"Save me, God!".
Thank you for visiting our website, before you start studying the information, please subscribe to our Orthodox community on Instagram, Lord, Save and Preserve † - https://www.instagram.com/spasi.gospodi/. The community has more than 60,000 subscribers. There are many of us like-minded people and we are growing quickly, we post prayers, sayings of saints, prayer requests, and timely post useful information about holidays and Orthodox events... Subscribe. Guardian Angel to you!
The Venerable Martyr Cornelius of Pskov-Pechersk made a significant contribution to the development of Orthodoxy on the territory of Rus' and beyond its borders. He was the head of the monastery, which, thanks to his brilliant management activities, became a powerful and large spiritual center. For his views and beliefs he was executed by Tsar Ivan the Terrible.
Biography of Saint Cornelius of Pskov-Pechersk
According to the biography of Saint Cornelius, the year of birth of the venerable martyr is 1501, place of birth is the city of Pskov. His parents were pious Christians - boyars Stefan and Maria. From early childhood, parents tried to instill in their son love for the Lord by teaching him prayers.
Cornelius studied literacy and the basics of Orthodoxy from the monks of the Mirozhsky monastery. The hardworking young man copied holy books, made candles, and painted icons. Monastic life and training strengthened Cornelius's desire for monastic life.
After finishing his studies, the young man returned to his parents, only to leave his father’s house forever after taking monastic vows. The young man was prompted to do this by a trip with a family friend, the royal clerk Misyura Munekhin, to the Pechersk monastery. The solitary life of the inhabitants, the magnificent nature surrounding the small cave church, and the leisurely service made an indelible impression on young Cornelius.
It was here that the ascetic decided to settle, having taken monastic vows. The young monk led an ascetic lifestyle, devoting all his time to work and prayer. Seeing the godly life of the righteous man, the inhabitants decided to elect him as abbot, elevating him to the rank of abbot.
Cornelius headed the monastery for 40 years, significantly transforming the Pechersk monastery. Under his leadership, several workshops were built on the territory of the monastery, where monks could paint icons, do carpentry, and make ceramics and pottery. A forge also appeared. Thanks to the activity of the abbot, the number of monks increased from 15 to 200 people. The Monk Cornelius devoted a lot of time to missionary activity, spreading Orthodoxy among the inhabitants.
In 1558, a war began with the Livonians to liberate Russian lands from occupation. In the liberated territories, almost all churches were destroyed and holy icons were burned. The venerable martyr was engaged in the restoration of Orthodox churches, helping local residents who suffered from infidels, and caring for the wounded.
From 1558 to 1565, Saint Cornelius supervised the construction of a stone wall with 9 towers and 3 gates around the monastery. Thus, thanks to the efforts of the monk, a powerful fortress was created on one of the borders of Russia to protect against a sudden attack by enemies.
The holy martyr was engaged not only in the improvement of his monastery. He founded several temples, the dates of which were:
- 1538 – Church of Hodegetria;
- 1541 – church dedicated to the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary;
- 1559 – Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary;
- 1565 – Church of St. Nicholas.
The Monk Cornelius was one of the most educated and well-read people of that time. He created a huge library at the monastery. In addition, the saint left behind a chronicle in which he described the history of the creation of the Pskov-Pechersk monastery.
In 1570, Ivan the Terrible, driving past the Pskov-Pechersky Monastery, decided to inspect the monastery. The Monk Cornelius, together with the brethren, met the king at the gate. Seeing the monastery fortifications built by the abbot, remembering the denunciations of the abbot’s betrayal, the angry king cut off the righteous man’s head. According to legend, the king immediately repented and, lifting the abbot in his arms, carried him into the monastery, where the holy martyr was buried.
"bloody path"
Top
It was from this arch that the “bloody path” began from the place of the death of Cornelius at the hands of Ivan the Terrible.
We go down, the road is surrounded by greenery. You can see how they take care of the green spaces here. It’s just that it’s no longer the Bloody Way, but the Green Way. If you look back, this is what this whole road looks like. Very picturesque!
On the right side of the road, under a glass cover, there is an interesting exhibit. This is Anna Ioanovna's carriage. The Empress was pious and often came to the monastery to pray. And then one day she arrived in a carriage, and suddenly snow fell. The empress had to return home on a sleigh, and she donated the carriage to the monastery. Since then, the luxurious stroller has been kept here.
Veneration of St. Cornelius of Pskov-Pechersk
Local veneration of Saint Cornelius, who became the patron saint of the Pskov land, began immediately after his burial. But the discovery of the relics of the abbot occurred only 120 years after his death. In 1690, with the blessing of the Pskov and Izborg Metropolitan, the holy remains of the saint were transferred to a new tomb installed within the walls of the Assumption Cathedral of the Most Holy Theotokos.
Later, the reliquary intended for the relics of Cornelius was renewed several times. On December 17, 1872, an ark was made from copper-silver metal, which 20 years later was replaced by a new tomb, much more richly decorated.
Cornelius was counted among the generally revered saints at the beginning of the 20th century. The name of the saint is included in the Councils of the Pskov Saints and Reverend Pskov-Pechersk Fathers, whose memory is celebrated on the 3rd and 4th weeks of Pentecost.
An additional day for the celebration of the venerable martyr was established - February 20 according to the old calendar. According to the new style, Memorial Day falls on March 5 in non-leap years, and on March 4 in leap years. On this day, a religious procession takes place, during which the relics from the Assumption Cathedral are transferred to St. Michael's Church, where they remain until the next morning. At the end of the all-night vigil, the holy remains are returned.
In front of the Assumption Church there is a monument to the saint, consecrated on October 4, 2012 by Pskov Metropolitan Eusebius.
What does a saint help with?
Saint Cornelius became famous for his miraculous abilities even during his earthly life, healing the suffering both spiritually and physically. After the death of the righteous man, many miracles occurred from his incorruptible relics.
Believers turn to the miracle worker with a variety of problems, asking for protection from:
- diseases;
- natural disasters;
- unfair decisions in the event of litigation;
- enemy attacks;
- material difficulties.
The clergy recommend placing an icon depicting the face of Cornelius in the home iconostasis. The holy image will help improve family relationships, reducing the number of quarrels and accusations.
Kornilievsky spring
Top
Kornilevsky spring, which in ancient times had important strategic significance for the defenders of the fortress.
It’s so good that we arrived at the Monastery in the morning, when there are no crowds of tourists, and we can calmly spend time in this wonderful place. Thanks to the weather for allowing us to admire all this blessed beauty.
Orthodox texts
The service to the venerable martyr was compiled on the basis of the liturgy written by Deacon Peter in the 30s of the 20th century. Troparion, prayer, kontakion to the saint, which can be read at home, are part of the service.
In 1942, an akathist dedicated to Saint Cornelius appeared, which is performed at a solemn service. If necessary, it is allowed to be read privately.
Troparion
The Pskov-Pechersk monastery, / from ancient times glorious for the miracles of the icon of the Mother of God, / educated many monks of God, / there the Monk Cornelius / fought a good fight, / glorifying the wonderful Mother of God, / enlightening the Gentiles, / saving monks and many people, / marvelously decorating his monastery and fencing. / There and the crown of martyrdom / after many years of his shepherding is valiantly accepted. / In the same way, people, / let us give thanks to Christ God and His Most Pure Mother, / for the gift of the venerable martyr to us is glorious / and the book of prayer for our souls is worthy.
Kontakion
You were the bright lamp of Orthodoxy / and the supreme protection of the Pskov land, / eradicating polytheism and guiding people to God. / The house of the Mother of God was strengthened and glorified by you, / adorned with virtues, you received the crown of a martyr, / remember us, your children, and with the Lord, Venerable Martyr Cornelius.
Akathist
Kontakion 1
Chosen miracle worker, glorious servant of Christ, quick helper and warm prayer book for all who with faith and love ask for your intercession, we praise you with love, Cornelius the venerable martyr, as if you had boldness towards the Lord, pray for the salvation of us, singing to you: Rejoice, Cornelius venerable martyr , Our Father.
Ikos 1
You appeared as an angelic imitator, O venerable martyr and God-bearing Father Cornelius, who lived angelically on earth and left us with an image of spiritual perfection. For this sake, glorify the miracles of Christ God, Who stands now in the eternal light of the Kingdom of Heaven; From us, who honor you, you hear the following singing:
Rejoice, for for the sake of love for the Lord you have abandoned all earthly pleasures; Rejoice, for you have despised the good things of this world.
Rejoice, for you have found imperishable wealth; Rejoice, for you have loved the good and easy-to-bear yoke of Christ.
Rejoice, for you lived in the flesh as though you were bodiless; Rejoice, for you have immaculately preserved God-loving purity.
Rejoice, for through the narrow gates you entered the Kingdom of Heaven; Rejoice, for you have deservedly received the honor of being equal to the angels.
Rejoice, for you have received an unfading crown from the Lord; Rejoice, for you are glorified in heaven and on earth.
Rejoice, Cornelius the venerable martyr, our father.
Kontakion 2
Seeing the vanity of worldly life and hearing the voice of the Shepherd Christ: “If anyone wants to follow Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross,” and you, Venerable Martyr, have forsaken the world and all that is good, so that you may live for the One God, singing to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Enlightened by your intellect from above, you have guided your spiritual children to the true good, and you have kindly accepted all those who wished to strive together with you for salvation, Father Cornelius, a good teacher of the path of salvation; Take us therefore under your father's protection and through your prayers help us to inherit eternal salvation, so that we may praise you:
Rejoice, you who hunger and thirst for the truth of the verbs of the eternal life of the proclaimer; Rejoice, for those who seek the Kingdom of God the path of salvation, here is a guide.
Rejoice, wise driver of those who seek the heavenly Kingdom; Rejoice, good helmsman of those overwhelmed by passions.
Rejoice, great helper in the piety of those who labor; Rejoice, thou skillful teacher of the unwise.
Rejoice, warm representative of the whole world; Rejoice, zealous and favorable intercessor for our souls.
Rejoice, thou who has found a reliable ship in everyday voyages; Rejoice, you who have shown us a quiet haven.
Rejoice, Cornelius the venerable martyr, our father.
Kontakion 3
By the power of the Lord, wise to protect the holy monastery from the invasion of the enemy with a wall, and even more so, by your holy prayers, entrusting it to the honest protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, beg to give us protection and protection, so that we may be worthy to sing with you to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having you, Father Cornelius, a quick helper in troubles, people of good faith, in misfortunes and sorrows, prayerfully calling you for help and abundantly accepting the gifts of God’s goodness through your prayers from the Bountiful God, they sing in praise of you out of warm love:
Rejoice, thou who hast preceded our many-fold fulfillment of forgiveness; Rejoice, skillful physician to the sick.
Rejoice, favorable consolation to those who mourn; Rejoice, blessed strength for the discouraged.
Rejoice, banisher of choked passions; Rejoice, quickly presenting helper to the helpless.
Rejoice, God-wise leader of monks; Rejoice, you who showed us true joy in Christ.
Rejoice, commander of a fair number of spiritual warriors; Rejoice, Cornelius the venerable martyr, our father.
Kontakion 4
Through the storm of passions and troubles in a multi-rebellious world, you unshakably guided your soul into the quiet haven of salvation, despising all the good and red of the world, calling on everyone to be partakers of the heavenly Kingdom, where you now abide, singing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
The shepherds of the Church of Christ heard about your labors and thought of you as an earthly angel, choosing you as abbot of the monastery, rewarding you with worthy honor through your labor and thus urging us to praise you:
Rejoice, faithful servant of the Lamb and Shepherd; Rejoice, worthy primate of the Altar of the Lord.
Rejoice, God-wise leader of the monks; Rejoice, teacher of true humility.
Rejoice, God-wise leader of the monks; Rejoice, teacher of true humility.
Rejoice, ascetic of perfect patience; Rejoice, honest repository of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, filled with tearful tenderness; Rejoice, chosen vessel of the Most Holy Trinity.
Rejoice, affirmation of piety; Rejoice, pillar and praise of Orthodoxy.
Rejoice, Cornelius the venerable martyr, our father.
Kontakion 5
Having the divine thought of Solomon, the pious Alexy wrote the image of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, and for the sake of the prayers of the Venerable Cornelius, the icon began to show unspeakable miracles: healing the demons, opening the eyes of many blind, rejoicing in this, the foreigners worshiped God: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
The Monk Cornelius, during his abbess, created a temple to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker over the Holy Gates, as the defender of all the offended and a zealot of Orthodoxy, hoping for him to be the guardian of the monastery from the enemies of Orthodoxy; Likewise, now standing with him before the Throne of the Lord of Glory, pray, Father Cornelius, to the Creator for the salvation of all who have labored for the sake of the holy monastery and for all who glorify you with the stumps of chintz: Rejoice, rule of faith and piety; Rejoice, image of chastity and abstinence.
Rejoice, decoration of the fasting face; Rejoice, star shining in the host of saints.
Rejoice, shepherd and teacher of monks; Rejoice, intercessor and patron of the living in the world.
Rejoice, you who love the narrow and sorrowful path more than the long one; Rejoice, teacher of courageous asceticism.
Rejoice, wall that invisibly encloses you more than stone walls; Rejoice, evening sacrifice pleasing to God.
Rejoice, Cornelius the venerable martyr, our father.
Kontakion 6
Preaching the word of God to your brethren, you taught everyone by word and life silence, humility, fasting and prayer, remaining in it day and night, you sang out loud to the Almighty God: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Thou hast shone forth the lamp of faith, Father Cornelius, of thy monastery also to the surrounding people, and thou hast enlightened the Livonian land with the Christian faith, bearing the invisible temple of the Spirit of God within oneself, thou hast built a visible temple of the Most Pure Theotokos Hodegetria, and thou hast founded churches more enlightened than the miracle, and thou hast also built clergymen , may everyone find healing for the ailments of their souls. For this reason you are glorified by Christ the Hero, and from us you accept these songs of praise:
Rejoice, evangelist of the Gospel of Christ; Rejoice, preacher of the Orthodox faith.
Rejoice, saturated with the grace of God; Rejoice, you who have drunk from the Divine source.
Rejoice, watered with a stream of saving tears; Rejoice, thou clothed in the robe of salvation. Rejoice, thou clothed with the robe of incorruption; Rejoice, inexhaustible pointer of greatness. Rejoice, preacher of the ever-flowing drink of Christ; Rejoice, people fed with manna from the word of God.
Rejoice, Cornelius the venerable martyr, our father.
Kontakion 7
You, Father Cornelius, imitated the Lamb of God, who took away the sins of the world, imitating His meekness and humility, and you meekly endured the spirit of sorrow and insult, singing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
We praise your wondrous and valiant deeds, the good and victorious warrior of Christ, Cornelius, we please you, from this corruptible life as an earthly king to the Heavenly King in the eternal dwelling of the pre-sent one, we glorify your martyrdom and prayerfully celebrate your holy memory, diligently singing to you:
Rejoice, for with your innocent blood you have sealed a pure life; Rejoice, for at the hour of death you were numbered among the Martyrs.
Rejoice, for the gates of heaven have opened, so that you may enter into the joy of your Lord; Rejoice, for Christ, the Giver of Life, accepted your soul into the heavenly villages.
Rejoice, for your relics have been glorified on earth; Rejoice, for with your incorporeal powers you endlessly sing the thrice-holy hymn to God.
Rejoice, for you are brightly triumphant with the Prophets and Apostles; Rejoice, thou unitedly crowned with the holy Martyrs.
Rejoice, glorified with the Saints and the Righteous; Rejoice, Cornelius the venerable martyr, our father.
Kontakion 8
Thinking of yourself as a wanderer and stranger in this world and seeking the heavenly Jerusalem, you passed away the course of your temporary life in the holy abode of God, Mother, and even now you stand praying for this, and everyone sings to God with you: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
Having defeated all enemies with the weapon of God's truth, as a true warrior of Christ is crowned with a crown of victory in the Kingdom of glory, where he abides with the venerable Mark and Jonah, and now protects your abode from enemies, calling us to imitate you in spiritual warfare, and we too cry out in spiritual joy ty:
Rejoice, having conquered pride within yourself through holy humility; Rejoice, you who extinguished the flame of perfect fury with meekness.
Rejoice, having driven away despondency of spirit with fervent prayers; Rejoice, having achieved joy in the Lord.
Rejoice, having preserved the purity of soul and body through abstinence and chastity; Rejoice, thou who hast grown every virtue within oneself without laziness.
Rejoice, you have received a crown of victory from Christ; Rejoice, enriched by the gift of miracles from the Lord.
Rejoice, accepted Martyr into the face of the good-victorious; Rejoice, like a good warrior who is numbered with the warriors of heaven.
Rejoice, Cornelius the venerable martyr, our father.
Kontakion 9
Having hated all carnal pleasures, the most blessed Cornelius, you loved the only God with all your heart as the source of all goodness, so the Lord also loved you and poured out His bounty abundantly on you and your abode, so that all who resort to your relics and receive quick help from you cry out in gratitude: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
It is not enough to speak of all your deeds, God-wise Father Cornelius, for the goodness of your life truly surpasses human praise, but we are motivated by love for you, we dare to humbly praise you with singing like this:
Rejoice, unfading saint of the Church: Rejoice, thou who by thy all-powerful intercession delivers us from the sword of foreigners.
Rejoice, blessed adornment of our country; Rejoice, blessed protection of our city.
Rejoice, confirmation and praise of your monastery; Rejoice, wonderful beauty of the monastics.
Rejoice, everlasting consolation for the Christian race; Rejoice, I am an intercessor for those who love and honor you before God.
Rejoice, guide to salvation as a sinner; Rejoice, representative of sinful peace before the Throne of God.
Rejoice, Cornelius the venerable martyr, our father.
Kontakion 10
To save the city of Pskov and the Orthodox people from the invasion of foreigners, you appeared to Elder Dorotheus together with Anthony of Kyiv, accompanied by the Most Holy Theotokos, who hastened to the aid of Her people; When the Mother of God reproached people for the filth of their lives, you begged with tears, saying: “O Lady and Lady Theotokos, having sinned by living lawlessly, but do not forsake them through Your intercession, but rather pray to Your Son for unworthy people,” and thus you turned away the righteous anger, let them call to God in tenderness: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
The wall of intercession and the prayer book are pleasing to God, Father Cornelius, diligently sending thanks to the Heavenly Father for all His blessings, which you have abundantly shown to us, and to you, our representative, we offer the chant:
Rejoice, wonderful servant of the Lord; Rejoice, tireless in labors, chosen one of Christ.
Rejoice, good-obedient servant of the Most High Master; Rejoice, good and faithful servant of the King of kings.
Rejoice, kind intercessor of the offended; Rejoice, safe haven for strangers. Rejoice, good healer of mental and physical ailments; Rejoice, I am an intercessor for sinners before God.
Rejoice, reconciler of those who repent with Christ; Rejoice, our heavenly patron. Rejoice, Cornelius the venerable martyr, our father.
Kontakion 11
All singing is not sufficient to glorify your majesty, reverend father, for through your prayers the power of God wonderfully appeared: you prayed before the most pure image of the Lady, and thus you saved the monastery from destruction. Now we also pray to you, do not create our hope in vain and deliver us from our enemies, and in tenderness we call to the Savior God: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
You were a lamp of good deeds during your life, Rev. Father, and a lamp of God’s grace appeared after death, shining with miracles and healing; and after one hundred and twenty years, like a precious treasure, your relics were revealed from the bowels of the earth, so that we tenderly cry out to you from the glorified Lord:
Rejoice, beautiful incorruptible color; Rejoice, you who prospered at the bottom of heavenly paradise. Rejoice, with your lightness you illuminate the darkness of our souls; Rejoice, you who graciously heal from various diseases.
Rejoice, skillful physician of the wounds of sin; Rejoice, comforter of the sorrowing hearts. Rejoice, vigilant guardian of your abode; Rejoice, awakener of those who sleep in sins. Rejoice, O strengthener of those who watch in prayer; Rejoice, Cornelius the venerable martyr, our father.
Kontakion 12
You have received grace from the Lord, O venerable martyr, for the enlightenment of monks and worldly people with the light of the true faith, and your disciples, enlightened by you in earthly life, now with you in heaven glorify the Almighty, the Giver of Light, and teach us glorification, and we, too, the Creator and the saints, the Most Holy Word sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing your wondrous miracles, we bow down tenderly before your most pure relics, O Reverend Father, we gratefully remember your labors and your intercession, and just as in ancient times you heard the prayers of your servants, so now hear the sorrowful prayers of those who honor you and grant us now to accept speedy liberation from the enemies of salvation ours, let us sing this song to you without restraint:
Rejoice, through your omnipotent prayers you deliver from enemies visible and invisible; Rejoice, thou illuminating with the light of truth those who exist in darkness and the shadow of death.
Rejoice, confirmation and strength of the weakened; Rejoice, teaching the infidels to glorify God.
Rejoice, convert unrepentant sinners to repentance; Rejoice, give help to the orphans and widows.
Rejoice, comforter of the sorrowful; Rejoice, strengthen those who are weak through fasting and prayer. Rejoice, Cornelius the venerable martyr, our father.
Kontakion 12
O Venerable Martyr Father Cornelius, we pray to you and ask you, listen to this praiseworthy song, brought to you from our zeal, do not forsake us as saints with your prayers, do not stop asking for forgiveness of our many sins, so that at the hour of death we will be honored to accept the end of life peacefully and enter into the Kingdom Heavenly, and there you and I will glorify the immeasurable mercy of God, singing to the Lord of life: Alleluia.
(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)
Prayer
O holy martyr Cornelius! We humbly fall before the race of your relics and tenderly pray to you: graciously look upon our spiritual and physical sorrows and grant us deliverance; Help us, Holy One of God, from the slander of evil people, from whom you yourself suffered innocently on earth. Protect us from the violence of the devil, who passionately fights in our weak lands, beg the Lord God and His Most Pure Mother to grant us a quiet and sinless life, mutual brotherly unhypocritical love and a peaceful Christian death, so that with a clear conscience we will appear before the impersonal Terrible Judgment Seat of Christ, and in His Kingdom we will glorify Life-giving Trinity, Father and Son and Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
