Priest
Saint Macarius, born on November 20, 1788, into a family of noblemen from Oryol, showed a tendency towards solitude and spiritual life from an early age. After the death of his parents, he left worldly life and in 1810 went on a pilgrimage to the Ploshchanskaya Desert, where he met Elder Athanasius, who became his spiritual mentor.
In 1834, Saint Macarius moved to Optina Monastery, where he continued the work begun by his teacher. He became a close disciple of Saint Leo, to whom he entrusted himself completely. Thanks to their joint efforts, manuscripts and translations of patristic literature were published, which helped strengthen the connection between the Optina elders and the Russian intelligentsia.
Saint Macarius was known for his spiritual gifts, including the gift of discernment and healing. Many prominent figures, such as N.V. Gogol and A.N. Muravyov, came to him for advice and blessing. He demonstrated great humility, as evidenced by the case of a possessed man who was healed upon touching him.
Two years before his death, the Saint accepted the great schema and continued to receive spiritual children and pilgrims, guiding them. On September 7/20, 1860, after receiving the Holy Mysteries of Christ, Saint Macarius peacefully departed to the Lord.
