Saint Moses of Optina, in the world Timofey Ivanovich Putilov, was born in the city of Borisoglebsk in the Yaroslavl province. His parents, Ivan Grigorievich and Anna Ivanovna, were pious Orthodox merchants. His father, having lost his parents early, prayed to the Lord for help and comfort, which helped him to accept his fate with humility. He worked as a tax collector, demonstrating honesty and diligence in his service.
His mother, Anna Ivanovna, was devout and often prayed, raising her children in the spirit of Orthodoxy. Timofey was the third of ten children. Receiving strict upbringing, he aspired to a monastic life. At the age of eighteen, he, along with his brother Jonah, was sent to serve in Moscow, where he met spiritual people and deepened his knowledge.
The brothers decided to go to Sarov, where they met great elders such as Saint Seraphim of Sarov. Timofey spent three years in the Sarov wilderness, and then became a novice at the Swensky Assumption Monastery, where he was tonsured a monk with the name Moses.
Father Moses lived in the wilderness, spending his time in prayer and labor. In 1812, due to the invasion of the French, he left the wilderness but returned in 1816, when his younger brother Alexander joined him, who later became the igumen Anthony.
In 1820, at the age of thirty-eight, Father Moses visited Optina Monastery, where he was introduced to the archpastor Filaret. He was invited to establish a skete, and together with his brother and several monks, he arrived at Optina. Here they began the construction of a cell and a church in honor of John the Baptist.
In 1822, the church was consecrated, and Father Moses was ordained a hieromonk. Three years later, he was elected the abbot of Optina Monastery. During his thirty-seven years of leadership, the monastery underwent significant transformation: the number of brethren increased, the territory expanded, and new churches and economic buildings were constructed.
Father Moses cared for the poor and needy, not requiring payment for admission to the monastery. He lived modestly, helping all who were in need. His spiritual guidance and love for people made Optina a center of spiritual life in Russia.
Saint Moses reposed in 1862 at the age of eighty-one. His incorrupt relics were discovered at his burial, and in 1996 he was canonized as a locally venerated saint, and in 2000 – for universal veneration. His holy relics rest in the Kazan church next to the relics of his brother, Igumen Anthony.
