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Repose of Venerable Sergius the Wonderworker, Abbot 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 Friday, september twenty fifth, twenty twenty six.
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  SPEAKER_00: Today we remember the repose of venerable Sergius the Wonderworker, Abbot of Radanish.
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  SPEAKER_00: Saint Sergius was born in thirteen fourteen in the village of Varnica near Rostov.
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  SPEAKER_00: His parents, Cyril and Maria, were devout nobles.
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  SPEAKER_00: Even before his birth, it was said that the infant Sergius cried three times during the divine liturgy, a sign of his special calling.
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  SPEAKER_00: From his earliest days, Sergius, then named Bartholomew, showed remarkable fasting.
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  SPEAKER_00: He would not take milk on Wednesdays and Fridays, and if his mother used oil in food, he would refuse milk altogether.
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  SPEAKER_00: His mother then stopped using oil in her cooking.
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  SPEAKER_00: At seven years old, Bartholomew struggled with reading and writing, unlike his brothers.
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  SPEAKER_00: After much effort and prayer he met a holy elder in the field who blessed him and gave him a piece of prosphera as a sign of God's grace.
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  SPEAKER_00: From that moment Bartholomew learned easily and began to read the Psalter, amazing his parents.
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  SPEAKER_00: He grew in prayer and fasting, attending all church services, and living a strict life of self denial.
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  SPEAKER_00: Around thirteen twenty eight his family moved to Radanish.
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  SPEAKER_00: After his parents passed away, Bartholomew and his brother, Stephen, withdrew to the forest to live a monastic life.
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  SPEAKER_00: They built cells and a small church dedicated to the Holy Trinity.
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  SPEAKER_00: Bartholomew was tonsured a monk in thirteen thirty seven and took the name Sergius.
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  SPEAKER_00: He built a new monastery and gathered a brotherhood of twelve monks.
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  SPEAKER_00: He worked with his own hands, doing all the tasks needed while maintaining prayer, fasting, and vigil.
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  SPEAKER_00: In thirteen fifty four he was ordained a hieraromonk and made Egumen, or abbot.
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  SPEAKER_00: Despite hardships and little food, the monastery grew, and through his prayers help came from unknown sources.
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  SPEAKER_00: Saint Sergius became known far and wide for his holiness and miracles.
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  SPEAKER_00: He healed the sick and gave wise counsel.
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  SPEAKER_00: He remained humble, never seeking glory.
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  SPEAKER_00: He had a close friendship with Saint Alexis, Metropolitan of Moscow, who once asked Sergius to become metropolitan himself.
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  SPEAKER_00: Sergius humbly declined.
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  SPEAKER_00: During the Mongol Tidar yoke over Russia, great Prince Demetrius came to Sergius for blessing before battle.
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  SPEAKER_00: Sergius blessed two monks to join the prince's army and predicted victory.
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  SPEAKER_00: This came true at the Battle of Kulakovo in 1380, a turning point in freeing Russia.
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  SPEAKER_00: Saint Sergius was also granted heavenly visions.
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  SPEAKER_00: Once the Mother of God appeared to him with the apostles Peter and John, promising to protect his monastery.
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  SPEAKER_00: In old age, Sergius prepared his disciples for his passing.
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  SPEAKER_00: He gave final instructions to live with fear of God, purity, and sincere love.
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  SPEAKER_00: Saint Sergius fell asleep in the Lord on September 25th, 1392, leaving a legacy of faith, humility, and love for God and neighbor.
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  SPEAKER_00: May we remember his example and ask for his prayers as we seek to live faithfully each day.
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  SPEAKER_00: Lord help us to follow the example of Saint Sergius in humility and love, strengthen our faith, and guide us in prayer and service.
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  SPEAKER_00: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, one God.
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  SPEAKER_00: Amen.