Saint Varsonofy was a great Optina elder, endowed with the gifts of clairvoyance and healing. He was born in 1845 in Samara and from an early age showed deep faith. After the death of his mother, he was raised by his stepmother, who instilled in him a love for God and church life.
In 1892, after a spiritual prophetic vision, he came to Optina Monastery, where he became a novice and was later tonsured into monasticism with the name Varsonofy. He served as a spiritual father and assistant to Elder Ambrose, and later became the abbot of the Optina skete.
During the Russo-Japanese War, he served in a hospital, helping wounded soldiers. His gift of clairvoyance manifested in healings and spiritual guidance. He spoke about the importance of prayer, fasting, and sobriety for the salvation of the soul.
He died on April 1, 1913, and was buried in Optina Monastery. In 1996, he was canonized as a locally venerated saint, and in 2000, he was glorified for church-wide veneration. His relics rest in the Vladimir Church of Optina Monastery.
