Top 10 interesting facts about Sergius of Radonezh

The name of Sergius of Radonezh is known to every inhabitant of our country. It is heard even by those who are far from faith. Hieromonk of the Russian Church, a great ascetic of the Russian Land, he did a lot for the spiritual development of the people. He is called the “Guardian Angel of Russia”. Since the XNUMXth century, he has been considered a saint in the guise of saints.

The main merit of Radonezh is the opening of temples, but his personality is surrounded by real miracles, both during life and after death. Now the flow of pilgrims to the relics and divine conversions of the saint still does not dry out. He is asked for success in education, spiritual and physical health, and other needs.

If you are a believer or just interested in the history of Christianity, pay attention to our article. Below is a rating of the most interesting facts about Sergius of Radonezh: biography and stories from the life of the saint, amazing legends about him.

10 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 origin of the mother. There are suggestions that the ancestors of Mary are ordinary Russian people.

Despite their origin and financial situation, Cyril and Maria chose life not in the city, but in the village. They did a lot of things, worked hard. They were very pious people: they observed all church rules, prayed, visited temples, helped those in need and welcomed strangers.

9. Since childhood, he preferred silence and spent time praying

Cyril and Maria had 4 children, at birth Sergius received the name Bartholomew. There are many stories about his childhood. The life describes a case when Mary, pregnant with Bartholomew, came to church, and he cried out three times in the womb. The boy did not breastfeed on Wednesdays and Fridays, and also when his mother ate meat.

When Bartholomew grew up a little, he was not eager to participate in games and pampering. He observed a strict fast, which often caused disagreements with his mother. The boy loved silence and even then spent a lot of time praying. When Bartholomew turned 12, he asked his parents for a blessing to become a monk. True, they did not give consent, they asked to wait for their death.

8. Gave away his part of the inheritance and decided on a solitary life

Soon the family was forced to move to the city of Radonezh. They lost almost all their fortune, the main reason was the raids of the Tatars and the appointment of the Moscow governor, the deprivation of the Rostov nobility of all property. Cyril and Maria managed to save something.

After the death of his parents, Bartholomew renounced his share of the inheritance. He gave it to his younger brother, and he himself went to the Pokrovsky Khotkovsky Monastery. His elder brother Stefan lived there.

Bartholomew made a difficult decision to go into the forest, build a church there and live in seclusion. Stefan supported his brother and also left the monastery. They found a deserted place, founded a small church named after the Holy Trinity.

7. Led the life of a hermit

Stefan, unlike his brother, could not live long in seclusion. Soon he left it, choosing another share for himself – the Epiphany Monastery in Moscow. Bartholomew was left all alone. Soon he received the tonsure from Abbot Mitrofan, who gave him the new name “Sergius”.

After some time, the solitary lifestyle of Radonezhsky was violated. Other believers began to settle next to him, a brethren (monastic community) formed.

6. He is credited with miracles for the resurrection and treatment of the sick.

Sergius is one of the most beloved saints in Rus’. He worked miracles during his lifetime. He was credited with miracles for the resurrection and treatment of the sick..

The most famous case of 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 the grief of his father, 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 it, natural modesty or distortion of facts? Now it is hardly possible to find an answer to this question.

5. During his reign, the construction of monasteries flourished.

The number of Sergius’ disciples gradually increased, and in 1342 (probable date) a monastery was established, which later became Trinity-Sergius Lavra. This is not the only monastery founded by St. Sergius. During his reign construction flourished..

On his account, the Annunciation Monastery on Kirzhach (female), Vysotsky, Staro-Golutvin. The abbots of the monasteries were the students of Radonezh. Sergius’ disciples followed his example. During the life of their abbot, as well as after his death, about 40 monasteries were formed.

4. Foresaw his own death

Sergius of Radonezh knew about his death. Six months before his death, he gathered the brethren and told that he did not have much time left.. He finished all his affairs, in particular, he gave instruction to the new hegumen 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 already during his lifetime Radonezhsky was considered a saint, and they wanted to honor their hegumen.

3. Gave blessing to the Battle of Kulikovo

Prince Dmitry of Moscow came to Sergius for advice. At that time, it became known about the attack of Mamai on Rus’. Dmitry shared his thoughts with Radonezhsky. He told that he tried to prevent the war, sent rich gifts to Mamai, but he demanded war.

Sergius gave him this advice:Gather an army, prince“. To help, he sent two of his monks, who were formerly famous warriors.. The army was assembled, the Battle of Kulikovo began. During the hostilities, Sergius gathered all the brethren around him and talked about what was happening on the battlefield. The enemy army was destroyed.

The prince received the nickname Donskoy, for having won a victory on the Don River. In the evening of the same day, Radonezhsky served a memorial service for the dead. During the service, he called everyone by name …

2. Refused to become a metropolitan

Metropolitan Alexei called Sergius before his death, he wanted Radonezhsky to become his successor. He refused because he decided to devote his life to the service of God.

In the light of these events, Sergius got into an unpleasant story. He proposed the candidacy of the Bishop of Suzdal 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, he was released only after he enlisted the support of Radonezh and promised not to go to Constantinople.

The decision of the primate without the knowledge of the Ecumenical Patriarch was considered illegal. Dionysius did not keep his word and by his act brought a lot of trouble to Radonezh.

1. The first temple in honor of the saint was built 71 years after his death

In 1422-1423 the first church was erected in honor of St. Sergius. This is the work of his student Nikon, who thus wanted to thank his teacher. He founded the Trinity Cathedral on the site of the first Trinity Church.

The cathedral marked the beginning of the formation of the architectural ensemble of the monastery of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. The relics of Sergius of Radonezh are kept here and are considered the main shrine of the cathedral. At the moment it is active and everyone can visit the cathedral and ask for help from St. Sergius of Radonezh.