Sergius of Radonezh is a revered saint in the Orthodox Church and especially by ordinary people. Fame came to him during his lifetime, since only his words guided him on the right path, and what he did not say helped a person in sorrow and troubles, being a consolation.
Sergei Radonezh helped inconsolable and begging people during his lifetime and continues to do so to this day. Many interesting facts from the life of the saint have reached our times, which make us believe in miracles and divine providence.
List of miracles and interesting facts from the life of the saint.
The Omen
Even before his birth, a miracle happened to the saint. Thanks to the chronicles, it is known that the saint’s mother once went to church while pregnant. And in the church all the parishioners heard the cry of a baby in the womb.
People surrounded the pregnant woman, assuring her that what had happened did not bode well. After some time, it became clear that this was a sign of the birth of God’s man. They named the newborn Bartholomew.
How to pray correctly
Believers must pray. It is better to read ready-made prayers written by saints. Such people have been praying alone for decades; they know what to ask the Lord God for. After all, prayer is not a desire that believers ask the Almighty to fulfill, but repentance of their own sins, a request for help and guidance on the true path.
St. Ephraim the Syrian said that people do not know what to pray for, they do not know what is useful for them, what they need to ask God for in prayers. The Almighty already knows all the problems of Christians. He will help save a sinful soul if a person repents of his sins and reads prayers written by holy people.
Prayer
This happened when Bartholomew started school. The little boy began to attend school with his older brother. The older brother coped well with his studies, grasping everything on the fly. But the boy could not master literacy, so he was sent to graze cattle near the school.
One day, while walking, he met an old man who was praying under an oak tree after long wanderings. Bartholomew invited him to his place to give the wanderer something to drink and feed. After lunch, the elder asked the boy: “Can’t you study? Come closer and say a prayer to me.” The boy came up and began to read, which surprised himself. After the elder’s blessing, Bartholomew studied and read diligently.
Lived the life of a hermit
Stefan, unlike his brother, could not live in solitude for long. Soon he left it, choosing another share for himself - the Epiphany Monastery in Moscow. Bartholomew was left completely alone . Soon he took monastic vows from Abbot Mitrofan, who gave him the new name “Sergius”.
After some time, the solitary lifestyle of Radonezh was disrupted. Other believers began to settle next to him, and a brethren (monastic community) was formed.
tonsure
Bartholomew's elder brother returned to the city and left to serve in the Epiphany Monastery, since life was a burden to him in a deserted place. But Bartholomew himself took monastic vows on the day of commemoration of the martyrs Sergius and Bacchus and was given the name Sergius.
People from different places began to come to the saint to pray and retire, seeking guidance. A monastery appeared and grew rapidly.
It is known that under Sergei the brethren lived according to strict regulations; if they were violated, then the offender was obliged to leave the monastery. It was not allowed to beg for alms; the monks had to work constantly.
When an icon is venerated
The memory of the life of the Reverend is alive to this day. The saint is remembered by the clergy, because thanks to him many monasteries were opened in Russian lands. Father Sergius contributed to the strengthening of Orthodoxy in Rus'. The Church remembers the hieromonk twice every year. The first time was in the summer on July 18, on the day of the discovery of his relics. The holiday is dedicated to the removal of remains from a flooded grave and their transfer to a safe place in a new church. Since the 15th century, Orthodox Christians have celebrated the death of the abbot every year on October 8th. On memorial days, a festive service is held in churches in honor of St. Sergius. The clergy and believers sing the troparion to the hieromonk.
During his lifetime, Father Sergius was very wise, kind, and educated. He advocated the unification of Rus', called on the princes not to fight each other, but to unite and oppose the Tatars. Sergius blessed believers with family happiness, love and fidelity. Lonely people turn their prayers to him, he helps them find their soul mate and happiness.
An icon depicting a saint should be in every home. It helps you become more tolerant, kinder, smarter. True, to find happiness and peace of mind, you need to repent of all your sins, sincerely ask God to save your sinful soul and put you on the right path.
Miracle of Prayer
The saint knew how to treat various ailments, be they physical or mental. From the chronicles we know about a case when Sergius was brought in a boy who had recently died from a serious illness; he took the boy from a desperate parent.
The saint rubbed the boy with medicinal herbs, praying for his recovery. After the prayer, the boy came to life and was healthy. Soon people from the immediate vicinity learned about the saint’s miracles and people began to flock, each believer left Sergius, having received healing of an illness or wise advice.
Boyar origin
Sergius's parents were of boyar origin . They lived in the Rostov principality. Their estate was located on the banks of the Ishni River. Father - Kirill, a purebred Russian boyar. Nothing is known about the mother's origins. There are suggestions that Maria’s ancestors are ordinary Russian people.
Despite their origin and financial situation, Kirill and Maria chose to live not in the city, but in the village. They knew a lot, they worked a lot. They were very pious people: they followed all church rules, prayed, visited churches, helped those in need and welcomed strangers.
Monasteries and his disciples
During his lifetime, Sergius of Radonezh built many monasteries. And one day, while praying, he saw a flock of birds from his cell. Some time later, during a vision, he was told: “This is how the flock of your disciples grows.” It is known that people of different incomes and ranks came to him. So one day Saint Stephen, who revered Sergius of Radonezh, wanted to visit his monastery on his way back after visiting the Moscow diocese. But on the way to the diocese, he stopped 8 miles before the saint’s monastery, after praying, the saint bowed with the words: “Peace be with you, spiritual brother.” Seeing it in his mind, Sergius stood up, prayed and gave a blessing to the saint. After which he told his disciples about this, those who did not believe in the miracle hastened to go to the place where the saint was and were convinced by the words of the monk.
What do they pray to the saint for?
Believers consider Father Sergius a miracle worker and a saint. In their prayers, they ask the Reverend Elder to help them in worldly affairs, protect them from evil influences, and heal their body and soul.
Studies
Father Sergius helps with studies, before sessions and exams. The saint hears the prayers of everyone who prays and turns to him. You need to say in front of the icon: “Reverend Father Sergius, pray to God for me!” Before exams, it is advisable to go to church, pray and light a candle to the saint.
Litigation
Believers turn to the saint on the eve of trials. During his lifetime, Father Sergius stood up for the weak and helped them in the struggle for justice. Prayer to his divine face gives self-confidence to all who fight for the truth in the courts.
Quieting Pride
St. Sergius can help in prayers for the granting of humility and the taming of pride. When turning to the Reverend Elder, you need to repent of your sins and ask him to pray before God for your sinful soul.
Healing
Mothers turn to the Reverend Elder and ask him to heal the child. The saint is a mediator between people and the Almighty. Orthodox believe in the intercession of Sergius. Christians pray to him and ask him to grant health to themselves, their children, and their loved ones.
Protection
Prayer to Saint Sergius protects the house from enemies, and the soul from evil thoughts and passions. The elder served his native Fatherland all his life, strengthened the princes’ faith in God before battles, and sent monks to defend the land and fight the Tatars. Sergius always trusted in God’s help and received it in difficult times. His life is an example for all Christians.
Job
Sergius of Radonezh worked all his life. Believers turn to him so that in prayers to the Lord the holy elder will help them overcome life's difficulties. Sergius gives Christians faith in their own strength, encourages them not to be afraid of any work, and helps them get a new job.
Peace of mind
Fervent prayer to the holy elder helps to get rid of sinful thoughts, calm the soul, and find peace of mind. Sergius of Radonezh believed that faith in the Lord God and observance of his commandments help to live a righteous life and not sin. He taught his students humility and tolerance. Believers turn their requests to the Reverend Elder in the most anxious days of their lives.
Divine Liturgy
The chronicles say that even during his lifetime Sergius could communicate with disembodied spirits. The saint’s disciples testify to this; during the Divine Liturgy they saw the angel of God together with St. Sergius in the altar.
30 years later, the incorruptible relics of the saint were found. Every person suffering from healing can venerate the relics of Sergius of Radonezh and hope for his mercy. Many believers and those who pray to the saint testify to the cure of illnesses.
Sergei of Radonezh is considered the patron saint of students and the Russian army, and it is also generally believed that he instructs monastics and protects Russian lands.
Where are the icons located?
The Venerable Father Sergius is depicted on single and hagiographic icons. He was often depicted at full length in a cassock, because he was a monk all his life. In the hagiographic icons, artists painted an image of Father Sergius in the center, and about 17-20 scenes from his life along the edges. In each mark you can see what the hieromonk did - he healed the sick, prayed, blessed the soldiers for victory.
In the Holy Trinity Lavra of Sergius in the Moscow region, in Sergiev Posad, there are the relics of the saint. The remains and holy icon of the hieromonk are available in the courtyard of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra in the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity, as well as in the Church of St. Nicholas in Klenniki, in the Moscow Church of Elijah the Obydeniy. In the village of Bibirevo, in the Church of St. Sergius, there is an ancient icon that commemorates salvation from cholera in the 19th century. The collection of the Andrei Rublev Museum contains an icon of the hieromonk with 17 marks of his life. An image of the saint is found in almost every church.
Foresaw his own death
Sergius of Radonezh knew about his death. Six months before his death, he gathered the brethren and told them that he did not have long left . He finished all his business, in particular, he gave instructions to the new abbot Nikon, after which he imposed a vow of silence on himself.
Sergius devoted the last months of his life to prayers. In his will, he specified that his body be buried with others in the community cemetery. The monastic brethren were upset, because during his lifetime Radonezh was considered a saint, and they wanted to honor their abbot.
Gave his blessing to the Battle of Kulikovo
Prince Dmitry of Moscow came to Sergius for advice. At that time, it became known about Mamai’s attack on Rus'. Dmitry shared his thoughts with Radonezhsky. He said that he tried to prevent the war, sent rich gifts to Mamai, but he demanded war.
Sergius gave him the following advice: “Gather an army, prince.” He sent two of his monks, who had previously been famous warriors, to help . The army was assembled and the Battle of Kulikovo began. During the hostilities, Sergius gathered the entire brethren around him and talked about what was happening on the battlefield. The enemy army was defeated.
The prince received the nickname Donskoy for his victory on the Don River. In the evening of the same day, Radonezh served a memorial service for the victims. During the service, he called everyone by name...
He is credited with miracles in the resurrection and treatment of the sick.
Sergius is one of the most beloved saints in Rus'. He performed miracles during his lifetime. He was credited with miracles in the resurrection and healing of the sick .
The most famous case is a man whose only son was seriously ill. The man, having learned about Sergius of Radonezh, decided to try his luck. But he did not have time to deliver the child to the abbot; he died on the way. Radonezh, seeing his father's grief, resurrected the boy. The child no longer suffered from the disease. Sergius himself said that it seemed to the man that his son had died, he just lost consciousness.
What is this, natural modesty or distortion of facts? Now it is hardly possible to find an answer to this question.
Refused to become metropolitan
Metropolitan Alexei, before his death, called upon Sergius; he wanted Radonezh to become his successor. He refused because he decided to devote his life to serving God .
In light of these events, Sergius found himself in trouble. He proposed the candidacy of Suzdal Bishop Dionysius for the role of metropolitan. Dmitry Donskoy wanted to see his confessor Mikhail in this post. The fight began. Dionysius was taken into custody and released only after he secured the support of Radonezh and promised not to travel to Constantinople.
The decree of the high priest without the knowledge of the Ecumenical Patriarch was considered illegal. Dionysius did not keep his word and his actions brought a lot of trouble to Radonezh.
Biography of Sergius of Radonezh
Sergius of Radonezh (baptized Bartholomew) is an outstanding monk-ascetic, an ascetic who subordinated his life to God’s commandments of love and harmony, a symbol of the unity of Rus', who contributed to its unification after fragmentation and civil strife, a spiritual leader who convinced of the need to strengthen statehood to overthrow the Golden Horde yoke.
Sergius of Radonezh
He was the creator of the Holy Trinity Monastery, an adherent of the monastic cenobitic tradition, the initiator of the practice of eldership, a thinker who not only imitated Byzantine theological ideas, but also creatively developed them. He possessed wonderful mystical knowledge, protected those suffering from illness and all evil, and raised them from the dead.
Sincere prayer to the righteous protects in difficult life situations, helps orphans and widows, patronizes people bearing his name, monks and military men, helps students gain knowledge, scientists in the success of experiments, suspects in the fair outcome of legal proceedings, relieves envy and pride, heals diseases.
