Archimandrite
Saint Isaac (in the world Ivan Ivanovich Antimonov) was born on May 31, 1810, in Kursk into a patriarchal merchant family. From childhood, he grew up in an atmosphere of love and strict adherence to the church statutes. The thought of monasticism matured in his soul for a long time, and in 1847, at the age of 36, he became a novice at the Vvedenskaya Optina Monastery.
Under the spiritual guidance of Elder Macarius, he underwent years of obedience, performing various monastic duties. In 1851, he received the riasophor, and in 1854, he was tonsured into the mantle. In 1855, he was ordained as hierodeacon, and in 1858, as hieromonk, remaining humble and open in his relations with the brethren.
In 1860, sensing his impending death, Elder Macarius bequeathed to Isaac to come under the guidance of Elder Ambrose. In 1862, after the death of the abbot Moses, Isaac became his successor and managed the monastery for more than thirty years, continuing construction works and caring for the prosperity of the community.
Under his leadership, new churches, a hospital, iconostases, and other buildings were constructed. He also cared for the spiritual life of the brethren, insisting on the observance of monastic rules and statutes. In the last years of his life, he experienced many sorrows, especially after the departure of Elder Ambrose.
His health began to deteriorate, and he accepted the schema tonsure. He died on August 22/September 4, 1894, leaving behind instructions to love God and one’s neighbors, as well as the Holy Church. Saint Isaac became a true follower of the tradition of eldership, distinguishing Optina Monastery from other monasteries in Russia.
