Ηegumen / Abbot
In the first half of the 14th century, the Trinity-Sergius Lavra was founded by St. Sergius (in the world Bartholomew, 1314-1392), the son of Rostov boyars. At the age of seven, he began to learn literacy but faced difficulties until he met an elder hermit who blessed him and granted him understanding. After the death of his parents, Bartholomew settled with his brother in the forest, where they built a cell and a church in honor of the Holy Trinity, which became the beginning of the monastery.
Stephen, the elder brother, left Sergius and became the abbot in Moscow, while Sergius, tonsured into monasticism, spent two years in solitude, overcoming temptations. His humility and prayer attracted other monks, and Sergius became the igumen. The monastery, founded on new principles, experienced scarcity, but Sergius set an example of humility and trust in God.
The news of Sergius reached Constantinople, and Patriarch Philotheus blessed him. Sergius refused honors, preferring poverty. Grand Duke Dmitry Donskoy sought his blessing for the struggle against the Tatar Khan Mamai, and Sergius sent with him two monks who perished in the Battle of Kulikovo.
Sergius performed miracles and was granted revelations. Once, the Mother of God appeared to him, promising the monastery her protection. Six months before his death, he entrusted the management of the monastery to his disciple Nikon and began to live in silence. He died on September 25, 1392, and his relics were discovered on July 18, 1422.
Sergius' monastery became a beacon of spiritual life and ecclesiastical enlightenment. His disciples founded numerous monasteries, and Sergius was recognized as the igumen of the Russian land. His teaching on the Holy Trinity became significant for Russian church life, and his relics are venerated as holy.
