Saint Sergius of Radonezh on the pages of Russian history

St. Sergius of Radonezh holds a special place not only among the revered Russian saints, but also in the history of Russian state. Celebrating the birthday of ascetic of the Russian land, the Presidential Library makes publicly available on the website a series of rare books that tell about the meaning of the acts of Sergius of Radonezh and his impact on the most important historical events.

The book "St. Sergius of Radonezh, a great ascetic and sympathizer of the Russian land" by a priest John Morev, published in St. Petersburg in 1893, tells in detail about the life of the great ascetic.

"St. Sergius, secular name Bartholomew, born May 3, 1319 from the noble and pious parents, Rostov boyars Cyril and Mary. Since the early days mother and father noticed in their son a lot of marvelous and extraordinary." When Bartholomew reached the age of seven, his parents sent him to a school. The boy was remarkable for special diligence, he listened attentively to the teacher, sometimes spent the nights reading books. The older Bartholomew became, the "clearer and harder revealed his special moral virtues, the more showed up his extraordinary hearty impulses and desires... Particularly surprising was his fasting and abstinence." Bartholomew’s soul longed for the highest perfection and holiness, and he decided to "devote his life to serving the one God." As the author writes, "it is difficult to describe the ascetic life of the young monk Sergius; it is difficult to express in words the greatness of his virtues; hard to imagine the whole burden of spiritual struggle, which he had suffered; it is impossible to count all the sorrows and hardships that he had experienced in his desolate solitude."

Even during his lifetime Sergius of Radonezh gained fame and honor by his monastic feats. This meek holy ascetic found himself in the center of important historical events of the time, such as the battle with Mamai and beginning of the unification of the Russian lands.

Sergius of Radonezh could not help but sympathize with the moral state of Orthodox Russia, which was experiencing difficult times. The salvation of Russia from the strife and foreign rule meant its spiritual salvation too. These circumstances made Sergius of Radonezh an advisor and appeaser of Russian princes. "Sergius had also provided a great service to the autocracy of Russian sovereigns, promoting unity of Russian lands in the hands of the Prince of Moscow.

Thus, he had twice traveled to his native city of Rostov to persuade the Rostov Prince to make peace and submit to the grand-ducal Moscow throne." According to the biographies, in these arrangements Sergius was decisive and bold. One such example is his journey to Nizhny Novgorod to Prince Boris. "The meek persuasions of a humble Sergius of Radonezh – to submit to the Grand Prince of Moscow – had little effect on the Nizhny Novgorod Prince Boris. Therefore, St. Sergius used the more effective measures: authorized by the Metropolitan of Moscow, he stopped worship services in all the churches of Nizhny Novgorod, closed the temples and thus reached the submission and reconciliation between the Grand Duke of Moscow and the Prince Boris of Nizhny Novgorod." Sergius also succeeded in persuasion of Prince Oleg of Ryazan.

Blessing of Dmitry Donskoy for the battle with the Golden Horde was the most significant deed of the saint for Russia: "Go, sir, with no fear! The Lord will help you to prevail over godless enemies!" he said the Grand Duke, addressing his prayers to the troops before the campaign. Moreover, as proof of the future success he let his two monks, Alexander Peresvet and Andrei Oslyabya, to join the prince."

Details about the life of St. Sergius of Radonezh and his deeds can be found also in a rare edition, "The Life and deeds of the Saint and God-bearing our Father Sergius, abbot of Radonezh and Wonderworker of All Russia," compiled by Archimandrite Nikon in 1904 and published on the website of the Presidential Library.

Information about the publications that contain not only the hagiographies and various essays on the activities of St. Sergius, but all the works that relate somehow to his biography, are available in the book of Sergey A. Belokurov "St. Sergius of Radonezh and the Trinity-Sergius Lavra in Russian Literature," published in 1892.

The Presidential Library pays great attention to materials about the history of the Russian Orthodox Church and its saints. The library makes publicly available on its website and in electronic reading rooms unique editions: Ostromir Gospel, Laurentian Chronicle, books on spiritual exploits of Alexander Nevsky, St. John of Kronstadt and other saints.