Life of a Saint
The boy was born in 1610 in Serbia into a devout family. His worldly name is Stoyan. From childhood, the child knew what fasting and prayer were. Lived in fear of the Lord. The boy's uncle Seraphim was the abbot of the Zavala monastery, where Stoyan was eventually brought. Here he learned the wisdom of Holy Scripture and studied various sciences. The monastery had a large library and many learned monks who instilled in the boy a love of knowledge. The young man had to visit two more monasteries.
- Tvrdosh - in this place he took monastic vows with the name Vasily. He was awarded first the deaconate and then the priestly rank.
- Cetinje Monastery, which is located in Montenegro. Here the monk was detained by Metropolitan Mardariy, who eventually sinned with a maid and blamed Vasily for it. The latter was sentenced to death. But he asked to postpone it. When the servant's child was born, he took it in his arms, blew three times and asked whose it was. The baby, to everyone's surprise, pointed to the metropolitan. After this, Vasily was acquitted.
After returning to Tvrdosh, the monk became an archimandrite. He visited villages in the area, performed divine services, and taught everyone the Holy Scriptures. He went on a trip to Rus', from where he brought priestly gifts and money. With their help, he managed to rebuild many abandoned churches and opened schools at churches and monasteries. The Herzegovinian Turks did not like this activity of the archimandrite, so they looked for an opportunity to deal with him.
Over time, Vasily went to Mount Athos, passing through many monasteries and Pecs, where he met the patriarch. The latter appointed the archimandrite as a bishop, who after his return continued to be active in strengthening Orthodoxy. Over time, due to Turkish persecution, he was forced to go to Ostrog, where he built a real monastery in a cave.
Ostrog Monastery, where St. Vasily Ostrogsky (Niksic, Montenegro)
The saint died in 1671 in his cell at prayer. In this place, a vine grew out of the rock wall. The bishop's body was buried in the Vvedenskaya Church. His memorial day is celebrated on May 12.
Patriarch Pavel gave me the name
– Yes, then the Holy Bishops’ Council, an extraordinary council, was held in the Ostrog monastery. There was a war going on, it was difficult, it was in 1993. Then my tonsure took place. But I was somehow not ready, because first my tonsure was scheduled for the Exaltation of the Cross, then it was postponed, then it was postponed again, this happens often, but, thank God, everything was very good. I don’t know what to say, I have a recording of the tonsure on my disk, but I’ve never watched it, I just remember, I love to remember about it, I remember it often. Patriarch Pavel gave me the name. There were two options: Jeremiah and Paul. Father Lazar asked: “Which name should I choose?” – he really liked the name Jeremiah, but they chose Paul.
– How long was Father Lazar the abbot of the monastery and your confessor?
– Until his repose, until 2001. It was a wonderful period, a period of growth in his fatherly love, under the wing of Father Lazarus, although we were a little spoiled here. Then came a period of testing our spiritual maturity, we all went through it, with different results.
- In what sense are you spoiled?
“He was a great consolation for us, he always found consolation for us and answers to all our doubts and questions, we had nothing to worry about, there was a feeling of security. And from each person a certain spiritual maturity is required, and if he is a monk, then, first of all, obedience: first of all to God through the abbot, confessor, despite emotions, spiritual state, mood. After the spiritual experience of living with Father Lazarus, this was not easy, but it was necessary and beneficial for our maturation.
Father Lazar himself was a man of obedience. He did not establish any special rules, never insisted on anything, was strict, but his severity came from his personal feat. And then it was very difficult for us, because we were used to such relationships. Although he did not consider himself obedient and said about himself: I am not a man of obedience, I am saved by enduring illnesses.
Although he fulfilled every blessing of the confessor and metropolitan in the most careful manner.
Protosingel Pavel (Radusinovich), abbot of the Ostrog monastery
- He was ill?
– Yes, he was very sick even before coming to the monastery, he had diseased lungs (he suffered from tuberculosis for a year), he also had a stomach ulcer, and he died of brain cancer.
He never missed a service. We saw that he was seriously ill, that he was taking medication. It happened that he was overcome by such weakness when he could not pray in the temple and said: “But let’s see what the end will be.” And when he already fell ill with cancer, I came to his cell and saw, often saw, how he, no longer able to stand, prayed, leaning on the closet and said: “See, I’m trying!” And he asked: “Am I good?”
Godly deeds
Many pilgrims came to Ostrog to visit the saint. They were looking for consolation and help in various misfortunes. Vasily did not deprive anyone of attention. He helped everyone with his advice and often gave alms. He also called on believers to be merciful. Taking part in the construction of temples, he carried stones with his own hands.
The saint made a huge contribution to the preservation and unity of the Orthodox Church. At a time when Catholic Jesuits sought to impose their principles on religion and the Ottoman Empire tried to conquer the country, he did everything possible to strengthen Orthodoxy.
Atrocities of the occupiers
As before, Saint Basil began to lead the Services, although he knew that his actions were displeasing the Turkish authorities, from whom he had already received threats more than once. Meanwhile, the Turks were already openly simply killing Orthodox priests: they killed the Patriarch of Constantinople Kirill Lukaris, tortured and killed the Metropolitan of Eastern Herzegovina, and hanged the Serbian Patriarch Gabriel.
In 1662, the Turkish conquerors committed another atrocity. Reveling in his power and impunity, in the north of modern Montenegro, the Muslim ruler exterminated 67 elders. Some of them were simply killed, some had their stomachs ripped open, some were impaled. It was a scary time.
In addition, the unexpected happened: in the Tvrdosh monastery there were rumors that Vasily was allegedly conducting secret correspondence with the Vatican, trying to quickly sign a union with them. For the archpastor, this was a stab in the back from his brothers. He never expected this!
Finding the relics
7 years after his death, the monk appeared in a dream to Abbot Rafail Kosierevets, who was the rector of the monastery of the Apostle Luke in Župa. Vasily asked to go to Ostrog and open his grave. But the request was ignored. The dream repeated itself, but the abbot again did nothing. In his last dream, the saint appeared to the abbot of the monastery with a censer in his hand, the heat from which fell on the sleeping man’s face. Waking up, Raphael immediately went to Ostrog. There he told the monks about his dreams. They immediately began to fast, performed prayer rules and liturgies.
The saint's grave was opened on the 7th day. His remains turned out to be incorrupt, they exuded a pleasant fragrance. The relics were moved by the monks to the Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. They are still there today. Many pilgrims flock to the holy place. Various miracles happen here. Believers often travel long distances on foot. Often the distance from the Lower to the Upper Monastery is covered on one's knees. From the sacred place, pilgrims bring with them holy water, blessed oil, incense and prosphora to help loved ones who cannot venerate the relics of the saint.
Relics of St. Vasily Ostrogsky
Near the shrine with incorruptible remains the sacrament of Baptism is often performed. Children are named after the bishop. The sick are brought here. Their healing is evidenced by crutches, stretchers, and jewelry, which are left as a token of gratitude.
general information
The monastery is located at the base of the Ostrog mountain range, at an altitude of just under a thousand meters above sea level. This place has almost always served as a home for monks. The monastery literally hangs on a high steep cliff, for which pilgrims often compare it to the famous Greek meteors and call it the church in the rock of Montenegro.
The monastery has two levels:
- Lower Temple.
- Upper Temple.
The distance between them is 600 meters. Baptisms are held in the Lower Church, and the relics of Vasily are kept in the Upper Church. There is also a spring with holy water on the territory of the monastery, and anyone can easily draw liquid from there.
There is a place where you can spend the night and many shops where you can buy church souvenirs, books, and icons. They may also offer special oil. It has an unusual effect: it helps to get rid of pain very quickly if you use the product during a massage.
Here you can also encounter a picturesque view: a mountainous area full of trees, shrubs and grasses; and in the evening there will be cool weather and beautiful sunsets. You should also not forget about the architecture of this place, which forms a huge part of the world's cultural heritage. Anyone can stay here overnight in a hotel.
Miracles of the Saint
Thanks to Vasily’s prayer, healings often occurred. After the death of the saint, miracles also occur. News about them spreads throughout the whole world.
Healing a woman
In 1957, a seriously ill woman named Elena was brought to the Upper Monastery. Above her, near the shrine with the relics, a prayer for health was read. The woman was left near the incorruptible remains for some time. She fell asleep there for a while. When I woke up, I felt much better. The patient and her relatives returned home and soon recovered completely.
Healing in Ostrog
In 1956, the miracle was personally witnessed by Drago Chabarkapa from the village of Vrulje, who came to venerate the relics of the saint. He said that he was very ill. The man had a very painful stomach. The doctors said that surgery was needed. Although the pain intensified, Drago went home, where he could no longer get out of bed. One day he had a dream in which he was walking along a road in the dark. He was very scared. On the way, the man met an old man who directed him to a bright and beautiful room. He said that this was the monastery of St. Basil and that the patient needed to spend the night here. After the dream, Drago and his parents went to Ostrog, although he was very ill. There, daily prayers were read over the man, and after each of them his condition improved. And over time, the disease went away completely.
Godly deeds of Vasily Ostrozhsky, ancient fresco
Cure from a nervous disorder
The disease overwhelmed the young girl in 1950. Parents, trying to help, took their daughter to the best doctors in the country. But there was no result, the patient only got worse. When hope was already leaving the girl’s relatives, the mother decided to take her to Ostrog. The road was very difficult, the demoniac constantly tried to return back. But the pilgrims managed to get to the monastery. There, prayers were read over the sick woman. The monastery became a place to stay for the night. And the next morning, to the surprise of everyone, the girl turned out to be completely healthy.
Unusual birth
In the 70s of the 19th century, one priest learned about a woman who had already been pregnant for about a year and could not give birth to a child. He immediately offered to take the expectant mother to Ostrog. There, the clergyman and the monk performed a prayer service for the unfortunate woman. After this, the woman returned to the priest’s house, where 3 days later she began having contractions. A healthy boy was born.
Healing a blind Turk
One rich Turk from Skadar was completely blind. Wanting to be healed, he visited various monasteries. The turn came to Ostrozhsky. Having heard about the miracles that happened in this place, the patient strongly believed in Vasily’s help. When the monk led the blind man to the shrine with the relics, the sick man kissed it. The monk read a prayer and gave the Turk to wash himself with water, which stood nearby in a stone vessel. The blind man then said that he seemed to see light. The next morning he regained his sight and came to venerate the relics himself. Returning home, he sent generous gifts to the monastery.
Mosaic with St. Vasily Ostrozhsky in the temple, Chuvashia
Study and life in the monasteries of Zavala and Tvrdosh
Stoyan was the only, long-awaited child in the family, and his parents did not want to be separated from him under any circumstances. But in order to save the boy from the Turks and, observing his behavior, the loving mother and father decided that it would be better to send their son to study at the Zavala Monastery (Manastir Zavala), this is modern Bosnia and Herzegovina. Moreover, the boy’s uncle Seraphim then served as abbot of this monastery. This happened when the boy was 11 years old, in 1622.
There were workshops at the monastery where you could learn some craft. In addition, there was a large library there, which gave the young man an amazing opportunity to read, learn new things and study. So the Zavalsky Monastery at that time was a center of education for young people.
After spending several years in the Zavala monastery, Stoyan Petrovich Jovanovic left in 1625 for another monastery called Tvrdosh. At that time, it housed the residence of the ruling bishop of the Trebinj diocese
An important event took place here for the young Stoyan: he took monastic vows, taking the name Vasily in honor of Basil the Great, a saint of the 4th century
Let me digress a little, this interesting fact is known. In the family of Basil the Great, if you count him together, there were 10 children. 5 boys and 5 girls. Of these, 5 people were subsequently canonized. Can you imagine? This is family, this is parents, this is upbringing!
Very soon, after arriving in Tvrdosh, Monk Vasily became a deacon, and then accepted the rank of hieromonk.
What do they pray to Vasily Ostrogsky for?
Not only Orthodox Christians, but also people of other religions can turn to the Wonderworker. There is information about the saint’s assistance to Muslims and Catholics. Prayer to Saint Basil of Ostrog helps overcome nervous disorders and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. There are cases of healing from cancer. The saint is especially often called upon for help in difficult situations. They resort to him with petitions:
- about resolving controversial issues - once upon a time, on a shrine with relics, they found out whether people were right;
- about family reconciliation - there have been cases when even long-time warring people were reconciled;
- about marriage.
People standing on the threshold of a new life can also turn to the Miracle Worker for help. A saint will always help someone who is unjustly offended. According to legend, you should write your wish on a piece of paper and leave it in a crack in the monastery. It will definitely come true.
Rules for visiting the Ostrog monastery
In order not to desecrate the feelings of true believers, a number of rules should be observed in the monastery itself and on its territory:
- A visit to a monastery requires certain clothing requirements. Both women and men must have their shoulders and knees covered. Men should replace their T-shirts and shorts with T-shirts (shirts) and trousers; women can use long skirts and cover their shoulders with scarves (surprisingly, women do not have to cover their heads in the monastery).
- No smoking allowed.
- You are not allowed to take photographs or videotape inside (filming from drones is also prohibited).
- Visiting the monastery with pets is prohibited.
Rules of prayer
It is better to pray in front of the icon of Vasily Ostrozhsky, which is purchased in a church shop. To make your prayers to the saint faster, you should follow certain recommendations:
- make the request sincerely, from the bottom of your heart;
- have bright intentions, not wish harm to anyone;
- pray with strong faith, otherwise nothing will work out;
- pronounce sacred words consciously.
After the assistance provided, you need to say a prayer of gratitude. A special sacred text or your own words will be suitable. The prayer words created on the day of remembrance of the saint are especially powerful.
Spiritual life connects us with God, if we lose this connection, nothing will work out for us
We are also invited to the Sretensky Festival, which will take place soon. Taking this opportunity, I want to emphasize the importance of spiritual life, the need to go to church. Spiritual life connects us with God; if we lose this connection, nothing will work out for us. Maybe it will work out on the earthly level, but on the spiritual level - nothing, and even our earthly achievements will be lost if they remain an end in themselves. A person should have the same necessary need to be in church as he does to go to work, eat, and sleep.
I remember from myself that when I was baptized, I was at the service every Sunday. One day I even thought: had I gone a little crazy? And I decided to skip a few services. But as soon as I heard the ringing of the bells, I got dressed and hurried to the temple, but I couldn’t stand it. And some kind of temptation happened, and I was not able to take communion (this was on the feast of the holy apostles Peter and Paul). It was so hard for me, I was so hungry and thirsty for God, that from then on I was very attentive to my life, so that nothing would interfere with approaching the Chalice.
Youngest bishop
In 1638, on the Feast of the Transfiguration, twenty-eight-year-old Vasily was ordained bishop. Although, according to canonical rules, this is possible no earlier than when the applicant reaches 30 years of age. But the patriarch, as an exception, seeing the holiness and piety of Vasily, slightly changed the rules that had existed for a long time.
The residence of the new bishop was the monastery in Tvrdosh. But having received this rather high rank, the miracle worker, just as before, went around the surrounding villages, came to people and taught them Christian commandments, preaching Orthodoxy.
Ikos 3
Imash the holy power of the confessor of Christ, with patience and love you will overcome all demonic torment and malice. For this reason, we magnify you with the crown of our tears and prayers, merciful father! Rejoice, servant of God, crowned with Heavenly glory! Rejoice, faithful servant of the Most Holy Trinity, who has received the Heavenly reward for his faithfulness! Rejoice, long-suffering renewer of the Church, and in yourself you have built a temple to the Creator! Rejoice, beautiful desert dweller, for through your deeds the Ostrog desert is like an unfading lily and blossoms fragrantly! Rejoice, O victorious evil spirits, who humbled the Hagaryan violence with humility! Rejoice, you who bear the royal name in your name, and the mercy and glory of the Heavenly King in the work and vigil of the acquisitive! Rejoice, you have washed away our sinful blindness with the tears of your suffering! Rejoice, God-seer of the mysteries of Heaven, who gives us help and consolation! Rejoice, Saint Basil, praise of our family!
Memory of the Great Saint
In Montenegro
In memory of the great saint, churches bearing his name were built in many cities of Montenegro and beyond.
The church in Belgrade (Church of St. Basil of Ostrog in Belgrade) has the shape of a rotunda. She (Tsrkva svetog Vasilija Ostroshkog - in Serbian) even has her own choir. There is a bell tower on the side. The entire architectural ensemble is surrounded by a beautiful park.
The Ostroh Church is located at the address: Serbia, Belgrade, Partizanske aviјatsie, 25. Coordinates: 44.82035, 20.38793.
The cathedral in Niksic (previously this city in Montenegro was called Onogosht) was built in 1900 on the initiative of Nikola 1 Petrovic Njegos. Russian Emperor Alexander III financed this construction. The Saborna Church of St. Basil Ostroshki became a kind of monument to all the Montenegrin heroes who died in the fight against foreign invaders. Memorial plaques with their names are installed on the sides of this church.
The cathedral is located near the royal palace of Nikola-1 in the city of Niksic, on the Petrova Glavica hill. Coordinates: 42.77008, 18.95265.
church of St. Basil of Ostrog in Dobrota is very interesting . This small temple is located in the city cemetery. The belfry with two bells is located directly above the entrance and stands out for its original stone decoration.
The Church of Svetog Vasilija Ostroshkog near Dobroti has another unusual detail in its design. Above the entrance of the Church of St. Basil of Ostrog (English) there is a delightful mosaic depicting Basil of Ostrog against the backdrop of the monastery he founded.
You can enter the Church of St. Basil of Ostrog (Montenegro) only for the Divine service held there on Sundays at 8 a.m. But the entrance to the chapel located to the left of it is possible at any time.
Coordinates of the Church of St. Vasily Ostrogsky in the city of Dobrota (Montenegro): 42.44619, 18.76665.
In Russia
Not only in Montenegro is Vasily Ostrogsky revered. In Russia there are also churches consecrated in honor of this saint. Not many, of course, but they are there. Relatively recently, a church in the name of Vasily Ostrozhsky opened in Novosibirsk. Moreover, it is interesting that the temple was originally planned to be consecrated in honor of another saint. But, apparently, the Serbian saint Basil, the Wonderworker of Ostrog, decided that the cities of Russia also really needed his patronage! And a series of unexpected events led to the fact that the Novosibirsk temple was ultimately dedicated to Vasily Ostrozhsky.
I hope this article was interesting for you and helped you learn more about another of our heavenly protectors - St. Basil of Ostrog, Metropolitan of Zaholmo-Herzegovina.
My trip to the Ostrog rock monastery, where I already “met” the Serbian wonderworker Vasily in person, took place on February 13, 2021.
The map below shows other attractions of Montenegro that I was able to visit.
Share in the comments below which Christian saints you revere, whose lives made the greatest impression.
Birth of boy Stoyan
The future Saint Basil of Ostrog was born at the end of 1610, namely, on December 28. At birth the boy was given the name Stoyan. Stojan Jovanovic's father and mother - Peter and Anastasia - were pious people and taught this to their beloved son. So fasting and daily prayers were familiar to the boy from early childhood.
Fellow villagers in the village of Mrkonjic in Popov Polje (Herzegovina) loved Stoyan for his kindness and willingness to always help. But, as happens always and everywhere, there were also ill-wishers in the village. In addition, the Turks ruling the Serbian land introduced a conscription under which they could freely take any person in order to train him in military affairs and make him a Janissary. At the same time, it was believed that it was necessary to change faith from Orthodoxy to Islam. This was even done by force.
