Optina Pustyn is a famous monastery of the Russian Orthodox Church, built near the village of Kozelsk. The landmark of the Kaluga diocese is surrounded by a low fence and four corner towers. The Tupik station is nearby. According to the project, the structure is almost square. At the very central point stands the Vvedensky Cathedral. Around it, in a cruciform order, are the churches of Mary of Egypt, Kazan, and Vladimir. In the background is a grove, and behind it is a monastery used for 24-hour services. At the time of its development, deforestation was prohibited. The houses where Gogol and Dostoevsky once lived still remain intact. The church made of wood of John the Baptist is intact. It is made from felled trees that previously grew where the monastery is now.
Optina Pustyn is an ancient monastery known throughout Russia.
We have all heard something about Optina one way or another. If not about the monastery itself, then the Optina elders are always on everyone’s lips. This word comes from the name Opta or Optia.
This was the name of the legendary robber who, according to legend, founded the monastery at the end of the 14th century. The impetus for this event was his repentance. Hermitage means a place of solitude where monks live.
Optina Pustyn. Photo: img.vremya.tv
Optina Pustyn faced many challenges. During the time of Peter I, a large quitrent was imposed on it, and in the 18th century the monastery was completely abolished for a couple of years.
The 19th century was the dawn for Optina, but at the beginning of the 20th century, the atheistic authorities took away the premises for their own needs.
1987
from this year monks began to settle in Optina Pustyn again
Only in 1987 did monks begin to settle in the monastery again. Today it is a large complex of monastic buildings, where pilgrims regularly go to get in touch with spirituality and Orthodox history.
Address: Kozelsk, Kaluga region, 249723
How to get there?
A bus runs regularly from the bus station and the Teply Stan metro station. You will need to use the Moscow - Kozelsk route. If you choose the metro, it is practical to exit from the first car. Then you will need to walk a little along the underground passage to the very end, turning left. Then your path will go all the way up. Passing the gas station, you will find a car station. From here your journey will last 4-5 hours. Once there, you will need to walk 4-5 km. Also, the entire trip can be done by private car or by taking advantage of a tourist trip. If the route is implemented using our own transport, then the movement will be along the Kyiv highway. You should go to Kaluga, across the bridge, to Kozelsk. It's easy to navigate by following the signs. The kilometer of the trip is 270. The exact address is Kaluga region, Kozelsky district, Kozelsk (Optina).
They say that in Optina Hermitage miracles of healing occur through prayers.
The wonders of Optina Hermitage attract pilgrims from all over the world. Many believers are convinced that prayers in this place are more powerful.
From the point of view of Orthodoxy, this is an unsubstantiated belief, but if faith in Christians is strengthened in the Optina Desert, then there is nothing wrong with that.
The official website of Optina Pustyn tells us about miracles
Here, for example, is the story of Lyubov from Bryansk:
“My son was 12 years old, he was a complete unbeliever and rejected faith. Through my parental coercion, I brought him to Optina Pustyn.
He was burdened by the long Liturgies, but after the service we went to the graves of the new martyrs, where we sat down on a bench (there was no chapel then).
I consider what happened at the graves to be a miracle, even if private for our family: my completely unbelieving son said: “Mom is so calm here, let’s sit here on the bench.”
Usually a visit to church was accompanied by a grimace of dissatisfaction, but here there was a desire to stay. After visiting the Optina Hermitage, my son graduated from Sunday school at the Diocese and for some time (before getting a job) served as an altar boy at the church.”
Optina Pustyn Compound
Perhaps the Holy Spirit really somehow distinguished this place from others? In the end, during the existence of the monastery, more than fifteen monks here showed special divine wisdom, thanks to which they entered the history of the Church as the Optina elders.
Elder Elijah
The name of Schema-Archimandrite Elijah (Nozdrin) (born in 1932) is traditionally associated with Optina, since he is the confessor of the Optina brethren. In the Orthodox community, he is considered one of the most authoritative elders of our time. Many call him the last Optina elder.
While still studying at the Theological Academy, Alexei Nozdrin, the future Elder Elijah, met the future Patriarch of Moscow Kirill. Since 2009, Elder Elijah has been the personal confessor of Patriarch Kirill. Now Elder Elijah serves in the Church of the Transfiguration in Peredelkino on the territory of the patriarchal courtyard. Many go to him for advice and help.
You can go to Optina Pustyn as a laborer
Many go to the monastery in the Optina Hermitage to become laborers. These are people who perform the functions of novices and receive food and accommodation for this. At the same time, workers are not obliged to become monks in the future.
Optina elders are usually depicted on icons together and near the monastery. Photo: xn——7kcgdpwcjhbuvfbbomigdng8c1q.xn--p1ai
Anyone who wants to go as a laborer to Optina Pustyn needs:
- do not have bad habits;
- take your passport with you.
Mentally ill and homeless people cannot be workers. It is also worth measuring your strength, because you will have to follow a regime and do grueling work. It is better to coordinate everything in advance by phone, as there are not always free places.
Pilgrims write in reviews on the Optina Pustynna forum that the trip there brought them wonderful emotions
Everyone who has been there takes away different emotions from Optina Pustyn. Sometimes they are so joyful that it is impossible not to share them.
Optina Pustyn Forum
Here is one of the users, Evgeniya, talking about the experiences that Optina Pustyn gives:
“You can write endlessly about Optina! Endlessly tell your impressions, describe what is happening to you in this beautiful corner of the Earth! Every time you have to get on the bus and go from Optina to Moscow, your soul freezes, and there is only one thought in your head: “I don’t want to.”
My heart is forever attached to this place. I became attached not just to Temples and people, but to that light, warmth and purity. When you arrive at the monastery, the dirt that has stuck to your soul begins to fall off like scales.
And I want to never leave Optina again! The Lord allowed me to visit Optina for the first time in April last year, and since then I began to come to the monastery often. The first time I came to Optina for obedience, I didn’t know or understand what it was.
But my soul was reaching out and I myself could not explain why this was happening. Then she started coming almost every weekend. I came to work on Friday with a bag, and in the evening I was already in Optina)) In the summer I already arrived for 1.5 months.
These 1.5 months are difficult to describe. Firstly, because Optina and the feelings that you experience while there are difficult to put into words, these words will be too pale in comparison.
Secondly, if you describe everything, you will get an essay in three volumes: blink: And I know from myself that long messages are difficult to read on forums.
When you approach the monastery and the golden and blue Domes begin to be seen in the distance, your heart is filled with trembling, and you feel that you have finally returned home.
And the light that fills the soul changes not only me, but also my family. I was the first from my family to visit Optina; this winter I took my mother and cousin to the monastery.
And now my sisters, brothers, aunts, nephews and just friends of our family dream of going to Optina Pustyn. And those who previously could not even think about confession, considered it all stupid, are preparing for the sacrament of confession!”
Source: Optina Pustyn Forum
Every person will find something of their own here.
Optina Pustyn leaves no one indifferent. Here is user Mazutka praising local baked goods:
“There is an air of calm and tranquility here and it seems that time has stopped... There are always a lot of pilgrims here, despite the weather.
We attended the memorial service (it was on Parents' Dmitrov Saturday). Here the monks bake very tasty bread and prosphora.
Near the entrance to the monastery there is a very good refectory where you can buy bread baked by the monks and have a snack.
I recommend it to all Orthodox believers; if you have not yet visited Optina Pustyn, be sure to visit the monastery! You'll like it. Verified!”
Source: Otzovik
Here everyone will find something to their liking, even if it is kvass or local bread.
And the pilgrim S4astje, in addition to the comfortable rooms, remembered the local kvass:
“The rooms are very conveniently equipped for pilgrims. As for food, there is a dining room and a tea room next to it. I should note that the teahouse sells excellent kvass; I personally have never tried this anywhere.”
Source: Otzovik
Vvedensky stauropegial monastery in Optina Hermitage
“A friend’s stove was completely torn apart”
(Natalia V.)
I learned about this little miracle a couple of hours ago. I don’t know if Father Ambrose was the only one who helped; rather, help came from all the Optina elders. The day before yesterday I visited a friend who is planning to move into a house where the stove was completely destroyed. A friend of mine is having a very hard time financially. We posted notices everywhere asking for help, without really hoping for it. Leaving her, I went into a church in those parts and saw there a small icon with pieces of the relics of the Optina elders. I haven’t read which ones exactly. I asked the elders to help her. Now I call and find out that the very next day - that is, yesterday - a woman called her and offered help. She said: “Measure the stove - I’ll buy you everything you need for it.” The poor thing still cannot believe in such happiness. God grant that everything works out for the poor woman. Pray to the Lord for us, Father Ambrose and all the elders of Optina!
In the monastery you can confess and attend services at specific times
A user of the “Otzovik” website under the nickname “Classic of the Genre” was pleased with the trip and in his review described by the hour what life is like in the monastery and how to spend time there:
“In the morning, everyone wakes up at the right time; there is no centralized wake-up here. Half of the men go to the monastery for a fraternal prayer service, which begins at 5:30.
Women usually sleep longer and rise for the Liturgy (early at 6:30, late at 9). However, I highly recommend visiting the fraternal prayer service.
There will be no trace left of the dream. Very sincere. Some of the prayers are read while standing, the rest are listened to while sitting on benches in the temple.
Then, at 6 o'clock, confession begins in a nearby church. It is better to come at the beginning of confession, or at the end, there will be fewer people, and you can calmly talk with the priests and ask for spiritual advice.
I want to warn you right away that the priests here are strict, and they ask strictly for “serious” sins. They may impose a ban on communion.
At 6:30 the early Liturgy begins in the Kazan Church. I recommend coming early and standing closer, because in the back rows there is constant fussing with candles and talking in low voices; you won’t be able to pray.
There are benches in the front rows; sitting is not prohibited, but at certain moments of the service everyone must stand up. The service lasts quite quickly unless there are special holidays.
Communion is also quick, despite the large number of people. Monks and workers come to early services, after which they go to obedience.
The famous Optina Choir, divided into 2 groups of singers at different ends of the temple, sings very beautifully at services. The late Liturgy ends around 11 o'clock.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. there are no services; you can walk around the territory, have a snack in the teahouse, walk to the monastery (entrance to the monastery is prohibited for lay people), and also visit the bookstore - the only place where you can buy all the works of the Optina Elders from their own publishing house.
If you have time and the mood, I recommend visiting the holy springs next to the monastery. There are several of them, travel time is from 10 to 30 minutes, they are marked on Yandex maps.
If you have your own transport, you can take a ride to the neighboring monasteries: Shamordino (10 - 15 minutes on the way), Klykovo (20 minutes) or to Belyov (30 minutes). The road is not bad everywhere, there are no big potholes, the Yandex navigator lays out routes accurately.
At 13:00 and 15:00 prayers and akathists are served in churches. One of them is to St. Ambrose of Optina.
At 17:00 - evening service in the Kazan Church. I recommend coming in advance, because the service is long, there are a lot of people, and a lot will depend on the well-chosen place in the church.
During services, the ancient rule is observed - men stand on the right, women on the left. But this is not monitored as strictly as in Diveevo. The evening service lasts a long time, and not everyone can stand standing for several hours.
A lot of people bring little camp chairs with them - they help a lot. <…>"
Source: Otzovik
For long evening services, it makes sense to take small chairs with you.
“The refectory opens at 19:30. For organized groups of pilgrims - a set menu. Individual pilgrims eat at the teahouse. The hall is large, the prices are reasonable, there is a wide range of dishes.
I’ll warn you right away - meat dishes are not served here, regardless of fasting or not. But there are many delicious fish and mushroom dishes.
You can buy delicious monastery bread, pies, vegetables, honey, dairy products and homemade preparations. Products from the Kozelsky Dairy Plant are available.”
Source: Otzovik
Refectory in a hotel in the Optina Hermitage. Photo: optina-chehova1.ru
The monastery has transport links with the city
The same user talks about leaving the monastery:
“Between the monastery and the Kozelsk bus station, a Gazelle runs every hour, with a traffic interval of 1 hour. The last flight is at 18:40 (+/- 10 minutes). All days except Monday there is only one driver and he has a day off. But without any problems you can go to the city on “bombs”, which are on duty around the clock at the monastery barrier.
There is an intercity bus ticket office in the monastery; here you can buy tickets for all routes at the Kozelsk bus station. True, the buses themselves do not go to the monastery; you need to get on at the city bus station.
For those arriving by car there is ample free parking. It is not guarded, but the place is quiet and peaceful. True, on church holidays there is a very large number of cars, there is not enough space for everyone.”
Source: Otzovik
The monastery has problems with queues, strict conditions, and pilgrims interfere with each other
Not everything is perfect in the monastery. There are rave reviews from pilgrims about the wonders of Optina Pustyn, and there are those who were disappointed by the trip.
A user of the Otzovik website, Sobakina Dolly, talks about very strict conditions:
“The monastery has very strict rules: On the first day, when we went to the guest houses, we tried to enter the monastery from the other side, but we were also not allowed in because of the backpack we had.
They require hand luggage to be checked into a storage room, and do not allow people with large bags to enter the monastery territory. It's written in the rules.
But my young man has already been to Optina Pustyn several times, and the last time, having arrived in Optina Pustyn about 12 years ago, at about 09.30 - 10.00 as an amateur pilgrim, without any excursion.
But to enter Optina, the monastery guards forced him to give them a small 25-liter backpack, where he put all his money and passport, because the monastery guards told him that they would return all his things to him as soon as he examined their monastery.
At about 14.45 - 15.00, he looked around this entire monastery, but the monastery guards refused to give him his backpack, saying that the backpack would be given to him only after the permission of the abbot's father by 19.00, then they told him that the backpack would be given out even later.
And in the end, he was given a backpack only after the completion of the 3-fold religious procession around Optina, at approximately 24.00 - 00.30, when he had NO WHERE to go or go, and when all the grandparents who rented out beds there to pilgrims who came to the monastery at the entrance to the monastery - they had long since gone to bed.
And he had to spend the night on a cold stone floor in the Kazan Church, which was closed for the night at the end of November (after all, he gave his mattress, obtained from the entrance to the temple, to some woman with a small child, pilgrims from Ukraine, who did not get a mattress), where they sent him together with pilgrims from Eastern Ukraine who arrived on 2 buses.
These pilgrims were at least given a late dinner, but he was not allowed to eat, saying that he was not allowed to. And as the pilgrims were allowed to spend the night in the temple, the door was closed from the outside behind them, what if there were church thieves among the pilgrims?
And he had to spend the night in the temple on the cold floor of the Kazan Church, because he gave the mattress to a woman with a child.”
Source: Otzovik
A monk in Optina Pustyn paints an icon. Photo: img.vremya.tv
A user of the Otzovik website Flikka warns about long queues at the monastery:
I was shocked and had a great desire to run away from there; I don’t like such a crowd of people in a holy place.
I don’t want to offend anyone or hurt anyone’s feelings, but I don’t understand what there is to admire there, there are a lot of monasteries, less popular, less promoted and more spiritual, where you really feel grace and peace!
And in Optina Pustina, to get holy water there is a line, to buy a candle there is a line, to approach the icon there is a line, not to mention getting into the temple, you also have to stand in line!
Of course, the place is popular and people actively go there: some for help, some for prayer or advice, and some just on a sightseeing tour.
Source: Otzovik
Another user of the Otzovik website, Kissa, talks about the same problems:
“The downside is that there are a lot of people. Numerous excursions, pilgrims. And a separate minus is that 80 percent of the territory is a closed zone. But despite this, I want to come back here, I want to visit again and again. The soul asks."
Source: Otzovik
According to another review, the pilgrims themselves create inconvenience for each other:
“Despite the uniqueness of the monastery and services, some pilgrims behave like swine. Eternal fuss with candles and notes, chatter, wandering between icons during the service, distracting attention.
The consumer attitude has penetrated here too: the main thing is to stick candles, kiss all the icons, and you will be happy. Few people understand that “A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit...” (Ps. 50).
In addition, Ambrose of Optina himself said that for distracting people from worship, illness and sorrow are sent.”
Source: Otzovik
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General information
The date of foundation of the monastery of the Holy Vvedenskaya Optina Monastery is the 15th century. However, there is a legend that the object appeared thanks to the robber who repented of his actions. His name was Optia. Before the 18th millennium, man had a rather difficult financial situation. In 1773, only two monks were active here. These were very old people. But soon the situation changed dramatically. In 1821 a monastery was erected here. People settled in it - “hermits”, living in renunciation for a long period of time. The elder led the spiritual life. Subsequently, believers came here from all over the world. The place turned into the spiritual center of Russia. Thanks to contributions from parishioners, the territory became wider. A mill, stone buildings and much more appeared. The space has changed significantly.
This amazing corner is chosen by a large number of creative personalities. Many works of great Russian literature are directly related to this place. It was here that V.S. Solovyov brought F.M. Dostoevsky after a great tragedy - the death of his son. He lived here long enough. The writer was imbued with the area. You can see some of its descriptions in The Brothers Karamazov.
L.N. had an incredible family connection with Kozelsk. Tolstoy. The writer’s sister was a novice of the monastery in Shamordino, which was founded by Ambrose. The work “Father Sergius” was written largely based on Optina. L.N. Tolstoy visited this holy place before his death. In 1918, due to certain circumstances, the shrine was closed. In 1987, the status was returned again.
Operating temples
The Vvedensky Cathedral is the most important asset of the monastery. Construction took place in the mid-16th century. The illumination was carried out in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Three limits are provided - the Most Holy Theotokos, Ambrose the Elder of Optina, and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The main shrine is the relics of the Optina elders, the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. Services are held here every day.
There is
a temple in honor of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God . He has two thrones. Beautifully decorated with frescoes made by a special, unique method - “wet” painting. This is the largest monastery. Evening services are organized regularly. The church in honor of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God was completely rebuilt on the ground where there once was a completely destroyed shrine. The number of thrones is one. It is dedicated to the Vladimir Icon. This is the tomb of the elders - Leo, Macarius, Hilarion, Anatoly. Holy relics are kept in granite crayfish and are available to parishioners on holidays.
Temple of St. Hilarion the Great is installed slightly behind the overall structure. Installed in a refectory and hotel building. The small building is intended for baptisms and funerals.
The monastery in the name of John the Baptist and Baptist of the Lord is used to carry out services on the basis of taking into account a certain skete charter. Pilgrimage is carried out only on designated holidays. The prayer room “Spreader of the Loaves” was erected relatively recently on a plot of land. Entrance to it is limited.
Rebuilding Temples
Many objects have not survived to this day in excellent condition. They are currently undergoing restoration work. These include constructions in the name of St. Mary of Egypt, St. Lev of Katansky and St. John of Rila, All Saints. In addition, the construction of a new temple in memory of the Transfiguration of the Lord .
Nearby there are cemeteries with the graves of monks - Trophim, Vasily, Ferapont, who died on Easter. Today, a large-scale range of work is being carried out on the construction of the chapel. Cranes are installed everywhere and teams of craftsmen are working. The history of this unusual region is filled with various legends. The life of the monks here was similar to that of other preachers. The brothers spent the day in prayer and labor. You can make an exciting tourist trip here to relax mentally and walk along the holy paths.
