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Venerable Sergius, Abbot of Nurma: Disciple of Saint Sergius of Radonezh · Saints and Scripture

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  SPEAKER_00: Welcome to the Saints and Scripture Podcast.
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  SPEAKER_00: Today is Wednesday, october seventh, twenty twenty six.
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  SPEAKER_00: Today we remember Venerable Sergius Abbot of Nirma.
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  SPEAKER_00: He was originally from Greece and traveled from Mount Athos to Russia to seek guidance from Saint Sergius of Radanes, a great spiritual elder.
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  SPEAKER_00: Even though Sergius was already an experienced elder himself, he came to learn and grow under the guidance of Saint Sergius of Radunish.
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  SPEAKER_00: After some time as his disciple, Sergius went to live in solitude near the Nirma River in the Vologda region.
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  SPEAKER_00: There he faced danger twice when thieves attacked him.
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  SPEAKER_00: The first time they beat him almost to death, the second time his prayers drove the thieves away.
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  SPEAKER_00: His holy life soon attracted monks and lay people who wanted to join him.
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  SPEAKER_00: When about forty ascetics gathered around him, he founded a Cenobitic monastery and built a church dedicated to the transfiguration of the Lord.
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  SPEAKER_00: Saint Sergius also had a close friendship with Saint Paul of Abnora.
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  SPEAKER_00: They met in the forest near the monastery, where Saint Paul was seen surrounded by wild animals that obeyed him peacefully.
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  SPEAKER_00: Saint Paul chose Sergius as his spiritual father.
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  SPEAKER_00: He confessed to him and received holy communion from him.
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  SPEAKER_00: They supported each other in their spiritual struggles and often visited one another.
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  SPEAKER_00: When Saint Sergius left for his cell three miles away, Saint Paul would accompany him for part of the journey.
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  SPEAKER_00: A chapel was later built where they parted ways.
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  SPEAKER_00: Saint Paul experienced a mysterious ringing of bells and bright lights near the Nerma River.
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  SPEAKER_00: At first he thought it was a trick of the devil, but after a vision on the feast of Pasca, he understood it was a sign from God.
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  SPEAKER_00: He shared this with the brethren, who encouraged him to build a church and monastery there.
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  SPEAKER_00: Saint Sergius prophesied that many would find salvation in that place and urged Saint Paul to build a church dedicated to the Holy Trinity.
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  SPEAKER_00: This was their last meeting before Saint Sergius passed away on October 7th, 1412.
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  SPEAKER_00: Saint Sergius of Nurma is remembered not only today, but also on several other feast days, connected with Mount Athos, Radanish, and Vologda.
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  SPEAKER_00: Let us pray.
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  SPEAKER_00: Lord, grant us the strength to follow the example of Saint Sergius, to seek guidance and live in holiness.
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  SPEAKER_00: Help us to trust in your protection and to support one another in faith.
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  SPEAKER_00: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, of one God.
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  SPEAKER_00: Amen.
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  SPEAKER_00: Lord, help us to follow the example of Saint Sergius in prayer and holiness.
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  SPEAKER_00: Give us strength to trust in your protection and guidance.
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  SPEAKER_00: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, one God, Amen.