February 3 (January 21, Old Style) The church honors the memory of St. Maxim the Greek , one of the most famous saints among the Old Believers. The life of St. Maxim stands apart, as it were, in comparison with other hagiographies: here, in contrast to the traditional tale of the ascetic exploits of Russian monastic hermits and desert dwellers, we see a description of an unyielding moral struggle, as well as a special feat of patience in exile and severe hardships, for the sake of confession truth.
The path to monasticism
Reverend Maxim the Greek was born in 1475, more than two decades after the fall of Constantinople. He was Greek by origin. Maxim's parents, Manuel and Irina, professed Christianity. The father is known as a wealthy, enlightened dignitary of the Greek village of Arta.
In his youth, Maxim received an excellent, comprehensive education.
During that historical period, many Greeks strove to the West. By the will of God, Maxim also ended up in the West, in Italy. At that time Italy was overrun with freethinkers; many of its inhabitants did not disdain astrology and superstition.
As Maxim Grek later admitted, he had experience with various teachings. However, this acquaintance could not destroy the germs of true faith in him.
Traveling around Europe, in addition to Italy, Maxim visited other European regions. A long stay in these lands contributed to his mastery of European languages.
Maxim had great opportunities: with desire and proper diligence, he could achieve an enviable position in society, fame, and career heights. But his heart attracted him to a completely different life.
Leaving the senseless bustle, Maxim went to Athos and entered the Vatopedi monastery.
Knowing about his experience of communicating with Western culture, at first the brethren were wary of him, but later Maxim himself proved his devotion to Orthodoxy.
Athos universities
Venetian friends helped - they found him a job in a well-known local publishing house. They advised Michael to go to Mount Athos to the Vatopedi Monastery, famous for its extensive library. There he returned to Orthodoxy and in 1505 took monastic vows with the name Maxim. Since then, for 10 years, his main obedience was copying books to order and for sale.
Vatopedi Monastery. Athos. Photo dimitri.moseparh.ru
Little is known about his spiritual life on Mount Athos. True, documentary evidence of his liturgical creativity remains - in many monasteries of the Holy Mountain, manuscripts of the “Canon of St. John the Baptist” compiled by him are still kept.
But, without a doubt, it was these 10 years that forged his personality, capable of enduring everything to the end on the way of the cross prepared for him.
Road to Rus'
By that time, issues related to the property side of the life of monasteries were being hotly discussed in Rus'. The Greek books stored in the princely library, undistorted by free interpretation, could help to understand this issue, but there were no competent translators in Moscow.
At the beginning of the 16th century, an embassy from Grand Duke Vasily Ioannovich arrived to the Athos leadership, asking to send an educated Greek who knew languages to Rus'. It turned out that in the Vatopedi monastery there is such a person, the ascetic Savva. However, due to senile infirmity and illness, he declined the offer to go to a distant country.
Then Protat drew the attention of the princely ambassadors to Maxim, who labored in the same monastery, an extraordinary monk, an expert in the Divine and Patristic Scriptures. To carry out the mission, Maxim turned out to be a suitable candidate in every sense.
The only thing that could confuse the Russian side was that the monk Maxim did not speak the Slavic-Russian language. But the Athonite leadership expressed the hope that he would definitely master it.
Maxim was assigned two scribes as assistants, one of whom was a Bulgarian who knew Church Slavonic. The Bulgarian was entrusted with the responsibility of being Maxim’s translator and teacher.
The journey to Moscow was not quick: for various reasons, the journey was delayed and lasted about two years.
In 1516, travelers lingered in Constantinople. Then we reached the Crimean peninsula, ended up in Perekop, to the Crimean Khan. On the way, the group was accompanied by the Turkish embassy. Finally, in 1518, the travelers reached Moscow.
Moscow period
The Moscow authorities, in the person of the Grand Duke, Metropolitan and other ministers, greeted the scientists with honor. Everyone was accommodated in the Miracle Monastery, and food for their meals was supplied to them from the princely kitchen.
For translations and recording of texts, two interpreters were assigned to the Athonites: monk Blasius and Dmitry Gerasimov. The latter knew German and Latin well. Thus, Maxim had the opportunity to translate books from Greek into one from which another translator would then translate into Russian.
In addition, two calligraphers were betrayed to help Maxim: monk Silouan and Mikhail Medovartsev. Subsequently, Silouan became a faithful student and follower of Maxim the Greek.
The work went smoothly: they worked with enthusiasm and awareness of the importance of the mission. In less than a year and a half, the book “Explanatory Psalter”, voluminous in content, was translated. At the same time, other translations were also carried out.
Upon completion of the required work, the scientists began to ask their superiors to let them go home. Only two of Maxim’s co-workers were sent home, but he himself was kept: there was enough work for translations, and on the agenda was the important issue of comparing the texts of liturgical books and harmonizing two church statutes, Jerusalem and Studite.
Due to the nature of his activities in Rus', Maxim was engaged not only in translations, but also in editing the content of texts. Well versed in Scripture and patristic literature, he often pointed out errors contained in certain books.
Over time, they began to turn to Maxim for advice on a variety of religious issues, and sometimes he personally pointed out to church hierarchs the inconsistency of their actions with Christian traditions. Expressing his disagreement with the authority of a mature theologian and the simplicity of a monk, he did this without excessive diplomacy, which caused counter-discontent.
Despite the principled position of Maxim the Greek regarding violations of traditions, Metropolitan Varlaam generally assessed his activities positively. Much changed in 1522, after the installation of Daniel in Varlaam’s place.
During this period, Maxim resolutely rebelled against the liberties of the papal legate Schomberg, who launched active propaganda activities in favor of papism with the connivance, to say the least, of the secular and spiritual authorities.
In 1523, Maxim finished translating the Interpretations of St. John Chrysostom into the Holy Gospels. Metropolitan Daniel invited him to translate the work of Blessed Theodoret of Cyrus on church history, but Maxim, unexpectedly for the bishop, responded with a categorical refusal, due to the presence in this work of letters from heretics: Arius and Nestorius.
Maxim was not only a scientist from Athos, but also a monk, while Daniel was a metropolitan (and not an impassive one). And of course, he took this disobedience as a personal insult.
Another time, Maxim outraged him when he began to point out that the possession of real estate was harmful to monks.
In 1524, Maxim the Greek, who disagreed with the Grand Duke’s desire to part with his barren wife Solomonia and marry another (for the sake of the heir), was not afraid of the expected princely anger and, referring to the Holy Gospel, openly expressed his disagreement.
The situation has escalated. Neither the ecclesiastical nor the secular authorities could turn a blind eye to such behavior of the monk. Maxim’s passion for work did not contribute to a proper acquaintance with the Russian mentality, the peculiarities of court morality and ethics. What he considered necessary to follow the spirit of the Tradition of the Church, the authorities interpreted as freethinking, challenge, rebellion. As a result, in 1525 Maxim was shackled and thrown into prison at the Simonovsky Monastery.
In order to justify themselves in the eyes of others (and perhaps even before the voice of conscience), the prince and metropolitan began to look for formal charges against Maxim. The search was successful. On the part of Metropolitan Maxim, he was reproached for damaging books and heresy, and on the part of the prince, he was reproached for malicious intent against the state: for connections with the Turkish pashas and inciting the Sultan to war against Rus'.
Literature
Editions
- Maxim Grek.
Spiritual and moral words. - Sergiev Posad, Holy Trinity Lavra of Sergius, 2006. - 408 p. - Maxim Grek.
Words and teachings / Preface, comp. and comment. Prof. A. F. Zamaleeva. (Russian science of the soul). - St. Petersburg, Troyanov Path, 2007. - 374 p. - Maxim Grek, lecturer
Essays. T. 1. - M.: Indrik, 2008. - 568 p. - Maxim Grek.
Martyrs Prince Mikhail Vsevolodovich Cherny and boyar Feodor of Chernigov Reverends Andronicus, Savva, Barsanuphia, Karp, Stefan, Helena and Euphrosyne of Moscow • Andrei Rublev • Daniil Cherny • Alexander Spassky • Bartholomew and Ignatius Simonovsky • Sergius, Nikon, Dionysius and Micah of Radonezh • Maxim the Greek • John Chrysostom • Anthony Chudovsky • Varlaam, Gideon , David and Vladimir Belopesotsky Serpukhovsky • Savva Storozhevsky • Methodius Peshnoshsky • Savva Stromynsky • Roman Kirzhachsky • Juliania and Eupraxia • Afanasy ml and Afanasy st Vysotsky • Grigory Golutvinsky • Stefan Makhrishchsky • Ferapont and Kirill Belozersky • Gerasim Cherny • Cassian Bosoy • Joseph, Photius , Adrian, Zosima and Levky of Volokolamsk • Vasily Sokolovsky • Zosima • Anthony of Optinsky • Pimen Ugreshsky Saints Peter, Theognostus, Alexy, Cyprian, Photius, Jonah of Kyiv and All Rus' • Philip I, Gerontius, Simon, Joasaph, Macarius I, Philip II, Job of Moscow and All Rus' • Philaret, Innocent, Macarius II Met. Moscow • Gennady and Serapion of Novgorod • Stefan of Perm • Theodore of Rostov Blessed Maxim of Moscow • St. Basil the Blessed • John of Moscow • John of Mozhaisk • Martha of Moscow other Daniil Moskovsky • Ivan Kalita • Alexander Peresvet • Andrey Oslyabya • Dmitry Donskoy • Tsarevich Dmitry • Fyodor Ioannovich • Vasily Pavlovo-Posadsky Reverends Sergius, Nikon, Dionysius, Micah, Ignatius, Macarius, Ioannikios, Nahum, Bartholomew, Stephen, Cyril and Mary • Vasily Sukhiy • Maxim the Greek • Daniil Cherny • Andrei Rublev • Epiphanius the Wise • Mitrofan, Elisha, Jacob, Simon, Elijah, Isaac , Nektarios, Onesimus, Irinarchus, Dorotheus of Radonezh • Andronicus, Savva, Alexander and Euphrosyne of Moscow • Ferapont, Cyril and Martinian of Belozersky • Simon of Smolensky • Ferapont of Borovensky • Athanasius and Theodosius of Cherepovets • Dmitry Prilutsky • Avraamy Galichsky • Savva Storozhevsky • Sylvester and Pavel Obnorsky • Arseny Komelsky • Nikifor and Nikita Borovsky • Sergius Nuromsky • Jacob Zheleznoborovsky • Methodius Peshnoshsky • Athanasius Jr. and Afanasy St. Vysotsky • Roman Kirzhachsky • Savva, Jacob and Leonty Stromynsky • Grigory Golutvinsky • Stefan Makhrishchsky • Evfimy Suzdalsky • Theodore and Pavel Rostovsky • Anthony (Medvedev) • Barnabas of Gethsemane Saints Theodore Simonovsky • Dionysius of Suzdal • Theognostus of Kiev • Stefan of Perm • Vassian of Rostov • Serapion of Novgorod • Michael of Smolensk • Metropolitan Joasaph • Joasaph (Gorlenko) • Innocent (Veniaminov) other Dmitry Donskoy • Alexander Peresvet • Andrey Oslyabya
Opal
After the “trial,” Maxim, as if he really were an enemy of the Church and the Russian people, was escorted to the Volokolamsk prison. Here the monk suffered insults, beatings, and stench and smoke from his brothers in faith. The torment of the prisoner was so cruel that, as reported in the chronicle, it brought him to a state of death.
But the Lord did not abandon His saint. One day Maxim was consoled and encouraged by the Heavenly Messenger. The angel who appeared to him said: “Be patient, old man!” And the old man endured. On the walls of the cell he wrote down the text of the canon to the Comforter with charcoal; I prayed while reading this canon.
Years passed. Six years later, the authorities remembered Maxim in order to claim him for the next trial. This time they were looking for excuses for the bullying to which the saint was subjected.
There were also slanderers. History has preserved their names: priest Vasily, archpriest Afanasy, archdeacon Chushka, calligrapher Medovartsev. The court accused the monk of blasphemy against sacred Russian books.
Maxim the Greek, trying to explain himself, argued that many books were indeed spoiled either by incorrect translations or inaccurate correspondence, and therefore needed correction. Prostrating himself before those gathered, he meekly and humbly appealed for mercy, begged for mercy, asked to forgive him in a Christian way for possible mistakes that he, weak, could have made in working on the books.
After the trial, Maxim was taken to Tver, under the episcopal supervision of Bishop Akakiy. Akakiy was not distinguished by excessive severity and at first treated Maxim more or less condescendingly.
In 1534, after the death of Grand Duke Vasily, a ray of hope flashed for a quick lifting of disgrace. During this period, Maxim, as a sign of fidelity to Orthodoxy, compiled the “Confession of Faith.” But his situation did not improve, but, on the contrary, worsened even more: Bishop Akaki became angry with him for speaking the pure truth, not smoothed over by hypocrisy.
Notes
- Golubinsky. History of the Russian Church. T.2. Part 1, p. 674.
- [lib.eparhia-saratov.ru/books/12m/makarii/makarii1/15.html St. Akaki, Bishop of Tver and Kashin // Archimandrite Macarius (Veretennikov). From the history of the Russian hierarchy of the 16th century]
- [likhachev.lfond.spb.ru/Articles/int.htm Selected articles: HE SAVED OUR HONOR]
- [www.staropomor.ru/Bogoslovie(4)/permjakov1.3.html Rev. Maxim Grek, Sl. about the sign of the cross, with which we are marked: “By the extension of the long and the middle, the coming together of two natures in Christ, that is, the Savior Christ Himself, we confess the perfection of God, and the perfection of man into the two essences and natures of the believer and the knowable. By placing the finger on the forehead, we confess two certain things, as if we were born of God and the Father, as if our word comes from the mind, and as if it came from above according to the Divine word that speaks, bow the heavens and come down. And by the position of the hedgehog’s fingers on the navel, his descent onto the earth, his eternal conception in the Most Pure womb of the Mother of God, and his nine-month residence, we clearly proclaim. And by drawing from there all the hands on the right hand and on the left side, we clearly form those who want to wear out the bitter answer from the righteous, standing at the right hand of the Judge, to the wicked and sinners, according to the Divine voice of Savior, speaking to the opposing and unrepentant Jews. "]
- [old.stsl.ru/manuscripts/medium.php?col=1&manuscript=201&pagefile=201-0437 Library of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. section: Manuscripts. 201. (To No. 1843.) Greek Maxim's works, thorough charter, 17th century, sheet, 595 sheets, headpieces (fol. 1, 6) with paints and gold, excellent sheets. 429. Chapter 85. A fairy tale about how to sign the sign of the cross. There L. 281.]
- [commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Maxgr.djvu Maxim the Greek “A fairy tale about how to sign yourself with the sign of the cross.”]
Mitigation of the situation
In 1538, Daniel fell into disgrace and was imprisoned, just as he had once imprisoned Saint Maximus. The latter, wanting to pacify their mutual relations, wrote him several kind words full of humility.
At the same time, Maxim addressed through messages to the new metropolitan, Joasaph, to the boyars who stood at the helm of the country’s leadership due to the ruler’s infancy. As a result, the monk was allowed to visit God’s temple and partake of the Holy Gifts.
In 1545, the Eastern Patriarchs turned to the king: they asked to allow Maxim to return to Athos. But the request was rejected.
In 1551, at the request of the boyars who were friendly towards him and the petition of the Trinity Abbot Artemy, the tsar released the monk from Tver imprisonment and allowed him to move to the Sergius monastery. Here Maxim the Greek began his usual task - translating the Psalter.
In 1553, Emperor John visited the elder in his cell. This was preceded by Maxim's warning that if the tsar refused to heed his advice and did not immediately console the people orphaned and widowed as a result of the campaign against Kazan, then the prince would die. The king did not heed, and the prince actually died.
On January 21, 1556, the monk rested peacefully in Christ.
Life of a Preacher
The life of Saint Maximus the Greek is so full of various kinds of events that absolutely any person will not be left indifferent by both the biography of the saint and his spiritual feat. Maxim the Greek is an amazing example of a truly believer and devotee of Christ for every person striving for spiritual life.
Biography
Maxim the Greek was born into a wealthy Greek family in 1470. His parents, known in the city of Arte and beyond for their piety - Emmanuel and Irina, belonged to one of the most revered families - Trivolis. It is known that one Patriarch from Constantinople belonged to the same noble and wealthy family. Mikhail's parents (this name was given to Maxim the Greek at birth) had a very good education and were philosophers. The father was an adviser at the emperor's court.
Reverend Maxim the Greek
In those years in Greece, it was customary to give a Christian education, so Mikhail knew the Law of God from childhood, however, the boy’s education was not limited to this - his parents, hoping that in the future their son would occupy some good position, gave him an excellent secular education .
When Mikhail was 10 years old, he was forced to leave his parents' home and go to the island of Corfu to study various sciences with the philosopher John Moschos. Having received his primary education, Mikhail moved to Italy; at that time, important processes in the field of culture, art and religion were taking place in this country. Mikhail was lucky, while in Italy, to meet prominent figures of the Renaissance.
Along with the sciences, sciences such as astrology and a number of similar ones, which cast doubt on the existence of God, spread quite quickly in Italy. And, although Mikhail actively became acquainted with various teachings, he always remained faithful to the Lord. It was also in Italy that Mikhail began to become interested in philosophy and languages, which would later serve him well as a translator.
Traveling around Venice, Mikhail met one of the prominent humanists of that time, Aldus Manutius, and it was from him that he received his first knowledge of book writing - text editing and source study. While in Florence, Michael often visited the Medici library; he was greatly impressed by the works of Girolamo Savonarola, a Dominican monk.
It should be noted! Thanks to moving to Italy, Mikhail had the opportunity to travel to different countries, during which time he visited Germany and France, which contributed to the study of foreign languages.
Theological translator
Maxim the Greek took monastic vows at the Vatopedi monastery on Mount Athos in 1507, and although this monastery was Catholic, the saint devoted most of his life to serving the Orthodox faith. In the Vatopedi monastery, the monk Maxim began to enthusiastically study the treasures of the monastery library - the manuscripts of Andronikos Palaiologos and John Cantacuzene.
When the Greek reached the age of Christ, unexpectedly the clergy turned to him with a request for help from the Great Prince of Moscow Vasily Ioannovich to sort out the manuscripts and books of his mother, Sophia Palaeologus. Maxim the Greek went to Moscow, where he first began translating the Psalter and its interpretation into the Slavic language, and then interpreting the book of the Acts of the Apostles, as well as several other books necessary for performing divine services.
Monk Maxim, distinguished by his great responsibility for the work entrusted to him, tried very hard to translate the books as close as possible to the original source, but due to the fact that the Slavic language, due to its Greek origin, was alien to him, there were still some inaccuracies in the texts. However, Metropolitan Varlaam of Moscow quite highly appreciated the translations of Maxim the Greek, despite some slight discrepancies with the original, which cannot be said about Metropolitan Daniel, who replaced Varlaam.
Icon of Saint Maximus the Greek
Metropolitan Daniel ordered the Monk Maxim to translate the history of Theodoret into Church Slavonic, realizing how much time and work this difficult translation would take, Maxim refused the Metropolitan’s request, also pointing out the fact that this story contains letters from the schismatic Arius, which may be incorrect interpreted by the readers and therefore dangerous. With this refusal, enmity began between the Metropolitan and Maxim the Greek, despite which the monk did not abandon his work aimed at the spiritual enlightenment of Russia.
During this difficult period for him, Maxim the Greek translated John Chrysostom’s interpretation of the Gospels of Matthew and John, and was also able to write several of his own works.
Interesting! Speaking about Maxim the Greek, it is worth mentioning the fact that he was never afraid of anyone and in matters of faith he always stood on the side of truth. Thus, many biographers mention the case when Vasily Ioannovich had the intention of divorcing his wife Solomonia due to the fact that she could not bear him children. Maxim, without any fear for his future fate, sent the prince “Instructive chapters to the rulers of the faithful,” in which said that the prince’s social position does not give him the right to act from his carnal motives and thereby go against God.
Life in captivity
Soon after this incident, the Monk Maxim the Greek was imprisoned, and then a difficult stage began in his life, full of physical and mental suffering. Maxim the Greek was reminded of those versions of the translation of liturgical books where he had made inaccuracies, but now such “liberties” were considered his direct fault and deliberate damage to the books.
The days spent in prison were among the most difficult for the Monk Maxim, also because he was forbidden to engage in his favorite work, which the Lord had assigned him to do - translating and writing his own books. However, in the midst of suffering, Maxim had the opportunity to feel God’s mercy - in prison there was a sign for him in which an angel appeared and from his lips came words about patience and that having survived these torments, Maxim would be able to get rid of eternal torment.
Without forgetting for a moment that everything is the will of God, the Monk Maxim wrote in charcoal on the wall a canon addressed to the Holy Spirit: “Who fed Israel with manna in the desert of old, and fill my soul, Master, with the All-Holy Spirit, for He I will serve You well..." This canon is still read in church today.
Deportation to Tver
Maxim the Greek spent almost 6 years in captivity, after which he was released and sent to the city of Tver, while having a church ban. In Tver, Bishop Akakiy was placed in charge of the Monk Maxim, but it should be noted that he was kind in character and was very sorry for the innocent victim for his faith.
While in Tver, Maxim the Greek wrote a work that included his own autobiography - “Thoughts with which a sorrowful monk, imprisoned, consoled and strengthened himself in patience.” One of the most important quotes reflecting the saint’s worldview sounds like this: “Do not grieve, do not grieve, grieve below, dear soul, for the fact that you suffer without truth, from which it would behoove you to accept all the good, for you used them spiritually, offering for them a meal filled with the Holy Spirit...”
Important! Only after 20 years of living in Tver was the church ban lifted from Maxim the Greek and he was allowed to live without supervision.
Before his death, Maxim the Greek spent several years in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. Despite the fact that many years of exile and imprisonment caused serious damage to his health, he stopped at nothing and continued his work. Thanks to the help of his cell attendant and disciple Neil, the monk managed to translate the Psalter into Church Slavonic.
Saint Maxim the Greek died at an old age, on January 21, 1556. His body was buried at the western wall of the Spiritual Church of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra - his last refuge.
Literary works
As a church writer, the Monk Maxim the Greek is known for such works as: Confession of the Orthodox Faith, Moral Teachings, Canon of the Divine and Worshiped Most Holy Spirit Paraclete, About what is the first sin in human nature, Against those who claim that the human race had to multiply through carnal copulation and birth, even if the forefathers had not sinned, Against the blasphemers of the Most Pure Mother of God, Against the Lutherans - a word about the worship of the Holy Icons, An Message to a certain monk, the rank of abbot, about the German charm called Fortune, and about its wheel, Against those who are strengthened by looking at the stars to predict the future, and about the free will of man, Against Nicholas the Latin - a word about the procession of the Holy Spirit, Against the Latins, about the fact that nothing should be added or subtracted in the Divine confession of the immaculate Christian faith, Two words against Mohammed, etc.
Demise and glorification
Maxim the Greek died in the Trinity Monastery on the day of remembrance of his heavenly patron, the Monk Maxim the Confessor. He was buried in the Trinity Monastery, near the northwestern wall of the temple in the name of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles (Holy Spiritual).
He was glorified as a saint at the Local Council in 1988. Local veneration of the saint has been known since the beginning. XVII century, after the reforms of Patriarch Nikon, veneration among the Old Believers continued K: Wikipedia: Articles without sources (type: not specified)[ source not specified 1770 days
]. On June 24, 1996, after a prayer service to St. Maxim, archaeological research began at the northwestern wall of the Holy Spiritual Church. On July 3, 1996, the relics of the saint were found and placed in a temporary shrine in the Holy Spiritual Church of the Lavra. Now the relics are in the Refectory Church of the Trinity of St. Sergius Lavra.
Academician D.S. Likhachev called Maxim the Greek “the first intellectual in Rus'”[3].
Troparion to St. Maximus the Greek, tone 8
We look at the dawn of the Spirit, / you have been vouchsafed to the divinely wise to understand, / illuminating the hearts of men darkened by ignorance with the light of piety, / you have become the most enlightened lamp of Orthodoxy, O Reverend Maximus, / from jealousy for the sake of the All-Seeing / of the fatherland, alien and strange, you were a prisoner of the Russian country, / the sufferings of the dungeons and having endured imprisonment from the autocratic, / you are crowned by the right hand of the Most High and work glorious miracles. / And be an immutable intercessor for us, // who honor your holy memory with love.
