Hieromonk
Saint Nikon of Optina, a confessor, was born on September 26, 1888, in Moscow. In his childhood, he and his younger brother Ivan aspired to a spiritual life and decided to enter a monastery, choosing Optina Pustyn.
On February 24, 1907, the brothers arrived at Optina, where they were received by Elder Varsonofy, who particularly noted Nikolai. On December 9, 1907, they were accepted into the skete brotherhood. Nikolai became a close disciple of Elder Varsonofy, who prepared him as his successor.
In April 1910, Nikolai was tonsured into the rassaphore, and on May 24, 1915, he was tonsured into the mantle, receiving the name Nikon. On April 10, 1916, he was ordained as hierodeacon, and on November 3, 1917, as hieromonk.
After the October Revolution, Optina was closed, and persecutions began. Despite the difficulties, Saint Nikon continued to serve and care for the monastery. He was arrested on September 17, 1919, and in the summer of 1923, the monastery was finally closed. Saint Nikon became the last Optina elder, receiving people and giving advice.
Exiled from the monastery in June 1924, he settled in Kozelsk, served in the Assumption Church, and continued to fulfill his pastoral duty. He was arrested in June 1927 and spent three years in the "Kemperpunkt" camp.
After his release, he was exiled to the Arkhangelsk region, where he was diagnosed with a severe form of tuberculosis. Saint Nikon accepted God's will with humility. On August 3/16, 1930, he was transferred to the city of Pinega, where he suffered from illness and need.
Father Peter, also an exile, took care of him. Despite his physical suffering, Saint Nikon maintained joy and light in his soul. On June 25/July 8, 1931, he received communion and peacefully departed to the Lord. He was buried in the cemetery of the village of Valdokurye, where his memory lives on in the hearts of the faithful.
