Venerable Macarius (Glukharev) of Altai
Macarius (Glukharev) (1792 - 1847), archimandrite, Altai missionary, reverend. Memory May 18 (May 31), in the Cathedrals of the Kostroma, Siberian and Smolensk saints
In the world, Mikhail Glukharev, was born on November 8, 1792 in the family of a priest of the Cathedral Church of the Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the city of Vyazma, Smolensk province. The monk studied at the Vyazemsky Theological School, the Smolensk Seminary, and then the St. Petersburg Theological Academy, where he became a faithful student of St. Philaret (Drozdov), then the rector of the academy.
At the age of 27, Mikhail was tonsured a monk, receiving the name Macarius. In 1821, Father Macarius was elevated to the rank of abbot, then archimandrite, and received control of the Kostroma Epiphany Monastery. At the end of 1825 he was retired to the Kyiv Lavra for health reasons.
In 1826, Archimandrite Macarius was transferred to the Glinskaya Theotokos Hermitage in order to gain the spiritual guidance of the abbot of the hermitage, Abbot Philaret (Danilevsky). Father Macarius, who brilliantly graduated from the Theological Academy, studied languages well, was the rector of the Kostroma Theological Seminary and the abbot of the Epiphany Monastery, a professor of theology, the archimandrite moves to the poor, remote Glinsk hermitage, under the guidance of the unlearned, but experienced in spiritual life, Father Philaret. From his youth until recently, the learned archimandrite was constantly under the guidance: first of his pious father, a priest, then, at the St. Petersburg Theological Academy, of the father of the rector, Archimandrite Philaret (Drozdov). In Ekaterinoslav, as an inspector of the theological seminary - under the leadership of Elder Liverius, “a man of holy life, a student of the famous Paisius Velichkovsky.”
In addition to his monastic exploits, Father Macarius in the Glinsk Hermitage was engaged in translations of the Holy Scriptures and the Holy Fathers.
With the blessing of Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow, Archimandrite Macarius asked permission from the Holy Synod to be a missionary in Altai, to convert the Turkic peoples living there to Orthodoxy.
Father Macarius went to Altai together with his assistants, students of the theological seminary Alexei Volkov and Vasily Popov. With common consent, they formed a brotherhood, one of the points of which read: “We wish that we have everything in common: money, food, clothing, books and other things, and may this measure be convenient for us in striving for unanimity.”
At first, the wild foreigners did not want to have relations with Father Macarius, and avoided Christianity. But then they took a closer look, and oh. Macarius began to get acquainted with the Ulalin Teleuts and acquire members of the Church of Christ from the Black Tatars and Altai Kalmyks, settling them in Maima and other villages. Most of them, being imbued with the word of truth they repeatedly heard from him, accepted St. baptism and surrendered to him like children to their father. It is amazing how Father Macarius, suffering from physical ailments, endured long treks and crossings of mountain rivers, how he endured the hardships of a wandering life, fulfilling his pastoral duty: announcing, baptizing, visiting spiritual children. During this time, he begins to think about teaching indigenous literacy. After all, otherwise they could not understand the meaning of his sermons or participate in divine services. Thus, a huge research work began on the creation of Altai writing and a dictionary (primer book).
The first period of missionary activity of Fr. Macarius was the most difficult, despite this, some positive results were achieved: although a small number of pagans were converted to Orthodoxy, the first settlements of newly baptized foreigners were created, the first missionary schools were opened. Father Macarius understood that in the first years of life, newly baptized people need comprehensive help and cannot be left to their own devices. He built houses for the newly baptized, acquired livestock, agricultural tools, grain seeds for sowing - in a word, everything that was necessary for a sedentary lifestyle.
At the Ulalinsky camp, a women's community was established, which later transformed into a convent.
Since 1844, after returning from Altai, he was appointed rector of the Bolkhov monastery of the Oryol diocese.
On May 18, 1847 he died in the Bolkhov Monastery.
In 1983, the Monk Macarius was canonized and his name was included in the Cathedral of Siberian Saints.
Akathist to the holy venerable, God-bearing and equal-to-the-apostles father Macarius (Glukharev) of Altai and Bolkhov
Kontakion 1
Chosen from all the Russian clans to serve in the Altai mountains and enlighten people living in the darkness of paganism and superstition, Father Macarius! We magnify the Lord who glorified you; we sing praises to you. Through your service you have enlightened the pagans and thus revealed the light of the knowledge of God, deliver us from sorrowful circumstances and all kinds of knowledge, calling to you: Rejoice, Venerable Macarius, Apostle of Altai.
Ikos 1
The Creator of angels and the Creator of all creation, direct your steps, Reverend Father, to the people sitting in the darkness of ignorance and seeking the Sun of Truth. You, desiring equal-to-the-apostles service, studied many scientists with prayer to God, and the talent given to you by the Lord, without hiding in the earth, showing your mind for the benefit of the mother Church, you were the first among the disciples to appear. You have succeeded more than others in prayer and serving the Lord, Father, and we also joyfully call to you: Rejoice, you who have loved the Lord from your youth; Rejoice, you who have tasted the sweetness of prayers to Him; Rejoice, first priest of the Altai country; Rejoice, and now pray for her to the Lord. Rejoice, for through you the light of faith has appeared in your tongue; Rejoice, for through you the Altai people have been enlightened. Rejoice, thou who countest all the blessings of this world for nothing; Rejoice, candlestick, who illuminated your children from the top of the mountain. Rejoice, Venerable Macarius, Apostle of Altai.
Kontakion 2
Seeing your zeal, Reverend Father Macarius, your teachers, among them Saint Philaret of Moscow, instructing you on the narrow path and teaching you monastic life, rejoicing in vain your love for the Father who is in heaven, to whom we all call with tenderness: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Directing your mind towards the Lord, you put aside all worldly cares, Reverend Father, having taken the high path of monastic life, you prayed to the Lord and served Him alone. For this reason, accept this praise from us: Rejoice, dear child of pious parents; Rejoice, having received from them everything useful for faith. Rejoice, having inherited from your father the love of service and preaching; Rejoice, you received from your mother the gift of meekness and humility. Rejoice, rejoicing in the successful teaching of parents; Rejoice, having shown your love for the Lord and as a parent many times. Rejoice, friend and disciple of St. Philaret; Rejoice, thou who hast increased in zeal in prayer. Rejoice, Venerable Macarius, Apostle of Altai.
Kontakion 3
Strengthened by the power of the Most High, Reverend Father, enduring all the temptations of the world, overcoming hardships and sorrows with meekness and humility, you showed the true faith to secular people by constantly crying out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having the thought of pleasing the good of the Lord by serving the Equal-to-the-Apostles, you directed your steps to the lands of Siberia. Seeing the pagans, who did not know the true Lord, you preached to them the King of Glory, you learned the local dialect and you became a native language for the enlightened. In the same way, seeing this, we cry out to you: Rejoice, father, not afraid of the difficulties on the way; Rejoice, you who took up your apostolic ministry with love. Rejoice, you who go around the mountain villages preaching; Rejoice, you who sincerely love your children. Rejoice, thou who bestowed the Holy Scriptures on the Altai people; Rejoice, you have received from the Lord the gift of unceasing prayer. Rejoice, for you taught the settled life of the pagans; Rejoice, for you prayed for the salvation of children’s souls. Rejoice, Venerable Macarius, Apostle of Altai.
Kontakion 4
Overcoming the storms of temptations and sorrows, you taught the pagans in the true faith, Reverend Father, tirelessly preaching, you taught the peoples of Altlistia. Showing to the local inhabitants an image of piety and instructing them for the salvation, you were truly adorned with venerable deeds, Father Macarius, constantly crying out to the Lord: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing, Reverend Macarius, those near and far about your preaching and life, flowing to you as to a pure source that works healing, desiring baptism and seeking the path of salvation. But you, father, kissing those who come with a brotherly kiss and teaching the true faith, you led many to salvation. We, having seen your prudence, cry out to you: Rejoice, clothed with grace from above; Rejoice, highly enlightened man. Rejoice, gifted with the gift of clairvoyance; Rejoice, called to the service of God by the Spirit. Rejoice, you who have given the gospel to the Altai people in their language; Rejoice, you who have written many spiritual letters. Rejoice, thou who conquered evil with humility and meekness; Rejoice, you who have converted many tongues to the true faith. Rejoice, Venerable Macarius, Apostle of Altai.
Kontakion 5
The God-bearing star appeared, Father, on the Altai mountains. You were nicknamed the unforgettable archimandrite by your fellow servants. He gave himself everything to the enlightened people, to the Lord continually crying out: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Seeing you, the faithful children of the Church of Christ, like a cloudless shining light with many divine gifts, they rejoiced greatly. By speaking words of salvation in your tongue, you have truly pleased the Lord. You taught the youth Michael, whom you saw as a priest, to read and write, from the darkness of ignorance to the knowledge of the Light of Truth. And this one came to eternal life first in the rank of priest from the Altai tribes. We, Father Macarius, cry out to you: Rejoice, who spiritually loved the youth and was his second father; Rejoice, you who have strengthened his faith and blessed your fellow tribesmen. Rejoice, for this youth, having become a priest of God, has become glorified; Rejoice, for through him many people have been established in the faith. Rejoice, father, planter of spiritual grapes; Rejoice, you who have revealed your honor to the world to all. Rejoice, you who warmed many orphans with fatherly warmth; Rejoice, you who covered the naked with incorruptible clothing. Rejoice, Venerable Macarius, Apostle of Altai.
Kontakion 6
We see you, Father Macarius, a divinely inspired preacher and a constant prayer book; many are saved by your intercession and are converted from the darkness of paganism, constantly praying for us to the Lord, singing to him: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
The light of Christ appeared in the soul of the youth John, enlightened by you, Father Macarius. This terrible parent, making sacrifices to idolatry, flared up at you, father, with anger, and wishing to destroy you, with many of her relatives flowing to the place where you were found, she attacked you with terrible force and wanted to kill you. The same horse stumbled, the pagan hit the ground and barely remained alive. But you, father, showing your love, serving the sick all night, prayed to the Merciful Lord for forgiveness of the senseless. We, seeing such your love for your enemies, praise you: Rejoice, the first child of the Lord in the land of Altaystem; Rejoice, for you have received the cruel reproach with meekness; Rejoice, you prayed to the Lord to forgive that sin. Rejoice, for you were kindled with righteous anger against those who blasphemed the Lord of Glory; Rejoice, having conquered cruel morals with your humility. Rejoice, you who served your reproach at his bedside; Rejoice, for through your prayers a pagan who swore love to idols became a Christian. Rejoice, Venerable Macarius, Apostle of Altai.
Kontakion 7
Although the servant of idolatry wanted to drive you out, Father Macarius, from the Altai country, he caused you much sorrow: threats to you sent and obstacles to your actions. You taught them with humility and you constantly prayed to the Lord for the forgiveness and enlightenment of those, crying out to him: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
With a new and radiant lamp of the faith of Christ in Altai, you shone before the Lord, reverend. Many people are your light, Father Macarius, seeing how you serve the only Lord with reverence and love. Netius from the tongue, named Boris, did not want baptism and did not listen to your voice, in the darkness of paganism. You added a prayer to the words of the teachings, and a miracle appeared: this one came from an idol to the True Faith. Having seen the power of your prayer, we sing these praises to you: Rejoice, you who sought one sheep, according to the Gospel verb; Rejoice, you who speak the words of truth to those who are blinded by their souls. Rejoice, for that same one was overcome by a terrible plague and a green fever; Rejoice, for this one came forth from the tongue to repentance and appeared as a partaker of the Mysteries of Christ. Rejoice, for you have enjoyed that Divine Liturgy with joy; Rejoice, for through your prayers this enlightened one was quickly left from the flame. Rejoice, for many years and prosperity were granted to him through your intercession; Rejoice, for through you the light of Christ has shone in the land of midnight. Rejoice, Venerable Macarius, Apostle of Altai.
Kontakion 8
A strange and glorious miracle is seen by everyone, Father Macarius, as if the land of Altai was perishing in pagan superstition, having been revealed through your labors to the light of Truth. Her children, who once did not know the Lord, now cry out to him: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
All your life, Equal to the Apostles Father Macarius, has appeared as an image of serving the Eternal God and the people of the Altai region and the entire Russian country; For you, overcoming the difficulties and hardships of the path, walked through the hills and rivers to those seeking the saving word, comforting them with prayer and conversation and instructing them on the path of salvation, you became a fisher of men, like an apostle of Christ. We offer these praises to you: Rejoice, thou who art deceiving Belial from the hand of many souls; Rejoice, having conquered all his machinations through prayer. Rejoice, radiant lamp of faith and piety; Rejoice, tireless destroyer of ignorance and wickedness; Rejoice, stir us up to read the Holy Scriptures; Rejoice, teach us to live according to the Gospel of Christ; Rejoice, you who heal our inner spiritual ulcers; Rejoice, Venerable Macarius, Apostle of Altai.
Kontakion 9
Everyone who comes to you, God-bearing Father Macarius, is quickly met with a word of love and instruction in faith, but you, Father, sighed a lot for the people who were infancy in Christ, constantly singing to the Lord: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
Human flourishes are not sufficient for the worthy glorification of your works, Reverend Macarius, otherwise accept our songs offered to you. Through your sorrows and struggles, we cry out to you with everlasting memory, with joy and love: Rejoice, you who brought many nations to Christ; Rejoice, thou who hast found many spiritual children. Rejoice, zealous teacher of the new children of God; Rejoice, you who are the guardian of the orphans and the wretched. Rejoice, punisher of the Holy Trinity of those who blaspheme; Rejoice, speedy resurrection of the sick; Rejoice, you who incline the mercy of the Mother of God to us; Rejoice, you who always remember your children at the throne of the Lord Almighty. Rejoice, Venerable Macarius, Apostle of Altai.
Kontakion 10
Although I saved many verbal sheep from the wolves that were destroying me, I constantly preached the truth to your newly enlightened spiritual children, both in the lands of Altay and in the city of Bolkhov, where by the providence of God you continued your ministry, among the Russian people, the basics of the Christian faith were forgotten and again in superstition those who fell into paganism, showing compassion and love for those and desiring salvation for them, you did a lot of labor, Father Macarius, so that the whole Russian country would sing to the Lord: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
The indestructible wall is your faith, Father Macarius, and your service to the Lord is a fragrant ointment before Him, many people gathered with tears, when you, reverend, departed from the borders of the Altai. Groaning and weeping standing over the mountains, as the flock, brought by you to the Lord, accompanied you, Father, on a long journey. We, seeing such love for you, sing praises like this: Rejoice, constantly devoting your labors to the glory of God; Rejoice, you who show the true light with your tongue. Rejoice, you who strengthened your fellow tribesmen in the faith; Rejoice, for hatred will no longer touch your hearts; Rejoice, for your lips have rejected condemnation. Rejoice, put quiet joy in the hearts of all who love the Lord. Rejoice, strengthen friendship and love among Christians; Rejoice, implore Christ for the welfare of God’s holy Churches. Rejoice, Venerable Macarius, Apostle of Altai
Kontakion 11
You have become likened to the singing of angels, Venerable Macarius, in your service to the Lord. Through your prayer, many miracles happened. The pagans, moved by the grace of the Holy Spirit, resting upon you, come to communion with Christ and cry out to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
“The Light of Christ enlightens everyone,” you proclaimed, Reverend Father, when your soul was separated from your body, thereby demonstrating the crown of your entire life. For your body, at the command of the bishop, was quickly encircled three times around the throne and hidden in the ground, but your soul dwelt in the heavenly villages, illuminated by the glory of God. Having seen your peaceful death in the Lord, we cry out to you: Rejoice, thou art thou established in the Divine realms; Rejoice, for you have been granted the blessed Dormition. Rejoice, resting in eternal bliss; Rejoice, you who enjoy the sight of God. Rejoice, ever triumphant with the apostles of Christ; Rejoice, exalted with the saints. Rejoice, filled with eternal joy; Rejoice, for for the sake of the Lord you have become famous in the land of Altay. Rejoice, Venerable Macarius, Apostle of Altai.
Ikos 12
By singing your service, we please you, Rev. Father Macarius! Be our prayer book and protector from the arrows of the evil one, strengthening and instructing us to preach the Word of God among the tongue and the atheist. Accept the praises offered to you, Father, and hear us, crying out to you in tenderness: Rejoice, service to the reverent lover. Rejoice, quick to hear those who pray; Rejoice, grant us the blessings of life gloriously; Rejoice, you illuminate the path leading to God for many; Rejoice, helper of the true faith as a preacher; Rejoice, protector of those who came to Christ from evil persecution. Rejoice, as the angels rejoice over your labors; Rejoice, for many people are being saved by your example and intercession. Rejoice, Venerable Macarius, Apostle of Altai.
Kontakion 13
O most wonderful preacher and glorious servant of God, prayer book of the Altai land, Reverend Our Father Macarius! Accept from us a small prayer, which is now offered to you, for you have pleased the Lord on earth, and with Him you remain in Heaven. We pray to you: pray unceasingly, so that in the villages above we too may be worthy to sing to Him: Alleluia!
This Kontakion is read three times, then the 1st Ikos and the 1st Kontakion
Prayer
O wonderful servant of Christ, Rev. Father Macarius! The grace of the Almighty guide you, holy of God, to the mountainous land that is perishing in paganism. You constantly devoted your labors in order to snatch the souls of the foolish pagans from the hand of the enemy of the human race. With your word you taught, healing the souls and bodies of those who were infants in Christ. Pray for us now, surrounded by the darkness of godlessness and attacks from those who accept the tongue. Strengthen our words for preaching the Gospel, strengthen our feet for walking the path of truth and bringing it to erring people. Hey, servant of God! Pray for all of us who fall before your holy icon. Help us to resist the temptations of this age. Ask the Gift-Giver God for each one according to his needs. The shepherd who brings light is tireless in work, great zeal for service and reverence for the Holy Mysteries. To the faithful who pray to you - strength in faith, indolence in prayer and veneration of the holy things of God. For the newly enlightened, there is learning in faith, a great attraction to prayer, and a non-slothful walk towards church service. To all of us who pray to you - physical health, and especially spiritual salvation. Yes, you and I will be honored in the Kingdom of Heaven to sing a song in the Trinity to the glorified God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Troparion
voice 4
We strive with the love of Christ, you came to preach the true faith to the people of Altai, O Reverend Father Macarius, instructing those in word and life, you led many to salvation, / grant us the same through your prayers.
Kontakion
voice 3
Having escaped pagan evil, you have come to know the Creator of lights by your preaching. We worship him in the Trinity, / we pray to you, Equal-to-the-Apostles Macarius, keep your children in the true faith of Christ by your intercession before God.
The boy Vitaly had his own destiny from the first years of his life
Archimandrite Macarius (in the world Vitaly Nikolaevich Bolotov) is a man of unique spiritual gifts and a difficult but wonderful life. Vitaly Bolotov was born on September 21, 1932 in the village of Uspenskaya, Krasnodar Territory. He belonged to the ancient family of princes Bolotov.
The following is known about the parents of Vitaly Nikolaevich Bolotov. Father, Nikolai Georgievich Bolotov, participated in the Soviet-Finnish war, where he died. Mother, Vera Ivanovna Bolotova, was often sick and spent a lot of time in the hospital. Vitalik was the eldest in the family.
Vitaly Bolotov began his monastic path in the fall of 1941, at the age of 9 years. His spiritual mentor was Mother Eugenia. In 1946, Vitaly was tonsured a monk with the name Viphonius by Father Anthony, on the Feast of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos.
1946
this year Vitaly Bolotov took monastic vows with the name Vifonius
At the age of 14, in 1946, he took monastic vows and was tonsured into the lowest rank of monasticism - the ryassophore.
