monks in the monastery. Bartholomew was the youngest.
And once shortly before he died their parents came to Bartholomew a vision. He then just on the meadow, the cows pass, and then suddenly approached him, hand out of nowhere, a hermit. He looked at the boy and said he was waiting for his fate, faithful and open to God and he will soon enter the fold of Orthodoxy. And so it happened. When the parents left this world, the brothers Bartholomew and Peter decide to go to the monastery, where dwelt their brother Stefan.
But Bartholomew was not enough just to be at the monastery and after much persuasion, Stefan agrees with him, go in search of secluded havens for avaricious lives. And the place picked up in the remote forest area, on the hill Makovets. Together they built a Church and cells, and sanctified-all in the name of the Holy Trinity. But Stefan could not stand such a severe test and left brother left for Moscow Epiphany monastery.
And so Bartholomew left in a forest cell one. It was terrible of course, but he believed that God's will be done, and maybe he can do it. He continued to pray fervently and work for the Glory of the Lord. They say that wild animals avoided the place, and if anyone made their way to his cell, then he was treated to what was. So one day he encountered a bear. Here it is as if death! But the bear did not touch a monk, but rather became flippers. And so in solitude lived Bartholomew almost half a year. At the same time, it is through the rite of tonsure, took the name Sergius.
A year to its location began to attract other monks, which reached the fame of his exploits in the name of God. And they stayed with him building their cells. Over time the monks became so numerous that they needed your pastor. And they all turned to Sergius to accept the position of hegumen. Sergius was against it, but entreaties had their effect, and Sergius was ordained to the priesthood. And the first thing he did after becoming a priest is forbidden the monks to collect alms, for he reasoned that all by yourself can earn by their labor.
Sergius, the monastery soon became famous all over Russia and they pushed the pilgrims and new novices. And already next to the Posada, and then transformed it all in the village. Few dared to leave father Sergius, and therefore remained in the land forever.
The fame of the priest grew, and his authority had great power. He has created several dozen of the monastic demesnes in Moscow, in Kolomna, near Rostov. And his disciples were there mentors.
Sergius of Radonezh always opposed the fragmented Rus, and tried by his word to enter in the reconciliation in the camp of the Russian princes. No wonder it was just before the battle of Kulikovo came to him for advice Dmitry Donskoy. The monk said that he will win and sent along with the Prince of the two monks, Peresvet and Oslabya. They both later died in the battle.
Died Sergius of Radonezh in the autumn of 1392, his relics were found in 1422, and later he began to read the Holy. He remembered now the day of death and on the day when he gained power.
