Akathist to the Optina New Martyrs (ON ALL REQUEST) WEDNESDAY

Red Easter in Optina Pustyn

They were killed by the hands of a Satanist. The monks Ferapont and Trofim rang in the bell tower, proclaiming Easter joy - they were killed first, Hieromonk Vasily went to the monastery to confess the worshipers, but at the monastery gates, rushing to help his brothers, he was overtaken by a murderer... They lived glorifying God, and now God glorifies their. All three brothers were killed on Easter, fulfilling obedience: the bell ringers Father Trofim and Father Ferapont - during the Easter ringing, Father Vasily - on the way to confession at the monastery. The first, instantly, was killed by Father Ferapont. The next blow was dealt to Father Trofim, who was still able to sound the alarm and alert the monastery. Father Vasily was mortally wounded with the same sword engraved “Satan 666”. The dying man was transferred to the temple, placing the relics of St. Ambrose near the shrine. For a whole hour the life drained from him. All his insides were cut. In such cases, people scream in pain. Father Vasily prayed. And Optina prayed with him, bursting into tears. And on his face, as the monastery confessor said at the funeral service, Easter joy was already reflected. † Hieromonk Vasily - Igor Roslyakov (b. 1960) arrived in Optina on October 17, 1988. August 23, 1990. was tonsured a monk, and 3 months later ordained a hieromonk. † Monk Trofim - Leonid Tatarnikov (b. 1954) came to Optina in August 1990 and found here what his soul had been looking for for a long time. Six months later he was accepted into the ranks of the brethren, and on September 25, 1991. tonsured a monk. † Monk Ferapont - Vladimir Pushkarev (b. 1955) dreamed of monasticism. I came to Optina on foot in the summer of 1990. On Kyriopascha 1991 was dressed in a cassock, six months later - on the Intercession of the Virgin Mary - he was tonsured a monk. CRY, HOLY OPTINA, FOR YOUR NEW MARTERS...

Troparion, voice 4*

Audio:

Today the Russian Church joyfully rejoices,/ like the mother of her children, glorifying her new martyrs and confessors:/ saints and priests,/ royal passion-bearers, noble princes and princesses,/ similar men and women and all Orthodox Christians, / during the days of persecution of the godless / their lives for who laid faith in Christ/ and kept the truth with their blood./ By those intercessions, O Long-suffering Lord, // preserve our country in Orthodoxy until the end of the age.

Translation: Today the Russian Church joyfully triumphs, like a mother glorifying her children - the new martyrs and confessors: saints and priests, royal martyrs, noble princes and princesses, reverend men and wives and all Orthodox Christians, who during the days of persecution of the godless gave their lives for faith in Christ and preserved the truth with blood. With their protection, long-suffering Lord, preserve our country in Orthodoxy until the end of time.

Prayer 2

Holy New Martyrs and Confessor of the Russian Church, hear our earnest prayer! We, like nieces from you, still exist as youths, listening to the passion-bearers of old, and thought in our hearts how kindly and praiseworthy it is to imitate such, which is neither torment nor death more than once the best from God's love. Well done to you, for you have followed the nature of the faith and patience of those whom you have heard of and loved. And since at any time we may be faced with an unexpected test, ask from the Lord for the gift of courage, which is so useful in living as a human being. Having sanctified all the ends of our fatherland through your suffering, as prayer books are common to all of us, pray to God to deliver His people from a yoke that is more terrible than any other. May the schisms in our Church be abolished, may they all be united and may the Lord bring His workers to the harvest, may the Church not become impoverished with good shepherds, who have the power to enlighten with light and There are such a great number of people who have not been taught the faith or have turned away from the faith. You are unworthy of God’s mercy, even if you suffer for your sake, may Christ our God be merciful and have mercy on all of us who call for your help. Let us always offer to Him, our Savior with the Father and the Holy Spirit, contrition for sins and thanksgiving for everything, glorifying Him forever and ever. Amen.

Minea is additional. Council of New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia.

Voice in the Dictionary.
Akathist to the new martyrs and confessors of the Russian Church.
Canon to the Council of New Martyrs and Confessors of the Russian Church.

Prayer text

O venerable and ever-memorable martyrs for Christ our Savior, venerable fathers of Optinstia: Basil, Trophime and Feraponte! Hear this prayer of ours, O wonderful sufferers who are now beholding the Most Holy Trinity! Ask us from the Lord Almighty for patience and gracious reinforcement in various sorrows and illnesses, quenching of passions, peace and silence for our hearts. For the Lord will soon bow to your intercession, before Whom your martyr’s blood shines like a scattering of diamonds and smells more fragrant than incense. She, saints of God, favorites of Christ, do not abandon us, but always guide us on the true path. And may the spirit of Antichrist not enter into us through your prayers during the days of fierce trials. And may your prayers be worthy of ushering us into the Imperishable Halls of the Kingdom of Heaven, where together with you we will glorify and sing the honorable and magnificent name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer for those who committed suicide by Lev Optinsky

There are various situations in life in which a person can die. This could be death due to natural causes, due to an accident, due to a combat wound, etc. But it also happens when a person consciously independently decides to leave this world. It is in such cases that church canons prohibit offerings and prayers for suicides. But it’s still worth praying for them. The only thing is that this prayer should not be in the temple, but at home. And it’s worth reading Lev Optinsky’s prayer for those who committed suicide.

Church and suicides

The prohibition in reading a prayer for suicides lies in the fact that they consciously rejected communication with the Lord. Those who disobeyed him noted that they experienced demonic temptations and spiritual heaviness. Previously, this rule applied to those who were not adherents of the church. In our time, most of those who committed suicide were baptized. But throughout their lives they did not receive a proper Christian education and did not become full-fledged church parishioners.

When ending their lives, they commit this act not because of contradictions with the church, but because they are in a state of internal contradictions with themselves. A priest who did not know the deceased and does not know all the features of his life will refuse to perform a funeral service, as a result of which the grief-stricken relatives will distance themselves even more from the church. Because they will not receive consolation.

Suicides also include those:

who was killed in a duel;
those who gave permission for euthanasia to be used on him;
killed during robbery;
suicide suspects and others.

They are prohibited from having a funeral service in church, or being remembered in church prayer or at funeral services. It is also not customary for suicides to be buried in a cemetery near a temple. Fans of extreme sports are also considered suicides. After all, they consciously took risks and really understood the mortal danger of such activities. In fact, alcoholics, drug addicts and substance abusers can also be included here. They also deliberately ruin their lives.

Prayer and tears

Monk Trofim attended the monastic midnight office every day. It used to be that he arrived from the field after midnight, and in the morning he was already the first one at the temple. And when he had to stay overnight at the field camp in Frolovskoye, he went to the midnight office at the nearby Shamordino monastery, sometimes on foot, and sometimes directly on a tractor, so as not to waste time, but at the same time to help the Shamordinsky sisters.

Despite his busy life, Trofim persistently kept his mind in prayer. This was especially noticeable in the temple, when he, with his head down, silently moved his lips.

“During prayer in church,” he told one brother, “demons remind the mind of some important matters, supposedly urgent and urgent, in order to draw it into vanity and daydreaming. Here, brother, the mind must become dumb and deaf, only then can one truly pray. After all, prayer is the emergence of reverent feelings for God, from which tenderness is born in the soul. Do you remember, in the troparion of St. Seraphim it is sung: “with a tender heart I have acquired the love of Christ.” We must pray simply, like children, not thinking about anything other than our Father in Heaven.”

Trofim often read the third volume of the Philokalia - about smart doing. At his request, someone printed this book in a small pocket version. And Trofimushka himself bound it.

One pilgrim once asked him about how one can pray and not become distracted in one’s mind while performing labor obedience.

“When a baby is next to its mother, it rejoices,” Trofim answered, “and when the mother leaves him, she begins to cry.” So it is with a monk: when he has a deep, quiet feeling for God in his soul and realizes His closeness, then he can do any work with joy. This feeling is also prayer. Even if he talks to someone, his feeling for Christ remains with him. But when his mind moves away from the Sweetest Jesus, he falls into temptation and then weeps.

Trofim tried never to enter into a dispute, remembering the hour of death, the Judgment that is already taking place here on earth with the soul, and knowing that a person in sin is deprived of the grace-filled peace of the heart.

“If you answer your brother rudely or say something with irritation,” said Trofim, “then know that you will no longer be able to pray well until you sincerely repent of what you did.”

Whoever does not have great deeds, but has acquired love, according to the teaching of the Holy Fathers, stands higher in virtue than those who strive without love, for the commandment about love is the greatest and most important. But love for God in Trofim’s heart was not born by itself; it was acquired through many labors with the assistance of God. And his main work was always prayer.

Many tears, fasting and prayer made Trofim attentive to everything that was happening.

Once, when Trofim was helping to plaster the temple, one woman complained:

“I work as a plasterer at a monastery, but I have no time to pray.” I come home and have the same things to do: cook food, clean, wash. And I no longer have the strength to pray.

“And you pray while you’re working,” said Trofim, “like this: and, scooping up the solution with a trowel, with each movement clearly, out loud, he began to pray: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.”

He explained to her how important the feeling of repentance is in prayer:

“This is the safest way to go through prayer,” he said, “but when you pray, be careful not to plunge your soul into unreasonable sadness, otherwise your work will be in vain.” You just need to pray. Understood?

“I understand,” the woman answered. Since then, she began to get used to saying prayer while working and gradually acquired the skill.

One day someone, embarrassed by Trofim’s simplicity, talkativeness and outward carelessness, told him about this. He answered complacently:

- A monk, brother, is not one who does not notice his neighbors, but one who lives differently, that is, according to God. He loves everyone and serves everyone.

The future martyr of Christ clung to God with all his soul, placing in his heart the words of the Lord: By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:35).

A deep understanding of the path of salvation, which for him consisted in seeing Christ in every person and doing every work for His sake, or rather, working not for people, but for God Himself, made him a real monk.

“Bend like an arc, and be a servant to everyone,” Trofim said.

“You know, brother, a person needs to humble himself, but there is also imaginary humility,” Trofim once turned to a pilgrim who was humble in appearance, but a little lazy in his work. - It comes from negligence and laziness. Having such imaginary humility, some think that they will be saved only by the grace of God, without making any effort. But they are deceived in their hope, because they have no repentance.

Trofim often lamented the fact that he had no tears, knew neither repentance nor true humility. But the Lord vouchsafed him a state of grace, making his mind see as if he did not see and hear as if he did not hear, not wanting to know the evil deeds of men, but paying attention only to his own deeds, words and thoughts.

“Just as a blacksmith cannot forge anything without fire, so a person cannot do anything without the grace of God,” said Trofim, explaining the innermost feelings of the human soul. “Whoever considers himself the most sinful of all people finds grace and tears of repentance, but whoever hopes to find repentance without tears has an empty hope.”

Once in a conversation with one brother he said:

- Great is the power of tears. Water, dripping, cuts through solid stone, and crying breaks the dryness and carelessness of the soul. Crying calms the senses and washes away the filth of sins. He inspires hope and warms the souls of those who love him. But whoever does not despise everything earthly cannot have true tears. Let us cry for our sins, brother,” Trofim finished and hurried to his cell.

Whoever thinks that he knows something does not yet know anything as he should know, says the Apostle, but whoever loves God has been given knowledge from Him (1 Cor. 8:2). Trofim loved God with all his heart, and from this sincere selfless love his soul was filled with grace-filled illumination.

One day in the late summer of 1992, while helping a local resident, Trofim told him:

“You know, brother, my heart feels that I will soon die.”

- What are you doing, father? You are a strong man. Why do you have to die?

Trofim was silent for a while, apparently not wanting to explain himself, and then looked at the sky and answered:

- I don’t know, brother.

Then he straightened up and confidently added:

“But God willing, I’ll still live for six months.”

And he went back to work.

Hieromonk Vasily (Roslyakov). 32 years

Worldly name - Igor Ivanovich. Born in Moscow on December 23, 1960. He graduated from the Faculty of Journalism of Moscow State University, but never worked by profession. International master of sports in water polo, was a member of the USSR national team, and participated in international competitions in Europe. On one of these trips he met a Dutch translator, with whom he began to correspond. For this, he was accused of “spying with foreign citizens” and was not allowed to compete in Canada. An upset Igor was advised by a believing history teacher to go to church. After that, the young man never left there. Surprisingly, while continuing to play sports professionally, he always fasted and this did not affect the results in any way. “The main thing is to have spiritual strength,” he said.

On the advice of the famous elder, Archimandrite John Krestyankin, Igor gave up sports and entered a monastery. The mother was categorically against it: she even came to her son’s monastery and persuaded him to leave. In the monastery I had to do a variety of jobs: help at a construction site, clean the territory, and be on duty at the monastery gates. Later he bore the obedience of the monastery chronicler. After tonsure and ordination, he became a wonderful preacher and cared for prisoners in a neighboring city. Six years after the martyrdom of her son, his mother Anna Mikhailovna took monastic vows with the name of Vasilisa.

We advise you to study Why do ministers extinguish candles in the temple?

Show me, Lord, my death, Reveal the number of prepared days, Maybe I will be afraid because I live, And no one will overcome my fear.

Open it slightly, and then leave me, So that my soul may mature in earthly sorrow, So that I may be strengthened on the way of the cross Before I leave and I am no more.

(Verse by Hieromonk Vasily)

Who are the Optina New Martyrs

In 1993, on the eve of Easter Sunday, the villainous murder of the monks of Optina Pustyn was committed. A mentally ill man, armed with a knife, attacked first two bell ringers, and then the hieromonk. Those killed were between 32 and 39 years old. The new martyrs came to the Orthodox faith and monasticism after a long life in the world.

Igor Roslyakov, Muscovite, born in 1960. He had a higher education (Journal Department of Moscow State University). I did not work in my specialty. International master of sports in water polo, member of the USSR national team. During a trip to the European Championships, I met a Dutch woman and entered into correspondence with her. For this reason, he was not included in the national team for the trip to the World Championships in Canada.

Undeserved resentment caused depression. Igor could not find a place for himself, he lost sleep and appetite. One of my friends advised me to attend a church service to relieve stress. Igor began to regularly visit the temple and observe Orthodox fasts. Having regained his peace of mind, he continued to play sports.

Fate brought Igor together with the most revered elder of the Russian Orthodox Church of the late 20th and early 21st centuries - Archimandrite of the Pskov-Pechersky Monastery John (Krestyankin). The archimandrite listened to his confession and saw in him the gift of serving the Lord. On his advice, Igor left sports and became a novice in the Optina Desert.

During the trial period, Igor had to do a variety of jobs:

remove trash;
be a laborer at a construction site;
guard at the monastery gates.

The abbot of the monastery, having learned that the novice had a philological education, instructed him to keep the chronicle of the monastery. After being tonsured as a monk, the man was named Vasily. Monk Vasily discovered a talent for preaching, and therefore he was ordained to the rank of hieromonk (a monk with the status of a priest). Tragic death cut short the service of the Lord in earthly life. The New Martyr was transformed into an angel, becoming a Heavenly protector for believers.

Leonid Tatarnikov was born in 1954 in the Irkutsk region. He graduated from a railway school as a young man and worked for several years as an electric locomotive driver. But other countries attracted him; he wanted change. Leonid radically changed his life by becoming a fisherman on a fishing trawler. Hard work did not stop the young man from admiring the sea views.

He was a passionate person:

mastered photography and became a photojournalist for one of the Sakhalin newspapers;
danced in the folk dance ensemble at the Palace of Culture;
learned to sail a yacht.

Not everyone around him understood his ebullient nature. Leonid sought to use his powers to benefit people, having tried more than one profession. In the late 80s, he went to his uncle in the Altai region, where he was baptized. In 1990, Leonid and pilgrims came to Optina Pustyn, where he became a novice, and then took monastic vows under the name Trofim.

Vladimir Pushkarev was born in 1956, in the Novosibirsk region. Before the army, he worked as a driver and was involved in combat sports. After the army, he trained as a forester and was sent to the Khabarovsk Territory as a huntsman. Having served the required term, Vladimir went to visit a relative in Rostov-on-Don. An unexpected meeting with a woman who experienced clinical death changed his worldview.

The young man began to attend church and was baptized. He made a pilgrimage to Optina Pustyn and decided to become a monk. He turned to Bishop of Rostov for a recommendation. As a test, I cleaned public toilets in Rostov-on-Don. In 1990, he took monastic vows in the Optina Desert under the name Ferapont. Monk Ferapont served in the refectory (prepared food for the monastery brethren). The New Martyr was an excellent bell ringer, he performed any work masterfully.

A knife strike ended the lives of Ferapont and Vasily while they were in the bell tower. Vasily was going to church for the liturgy when the bell on the belfry suddenly fell silent. Sensing something was wrong, the new martyr went to the bell tower, where the killer attacked him from behind.

April 18 became the day of remembrance of the murdered monks in Optina. Every year on this day the names of Vasily, Trofim and Ferapont are remembered at a service. Pilgrims from Russia and other countries come to the relics of the new martyrs. Miracles are known that happened after prayer before the image and relics of the new martyrs.

The authorities of the Russian Orthodox Church have not yet announced the canonization of the new martyrs Basil, Trophimus and Ferapont.

But in memory of the new martyrs in the Optina Desert, akathists have been compiled that can be read privately.

Prayers to St. George the Victorious for protection and help in work

Prayer words help people even in the most difficult situations. According to legend, St. George the Victorious is able to help all the weak and innocent, protecting them from danger.

George the Victorious was directed by the Lord himself to protect people. They prayed for salvation from misfortune, deliverance from blood sacrifice and liberation from oppression. With his spear, the Victorious One slayed the serpent, which terrified the entire human race, and died as a holy martyr, believing in the Lord and His fair Judgment until the end of his days.

Prayers to Saint George the Victorious for protection

If in your life not everything is going as smoothly as you would like, you are overcome by doubts and timidity, you cannot defend yourself from the attacks of ill-wishers, read a prayer to the holy protector.

“Saint George, savior of the human race! You, sent by the Lord, delivered us from oppression and great misfortune, and stopped blood sacrifices. Stopped the flow of human fear and grief. The sinful servant (name) prays to you for protection and intercession. With the God-given sword, protect me from negativity, give me strength to fight for the righteous faith and instill in my heart confidence in my abilities. Help me not to be angry with those who offend me, to leave timidity and to do deeds pleasing to God. May my faith be indestructible. Amen".

“Holy Great Martyr George! I bow to your name and brave deed! I pray you, hear the words of God’s servant (name) and provide all possible assistance in protecting my home from malice and negativity. Heal our souls from timidity, drive out fear from the most hidden corners of our hearts. Strengthen our faith in righteous and fair judgment and take away adversity from our home. Troubles and sorrows have entered the lives of those who ask you. The house has ceased to be a protection and a place of rest from the labors of the righteous. With God's help, stand as a warrior-defender of our family, raise your just spear and drive out enemies and enemies. Amen".

Prayers for help in work

“O great St. George the Victorious! I beg you for help. By your indestructible will you proved the justice of your actions and faith in our triune God. You, who have not given up or stumbled, give me confidence in my abilities, help me resist anger and lies, soften the hearts and thoughts of my enemies. Do not turn away from (name) who asks you. Give me great wisdom to follow my own path, helping the desperate. I humbly ask you to help me resolve the problem at work safely. I hope with my thoughts for your help and glorify our Lord. Amen".

“Merciful and just St. George the Victorious! Hear the prayers of God's servant (name). I appeal to you, patron of the human race, give me courage and courage to conduct my own business. Do not let spiteful critics destroy my righteous and selfless works, protect my work and my deeds from unjust anger and envy. Guide me along the path of wisdom and forgiveness. Amen".

Each prayer can be said in any words. The main thing is that it comes from the heart, and that you are confident in your rightness and desire not to harm your neighbors. Pray tirelessly, asking the Lord daily for protection and guidance. We wish you happiness and success in everything, and do not forget to press the buttons and

Persistent prayer by agreement

Brothers and sisters! Join the reading of the Akathist to the Optina New Martyrs (for any petition) Write in the comments the names in the CORRECT CASE for this prayer, in order to avoid mistakes, for example: Elena, Alexandra, George. ONLY THOSE WHO WILL BE ENTERING THE WORK OF PRAYER TOGETHER WITH ALL THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE PRAYER ARE SERVICINGLY REQUESTED TO REGISTER. Follow the list, new names are being added. This is your prayer work for your family and friends. I ask all participants to check in in the comments after the prayer. For those who do not have the opportunity to read at the specified time, read at a time convenient for you, listing all the names on the list.

zapiski.elitsy.ru/church/zakazat-napisat-zapisku-na-molitvu-moleben-optinskie-starcy?partner=elitsyweb

24 years ago, the Easter morning of Optina Pustyn was pierced by the cry of a young novice seething with tears: “They killed the brothers! Brothers!..” The long-suffering land was stained with blood, and the sky above the monastery was stained with blood, which many saw at that hour, not knowing about the tragedy that had occurred. “Red Easter, the Lord's Passover,” glorified in the stichera of this feast of feasts and celebration of celebrations, became literally red. On the Easter morning of April 18 (5), 1993, in Optina Pustyn, three of its inhabitants were killed by a Satanist: Hieromonk Vasily (Roslyakov), monks Trofim (Tatarnikov) and Ferapont (Pushkarev). Optina lost three monks that day, but in return gained three Angels. And the air rings with the gospel, and the bell ringers glorify Christ - Monk Trofim, Monk Ferapont and Hierodeacon Lavrenty. The monk Trofim rejoices and beams in what seems to be unbearable joy, but the monk Ferapont has a shy smile. So they remain with us in this Easter joy, when, turning our prayers to them, we ask for help. Father Vasily, monks Trofim and Ferapont, pray to God for Us! Evidence of their help is multiplying almost every day: cancerous tumors disappear, drunkards and drug addicts are cured, the most difficult cases are settled, and Fr. Trofim leads the only surviving soldier out of the tightened ring of Chechen bandits...... Through the Holy Spirit we know God. This is a new organ, unknown to us, given to us by the Lord for the knowledge of His love and His goodness. This is some kind of new eye, a new ear for seeing the unprecedented and hearing the unheard. It's as if they gave you wings and said: now you can fly throughout the universe. The Holy Spirit is the wings of the soul. This is where the diary of Hieromonk Vasily ended, who once said in Easter joy: “I would like to die on Easter, to the ringing of bells.” And it came true... Father Vasily, monks Trofim and Ferapont, pray to God for Us!

PRIMARY PRAYERS READ BEFORE THE AKATHIST Prayers of our saints, our fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen. Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee! Heavenly King, Comforter, Soul of truth, Who is everywhere and fulfills everything, Treasure of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save, O Good One, our souls.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Read three times, with the sign of the cross and a bow from the waist.) Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse our sins; Master, forgive our iniquities; Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name's sake. Lord have mercy. (Three times). Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven! Hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as it is in heaven and on earth. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, just as we forgive our debtors; and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Amen.

Akathist to the Optina Martyrs, killed on Easter, Basil, Trophim and Ferapont (one) Edition of the Optina Hermitage.

Kontakion 1 To those chosen by God and who have received the crown of martyrdom, who have sealed with their blood fidelity to Christ our Master, to you, O venerable sufferers of Optinstia, as our bold representatives before the Throne of God, now offering fervent prayer, we cry out with indescribable joy: Rejoice, venerable martyrs of Optinstia, Basil, Trophime and Feraponte, quick intercessors for all who flow to you with faith.

Ikos 1 The ranks of Angels have glorified the One in the Holy Trinity, the Life-Giver of our God, seeing the unearthly service prepared for you, but we, rejoicing at God’s wondrous look upon you, will exclaim to the Lord: Rejoice, you who have counted the treasures of the world as nothing. Rejoice, you who have loved the Lord Christ with all your soul. Rejoice, you who left your relatives for His sake and came to the Optina monastery, Rejoice, you who undertook the feat of humility. Rejoice, you who have acquired silence and meekness in your hearts. Rejoice, fragrant flowers of the garden of Christ. Rejoice, venerable martyrs Optinstia, Vasily, Trophima and Feraponte, quick intercessors for all who flow to you with faith.

Kontakion 2 The Lord saw the disposition of your hearts to bear with joy the good yoke of Christ, and from your youth he kept you in piety and purity. Teach us also to guard our hearts and sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2 You were richly gifted with reason from above, Our Father Vasily, Optina praise, even before the time of entering the monastery, you rejected the works of sophisticated writers, and you strove for the Divine Scripture, so also enlighten us, crying out to you like this: Rejoice, you who were named Igor at birth , imitating the holy Prince Igor of Chernigov in faith and piety. Rejoice, like that one, he was a diligent reader of spiritual books and learned in singing. Rejoice, you were named in monastic tonsure in honor of St. Basil the Great. Rejoice, through his prayers you received the gift of writing Divine hymns. Rejoice, thou who hast perceived the angelic image with the name of St. Basil. Rejoice, like him, all the red of the world taught to reject their souls. Rejoice, venerable martyrs Optinstia, Vasily, Trophima and Feraponte, quick intercessors for all who flow to you with faith.

Kontakion 3 The Heavenly Powers marveled at how God gathered you, holy fathers, from different cities to Great Optina, in order to glorify you in the ranks of the three-numbered martyrs, united forever; We cannot comprehend the depth of His Providence; let us sing to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos Z Your parents, Father Trophime, have thoughts of bewilderment and despair, hearing your two-year-old, incessant cry at birth. When you were baptized in the temple of God, a miracle happened: your cry ceased at that very hour, and your infant heart was filled with joy. Deliver us also from despondency, who say to you: Rejoice, while you were in the world, you endured tossing and mental torment until you found God. Rejoice, on the day of Alexy, the Man of God born, the true servant of God appeared. Rejoice, upon your coming to Optina Pustyn, having defeated the enemy’s temptations, you firmly decided not to retreat from the shrine. Rejoice, in monasticism you were called Trophim, you appeared to be a zealous pet of the Optina Elders. Rejoice, you drove away sadness from people’s hearts. Rejoice, having been a great faster, having managed to hide this from everyone. Rejoice, venerable martyrs Optinstia, Vasily, Trophima and Feraponte, quick intercessors for all who flow to you with faith.

Kontakion 4 A storm of bewilderment struck your relatives when they learned about your unshakable desire to serve the Lord in the monastic rite. You, remembering the words of the Hero of Christ: “Everyone who puts his hand on his forehead and looks back is unworthy for the Kingdom of God,” - in response to all their admonitions, with an enlightened heart you sang to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 4 Hearing the call of the Lord, holy Father Feraponte resolutely said to those he knew: “You will not see me on this earth again until I am forgiven by God.” We, honoring the power of your faith, bless you: Rejoice, you were skilled in many crafts, but out of humility you hid these things. Rejoice, you were revered as a skilled warrior in the army of the earth, you became a courageous warrior of the Heavenly King. Rejoice, great one of prayer, you incessantly called upon the Sweetest Jesus. Rejoice, you have actually fulfilled the instructions of the holy fathers about repentance. Rejoice, in the feat of night prayers you mortified the flesh. Rejoice, you always kept your eyes down. Rejoice, venerable martyrs Optinstia, Vasily, Trophima and Feraponte, quick intercessors for all who flow to you with faith.

Kontakion 5 The new martyrs Optinstia, Basil, Trophima and Feraponte became like the God-bearing star of nature, when they understood the decay and vanity of this world, and placed their entire trust in the Lord of their Lord Jesus Christ, and we will praise Him with a divine song; Alleluia.

Ikos 5 Having seen you a saving refuge and a convenient place for non-entertaining prayer, the holy monastery of Optina, you naturally took refuge under the shadow of the God-bearing Elders; We, having loved your exploits, call: Rejoice, for two of you, like skilled bell ringers, tirelessly glorified the Creator of the Universe. Rejoice, for the third time you offered the Bloodless Sacrifice with the greatest reverence in the holy altar. Rejoice, you who have aroused the envy of the enemy for your unceasing heartfelt prayer. Rejoice, you who have exhausted your body with fasting and vigil; Rejoice, you who have kept the vows of chastity and obedience. Rejoice, you who have shown love and mercy to your neighbors. Rejoice, venerable martyrs Optinstia, Vasily, Trophima and Feraponte, quick intercessors for all who flow to you with faith.

Kontakion 6 The preachers of the commandments of the Gospel were natural, fulfilling them in practice. They saw the image of Christ in their neighbors and sought to ease people’s sorrows by righteously singing to the Most Holy Trinity: Alleluia.

Ikos 6 The venerables Vasily, Trophime and Feraponte shone like bright stars among the holy saints of God, always having the Pascha of Christ in their souls, and illuminating everyone around with its blessed rays. Ask us for this Paschal joy, who proclaim it to you; Rejoice, you who graciously accepted various reproaches. Rejoice, you who never held a grudge against anyone. Rejoice, you who have been rewarded with the gift of clairvoyance for your purity, Rejoice, you who have not condemned anyone by the grace of God. Rejoice, you who have gained peace and silence in your souls. Rejoice, you who kindled the hearts of people for salvation with your zeal for God. Rejoice, venerable martyrs Optinstia, Vasily, Trophima and Feraponte, quick intercessors for all who flow to you with faith.

Kontakion 7 Our blessed fathers naturally had one desire, to please the Lord, thereby they were obedient in everything to the monastery authorities, understanding that through them the will of God was being done, and they also prepared their souls for the Kingdom of Heaven, where now with the Angels and all the saints you cry out to God : Alleluia.

Ikos 7 A new and glorious miracle was performed according to your faith, Father Trophima, when every Easter you broke your fast with last year’s egg, which was the freshest. You, marvelous Vasily and Feraponte, had the same unshakable faith, so strengthen us in it, exclaiming like this: Rejoice, great patience. Rejoice, you who have directed all your thoughts to the Mountainous Fatherland. Rejoice, you who have achieved eternal bliss, Rejoice, you who have cut off all sorts of attachments. Rejoice, you who have loved the splendor of the house of God. Rejoice, you have made your garments white with your blood. Rejoice, reverend martyrs Optinstia, Basil, Trophima and Feraponte, quick intercessors for all who flow to you with faith.

Kontakion 8 It was strange to see and hear various signs foreshadowing a terrible test for the Optina Hermitage, the foreigners of which sing to God day and night: Alleluia.

Ikos 8 Withdrew completely into yourself, Father Basil, saying the Jesus Prayer, and everyone who met you thought that they were seeing an angel, so you were quiet. Your faces, Trophime and Feraponte’s wonderful ones, were already illuminated with an unearthly light. We, understanding this, cry out with trepidation: Rejoice, you who smelled the fragrance of alien villages, Rejoice, you who felt the breath of eternity. Rejoice, you who have lived your lives righteously. Rejoice, you who showed us the image of selflessness. Rejoice, as wise virgins who have met the Bridegroom Christ. Rejoice, you who have entered the Kingdom of Heaven without restraint. Rejoice, venerable martyrs Optinstia, Vasily, Trophime Feraponte, quick intercessors for all who flow to you with faith.

Kontakion 9 All the monks and reverent pilgrims naturally wept when they learned about your murder, but you, staying under the cover of your obediences, sang to God until your last breath: Alleluia.

Ikos 9 The oracle of man falls silent from the horror of what has been done, when the bloody murderer insolently, despising the Feast of Holy Easter, raised his hand against you, holy fathers, staining the dagger with your righteous blood; We will joyfully cry out through our tears: Rejoice, you who gave up your souls to God at Easter to the sound of bells. Rejoice, you who have accomplished a good deed. Rejoice, the monks are praised. Rejoice, you have kept the prayer on your lips and in your heart to the end. Rejoice, you who have abundantly watered the land of Optina with your blood. Rejoice, those who dissolved the cry for you with the joy of Easter. Rejoice, venerable martyrs Optinstia, Basil, Trophima and Feraponte, quick intercessors for all who flow to you with faith.

Kontakion 10 Having purified your souls through the saving feats of vigil, fasting and prayer, you were mysteriously notified from the Lord about your imminent departure from the mortal world. Thinking about this, you cried out to the Heavenly Father: Alleluia.

Ikos 10 The fiery dawn rose over Optina, when your holy blood reached Heaven like precious beads. Remembering this unprecedented phenomenon, people exclaim to you with reverence: Rejoice, three-numbered sacrifice, pleasing to God. Rejoice, you who through your wondrous death moved many young men and women to monasticism. Rejoice, you who made the Angels glad. Rejoice, you who have put to shame the hordes of demons. Rejoice, you who have drunk the cup of suffering to the dregs. Rejoice, for the ordeal has passed by lightning. Rejoice, venerable martyrs Optinstia, Vasily, Trophima and Feraponte, quick intercessors for all who flow to you with faith.

Kontakion 11 The Easter chant sounded at the burial of you, Saints Basil, Trophimus and Ferapont, and the words of Saint John Chrysostom filled the souls with triumph: “death, where is your sting; hell, where is your victory? And the Christians sang to God in delight: Alleluia.

Ikos 11 There was light in the hearts of the faithful, although your loss is irreplaceable. Remembering that it is a great honor for those who love God to go to Him on Easter, and a double honor to suffer for Him on this day, we will all glorify you by saying this: Rejoice, faithful servants of Christ. Rejoice, your memory endures forever. Rejoice, you who give gracious help and speedy healing. Rejoice, you who have converted your relatives to the faith. Rejoice, you who teach us fervent prayer. Rejoice, you who quietly console in sorrows and misfortunes. Rejoice, venerable martyrs Optinstia, Vasily, Trophima and Feraponte, quick intercessors for all who flow to you with faith.

Kontakion 12 Ask us for the gift of grace and strong and undoubted faith from the Almighty Christ, blessed Basil, Trophime and Feraponte, for He conveniently bows to your prayer; and may we be honored through your intercession to enter the Imperishable Palace, where now you and all the saints glorify God with a victorious song: Alleluia.

Ikos 12 Singing with love your life and long-suffering death, we loudly cry out to you: Rejoice, true novices, who never grumbled about obedience. Rejoice, you who laid down your souls for your neighbors. Rejoice, lovers of God and brotherly lovers of all sincerity. Rejoice, you who lived a monastic life in simplicity. Rejoice, you who have condescended to human weaknesses. Rejoice, you who have never rejected anyone. Rejoice, venerable martyrs Optinstia, Vasily, Trophima and Feraponte, quick intercessors for all who flow to you with faith

Kontakion 13 O holy and immaculate martyrs Optinstia, Basil, Trophima and Feraponte! Hear this prayer and our sighing, and ask the Heavenly King for us humility, obedience, constant remembrance of death and forgiveness of our sins; May your prayers lead us into the joy of our Lord Jesus Christ, where together with you we will be worthy to sing to Him: Hallelujah.

This Kontakion is read three times, then the 1st Ikos and the 1st Kontakion.

Prayer to the holy venerable martyrs of Optina, killed on Easter, Basil, Trophim and Ferapont.

O venerable and ever-memorable martyrs for Christ our Savior, venerable fathers of Optinstia: Basil, Trophime and Feraponte! Hear this prayer of ours, O wonderful sufferers who are now beholding the Most Holy Trinity! Ask us from the Lord Almighty for patience and gracious reinforcement in various sorrows and illnesses, quenching of passions, peace and silence for our hearts. For the Lord will soon bow to your intercession, before Whom your martyr’s blood shines like a scattering of diamonds and smells more fragrant than incense. She, saints of God, favorites of Christ, do not abandon us, but always guide us on the true path. And may the spirit of Antichrist not enter into us through your prayers during the days of fierce trials. And may your prayers be worthy of ushering us into the Imperishable Halls of the Kingdom of Heaven, where together with you we will glorify and sing the honorable and magnificent name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen

PRAYERS AFTER READING THE AKATHIST Prayer by agreement Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, You said with Your most pure lips: “Truly I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth to ask for anything, then whatever they ask will be done for them by My Father Heavenly, for where two or three are gathered in My name, there I am in the midst of them.” Thy words are immutable, O Lord, Thy mercy is unconditional and Thy love for mankind has no end. For this reason we pray to Thee: grant to me, and to all those who offer the conciliar prayer with us, whose names Thou, Lord, knowest, who have agreed to ask Thee for any successful resolution of issues ( in the field of finance, housing, employment) and about the health of Your servants:

-His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, Archimandrite Alexander, Archpriest Vitaly, mother Elena with her children, sick Elena with her children, Alexander with relatives, sick Elena, rev. Alexia, neg. Anastasia, bl. Georgiy, approx. Sergius, Bol. Tatiana, t.bol. Tamaru, sick Irina, Vladimir, Andrey, Olga, Nadezhda, Elena, Veronica, Nikolai and their children, Alexander, Veronica, Ioan, Galina, Georgy. , Vladimir, Bol. Vera, Anna and her children, Alexia and her children. Natalia, Irina, Sergius, Alexander, Ioan, Igor, Valery, Photinia, bol. Yuri, Elena, Raisa, Anna, Tatiana, Simeon, Julia, Nikita, Irina and Jr. Alexander, Maria, Vladimir. Lev, Marina, Sofia, Zlata, Irina, Vera, Fotinia, Lyubov, Roman, Pavel, Andrey, Alexy, Fotin, Lyudmila, Natalia, Ksenia, Ekaterina, Svetlana, Sergius, Artemy, Ekaterina, Ilia, Evgenia, Alla, Olga and srod, Alexy, Svetlana, Roman, Alexy, Julia, Olga, Macarius, Victor, Claudia, Egor, Maria, Tatian, Alexandra, Oleg, Irina, Sergius Bol., Anna, Alexy, Igor Jr., Tamara, Vyacheslav, Svetlana, Vera, Natalia, Alexy, Irina, Alexy, Artemy,

the requests of which you, Lord, know yourself, the fulfillment of our petition. Help me, a sinner and unworthy (r.b. name) in a successful resolution of the issue (we state our request). Hear us, Merciful Lord, through the prayers of the Venerable Martyr Optinstia, Basil, Trophima and Feraponte, and reward everyone who prays according to Your ineffable Mercy , Generosity, Love and Grace for the Glory of Your Holy Name! But not as we want, but as You want. Thy will be done forever. Amen. It is worthy to eat, as you truly bless Theotokos, Ever-Blessed and Most Immaculate and Mother of Our God. The most honorable Cherub and the Most Glorious without comparison Seraphim, who gave birth to God the Word without corruption, the real Mother of God, we magnify You. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy (three times). Bless. Through the prayers of the saints, our fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

Reverend Martyrs Optinstia, Basil, Trophima and Feraponte, pray to God for us sinners!

They will look at us from Heaven and listen to our requests, which they will fulfill for the good of our soul!

After reading the Akathist, please indicate in the comments. Save me, God!

Monk Trofim (Tatarnikov)

(†5/18 April 1993)

Leonid Ivanovich Tatarnikov was born on February 4, 1957 in the village of Dagon, Irkutsk region. After eight years of school, he graduated from railway school and worked as a locomotive driver. After serving in the army, he got a job as an electrician on a trawler for the Sakhalin Shipping Company. Then he worked as a photojournalist for a newspaper, and then sewed shoes. Since 1987 he served as an altar boy in a church in the city of Biysk. In August 1990, he arrived in Optina and in the fall he was dressed in a cassock. On September 25, 1991, novice Leonid was tonsured into the ryassophore with the name Trofim (in honor of the Apostle Trofim, whose memory is celebrated on April 15/28).

In his last letter to his family, Monk Trofim wrote: “ Monk

should live only in a monastery and in secret.
Try to be alone.
Monos - one . That is, a monastery is living alone and praying for everyone. It's very difficult." "Prayer for everyone..." This is how they remembered him in the monastery: here Father Trofim helps the local grandmothers plow the garden, here he consoles a crying woman, promising to pray for her drinking husband, here he prepares gifts for his beloved grandmothers - multi-colored handkerchiefs attached to the relics of the saint, here he admonishes the unlucky “pilgrimage”, who is unable to correct her disastrous way of life... But he is already plowing the Shamordino fields on his tractor, encouraging the sisters who are falling off their feet, not allowing them to become despondent from overwork.

Father Trofim was remembered by all Optina residents as a cheerful, cheerful monk. However, when, after the martyrdom of the brothers, they began to remember the last days of their earthly life and words, it turned out that all three venerable martyrs had a presentiment of their imminent death, intensified their prayerful deeds and even began to give away their belongings.

Hegumen T. recalled how on Monday of the 2nd week of Great Lent he lingered after the service at the altar and saw how the monk Trofim, having tidied up his sacristan, took the prosphora and, reverently tasting it with holy water, said: “Thank God, the week has passed . Now you can break your fast.” – “What, you haven’t eaten all week, or what?” - Father T asked him. “Nothing, I’m used to it,” the monk answered. “I must admit, I didn’t believe him then,” said Hegumen T., “and later I learned that Father Trofim had the habit of fasting without taking food, and for much longer periods.”

Everyone loved Father Trofim and seemed to know him. And after the murder it turned out that he was a private person and had no secret hiding places. Father Trofim was a true monk - secret, internal, and there was not a shadow of external piety or pharisaism in him.

Hieromonk F. once complained to Father Trofim that he sat up at night reading a book, and then woke up the midnight office. “And I,” says Father Trofim, “if I stay up late at night, I don’t go to bed. I’ll kneel down in front of the bed and put my head in my hands. Hands in this position quickly become numb. You won’t oversleep here – you jump up with the first strike of the bell.” And he loved the Midnight Office: “Hold on to the Midnight Office!” - he advised. In the autumn, sometimes the monastery brethren mobilize to collect potatoes. Tired, rain-soaked workers return from the fields late in the evening. Once, during a general confession, Hieromonk S. decided to shame the worshipers: “What have we lived to see - the church is empty, and everyone has an excuse: “Father, but we are returning from the field so late.” Let me give you an example: yesterday, at 12 o’clock at night, the monk Trofim was the last to return from the field, and he was the first to come to the Midnight Office...”

We advise you to study the Icon of the 40 Martyrs of Sebaste

Shortly before his death, Monk Trofim said to his friend: “I don’t want to be a hierodeacon or a priest. But I want to be a monk – a real monk until my death.” Just before Easter, the monk Trofim was being prepared for monastic tonsure. But in the eyes of the Lord, he was probably already a monk. The Optina martyrs appeared to some believers after their death, and the monks Trofim and Ferapont were dressed in robes.

On April 5/18, 1993, Monk Trofim, together with two other Optina monks, suffered a martyr’s death. All of them were buried in the brotherly cemetery. In 2005, a chapel was erected over the graves of the new martyrs.

Akathist

Kontakion 1

To those chosen by God and who have received the crown of martyrdom, who have sealed with their blood fidelity to Christ our Master, to you, O venerable sufferers of Optinstia, as our daring representatives before the Throne of God, now offering fervent prayer, we cry out with inexpressible joy:

Rejoice, venerable martyrs Optinstia, Basil, Trophima and Feraponte, quick intercessors for all who flow to you with faith.

Ikos 1

The ranks of angels have glorified the One in the Holy Trinity, the Life-Giver of our God, seeing the unearthly service prepared for you, but we, rejoicing at God’s wondrous vision of you, will exclaim to the Lord:

Rejoice, you who have thought nothing of the treasures of the world.

Rejoice, you who have loved the Lord Christ with all your soul.

Rejoice, you who left your relatives for His sake and came to the Optina monastery,

Rejoice, having undertaken the feat of humility.

Rejoice, you who have acquired silence and meekness in your hearts.

Rejoice, fragrant flowers of the garden of Christ.

Rejoice, venerable martyrs Optinstia, Basil, Trophima and Feraponte, quick intercessors for all who flow to you with faith.

Kontakion 2

The Lord saw the disposition of your hearts to bear with joy the good yoke of Christ, and from your youth he kept you in piety and purity. Teach us also to guard our hearts and sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

You were richly gifted with reason from above, Our Father Vasily, Optina praise, even before the time of entering the monastery, you rejected the works of sophisticated writers, and you strove for the Divine Scripture, so also enlighten us, who cry out to you like this:

Rejoice, you who were named Igor at birth, to the holy Prince Igor

Imitating Chernigovsky in faith and piety.

Rejoice, like that one, he was a diligent reader of spiritual books and learned in singing.

Rejoice, you were named in monastic tonsure in honor of St. Basil the Great.

Rejoice, through his prayers you received the gift of writing Divine hymns.

Rejoice, thou who hast perceived the angelic image with the name of St. Basil.

Rejoice, like him, all the red of the world taught to reject their souls.

Rejoice, venerable martyrs Optinstia, Basil, Trophima and Feraponte, quick intercessors for all who flow to you with faith.

Kontakion 3

The Heavenly Powers marveled at how God gathered you, holy fathers, from different cities to Great Optina, in order to glorify you in the ranks of the three-numbered martyrs, united forever; We cannot comprehend the depth of His Providence; let us sing to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos Z

Your parents, Father Trophime, have thoughts of bewilderment and despair, hearing your two-year-old, incessant cry at birth. When you were baptized in the temple of God, a miracle happened: your cry ceased at that very hour, and your infant heart was filled with joy. Deliver us also from despondency, who say to you: Rejoice, while you were in the world, you endured tossing and mental torment until you

found God.

Rejoice, on the day of Alexy, the Man of God born, the true servant of God appeared.

Rejoice, having defeated the enemy’s temptations upon your coming to Optina Pustyn,

firmly determined not to retreat from the shrine.

Rejoice, in monasticism you were called Trophim, the pet of the Optina family

The zealous Elders appeared.

Rejoice, you drove away sadness from people’s hearts.

Rejoice, having been a great faster, having managed to hide this from everyone.

Rejoice, venerable martyrs Optinstia, Basil, Trophima and Feraponte, quick intercessors for all who flow to you with faith.

Kontakion 4

A storm of bewilderment struck your relatives when they learned about your unshakable desire to serve the Lord in the monastic rank. You, remembering the words of the Hero of Christ: “Everyone who puts his hand on his forehead and looks back is unworthy for the Kingdom of God,” - in response to all their admonitions, with an enlightened heart you sang to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Hearing the call of the Lord, the holy Father Feraponte resolutely said to those he knew: “You will not see me on this earth again until I am forgiven by God.” We, honoring the power of your faith, please you:

Rejoice, you were skilled in many crafts, but out of humility you hid this.

Rejoice, you were revered as a skilled warrior in the army of the earth, you became a courageous warrior of the Heavenly King.

Rejoice, great one of prayer, you incessantly called upon the Sweetest Jesus.

Rejoice, you have actually fulfilled the instructions of the holy fathers about repentance.

Rejoice, in the feat of night prayers you mortified the flesh.

Rejoice, you always kept your eyes down.

Rejoice, venerable martyrs Optinstia, Basil, Trophima and Feraponte, quick intercessors for all who flow to you with faith.

Kontakion 5

The new martyrs Optinstia, Vasily, Trophima and Feraponte became like the godly star of nature, when they understood the decay and vanity of this world, and placed their entire trust in the Lord of their Lord Jesus Christ, and we will praise Him with a divine song; Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Having seen a saving refuge and a convenient place for non-entertaining prayer - the holy Optina monastery - you naturally took refuge under the shadow of the God-bearing Elders; We, having loved your exploits, call:

Rejoice, for two of you, like skilled bell ringers, tirelessly glorified the Creator of the Universe.

Rejoice, for the third time you offered the Bloodless Sacrifice with the greatest reverence in the holy altar.

Rejoice, you who have aroused the envy of the enemy for your unceasing heartfelt prayer.

Rejoice, you who have exhausted your body with fasting and vigil,

Rejoice, you who have kept the vows of chastity and obedience.

Rejoice, you who have shown love and mercy to your neighbors.

Rejoice, venerable martyrs Optinstia, Basil, Trophima and Feraponte, quick intercessors for all who flow to you with faith.

Kontakion 6

The preachers of the Gospel commandments were natural, actually fulfilling them. They saw the image of Christ in their neighbors and sought to ease people’s sorrows by righteously singing to the Most Holy Trinity: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

The Reverends Vasily, Trophime and Feraponte shone like bright stars among the holy saints of God, always having Christ’s Pascha in their souls, and illuminating everyone around with its blessed rays. Ask us for this Paschal joy, who proclaim it to you;

Rejoice, you who graciously accepted various reproaches.

Rejoice, you who never held a grudge against anyone.

Rejoice, you who have been awarded the gift of clairvoyance for your purity,

Rejoice, you who did not condemn anyone by the grace of God.

Rejoice, you who have gained peace and silence in your souls.

Rejoice, you who kindled the hearts of people for salvation with your zeal for God.

Rejoice, venerable martyrs Optinstia, Basil, Trophima and Feraponte, quick intercessors for all who flow to you with faith.

Kontakion 7

Our blessed fathers naturally had one desire, to please the Lord; thereby they were obedient in everything to the monastery authorities, understanding that through them the will of God was being done, and they also prepared their souls for the Kingdom of Heaven, where now with the Angels and all the saints you cry out to God: Alleluia .

Ikos 7

A new and glorious miracle took place according to your faith, Father Trophima, when every Easter you broke your fast with last year’s egg, which was the freshest. You, marvelous Vasily and Feraponte, had the same unshakable faith, so strengthen us in it, who exclaim like this:

Rejoice, great patience.

Rejoice, you who have directed all your thoughts to the Mountainous Fatherland.

Rejoice, you who have achieved eternal bliss,

Rejoice, you who have cut off all sorts of attachments.

Rejoice, you who have loved the splendor of the house of God.

Rejoice, you have made your garments white with your blood.

Rejoice, reverend martyrs Optinstia, Basil, Trophima and Feraponte, quick intercessors for all who flow to you with faith.

Kontakion 8

It was strange to see and hear various signs foretelling a terrible test for Optina Pustyn, whose foreigners sing to God day and night: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

You completely lost yourself, Father Vasily, saying the Jesus Prayer, and everyone who met you thought that they were seeing an angel, you were so quiet. Your faces, Trophime and Feraponte’s wonderful ones, were already illuminated with an unearthly light. We, understanding this, cry out with trembling:

Rejoice, you who have smelled the fragrance of alien villages,

Rejoice, you who have felt the breath of eternity.

Rejoice, you who have lived your lives righteously.

Rejoice, you who showed us the image of selflessness.

Rejoice, as wise virgins who have met the Bridegroom Christ.

Rejoice, you who have entered the Kingdom of Heaven without restraint.

Rejoice, venerable martyrs Optinstia, Vasily, Trophime Feraponte, quick intercessors for all who flow to you with faith.

Kontakion 9

All the monks and reverent pilgrims naturally wept when they learned about your murder, but you, staying under the cover of your obediences, sang to God until your last breath: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

Human flamboyance falls silent from the horror of what has been done, when the bloody murderer insolently, despising the Feast of Holy Easter, raised his hand against you, holy fathers, staining the dagger with your righteous blood; We will joyfully cry out through our tears:

Rejoice, you who gave up your souls to God on Easter to the sound of bells.

Rejoice, you who have accomplished a good deed.

Rejoice, the monks are praised

Rejoice, you who have kept prayer on your lips and in your heart to the end.

Rejoice, you who have abundantly watered the land of Optina with your blood.

Rejoice, those who dissolved the cry for you with the joy of Easter.

Rejoice, venerable martyrs Optinstia, Basil, Trophima and Feraponte, quick intercessors for all who flow to you with faith.

Kontakion 10

Having purified your souls through the saving feats of vigil, fasting and prayer, you were mysteriously notified from the Lord about your imminent departure from the mortal world. Thinking about this, you cried out to the Heavenly Father: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

A fiery dawn rose over Optina, when your holy blood reached Heaven like precious beads. Remembering this unprecedented phenomenon, people exclaim to you with reverence:

Rejoice, three-numbered sacrifice pleasing to God.

Rejoice, you who through your wondrous death moved many young men and women to monasticism.

Rejoice, you who have made the Angels glad. Rejoice, you who have put to shame the hordes of demons.

Rejoice, you who have drunk the cup of suffering to the dregs.

Rejoice, for the ordeal has passed by lightning.

Rejoice, venerable martyrs Optinstia, Basil, Trophima and Feraponte, quick intercessors for all who flow to you with faith.

Kontakion 11

The Easter chant sounded at the burial of you, Saints Basil, Trophim and Ferapont, and the words of Saint John Chrysostom filled the souls with triumph: “death, where is your sting; hell, where is your victory? And the Christians sang to God in delight: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

There was light in the hearts of the faithful, although your loss is irreplaceable. Remembering that it is a great honor for those who love God to go to Him on Easter, and a double honor to suffer for Him on this day, we will all glorify you by saying this: Rejoice, faithful servants of Christ.

Rejoice, your memory endures forever.

Rejoice, you who give gracious help and speedy healing.

Rejoice, you who have converted your relatives to the faith.

Rejoice, you who teach us fervent prayer.

Rejoice, you who quietly console in sorrows and misfortunes.

Rejoice, venerable martyrs Optinstia, Basil, Trophima and Feraponte, quick intercessors for all who flow to you with faith.

Kontakion 12

Ask us for the gift of grace and strong and undoubted faith from the Almighty Christ, blessed Vasily, Trophime and Feraponte, for He conveniently bows to your prayer; and may we be honored through your intercession to enter the Imperishable Palace, where now you and all the saints glorify God with a victorious song: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing with love your life and long-suffering death, we loudly cry out to you:

Rejoice, true novices, who never grumbled about obedience.

Rejoice, you who laid down your souls for your neighbors.

Rejoice, lovers of God and brotherly lovers of all sincerity.

Rejoice, you who lived a monastic life in simplicity.

Rejoice, you who have condescended to human weaknesses.

Rejoice, you who have never rejected anyone.

Rejoice, venerable martyrs Optinstia, Vasily, Trophima and Feraponte, quick intercessors for all who flow to you with faith

Cathedrals of Saints

The image of the cathedrals of saints is important - these can be the cathedrals of Moscow, Perm, Ryazan, Penza and other lands, the cathedrals of the new martyrs of these lands. This is simply necessary in the event of establishing a day of remembrance for the cathedral

A city cathedral can also be written separately, so that every believer in the city, for example, can say: “Here in our city such and such saints labored!” This is the property of the citizens of this city. When there is an icon of holy fellow countrymen, it inspires. This is a kind of holy immortal regiment of the area - the history of our family, our city.

They also write cathedrals of saints, for example, the Moscow Theological Academy, St. Petersburg, etc. There is even a cathedral of saints at Moscow State University. This gives a completely different feeling, a color of experience just from being within these walls where the saints studied.

From the word of schema-abbot Elijah (Nozdrina) on the anniversary of the murder of the Optina monks89 April 5/18, 1994

For a believer, for a Christian, death is not a terrible fate, it is not the limit of our life, but beyond death there is resurrection. Another thing is scary - there is evil, there is sin... Remembering our brothers killed by a villainous hand, we see that our sadness dissolves in our faith that they are alive after death: those who suffered, they will receive a reward from the Lord, they will find future joy from Him. But at the same time, the evil that operates in the world cannot be welcomed, cannot be justified by the fact that the Lord turns this evil into good.

The Lord Jesus Christ at the trial of the high priest said: “I did not preach in secret, but in front of you all I spoke the word in plain sight, and let the one who heard testify whether there was anything criminal or evil in My preaching.” For these words the servant hit the Lord on the cheek, and the Lord said: If I told a lie, then bear witness to it, and if I told the truth, why beat me?

This means that it was evil, and the Lord does not put up with it. The fact that the slave hit the completely innocent Lord for no reason is a manifestation of untruth, which the Lord condemns.

So, our brothers were not guilty of anything, they did a good, just deed. These two called - broadcasting the joy of Easter, Father Vasily was going to the monastery for a service. The villain who crept up struck them, he killed them for absolutely no reason, but solely out of his own evil intent. Out of his evil hatred for pure, innocent people, for faith. Whatever intent led to this murder, it was an evil that we must fight. If we cannot fight in any other way, then through prayer and the power of God we must always fight evil. The Lord came to earth to destroy the works of the devil. He accepted suffering so that everyone who believes in Him would overcome evil by the power of the Cross of the Lord. Now, beloved, although we now are comforted that these brothers are with the Lord, that they have received a great reward, we cannot be comforted by the fact that this evil exists in the world and the evil intentions of men do what is criminal. We don’t know what would have been better, but how many good deeds these brothers could have done as the most capable, most hardworking and obedient monks. For example, Father Vasily was a great shepherd, preacher, he was also a poet, he did a lot of useful things for the Church. But a villainous hand stopped his hard work.

We can use the Cross, which the Lord gave us as strength for a believer, to defeat all demonic evil; we must use this weapon more. Let us pray to the Lord, making our efforts so that such atrocious acts are not committed, so that the Lord does not allow them, because this brings much harm to the Church. Let us remember that our strength is in Christ Jesus, and let us go - having great weapons, great help from the Lord, His mercy, His Cross - with prayer and the cross against our enemies, personal enemies and the enemies of the Church.

The devil is now especially terribly attacking our Church, which has been so much destroyed and reviled, because he does not want its revival. He confuses people, and others become his obedient instruments in order to somehow confuse the saints and damage the Church. Let us pray to the Lord to give peace and prosperity to the Church and to enable us to celebrate the great feast of Christ’s Resurrection in peace. Amen.

Life of a Saint

St. George was born into the family of a pagan Gerontius and a Christian Polychronia. According to apocryphal sources, his father was a military leader with the honorary title of Stratilates in Cappodocia (a region in Asia Minor). George's mother raised him in the Christian faith.

When the father fell ill with a fever, his son advised him to call on the name of Jesus Christ. Having been healed, Gerontius was baptized, and soon accepted martyrdom for his faith. Polychronia owned a rich estate in Palestine Syria. After the death of her husband, she and George went home to the city of Lydda. There the young man entered military service with Emperor Diocletian.

St. George receives a rich inheritance after the death of his mother. He achieves a high position in the imperial court. An intelligent and brave warrior becomes a commander of a thousand, Diocletian's favorite.

In 303, Emperor Diocletian began a fierce struggle against Christianity. George is at this time in the city of Nicomedia. Having learned about severe persecution, he decides to openly profess his faith. The saint distributes all his wealth to the poor and arrives at the Senate, where he declares himself a Christian.

The stunned emperor tries to persuade his beloved military leader to renounce his faith and worship idols. George's decisive refusal arouses Diocletian's indignation. The guards push the great martyr out of the Assembly hall with spears. In prison they put stocks on him and a stone is placed on his chest.

The torture continues for several days, but Georgy bravely endures the suffering. Each time the Angel heals the terrible wounds of the young man. The emperor orders the saint to raise the dead, hoping to disgrace and dishonor the Christian faith. St. George calls on the Lord, and the resurrected man emerges from the tomb. The sorcerer Athanasius and the multitude of people who saw this miracle immediately repented and glorified the True God. However, the wicked emperor himself did not come to his senses.

The exploits of the great martyr increase the number of believers in Christ. At the temple of Apollo, the saint crushes pagan idols with the sign of the cross. Queen Alexandra turns to St. George the Victorious with a prayer for help. Diocletian in anger pronounces the death sentence on the soldier of Christ and the holy queen

We advise you to study Prayers to the Guardian Angel

Bravely and calmly, George bowed his head under the sword on April 23 (May 6, new style) in 303

Prayer for help and support

Although Paisius himself was harsh towards himself: he worked a lot for the good of the Orthodox faith, prayed, wrote books on spiritual topics, but he was merciful towards people and was lenient towards their misdeeds, and did not denounce so much as kindly advised how not to give in sins. He understood how many temptations people have in worldly life and therefore, through his example and teachings, he directed people to seek meaning in spiritual life. In addition, Paisius had the gift of a miracle worker and there was much evidence of the healing of people and their salvation. And after his death, people received the help of the miracle worker in dangerous moments of their lives, and after that they began to turn in prayer to Paisius the Holy Mountain for help and support and grace came to them from him.

Monk Trofim (Tatarnikov). 39 years

Worldly name - Leonid Ivanovich. Born in the Irkutsk region, graduated from a railway school, worked as a machinist. Then he got a job in the Sakhalin fishery and went sailing for five years. Admiring the beauty of the seascapes, he began to take up photography and even collaborated as a photojournalist with a local newspaper. Leonid's range of interests was wide: among other things, he studied at a yacht club and danced in a folk ensemble. Wanting to bring more benefits to people, he became a shoemaker. But he soon had to leave the workshop - making high-quality shoes and conscientiously repairing them, he almost left his colleagues without work. After that, Leonid worked as a cattleman on a farm and as a fireman. But then he dropped everything and went to his uncle in the Altai Territory. There he came to faith. In 1990, he came to Optina Pustyn with a group of pilgrims and stayed there forever. He worked in a cowshed, a blacksmith shop, managed a hotel, drove a tractor, and was a bell ringer.

“Life has shaken me. I thought: what is all this for? But it turns out that everything was needed so that now here, in the monastery, I could use all my little experience to serve God and people. Glory to You, Lord!”

Feat of humility

Fly through the mountains like a bird (Ps. 10:1), says the prophet David. So, as if along the tops of mountains, without delving into the properties of perishable things, but touching only on their spiritual content, Trofim spent his monastic life.

The path of monastic life is difficult, but beautiful. This is the great mercy of God, which the Lord honors His chosen ones.

One day Trofim was asked to carry the heavy bags of a young pilgrim to a departing Kozelsky bus. The driver, seeing the monk with a young girl, began to joke rudely:

- What, you don’t have enough men at home? - he blurted out to the pilgrim. “And you, fool,” he turned to Trofim, “you’re so young, why are you ruining your life?” What should you do in the monastery? Go live for your own pleasure! Why are you, monks, torturing yourselves?

The people sitting on the bus and accustomed to all sorts of scandalous incidents in worldly society became wary in anticipation of further actions on the part of the offended monk. But Trofim, not at all embarrassed, smiled and said:

- Yes, brother, your truth. I'm a fool for not going to the monastery right away. I should have left ten years ago. And then he was toiling around like crazy somewhere.

Hearing this answer, people took heart and stood up for Trofim:

- Come on, commander, don’t get angry, they have their own life, and we have ours.

“Everyone has their own life, but the Judgment on cases will be common,” said Trofim, “and death is for everyone.” No one can escape her.

Trofim easily endured reproaches because he always considered himself worthy of the worst. And he endured all the sorrows he encountered, as befits a monk, with great joy.

“I’m sorry, brother,” he said to the bus driver, “for embarrassing you,” and calmly headed towards the monastery gates.

Thus, often not understanding the essence of monastic life, some, due to their sinfulness, begin to condemn monks and suspect them of vicious actions characteristic of a corrupt world, ossified in sins. But the Lord does not ignore such reproaches and often severely punishes the blasphemers.

Once an elderly pilgrim was traveling to Optina Pustyn and an intelligent-looking man gave her a ride in a car. On the way, they started talking and it turned out that the driver of the car was not an ordinary person, but the director of some nearby plant.

- Who are you going to, mother? - he asked.

“Yes, I’m going to pray to God,” the woman answered good-naturedly.

“You are stupid people,” the director said with a grin, “these monks fool you as they please.”

“Why are you doing this,” the woman tried to stop him.

“Yes, I say that I know,” the director said with irritation. - Why do you think your monks walk with their eyes downcast? Yes, because they are all drug addicts.

- What are you saying? - the woman objected. - Fear God. Monks are holy people.

“Why should I be afraid of Him,” the director continued, “I know, they have an infirmary there.” So they inject themselves in the morning and walk around with their eyes down.

“Why are you doing this,” the woman repeated with pain in her heart, “you don’t know the monks at all, and yet you speak so badly about them!”

The director dropped the woman off at the monastery gates and left. But how shocked she was when the next day she learned that the man who had given her a lift had suddenly died of a heart attack. This is how the Lord punished him for slandering His beloved children.

“Wanting to destroy human souls, the enemy prepares all sorts of deceits and tricks for Christians, which we often do not notice,” Trofim once said. “And he wages especially fierce abuse against the monastics.” Because the monks left everything for the love of Christ and came to save their souls. The crafty deceiver strives, first of all, to kill the monk’s faith in his spiritual father and superior, showing their imaginary weaknesses, especially before the novices. And so, when he succeeds, he becomes the full owner of the monk’s soul and takes him out of the monastery in order to destroy him.

Trofim experienced this firsthand. He told how one day he almost left the monastery.

It started with the fact that for some reason he suddenly began to notice supposed shortcomings in the life of the monastery. And then I read a book about Athos, where the monks work very strictly in silence. And the thought appeared in his soul that he could not be saved in Optina Pustyn - there was too little time left for silence. “I’ll go to Athos, there I’ll struggle and be saved,” thought Trofim. And he became so accustomed to this thought that he began to get ready. But I was afraid to tell my confessor about this: anyway, they say, he won’t understand and won’t let me go. Then temptations began: obedience is not going well, prayer is not going well.

I woke up one morning, took my backpack and walked towards Kozelsk. But by the Providence of God, on the way he met a car in which the dean was riding. Seeing Trofim, he asked the driver to stop the car and asked:

-Where are you going, brother?

“I’m going to Athos to save myself,” Trofim answered innocently.

- Well, sit down, we'll give you a ride.

- No, God forbid, I’ll get there somehow.

“Sit down, sit down,” the dean continued to insist. “Did you take your confessor’s blessing for the journey?”

“No,” Trofim answered, a little embarrassed.

- Well, how can that be? You need to take the blessing, and only then go.

Trofim got into the car and returned to the monastery, but no longer took the blessing for Mount Athos, because he realized that this temptation was from the enemy.

For just as He (Christ) Himself suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are tempted (Heb. 2:18), says the Apostle. So Trofimus, having experienced everything from his own experience, helped the coming pilgrims learn simplicity in reasoning and thus recognize the machinations of the insidious enemy.

One day a young worker came to his warehouse to buy nails. It looks like a prayer book: his movements are slow, he speaks slowly and is somehow very important. And Trofim was a storekeeper at that time. They talked a little, Trofim said to him:

- Listen, brother, what kind of prayer books are we? Is it with our sins? Here you and I are talking about prayer, about deeds, about vigils, but we ourselves don’t even notice how we grumble, because we are dissatisfied with what we have. But murmurers will not inherit the Kingdom of God. The most important feat for us, brother, is humility. Without it, all our prayers are displeasing to God. You have to learn to come to terms with the environment in which you live. Otherwise, if there are persecutions, then what, are we going to grumble again at God because there are no conditions for us to perform exploits and pray?

The worker listened with attention and, having benefited his soul, then thanked Trofim.

The future martyr himself, spending the whole day in obedience, unforgivingly read the monastic rule and made many prostrations to the ground. But always secretly, trying so that no one would see or know.

At night, he used to sit for a long time reading the Holy Fathers, and in order not to oversleep during the Midnight Office, which was celebrated in the monastery every day at half past five in the morning, he knelt down and, leaning his hands on a chair, fell asleep.