Feast Day: October 11th
About the Elders of Optina Monastery: The Hermitage of Optina (Optina Pustyn) is situated at the edge of deep forests in the district of Kaluga on the right bank of the River Zhizdra, some way from the town of Kozelsk (about eighty miles from Moscow)….
Prayers
Apolytikion: Abiding in unceasing Prayer, embracing both the good and the wicked with love, O Holy Elders of Optina, ye did serve both God and neighbour. Through vigils, tears, and fasting ye did receive the gift of all manner of Miracles. Glory to Him Who hath given us such intercessors. Glory to Him Who hath glorified you. Glory to God Who is wondrous in His Saints.
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The Prayer of the Optina Elders
O Lord, give me strength to face with serenity everything that this day will bring. Grant me to entrust myself fully to Your Holy Will. Every hour of this day teach me and support me. Whatever news I may receive during the day, teach me to accept it with peace of mind and with firm conviction that everything is according to Your Holy Will. In all my words and actions guide my thoughts and feelings. In all unexpected events, do not let me forget that everything is sent by You. Teach me to deal sincerely and wisely with every member of my family, bringing confusion or sorrow to none. O Lord, give me strength to bear the weariness of the coming day and all the events of this day. Guide my will and teach me to pray, to believe, to hope, to endure, to forgive and to love. Amen.
The fourteen Holy Elders of Optina:
Saint Leonid (October 11), 1841
Saint Macarius (September 7), 1860
Saint Moses (June 16), 1862
Saint Anthony (August 7), 1865
Saint Hilarion (September 18), 1873
Saint Ambrose (June 27 and October 10), 1891
Saint Anatole the Elder (January 25), 1894
Saint Isaac I (August 22), 1894
Saint Joseph (May 9), 1911
Saint Barsanuphius (April 1), 1913
Saint Anatole the Younger (July 30), 1922
Saint Nectarius (April 29), 1928
Saint Nikon (June 25), 1931
and Saint Isaac II (December 26). 1938
