“Set no value on honor and praise in this life, but rather await your reward from God in the joys of heaven and eternal blessings.”

Bartholomew was born in the village of Varnitsa, near Rostov, Russia, in 1314. His parents were pious and illustrious nobles.

At the age of 7, he was sent to study together with his 2 brothers, Stephen and Peter. Although he was intelligent, he struggled with reading and fell behind. He was scolded, chastised, and made fun of for his lack of comprehension.

With great sorrow he said prayers to the Lord. While conducting chores out in the field, he came across a monk praying beneath a tree. He approached him and the monk blessed him. Bartholomew asked him to pray for him so as to become better with his studies, which the monk fulfilled. He asked the monk to join his family for dinner at their home which he reluctantly accepted. After the meal the monk prophetically stated, “Your son shall be great before God and the people. He shall become a chosen habitation of the Holy Spirit.” Following, he was able to read without difficulty, and became immersed in prayer.

When his home’s area fell under the rule of the Mongols, his parents became impoverished and they moved to Radonezh. His older brother became a monk after his wife’s passing. After the death of their parents, Bartholomew joined him. Together they found a secluded location to build a small monastic cell and church, dedicated in the honor of the Trinity, which became the Great Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra that exists today. During their time they suffered temptations and demonic apparitions.

His brother sought a monastery in Moscow and Bartholomew became a monk, taking a new name after that of Martyr Sergius. Although he was a hermit living alone, word spread, and other monks came to join him, seeking his guidance. They persuaded him to become their abbot and therefore he studied and was ordained to the priesthood.

They lived by their own labor, expanding the monastery. Word of their accomplishments grew, donations increased, and the Patriarch of Constantinople counseled Sergius on the organization of a Cenobitie Monastery. The new monastic Rule was strict and the others began to argue against it, causing some to leave, and left Sergius wanting to quit. The remaining convinced him otherwise and with the new order they began to spread their teaching across central and northern Russia, founding 40 new monasteries total.

He worked miracles and word quickly spread. The sick and those seeking counsel came to him from all over, but he remained humble and asked for them to not speak of the wonderous works.

The Russian land was still suffering under the Mongols and even the Prince of the Don sought him out, requesting a blessing in his fight against them. Sergius obliged only after being convinced that the Prince had 1st pursued all peaceful means in resolution. Sergius predicted victory, and prayed during the battle, which was won, and began the liberation of the Russian people.

He was revealed his death in a vision 6 months prior, gathered his brethren together, and designated Saint Nikon as his replacement. He passed away during sleep on September 25, 1392.

He is the patron saint of Russia.

His feast day is September 25.

For God’s Glory.