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Venerable Hilarion of Optina: A Life of Humble Obedience and Spiritual Guidance · Saints and Scripture

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  SPEAKER_00: Welcome to the Saints in Scripture Podcast.
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  SPEAKER_00: Today is Friday, september eighteenth, twenty twenty six.
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  SPEAKER_00: Today we remember venerable Hilarion of Optina, a holy monk who lived in Russia during the nineteenth century.
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  SPEAKER_00: He was born on the night of Pasca in eighteen oh five named Rodion Ponomarov.
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  SPEAKER_00: His parents named him after Saint Herodion of the seventy, and he always celebrated april eighth as his true birthday.
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  SPEAKER_00: Rodion was a quiet and thoughtful child.
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  SPEAKER_00: He was not very coordinated and was often teased by other children and even treated roughly by some family members.
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  SPEAKER_00: Despite this he grew into a man who sought a life of prayer and humility.
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  SPEAKER_00: His family moved several times and Rodion learned the trade of tailoring, which he later found useful in the monastery.
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  SPEAKER_00: He even went to Moscow to improve his skills but struggled with poor health.
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  SPEAKER_00: Rodion was engaged twice, but both times the Lord had other plans for him.
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  SPEAKER_00: In Saratov he became involved in efforts to bring people back to the Orthodox faith from various sectarian groups.
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  SPEAKER_00: This work led to him being watched by the authorities for several years.
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  SPEAKER_00: Rhodion's desire to become a monk grew stronger, and in his thirties he visited many monasteries before settling at Optina.
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  SPEAKER_00: There he was placed under the guidance of Father Barlum, who taught him the Jesus prayer and helped him grow spiritually.
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  SPEAKER_00: Later, Rhodion served as the cell attendant to Elder Macarius, a strict but loving spiritual father.
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  SPEAKER_00: Under Macarius's guidance, Rhodion learned obedience and humility.
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  SPEAKER_00: He took on many tasks at the monastery, including gardening, baking, and beekeeping, always serving without complaint.
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  SPEAKER_00: Rhodion was tonsured as a monk and given the name Hilarion.
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  SPEAKER_00: He became a spiritual elder himself, known for hearing confessions and giving wise advice based on scripture and the teachings of the Holy Fathers.
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  SPEAKER_00: He helped many people find sorrow for their sins and guided them toward healing and spiritual growth.
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  SPEAKER_00: Father Hilarion was patient during a long illness near the end of his life.
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  SPEAKER_00: He received Holy Communion frequently and bore his suffering with prayer and faith.
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  SPEAKER_00: He died on September eighteenth, eighteen seventy three, holding his prayer rope and was buried next to Elder Macarius.
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  SPEAKER_00: His relics were uncovered in 1998 and he was glorified as one of the Optina elders in 2000.
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  SPEAKER_00: Today we honor his memory and ask for his prayers.
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  SPEAKER_00: Let us pray.
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  SPEAKER_00: Lord, grant us the humility and patience of Saint Hilarion.
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  SPEAKER_00: Help us to seek your guidance and to serve others with love.
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  SPEAKER_00: May we grow in faith and find peace in your presence.
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  SPEAKER_00: In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, one God, amen.
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  SPEAKER_00: Lord, grant us the humility and patience of Saint Hilarion.
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  SPEAKER_00: Help us to seek your guidance and to serve others with love.
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  SPEAKER_00: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, one God, Amen.