Memorial Day: January 19 (February 1)
Rev. Macarius was born around 300 in the village of Ptinapor (Lower Egypt). He was widowed early, and after the death of his wife took up the study of the Holy Scriptures. After the death of his parents, he left the village and became a novice under a certain elder living nearby. After some time, he was ordained a deacon of the local church, but pretty soon he retired into complete solitude in the Faran desert.
Having heard about Anthony the Great, St. Macarius became his disciple, settling, on the advice of the monk, in the Skete desert. There he was ordained a presbyter and became famous for his numerous miracles. Around 360 he founded a monastery, which was later named after him. There he died in 391.
Prayer to St. Macarius the Great
Oh, sacred head, reverend father, most blessed Abvo Macarius, do not forget your poor to the end, but always remember us in your holy and auspicious prayers to God. Remember your flock, which you yourself shepherded, and do not forget to visit your children. Pray for us, holy father, for your spiritual children, as if you have boldness towards the Heavenly King, do not be silent for us to the Lord, and do not despise us, who honor you with faith and love. Remember us unworthy at the Throne of the Almighty, and do not stop praying for us to Christ God, for you have been given the grace to pray for us. We do not imagine that you are dead, even though you have passed away from us in body, but even after death you remain alive. Do not give up on us in spirit, keeping us from the arrows of the enemy and all the charms of the devil and the snares of the devil, our good shepherd. Even though your relics are always visible before our eyes, your holy soul with the angelic hosts, with the disembodied faces, with the heavenly powers, standing at the Almighty Throne, rejoices with dignity. Knowing that you are truly alive even after death, we bow down to you and pray to you: pray for us to Almighty God, for the benefit of our souls, and ask us time for repentance, so that we may pass from earth to heaven without restraint, from the bitter ordeals of the demons of the air princes and may we be delivered from eternal torment, and may we be heirs of the Heavenly Kingdom with all the righteous, who from all eternity have pleased our Lord Jesus Christ, to Him belongs all glory, honor and worship, with His Beginning Father and with His Most Holy and Good and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever and ever. Amen.
Detention Prayer
PRAYERS OF DETENTION
From the collection of prayers of Elder Pansophius of Athos, 1848.
The power of these prayers lies in their concealment from human hearing and sight, in their secret action.
Like a barren fig tree, do not sow me, O Savior, a sinner, but grant me hope for many years, watering my soul with tears of repentance, so that I may bring fruit to You, O Many-merciful One.
Detention Prayer
Merciful Lord! You once, through the mouth of the servant of Moses, Joshua the son of Nun, delayed the movement of the sun and moon for a whole day, until the people of Israel took revenge on their enemies.
With the prayer of Elisha the prophet, he once struck the Syrians, delaying them, and healed them again.
You once told the prophet Isaiah: behold, I will return back ten steps the shadow of the sun that passed along the steps of Ahaz, and the sun returned ten steps along the steps on which it descended.
You once, through the mouth of the prophet Ezekiel, closed the abysses, stopped the rivers, and held back the waters.
And You once stopped the mouths of the lions in the den through the fasting and prayer of Your prophet Daniel.
And now delay and slow down until the right time all the plans around those standing around me about my displacement, dismissal, removal, expulsion.
So now, destroy the evil desires and demands of all those who condemn me, block the lips and hearts of all those who slander, are angry and growl at me and all who blaspheme and humiliate me.
So now bring spiritual blindness into the eyes of all those who rise up against me and against my enemies.
Didn't you tell the Apostle Paul: Speak and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will harm you.
Soften the hearts of all those who oppose the good and dignity of the Church of Christ.
Therefore let my mouth not be silent to reprove the wicked and glorify the righteous and all your wondrous works. And may all our good undertakings and desires be fulfilled.
To you, righteous women and prayer books of God, our daring representatives, who once with the power of their prayers restrained the invasions of foreigners, the approach of haters, who destroyed the evil plans of people, who stopped the mouths of lions, now I turn with my prayer, with my petition.
And You, the venerable great Elius of Egypt, who once fenced the place of your disciple’s settlement in a circle with the sign of the cross, commanded him to arm himself with the name of the Lord and from now on not to be afraid of demonic temptations. Protect my house, in which I live, in the circle of your prayers and save it from fiery ignition, thieves’ attacks and all evil and insurance.
And You, Reverend Father Poplie of Syria, who once with your unceasing prayer kept the demon motionless for ten days and unable to walk either day or night; Now, around my cell and this house (my) keep behind its fence all the opposing forces and all those who blaspheme the name of God and despise me.
And You, reverend virgin Piama, who once with the power of prayer stopped the movement of those who were going to destroy the inhabitants of the village where she lived, now stop all the plans of my enemies who want to expel me from this city and destroy me: do not allow them to approach this house, stop them with the power of prayer his: “Lord, Judge of the Universe, You, who are displeased with all unrighteousness, when this prayer comes to You, may the Holy Power stop them at the place where it overtakes them.”
And You, blessed Lawrence of Kaluga, pray to God for me, as having the boldness to intercede before the Lord for those suffering from the wiles of the devil. Pray to God for me, may He protect me from the wiles of Satan.
And You, Reverend Vasily of Pechersk, perform your prayers of prohibition over those who attack me and drive away all the machinations of the devil from me.
And you, all the saints of the Russian land, with the power of your prayers for me, dispel all the demonic spells, all the devil’s plans and intrigues - to annoy me and destroy me and my property.
(And You, great and formidable guardian, Archangel Michael, cut off with a fiery sword all the desires of the enemy of the human race and all his minions who want to destroy me. Stand indestructibly on guard over this house, all those living in it and all its property.)
And You, Lady, it is not in vain that I am called the Indestructible Wall, be for all those who are hostile against me and plotting to do dirty things to me, truly a kind of barrier and an indestructible wall, protecting me from all evil and difficult circumstances.
PRAYER
Venerable Macarius, Abba of Egypt
Lord, as You want and as You know, have mercy. But let there be tacos! Let there be tacos! Let there be tacos!
DOGMATISM, voice 1:
Let us sing to the Virgin Mary the universal glory that has vegetated from man and given birth to the Lord, the heavenly door, the disembodied song and the fertilizer of the faithful; This is why heaven and the temple of the Divine have appeared; Having destroyed this barrier of enmity, peace was introduced and the Kingdom was opened. This is the affirmation of faith, the champion of the imam of the Lord born from her. Dare, dare, people of God, for He will conquer the enemies, for He is Omnipotent.
PRAYER TO THE HEAVENLY POWERS
Troparion, tone 4:
Heavenly armies of the Archangels, we always pray to you, unworthy, and with your prayers protect us with the shelter of the krill of your immaterial Glory, preserving us, falling diligently and crying: deliver us from troubles, like the rulers of the Highest Powers.
Kontakion, voice 2:
Archangels of God, workers of the Divine glory, guiding angels and human mentors, ask for what is useful to us, and great mercy, like the Bodiless Archangels.
Magnification:
We magnify you, Archangels and Angels, and all the armies, Cherubim and Seraphim, glorifying the Lord! source of material
Source: https://pravdonbass.net.ua/article/molitva-zaderzhaniya
Akathist to Saint Macarius of Kalyazin
Kontakion 1
As a chosen miracle worker, and a great servant of Christ, a multi-healing source and prayer book for our souls, Rev. Father Macarius, as if you had boldness towards the Lord, with your prayers free us from all troubles, let us call you: Rejoice, Macarius, quick helper and glorious miracle worker.
Ikos 1
And with which we will praise the angel of the earth and the man of Heaven, Reverend Father Macarius, with which we will glorify your hardworking head, and with which words we will magnify your many painful deeds; In the same way, reverently flowing to the race of your multi-healing relics, we zealously fall, with tenderness we cry out to you: Rejoice, zealous imitator of Christ. Rejoice, true guardian of his commandments. Rejoice, companion of angels. Rejoice, praise to the saints. Rejoice, faithful servant of the Lord. Rejoice, zealous guardian of purity and abstinence. Rejoice, pillar of patience. Rejoice, image of gentleness and meekness. Rejoice, teacher of humility. Rejoice, many-bright lamp. Rejoice, shameless refuge for Christians. Rejoice, free physician of the infirm. Rejoice, Macarius, quick helper and glorious miracle worker.
Kontakion 2
In the walking of nobility, your parents in your youth, you, God-wise, perfect wise, to the Lord, who gave you such, I sang a song of gratitude: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
mind , Reverend Macarius, even though you were young in body, but old in mind: you disdained all this red world from your youth, you despised children’s play, but you constantly sang psalms and spiritual songs to God the Savior with your heart and lips, taught and we are also wise and active, crying out to you: Rejoice, true mirror of Christian wisdom. Rejoice, for from your youth you have given your mind to the divine desire. Rejoice, for in your youth you imputed the temporary and earthly ways of being. Rejoice, for thou didst love the only heavenly mother from the breast. Rejoice, for from your youth you laid the yoke of the Lord on your shoulder. Rejoice, for you have enslaved the flesh to the spirit. Rejoice, because you were not afraid of the wiles of the devil when you were still young. Rejoice, for from infancy reading the Divine Scriptures you have loved with all your heart. Rejoice, for you continued day and night in reading and singing inspired psalms. Rejoice, for you have enlightened your mind, uncaptivated by passions, with the word of God. Rejoice, for you have instilled Christ in your innocent soul. Rejoice, for with an immaculate heart you desired to evade worldly rebellion and dwell in the desert. Rejoice, Macarius, quick helper and glorious miracle worker.
Kontakion 3
With the silt of the Holy Spirit you have been clothed from above, and you have created a powerless enemy in your youth: strengthen, O blessed Macarius, with your prayers also us, who are exhausted in all good things, so that with you we may be worthy to sing a song to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
And having the wealth of spiritual purity, and the height of humility, parental wealth and slave service, you counted it for nothing, and after the resolution of the carnal union, to which you were bound for a short time, like a deer thirsty for springs of water, you rushed, all-blessed, into the desert : in it you exchanged your highness for humility, your wealth for poverty, you took off your many-colored clothes and put on rags. Also amazed at your humility, we please you, crying: Rejoice, despising all the pride of the world. Rejoice, for having left the temporary, you have sought the eternal. Rejoice, for thou didst hate the splendid house and the adorned palaces. Rejoice, for you loved a wretched hut more than noble palaces. Rejoice, for you have adorned yourself with rags more than gold-woven clothing. Rejoice, for instead of sweet-nutritious meats, you loved to exhaust your flesh with fasting and much abstinence. Rejoice, for you did not desire service from slaves, but rather you yourself deigned to serve everyone. Rejoice, for you loved the casting of the earth above a soft bed. Rejoice, for through your right faith, like a shield, you defended yourself from all the temptations of the enemy. Rejoice, for with your inexhaustible patience, and even more sharply, you mortally wounded the enemy of our salvation. Rejoice, for through your indefatigable prayers you have created a powerless hesitator on the path of piety. Rejoice, for you have appeared to us as a pillar and affirmation of virtue. Rejoice, Macarius, quick helper and glorious miracle worker.
Kontakion 4
Having tamed the storm of doubtful thoughts and put them into silence with Divine teachings, in the image of assuring yourself that the Kingdom of Heaven, blessed Macarius, you unceasingly sang a song to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Having heard the venerable Macarius in the Gospel, the voice of the Savior cries out: whoever wants to walk after Me will deny himself, and will take up his cross, and come after Me, you have denied yourself, and we will take up your cross, you have walked in the footsteps of Christ irrevocably. Likewise, we, who are unworthy, will write to you like this, saying: Rejoice, faithful guardian of the Gospel commands. Rejoice, steadfast guardian of the words of Christ. Rejoice, zealous bearer of your cross. Rejoice, you who graciously lift the yoke of Christ and His burden. Rejoice, for you did not turn back in the procession to the Heavenly Jerusalem. Rejoice, inexhaustible vessel of Christ's grace. Rejoice, pure friend of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, for through abstinence you have slain all the passions of the flesh for many. Rejoice, all-zealous planter of the helicopter city of Christ. Rejoice, for you have raised your mind to dispassion. Rejoice, all good things of the earth, for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven, for the sake of your skills. Rejoice, lover of life equal to the angels to the end. Rejoice, Macarius, quick helper and glorious miracle worker.
Kontakion 5
by God, all-blessed father, you found a silent life in the desert, and you sang in psalms: behold, my peace forever and ever, here I will dwell: in it you labored valiantly in fasting and vigil, and from the sight of many tears you shed, you unceasingly sang To God: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
In the pursuit of vain estates, the steward of your unwavering stay in the desert, we kindle with the devil’s instigation, the desire to kill you: but for the sake of the mortal illness that befell him, he came to his senses, fell at your feet, asking you for forgiveness and to stay in the desert with you. You, like a good and kindly shepherd, received him with joy, like a lost sheep, forgiving him everything and counting him among your chosen flock. Such is your kindness, and having heard much concern for the salvation of those who have gone astray, we dutifully sing to you: Rejoice, guardian of kindness. Rejoice, sincere lover of humility. Rejoice, image of meekness and patience. Rejoice, teacher of chastity. Rejoice, luminous pillar, enlighten those in darkness. Rejoice, great decoration of the monastery. Rejoice, for you taught hatred on the broad path leading to destruction. Rejoice, for you skillfully inspired me to walk the narrow and sorrowful path. Rejoice, fruitful tree, planted at the outflow of the waters of Divine grace and feeding many. Rejoice, blessed-leaved tree, cooling many from the heat. Rejoice, vigilant guardian of your chosen flock. Rejoice, guide and companion of your kindly imitators of your life and teaching. Rejoice, Macarius, quick helper and glorious miracle worker.
Kontakion 6
The preacher of your kindness and foresight, when the animal they had stolen returned to you, and instead of punishment received fatherly instruction from you, seeing such your kindness, departed with much surprise, hurriedly singing a song to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
in the desert like a bright dawn, O Reverend Father, enlightening and guiding all those who come to you on the path of salvation, for this reason we cry out to you with much surprise: Rejoice, bright dawn, rising from the desert and illuminating the souls of the faithful. Rejoice, true teacher of those who have gone astray. Rejoice, mirror of chastity. Rejoice, true image of piety. Rejoice, reverent servant of the Altar of the Lord. Rejoice, zealot of monastic life equal to the angels. Rejoice, father imitator of the silence of the ancient God-bearing Ones. Rejoice, pillar of fire, guide us on the path of salvation. Rejoice, radiant sun, as with your rays you warm our souls, perishing from the filth of sin. Rejoice, bright moon, for you drive away the night of our foolishness. Rejoice, all-zealous servant of the Divine for the people of industry. Rejoice, our eternal joy, warm intercessor. Rejoice, Macarius, quick helper and glorious miracle worker.
Kontakion 7
Although the weakened Zechariah may receive perfect health for himself, pray to bring it to himself and lay it before your feet, Reverend Father, so that through your prayers he will receive healing. You, like a wise doctor, healed his physical and spiritual ailments, and you sang a song of thanksgiving to the Lord: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
wondrous life, and you performed wondrous miracles on earth, O Reverend Father Macarius, when he saw one young man tormented by a demon for a long time, he shed tears of emotion, and sighed and made a prayer to God: but the demon left the afflicted man, and he was well. . Having heard this, we joyfully cry out to you: Rejoice, strong conqueror of evil spirits. Rejoice, you who drive away the soul-destroying wolves. Rejoice, invincible warrior of Christ. Rejoice, servant of God, good and faithful. Rejoice, speedy doctor to those who call upon you with faith. Rejoice, fruitful vine. Rejoice, for through your help the machinations of the enemy are crushed. Rejoice, wise warrior who fights against the forces of hell. Rejoice, endless stream of miracles. Rejoice, abundant in grace and source of healing. Rejoice, most bright ray of the sun's light. Rejoice, man of God, girded with honor and truth, like a golden belt. Rejoice, Macarius, quick helper and glorious miracle worker.
Kontakion 8
The wondrous and ineffable miracle of Heavenly grace now appears in the eyes of all the faithful: the long-suffering and abundantly merciful Lord was not angry with us to the end for our iniquities, but, remembering His generosity, gave us to you, most wonderful Father, a considerable intercessor, and thus lifted up the horn our salvation, let us sing to him: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
in all things on high, but have not forsaken those below, Reverend Father Macarius, who always reigns with Christ, and for us sinners you offer prayers to Him: not just those who fall to your celibate relics, but also those who are far away, calling on the all-honorable name yours, by your intercession you protect from all evil. Moreover, in tenderness we call to you: Rejoice, our refuge in all sorrows. Rejoice, quick helper to all in their troubles. Rejoice, healer of mental and physical illnesses. Rejoice, our strong champion against invisible enemies. Rejoice, merciful visitor to those who lie in weakness. Rejoice, consoler of those in sorrow. Rejoice, for through you weeping ceases. Rejoice, for joy is given by you. Rejoice, for you have followed Christ valiantly. Rejoice, for you served the Sweetest Jesus to the end. Rejoice, for you enjoy the sight of God. Rejoice, for thou hast been worthy to see the unevening day of His Kingdom. Rejoice, Macarius, quick helper and glorious miracle worker.
Kontakion 9
endured all sorts of sorrow, and you have valiantly accomplished many labors and deeds, walking along the path of salvation to a venerable old age, clothed in the full armor of God, in the flesh as if bodiless, mortifying passions and crushing the slander of the ruler of the darkness of this age, and is also numbered with the Heavenly powers, together sing with them to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
In these many things, they are perplexed to adequately praise you, God-wise Macarius: who is pleased to understand all your struggles with the rulers of the darkness of this age; or who will count your labors, illnesses and exploits, in them you committed a desert-loving life; On the other hand, we, conquered by your love, gratefully call to you: Rejoice, all-zealous doer of God’s law. Rejoice, in purity and chastity, most valuable bead, most honest. Rejoice, in patience and struggle against the flesh, hardest adamant. Rejoice, thou glorified by humility and meekness more than the glorious ones of the earth. Rejoice, in the flesh you are still alive on earth without flesh. Rejoice, you who extinguished the fire of lust with living and saving tears. Rejoice, thou who art a successful helper to those who struggle with passions and lusts. Rejoice, most zealous imitator of great fasting in work, vigil and abstinence. Rejoice, most skilled teacher in spiritual wisdom. Rejoice, most meticulous in showing the monastic deeds. Rejoice, beauty of the desert dwellers. Rejoice, desert-loving and kind-looking turtledove. Rejoice, Macarius, quick helper and glorious miracle worker.
Kontakion 10
Hurt all the bones of the righteous, for not a single one is broken by them, our Lord and God Jesus Christ showed us your incorruptible body on earth, Reverend Father, like a life-giving font that heals every disease and every ulcer in people. Having received such a healer and prayer book, we cry out to him in gratitude: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
Your holy monastery has been firmly established and you have acquired quite a prayer book, and all the countries of Russia boast of your intercession . In the same way, we are sinners, as children of our father, we pray: intercede and save us from temptations and sorrows, troubles and misfortunes with your prayers, and let us cry to you joyfully: Rejoice, fragrant tree of the heavenly sky. Rejoice, cypress tree, fill the hearts of the faithful with incense. Rejoice, healer of the weak. Rejoice, rod, strengthen those who fall. Rejoice, hope and peace in the sea of this floating life. Rejoice, solid fence and refuge for those who work diligently for God. Rejoice, for all those who diligently flock to you, temptations and troubles will soon be delivered. Rejoice, hard cover for all who are overcome. Rejoice, for you have moved from the earthly abode to the heavenly abode. Rejoice, for you descended from the heavenly abode to the earthly abode to do good. Rejoice, for even after your departure you remain with us. Rejoice, for even after your repose, you resurrected our souls, killed by sins, through your prayers. Rejoice, Macarius, quick helper and glorious miracle worker.
Kontakion 11
singing and spiritual songs to the Trinity of the One Essence, with your heart and lips on earth, O blessed Macarius: even now in Heaven, with angelic ranks standing before the Trinity Throne, you unceasingly chanted the Divine song: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
From the light-giving lamp that enlightens our souls, by faith we see you, blessed father, standing before the Throne of God, and illuminated by your radiance, we call you like this: Rejoice, luminous cloud, enlighten our souls. Rejoice, saving water, watering everyone. Rejoice, wonderful shepherd. Rejoice, wise teacher. Rejoice, purity of the village. Rejoice, consolation for the sad. Rejoice, nourisher of the orphans. Rejoice, O representative of the offended. Rejoice, friend of the wisdom of God. Rejoice, inexhaustible source of the grace of healing. Rejoice, herald of God's commandments. Rejoice, inexhaustible treasure of God's mercy. Rejoice, Macarius, quick helper and glorious miracle worker.
Kontakion 12
Having come to know the grace from above that has been given to you, we reverently kiss your honest relics, which the Lord has deigned to miraculously reveal to us. We also cry out with gratitude to Christ our God: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
We rejoice in your departure to God, Reverend Macarius, we honor your sacred memory, we magnify your humility, we praise your long-suffering, we glorify your kindness, we rejoice at your deeds and the end of your course, for you have received the crown of righteousness from the Lord, the righteous Judge. Moreover, praying fervently that we may be deemed worthy to appear without condemnation at the Last Judgment Seat of Christ, we cry out to you: Rejoice, warm representative for us at the Throne of God. Rejoice, husband who glorified God in your soul and in your body. Rejoice, man perfect in virtues. Rejoice, wonderful imitator of our Heavenly Father. Rejoice, organizer of the monastery of monastics. Rejoice, most kind and kind teacher of monks. Rejoice, speedy helper and intercessor of all Orthodox. Rejoice, known propitiator of the Heavenly King. Rejoice, having often preceded petitions with your intercession. Rejoice, Heavenly citizen. Rejoice, as you rejoice with the venerable and righteous. Rejoice, for you will always triumph with all God’s chosen ones. Rejoice, Macarius, quick helper and glorious miracle worker.
Kontakion 13
O glorious and wonderful Father Macarius, graciously accept this little prayer of ours, and through your strong and favorable intercession before God, deliver us from all enemies, visible and invisible, from all misfortune and sorrow, from sudden death and future torment, so that we may be worthy with you and with all the saints forever sing a song of gratitude to God our Savior: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
(This kontakion is read three times, and then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)
Read prayer book in Russian online
Remember, Lord, the souls of Your departed servants, my parents (their names), and all relatives according to the flesh; and forgive all their sins, voluntary and involuntary, giving them the Kingdom of Heaven, and the participation of Your eternal blessings, and the pleasure of Your endless and blissful life. (Bow)
Remember, Lord, all those who have fallen asleep with the hope of resurrection and eternal life: our fathers and brothers and sisters, both the Orthodox Christians who lie here and everywhere, and with Your saints, where the light of Your face shines, settle them, and have mercy on us, as Good and Lover of Humanity. Amen. (Bow)
Grant, Lord, remission of sins to all those who have previously departed in the faith and hope of resurrection: our fathers, brothers and sisters, and create eternal memory for them. (Thrice)
For the pious use of those who wish, two pious prayers of recent times are placed below, which are not part of the ancient morning prayers.
Prayer of the last Optina elders
Lord, let me meet with peace of mind everything that the coming day will bring me. Let me completely surrender to Your holy will. For every hour of this day, instruct and support me in everything. Whatever news I receive during the day, teach me to accept it with a calm soul and the firm conviction that everything is Your holy will.
In all my words and deeds, guide my thoughts and feelings. In all unforeseen cases, do not let me forget that everything was sent down by You. Teach me to act directly and wisely with every person, without confusing or upsetting anyone. Lord, give me strength to endure the fatigue of the coming day and all the events during the day.
When to read prayers to a saint
People turned to the monk during his lifetime, and people turn to his relics even after his death. Macarius Zheltovodsky brings relief from diseases of the nervous system. Incurable illnesses and family conflicts also serve as reasons for turning to the elder with prayer. Believers address the saint in Church Slavonic or Russian. The text can be learned by heart or read from paper.
Place in the history of Orthodoxy Macarius of Zheltovodsk
The saint was born in Nizhny Novgorod in 1349. He was the only child of deeply religious parents. From early childhood he was different from other children. The baby could not calmly listen to the bell ringing, he cried and was capricious. Soon the concerned parents guessed what was causing the baby’s behavior and took him to the temple with them. In the service of Macarius, all signs of discontent disappeared. The child calmed down and began to smile.
Early childhood of the abbot
As soon as the baby grew up, he was sent to learn to read and write. Of all the subjects, the Holy Scripture was closest to him. What distinguished the boy from his peers was that he could read for hours about the lives of saints. I never missed a church service.
By the age of 12, his desire to become a monk had strengthened. Without warning his parents, Macarius went to the Pechersky Monastery. Realizing that good clothes would not allow him to appear before the abbot as a beggar orphan, he persuaded the beggar he met to exchange clothes. In this form he appeared at the monastery. He took sin upon his soul in the name of his holy goal.
Archimandrite Dionysius foresaw the boy’s craving for the Lord. He was tonsured a monk and began to live with the abbot of the monastery in the same cell.
The suffering of parents who lost their son
The parents of the future ascetic mourned the lost boy. By chance, Father Macarius learned about a boy who had come to the monastery when their son disappeared. But the boy refused to meet with his parent. He was afraid to become cowardly, feeling sorry for his father, and to leave the monastery. The unfortunate parent persuaded his son to at least show his hand. The man made sure that it was his son and left with the happy news to his wife. Their gratitude to the Lord was limitless. The son is alive and serves him.
Good deeds of the monk Macarius
The fame of the monk spread beyond the monastery. Pilgrims began to come from all over the area. They asked for the blessing of the monk.
Macarius wanted to communicate with the Lord. He did not need earthly glory. Therefore, large crowds of people eager to receive the ascetic’s instruction greatly oppressed him. And he secretly left the Pechersk Monastery. His path led to the Lug River. There he built a dugout for himself and began a hermit's life. But soon residents of nearby villages learned about him again. Other hermits began to settle nearby. Thus a new monastery was formed. Macarius became its rector.
The monk again decided to secretly leave his habitable home. A large crowd of people and the duties of the abbot prevented him from indulging in prayers to the Lord. The new refuge was the Zheltye Vody area in the foothills of the Urals. The area was inhabited entirely by people who did not know Christianity. The idolaters were conquered by the friendliness and kindness of the hermit. They began to bring him food. Macarius shared them with those in need. Again a monastery was formed around the saint’s dwelling. Again he was elected rector. The saint lived there until 1439.
Attack of the Tatar Khan Uluakhmet
In 1439, the monastery was attacked by the Tatar Khan Uluakhmet. Enemies suddenly attacked the monastery and massacred almost everyone living there. But Uluakhmet had heard about the glory of the abbot and ordered his release. The monks Macarius and 400 Russian captives also gained freedom. The Khan set the condition that the abbot and the monks of the monastery should not settle in the villages conquered by Uluakhmet.
The ascetic and his people again set off on a journey that ran through forests and swamps. Not far from the city of Unzhensk, the elder again established a monastery. Soon the date of death was revealed to him. According to the will of the monk, he was buried next to the last monastery.
The day of celebration of the saint is considered to be August 7th. The elder’s relics were transferred to the Trinity Monastery near Kostroma.
