Alexander Svirsky years of life. Venerable Alexander of Svir. The incorrupt relics of St. Alexander

The Monk Alexander Svirsky was born on June 15, 1448 into a family of peasants in the Ladoga village of Mandera on the Oyat River (a tributary of the Svir River) Stefan and Vasilisa (Vassa). Stefan and Vasilissa had two adult children, but they really wanted to have another son, and they prayed to God about it. One day, while praying, the pious spouses heard a voice from above: “Rejoice, good marriage... about to give birth to a son... at his birth God will give consolation to His Churches.” The saint's birthday coincided with the day of remembrance of the prophet Amos, whose name was given to the boy at baptism.

Alexander Svirsky. Gallery of icons.

When Amos grew up, his parents sent him to learn to read and write, but learning was difficult for the boy. Having a hard time experiencing this, Amos often prayed to God for help. One day he went to the nearby Ostrog Vvedensky Monastery and began to pray fervently in front of the icon of the Mother of God. While praying, the youth heard a voice: “Rise up, do not be afraid; and if you asked, you will receive it.”

From then on, Amos began to excel in his studies and was soon ahead of his peers.

He was always obedient and meek, avoided games and laughter, wore the simplest clothes and early began to strengthen his soul by fasting, which caused concern to his mother. When Amos grew up, his parents wanted to marry him, but he wanted to devote his life to serving God. After meeting the Valaam monks, the young men were overcome by an irresistible desire to go to Valaam. At the age of 19, he secretly left his parents' home and set off on a long journey. Having reached the Svir River, Amos crossed to the other bank and walked another six miles.

Night found him on the shore of a quiet forest lake. Having spent a long time in night prayer, the young man heard a voice that commanded him to go to Valaam to the monastery of the All-Merciful Savior, after some time to return to this place and establish a monastery here. Heavenly light descended on the place chosen by God. In the morning Amos continued on his way. He walked for a long time through the forest wilds without a road and became very tired. Suddenly he saw a traveler who said that he was going to Valaam and knew the way there. They went together and after some time reached the Valaam Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior. Having given praise to God at the gates of the monastery, Amos wanted to express gratitude to his companion, but he suddenly disappeared. Then Amos realized that it was the Angel of God.

For seven years Amos remained a novice in the Transfiguration Monastery, spending his days in labor and his nights in prayer. Sometimes he would strip naked to the waist and pray all night in the forest, covered with mosquitoes and midges. When the parents learned about the whereabouts of their son, the father came to the monastery. Amos did not want to come out to him, saying that he was dead to the world. And only at the request of the abbot he talked with his father, who wanted to persuade his son to return home, but after his son’s refusal, he left the monastery in anger. Secluded in his cell, Amos began to pray earnestly for his parents, and through his prayer, the grace of God descended on Stephen. Returning home, he took monastic vows at the Vvedensky Monastery with the name Sergius. Amos’s mother also cut her hair with the name Varvara.

On August 26, 1474, Amos took monastic vows with the name Alexander and retired to a secluded island, later called the Saint. There he discovered a cave and labored in it for another seven years. The fame of his exploits spread far and wide. Wanting to avoid human rumors, the Monk Alexander decided to retire into unknown forests, but at the request of the abbot he remained. In 1485, during night prayer before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, a light shone in the saint’s cell, and he heard a voice commanding him to return to the previously indicated place. Through the window, the monk saw something like a finger pointing towards the Holy Lake. Having learned about the vision, the abbot blessed the Monk Alexander on his way.

On the shore of the Holy Lake, 36 versts from the present city of Olonets and 6 versts from the Svir River, the Monk Alexander built a small cell, in which he lived for seven years, without seeing a human face, without eating bread and eating only the fruits of the forest . During this time, the holy hermit suffered many hardships from cold, hunger, illness and devilish temptations, but the Lord did not abandon the ascetic with His ineffable mercies.

Once, when the monk was seriously ill and could not even raise his head from the ground, he chanted psalms while lying down. Suddenly a “glorious man” appeared before him, put his hand on the sore spot, made the sign of the cross over it and healed the righteous man. Another time, when the monk was walking to fetch water and singing prayers loudly, he heard a voice predicting the coming to him of many people who were to be received and instructed.

In 1493, boyar Andrei Zavalishin came across the hermit’s home while hunting. He was very happy about this meeting, since he had long wanted to visit a place over which he had repeatedly seen “sometimes standing like a pillar, sometimes like a shining Divine ray, and sometimes smoke shining from the ground to a height ascending.” From that time on, Andrei Zavalishin began to often visit the holy hermit, and then, on his advice, he took monastic vows on Valaam with the name Adrian. Subsequently, he founded the Ondrusovsky Monastery on the eastern shore of Lake Ladoga and became famous for converting many robbers to the path of repentance. The Monk Adrian Ondrusovsky suffered martyrdom from the robbers (+1549; commemorated on August 26/September 8 and May 17/30).

The news of the spiritual exploits of the Monk Alexander spread widely, and monks began to flock to him. His brother John, who died some time later, also came to the holy ascetic. The monks cleared the forest, improved the arable land, and sowed bread, which they fed themselves and gave to those who asked. The Monk Alexander, out of love for silence, retired from the brethren and built himself a “retreat hermitage” 130 fathoms from his former place, near Lake Roshchinskoye. There demons armed themselves with him: they appeared to him in the form of animals, snakes, tried to intimidate the saint, forced him to flee. But the prayer of the righteous man, “like a flame of fire, from his mouth flowed out and all the weakest demonic hosts fell and came to him unseen.” An Angel appeared to the monk in the desert, recalled previous Divine visions and predicted the founding of a monastery on this site with a temple in the name of the Holy Trinity.

In 1508, in the 23rd year of St. Alexander’s stay in the reserved place, the Life-Giving Trinity appeared to him. The monk prayed at night in the desert. Suddenly a strong light shone, and the saint saw Three Men dressed in light white clothes entering him. Sanctified by heavenly glory, They shone with purity brighter than the sun.

Each of Them held a rod in His hand. The monk received orders to build a temple and build a monastery in the name of the Holy Trinity. “I leave you peace and I will give you My peace,” the Lord said to the saint. And immediately the holy ascetic saw the Lord Jesus Christ with outstretched wings, as if walking on the earth, and He became invisible.

After this vision, the Monk Alexander began to think about where to build the temple. An angel of God showed him the place. In the same year, a wooden church was built in the name of the Life-Giving Trinity, and in 1526 a stone temple was erected in its place. Immediately after the construction of the wooden church, the brethren began to persuade the monk to accept the priesthood. The humble elder refused, but the brethren turned for help to the Archbishop of Novgorod, Saint Serapion (+1516; Comm. March 16/29). In the same year, the Monk Alexander visited Novgorod, where he received dedication from Saint Serapion. Soon the brethren begged the monk to accept the abbess.

Having become abbot, the Monk Alexander acquired even greater humility and meekness. He slept on the floor, wore his clothes in patches, cooked his own food, kneaded the dough, and baked bread. One day there was not enough firewood, and the steward asked the abbot to send those monks who were idle at that time to the forest. “I’m idle,” said the monk and went to chop wood. At night, when the brethren were sleeping, the holy abbot came to the room where they ground bread with millstones, and ground for others. Walking around the cells and hearing vain conversations, he quietly knocked on the door and left, and in the morning he instructed the brethren. Soon the Svir monastery became famous for the severity of the monks’ life. Several of St. Alexander's disciples became the founders of new monasteries.

At the end of his life, the monk wished to build a stone church in honor of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos. Masters were invited from Moscow. When the foundation of the temple was laid, the Mother of God and the Child appeared to the monk on the site of the altar, surrounded by many Angels. The Queen of Heaven promised to fulfill the prayers of the righteous man for his disciples and the monastery. “And not only during your life,” She said, “but also after your departure I will be persistent from your monastery, needing you in sparingly and supplying and covering.” At the same time, the monk saw many monks who subsequently labored in his monastery.

Before his death, the Monk Alexander of Svirsky deigned to bequeath to the brethren that his body should be buried in a swampy place. But the brothers did not agree. Then he asked that his body be buried not in the monastery, but in the “waste desert.” The Monk Alexander reposed on August 30, 1533, as an 85-year-old elder.

The life of St. Alexander tells of many miracles performed through his prayers. He had the gift of healing the sick and proclaiming the future. In 1545, the disciple and successor of the Monk Alexander, Herodion, at the behest of Archbishop Theodosius of Novgorod, compiled the life of the saint. Two years later, a local celebration of the saint’s memory began and a service for him was compiled. On April 17, 1641, the venerable relics of the ascetic to miraculous images were found incorrupt and placed in the Transfiguration Church with a chapel in the name of St. Alexander of Svirsky. In the same year, church-wide veneration of the saint began: August 30/September 12 is the day of repose and April 17/30 is the day of glorification. In the pious popular consciousness, the Monk Alexander of Svirsky is revered as the “New Testament Abraham,” for he was honored with the appearance of the Holy Trinity in the form of Three Angels.

The Alexander-Svirsky Monastery became one of the most significant monasteries in the north of Rus', a spiritual and educational center for the entire Olonets region. The city of Olonets itself was founded in 1647 at the expense of the Alexander-Svirsky Monastery, with the direct participation of its brethren. The monastery provided great assistance in 1703 during the founding of St. Petersburg. The monastery, founded by the Monk Alexander of Svirsky, was of exceptional importance for preserving the integrity of the Russian state and the inviolability of its borders in the north. During the invasion of Lithuania, during the Northern War with the Swedes, during the Patriotic War of 1812, the monastery contributed huge amounts of money and food supplies “for the military people” and in general “for the sovereign’s cause.” The monastery kept copies of the charters of Tsars Mikhail Feodorovich, Ivan the Terrible, Theodore Ioannovich, Vasily Ioannovich Shuisky, Alexy Mikhailovich, Peter the Great, as well as many church vestments and sacred vessels sent by them for the needs of the monastery brethren.

The spiritual guarantee of the prosperity and well-being of the Russian North was the close prayer ties between the Alexander-Svirsky Monastery and other Orthodox monasteries of the Russian North, such as the Valaam and Solovetsky monasteries.

A whole host of students was instructed and educated by the Monk Alexander of Svirsky, as the Mother of God bequeathed to him. These are Reverends Ignatius Ostrovsky (XVI century), Leonid Ostrovsky (XVI century), Cornilius Ostrovsky (XVI century), Dionysius Ostrovsky (XVI century), Afanasy Ostrovsky (XVI century), Theodore Ostrovsky (XVI century) , Ferapont Ostrovsky (XVI century). In addition to these saints, the disciples and interlocutors of St. Alexander of Svir are known to have separate days of memory: St. Athanasius of Syandem (XVI century; commemorated January 18/31), St. Gennady Vazheozersky (January 8, 1516; commemorated February 9/22), Venerable Macarius of Oredezh (+1532; commemorated August 9/22), Venerable Adrian Ondrusovsky (+26 August 1549; commemorated May 17/30), Venerable Nikifor of Vazheozersk (+1557; commemorated February 9/22), Venerable Gennady of Kostroma and Lyubimogradsky (+1565; memory January 23/February 5).

Alexander Svirsky - glorification The Reverend Alexander Svirsky was born on June 15, 1448, on the day of memory of the Prophet Amos, and at baptism he was named after him. All his life, staying far from historical events, the Monk Alexander, the luminary of monasticism, in the depths of the forests of the Russian North, created a different, spiritual history, having been rewarded with the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit.

His parents, Stefan and Vassa (Vasilissa), were peasants in the Ladoga village of Mandera, on the banks of the Oyat River, a tributary of the Svir River. They had two children who were already grown up and living separately from their parents. But Stefan and Vassa wanted to have another son. They prayed earnestly and heard a voice from above: “Rejoice, good marriage, you will give birth to a son, in whose birth God will give consolation to His Churches.”

Amos grew up to be a special youth. He was always obedient and meek, avoiding games, laughter and foul language, wore scanty clothes and exhausted himself with fasting so much that he worried his mother. Upon reaching adulthood, he once met with Valaam monks who came to Oyat to buy things necessary for the monastery and for other economic needs. By this time, Valaam was already known as a monastery of high piety and strictly ascetic life. After talking with them, the young man became interested in their story about the hermitage (two or three together) and hermit life of the monks. Knowing that his parents wanted to marry him, the young man at the age of 19 secretly went to Valaam. Under the guise of a companion, an Angel of God appeared to him and showed him the way to the island.

Amos lived in the monastery for seven years as a novice, leading a harsh life. He spent his days in labor, his nights in vigil and prayer. Sometimes naked to the waist, covered with mosquitoes and midges, he prayed in the forest until the morning birdsong.

In 1474 Amos took monastic vows with the name Alexander. A few years later, the parents accidentally learned from Karelians who came to Mandera where their son had disappeared. Following the example of their son, the parents soon also went to the monastery and took monastic vows with the names Sergius and Varvara. After their death, the Monk Alexander, with the blessing of the abbot of the monastery, settled on a secluded monastic island, where he built a cell in a cleft in the rock and continued his spiritual exploits.

The glory of his exploits spread far. Then the monk in 1485 left Valaam and, according to instructions from above, chose a place in the forest on the shore of the beautiful Lake Roshchinskoye, which later became known as the Holy Lake, near the river. Svir. Here the monk built himself a hut and lived alone for seven years, eating only what he collected in the forest. At this time, the saint experienced severe suffering from hunger, cold, illness and devilish temptations. But the Lord constantly supported the spiritual and physical strength of the preacher. Once, when, suffering from painful illnesses, the monk not only could not get up from the ground, but also raise his head, he lay and sang psalms. And then a glorious husband appeared to him. Placing his hand on the sore spot, he marked the saint with the sign of the cross and healed him.

In 1493, while hunting for a deer, the neighboring owner Andrei Zavalishin accidentally came across the saint’s home. Struck by the appearance of the righteous man, Andrei told him about the light he had seen earlier over this place, and begged the monk to tell him about his life. From then on, Andrei began to often visit the Monk Alexander and, finally, according to his instructions, he himself retired to Valaam, where he took monastic vows with the name Adrian. Subsequently, he founded the Ondrusovo Monastery and became famous for his holy life (+1549; commemorated on August 26/September 8 and May 17/30).

Andrei Zavalishin could not keep silent about the ascetic, despite the promise given to him. The glory of the righteous man spread widely, and monks began to gather to him. Then the monk secluded himself from all the brethren and built himself a retreat hermitage 130 fathoms from the common dwelling. There he encountered many temptations. The demons took on an animal form and whistled like a snake, forcing the saint to flee. But the saint’s prayer, like a fiery flame, scorched and scattered the demons.

In 1508, in the 23rd year of the saint’s stay in the reserved place, the Life-Giving Trinity appeared to him. The monk prayed at night in the waste hermitage. Suddenly a strong light shone, and the monk saw Three Men entering him, dressed in light, white clothes. Sanctified by Heavenly glory, They shone with purity brighter than the sun. Each of them held a rod in His hand. The monk fell in fear, and, having come to his senses, bowed to the ground. Lifting him by the hand, the Men said: “Trust, O blessed one, and do not be afraid.” The monk received orders to build a church and establish a monastery. He fell to his knees again, crying out about his unworthiness, but the Lord raised him up and commanded him to do what was specified. The monk asked in whose name the church should be. The Lord said: “Beloved, as you see Him speaking to you in Three Persons, so build a church in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Consubstantial Trinity. I leave you peace and I will give you My peace.” And immediately the Monk Alexander saw the Lord with outstretched wings, as if walking on the earth, and He became invisible.

In the history of the Russian Orthodox Church, this Divine descent is known as the only one. After this phenomenon, the monk began to think about where to build a church. One day, while praying to God, he heard a voice from above. Looking up into the heights, the monk saw an Angel of God in a mantle and a doll, just as St. Pachomius the Great saw. The angel, standing in the air with outstretched wings and raised hands, said: “One is Holy, One is Lord Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father, amen.” And then he turned to the monk: “Alexander, on this place may a church be built in the Name of the Lord who appeared to you in Three Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Indivisible Trinity.” And, having crossed the place three times, the Angel became invisible.

In the same year, the wooden Church of the Life-Giving Trinity was built (in 1526 a stone one was erected in its place). Immediately after the church was built, the brethren began to beg the monk to accept the priesthood. He refused for a long time, considering himself unworthy. Then the brethren began to pray to Saint Serapion, Archbishop of Novgorod (+1516, March 16/29), so that he would convince the monk to accept the rank. That same year the monk traveled to Novgorod and received dedication from the saint. Soon afterwards the brethren begged the monk to accept the abbess.

Having become abbot, the monk became even more humble than before. His clothes were all in patches, he slept on the bare floor. He prepared food himself, kneaded dough, baked bread. One day there was not enough firewood and the steward asked the abbot to send those of the monks who were idle to fetch firewood. “I am idle,” said the monk and began to chop wood. Another time he started carrying water the same way. And at night, when everyone was asleep, the monk walked around the cells and, if he heard vain conversations somewhere, knocked lightly on the door and left, and in the morning he instructed the brethren, imposing penance on the guilty.

Towards the end of his life, the Monk Alexander decided to build a stone church of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos. The foundation of the temple was laid. One evening, after performing an akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos, the monk sat down to rest in his cell and suddenly said to his cell attendant Athanasius: “Child, be sober and watchful, because at this hour there will be a wonderful and terrible visitation.” A voice like thunder was heard: “Behold, the Lord is coming and she who gave birth to Him.” The monk hurried to the entrance of the cell, and a great light shone around him, spreading over the entire monastery brighter than the rays of the sun. Having looked, the monk saw above the foundation of the Church of the Intercession, sitting on the altar, like a queen on a throne, the Most Pure Mother of God. She held the Child Christ in Her arms, and many angelic ranks, shining with indescribable lightness, stood before Her. The monk fell, unable to bear the great light. The Mother of God said: “Arise, chosen one of My Son and God! For I have come to visit you, My beloved, and to see the foundation of My church. And because you prayed for your disciples and your monastery, from now on it will abound for everyone; and not only during your life, but also after your departure I will constantly be from your monastery, generously giving everything you need. Look and observe carefully how many monks have gathered into your flock, who must be guided by you on the path of salvation in the Name of the Holy Trinity.” The monk stood up and saw many monks. The Mother of God said again: “My beloved, if anyone brings even one brick to build My church, in the Name of Jesus Christ, My Son and God, he will not destroy even his bribe.” And She became invisible. Before his death, the monk showed amazing humility. He called the brethren and commanded them: “Tie my sinful body at the feet with a rope and drag it into the swampy wilds and, burying it in the moss, trample it with your feet.” The brothers answered: “No, father, we cannot do this.” Then the monk indicated not to bury his body in the monastery, but in the waste hermitage, near the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Having lived 85 years, the saint departed to the Lord on August 30, 1533.

The Monk Alexander of Svirsky became famous for his wondrous miracles during his life and after his death. In 1545, the disciple and successor of the venerable abbot Herodion compiled his life. In 1547, local celebrations of the saint's memory began and a service to him was compiled. In 1641, on April 17, during the reconstruction of the Church of the Transfiguration, the incorrupt relics of St. Alexander of Svirsky were found and a church-wide celebration was established for him on two dates: the day of his repose - August 30/September 12 and the day of glorification (discovery of the relics) - April 17/30.

Life of St. Alexander of Svirsky

St. Alexander Svirsky is an iconic personality for believers. For many years, being in seclusion as a hermit, he prayed to God. During his lifetime, the miracle worker helped people. And after death the saint does not leave us without his fatherly support.

Brief biography: the most important milestones of life

Venerable Alexander Svirsky

Saint in childhood

The saint was born in 1448 into the family of devout people Stefan and Vassa. At baptism, the parents gave the child the name Amos. The parents sent their grown son to school. It was difficult to study, and the young boy prayed to God for help. During this time, the voice promised him that everything he asked for would come true. And indeed, learning became easy, and soon Amos was the best student in the class. The saint was an obedient and meek child, who was not interested in noisy childish games. He dressed simply and began to observe fasts early, thereby strengthening his young soul.

Choosing a monastic path

When Amos reached adulthood, his parents decided to marry him. But by that time the young man was confirmed in his desire to serve the Lord. When Amos learned about the Valaam monastery, he decided to go there. He went to the holy place on foot, not even knowing the road. Having crossed the Svir River, he stopped for the night on the shore of the lake and began to pray. And again, as in childhood, the voice told him to go to Valaam, and then, after a few years, to return here and found a monastery here. After these words, a bright light appeared at the place that the Lord had chosen for his monastery. In the morning Amos met a man who said that he was on his way to Valaam. They walked together and soon reached the monastery. Then Amos wanted to thank his fellow traveler, but saw that he was nowhere to be found. He guessed that it was an Angel.

tonsure and hermitage

The Transfiguration Monastery became a home for Amos. For seven years he was a novice there. All this time he bore obedience with meekness: he worked hard and humbly and prayed. On August 26, 2474, Amos became a monk and began to be called Alexander. He moved to a remote deserted island. There he was completely alone for seven long years, sheltering from the weather in a cave.

Soon he received a sign from God - a finger appeared, which pointed in the direction of the Holy Lake. This meant that Alexander had to return to the specified place. Here the monk built a cell in which he lived for seven years, eating only forest gifts and grass.

Over these years, the hermit endured a lot of suffering: he was freezing from the cold, hungry, seriously ill, and the devil tormented him with temptations. But God helped the saint; he saw God’s support in everything. One day Alexander became seriously ill; he could not get up from the ground, but without losing his spiritual courage, he sang psalms. An angel appeared to him and healed him with the sign of the cross.

Useful materials

After some time, the hermit had like-minded people. A noble man, Andrei Zavalishin, accidentally came across his cell. He said that he had long wanted to look at the place where he had seen a shining light more than once. The boyar began to often visit the hermit, and on his advice he soon became a monk under the name Adrian. After some time, he founded the Ondrusov Monastery.

The birth of a new monastery

The news of the hermit and his unparalleled service to God spread everywhere. Soon people began to come to the desert, seeking solitude. They uprooted the forest, and sowed the cleared areas with grain, the surplus of which was given to the laity. Alexander retired from the monks to the “Waste Hermitage.”

Here demons took up arms against him: in the images of wild animals and poisonous snakes, they tried to force the ascetic to leave this place. But he continued his prayers, and the demons, unable to overcome him, retreated. An angel appeared to him and revealed that a monastery would be founded here in the name of the Holy Trinity.

The miraculous appearance of the Holy Trinity

In 1508, the saint witnessed the appearance of the Lord. While praying, a bright light appeared. In the cell, Three men in snow-white robes suddenly appeared before the worshiper. Their faces were like the sun. Alexander fell to his knees before God. But the Lord raised him up and ordered him to build a temple and monastery in the name of the Holy Trinity. Thus, a humble hermit, relying only on God, avoiding people and their glorification, considering himself unworthy, was awarded the great Grace of God.

Appearance of the Holy Trinity St. Alexander Svirsky

Elevation to the rank of abbot

After the construction of the church, the monks began to ask the saint to accept the priestly rank. But he considered himself unworthy. And then the monks wrote to Bishop Serapion in Novgorod. He blessed the saint to become abbot in his own monastery. But his life did not change. Having received the rank of abbot, the saint continued his monastic feat: he wore rags, slept on the floor and did all the hard work equally with all the monks.

The saint was strict not only with himself: he often made the rounds of the monastery cells and if he heard unworthy conversations, he would quietly knock on the door. In the morning he always gave instructions to the monks. The strict monastic life of the inhabitants glorified the Svir monastery and became a role model. Several disciples of Father Alexander then founded their own monasteries.

Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary

At the end of his life, the Saint built another church - Pokrovsky. The Mother of God appeared to the Reverend after laying the foundation of the church. She showed him his future ascetics who would continue his good work and glorify his name.

The death of the righteous. The appearance of the first life

Interesting fact

Despite the fact that the saint’s life was filled with labors and hardships, he lived a long life and died at a ripe old age, at the age of 85.

His canonization was carried out by the Council in 1547.

A few years after the death of the monk, Alexander Herodion gave a description of his life. He spoke about the miracles performed by the saint for people.

Holy relics of St. Alexander Svirsky

A century later, during the reconstruction of the Church of the Transfiguration, the incorruptible relics of St. Alexander of Svirsky were found

His body remained unharmed - the saint looked like he was sleeping.

The relics were transferred to the temple and remained there until the Bolshevik coup d'etat. When the Bolsheviks declared war on the Church, the monasteries were plundered and most of the priests were shot. The relics of the saint were ordered to be destroyed by the new government.

Where are the incorruptible relics of St. Alexander Svirsky now

But instead of desecration, by the will of God, they were taken away in an unknown direction. When the state began to return the monasteries to the Church, the relics of the saint returned to the people. They were found at the Military Medical Academy of St. Petersburg.

In 1998, the relics returned home to. The monastery is located at the address: Russia, Leningrad region, Lodeynopolsky district, Yanegskoye rural settlement, Staraya Sloboda village.

In St. Petersburg there is a courtyard of the Holy Trinity Alexander Svirsky Monastery - this is the Church of the Nativity of Christ.

Holy Trinity Alexander-Svirsky Monastery

In the monastery, prayers for health are read and performed at the relics of the monk, and everyone submits notes with the names of their loved ones.

When the relics are discovered

Holy relics of St. Alexander Svirsky opens:

• April 30;
• 12-th of September;
• on the day of the Holy Trinity;
• to the Transfiguration.

There is evidence that the saint’s relics are warm and maintain the same temperature as that of a living person.

Relics of St. Alexander of Svirsky

A piece of relics in Moscow: where it is located

In the Church of St. Alexander Svirsky in Moscow, located on Grayvoronovskaya Street 10, there is a particle of the saint’s relics, which is placed in an icon and is available for veneration by believers.

Evidence of miracles

Near the relics of St. Alexandra, phenomena that are incredible for the understanding of the common man often occur.

One day a mother came to church with her little daughter in her arms. The girl could not walk from birth, and the doctors were powerless: the baby’s limbs were immobilized forever. The mother placed the girl on the glass of the sacred shrine. The child lay there for several minutes. Then the woman left the girl sitting on the floor. Turning around, she did not see her daughter there.

She, as if picked up by someone invisible, was put on her feet and walked on her own, without outside help. There was silence in the church. People parted and formed a corridor for the child and the mother, who ran forward to catch her if the girl suddenly stumbled. Vera, that was the girl’s name, was completely healed. Saint Alexander of Svirsky performed such a miracle in front of many people.

A similar incident soon happened to a young man who was in a car accident. The man's legs were paralyzed, and he dragged them behind him, leaning on crutches. Medical treatment did not help, and he went to the monastery to the relics of Alexander Svirsky with the faith that the saint would definitely help him. Four times he came to the monastery with prayers to the Wonderworker.

And they were heard. During the fourth prayer, he felt his legs and was able to walk a few steps without crutches. A month later, the man came to the miracle worker again to thank him. He approached the shrine with the relics without crutches, leaning lightly on a stick.

These miracles occurred in front of a large crowd of worshipers, and were witnessed by the monks of the monastery and Hieromonk Adrian. And this is just a small part of the examples of the saint’s help. Alexander Svirsky to people.

What do they ask the saint for?

Pilgrims go to the miracle worker with a wide variety of needs. They pray to the saint for healing from physical diseases, including those considered incurable by medicine. Infertile couples turn to the Miracle Worker with a request to give birth to a child. It is Alexander Svirsky who is prayed for the appearance of a son. Those who decide to become a monk and live serving God also turn to him.

Interesting fact

In Petrozavodsk there is an Orthodox educational center in honor of St. Alexander Svirsky, dedicated to the spiritual education of adults and children. The center is located at the address: Petrozavodsk, Pervomaisky microdistrict, st. Krasnoflotskaya, 31.

Temples and icons of St. Alexander Svirsky

More than seventy churches were built in our country to the glory of the saint. Its iconography is very diverse. They captured the elder at different moments of his life.

His very first image appeared in the seventeenth century, copied from the relics, and therefore possessing a portrait resemblance. The saint is depicted lying down. There is another icon painted from the relics of St. Alexandra. This is a “portrait” with a halo above the head of the holy elder. The image of the saint in the robes of a schema-monk is also widely known. In one hand he has a scroll, the other is folded for the sign of the cross of the people standing in front of the image.

Icon of St. Alexander Svirsky

The icon of Alexander Svirsky is unique, depicting the appearance of the Triune God to him. On it, Alexander is depicted in a monastic robe, with his hand outstretched to God, where the Lord is represented in the form of three young men. In the 19th century, hagiographic icons of the saint appeared, consisting of various fragments of his life. Most of these icons stream myrrh.

St. Alexander Svirsky, appearance of the Holy Trinity, 17th century.

Days of remembrance of the saint

Days of veneration of Alexander Svirsky:

• September 12 (death day);
• April 30 (day of finding the relics).

Believers honor their saint, whose spiritual aspiration and unshakable faith are the moral guideline for a Christian. After all, it is not enough not to do evil. It is necessary to drive away sinful, evil thoughts from yourself. Through prayer, faith in God, love for him and everything living on earth, cultivate goodness in your soul.

As our Lord said: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

Gospel of Matthew, ch. 5, Art. 8.

An example of such sincerity is the feat of St. Alexander of Svirsky, whom the Lord rewarded with his visit to earth for his good deeds and righteous life.

Documentary film “Alexander Svirsky. Protector and Patron"

Prayer

O sacred head, earthly angel and heavenly man, venerable and God-bearing Father Alexandra, great servant of the Most Holy and Consubstantial Trinity, show many mercies to those living in your holy monastery and to all who flow to you with faith and love. Ask us everything that is useful for this temporary life, and even more necessary for our eternal salvation.

Help with your intercession, servant of God, the ruler of our country, Russia. And may the holy Orthodox Church of Christ abide deeply in the world. Be to all of us, miracle-working saint, a quick helper in every sorrow and situation. Most of all, at the hour of our death, the merciful intercessor appears to us, so that we may not be betrayed in the ordeals of the air by the power of the evil ruler of the world, but may we be honored with a stumbling-free ascension into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Hey, Father, our dear prayer book! Do not disgrace our hope, do not despise our humble prayers, but always intercede for us before the Throne of the Life-Giving Trinity, so that together with you and with all the saints, even if we are unworthy, we may be worthy to glorify in the villages of paradise the greatness, grace and mercy of the One God in the Trinity, Father and Son and Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

Troparion, kontakion, magnification

Troparion

voice 4th

From your youth, God-wise, you moved into the desert with spiritual desire, and you desired the one Christ to diligently follow in the footsteps. In the same way, the angels repaired thee, seeing how you were amazed at how, having labored with the flesh against invisible wiles, you, wisely, conquered the armies of passions by abstinence, and you appeared equal to the angels on earth, Reverend Alexander. Pray to Christ God to save our souls.

Kontakion

voice 8th:

Like a multi-bright star today you have shone in the Russian countries, Father, having settled in the desert, you have zealously desired to follow Christ’s footsteps, and you have taken the holy yoke upon your frame with the honorable cross, you have put to death, your labors, your feat, your bodily leaps. We also cry out to you: save your flock, which you have gathered wisely, so we call to you: Rejoice, Reverend Alexandra, our father.

Greatness

We bless you, Reverend Father Alexandra, and honor your holy memory, mentor of monks and interlocutor of angels.

Canon

Canon

Song 1

Irmos: In the depths of the bed, sometimes the pharaonic all-army is a pre-armed force; The incarnate Word consumed all-evil sin, O glorified Lord, gloriously glorified.

Reverend Father Alexandra, pray to God for us *).

We faithfully celebrate your divine memory, God-wise Father, and we glorify the Lord of all kinds, glorifying you with many miracles.

Passionless with warm desire, father, possessed, you withered away the waves of things, Alexandra, and through love, you achieved the ever-present radiance, most blessed, of the Divine.

Reverend Father Alexandra, pray to God for us.

Virtuous from the beginning, the reception of life, rich, bath, father, restoration of being, a spiritual gift from infancy divine, the beauty of your soul, Alexandra, you showed, brighter than the sun.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokos: You gave birth to the Young Child more than words, the Ancient of Days, who showed a new path of virtues on earth. Therefore, Your beloved Alexander, O Trokovitsa, is consumed with love, this temple was created for You.

*) This chorus is read before all the troparions of each song, except for the Theotokos, before which it is read “Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen".

Song 3

Irmos: Having established me on the rock of faith, you have enlarged my mouth against my enemies, for my spirit has rejoiced, always singing: there is nothing holy like our God, and nothing is righteous than Thee, O Lord.

Then, through your abstinence, you extinguished the flame of your passions, and through the showering of prayers, you exuded streams of miracles, extinguishing the kindling of your illnesses to the blessed Alexandra.

Who flows to your more honest race, wise one, from this we will draw a treasure of healing, and an abyss of miracles, and an unenviable gift, Alexandra. In the same way, singing, we praise you.

Spiritual feelings from the terrible, reverend father, enlightened by the vision, as if you have acquired a wonderful mind for the good, you have shown a monastic life to those who have, Alexandra, a blessed life.

Theotokos: Who, before the ages, was born from the Father inexpressibly, finally came from Thy womb and deified our nature, Mother of the Virgin, Who brought forth the faces of the venerables.

Sedalen, voice 8:

From your youth, you left behind all the things of life, all that was red and fashionable, and settled in the desert, and you diligently followed the One who called you, O Reverend, and through labor and sweat, Father, you exhausted your body. Therefore, the all-rich Lord arranges for you to be a good shepherd for His sheep, blessed Alexandra. Pray to Christ the God of sins to grant forgiveness to those who honor your holy memory with love.

Glory, even now, to the Mother of God:

As the Virgin and one among women, You, who without seed gave birth to God in the flesh, we all please, giving birth to humanity: for the fire dwelt in Thee of the Divinity, and like the Child, nourishing the Creator and the Lord with milk. Thus, the angelic and human race, we worthily glorify Thy most holy Nativity and in accordance with the cry of Ty: pray to Christ, the God of sins, to grant forgiveness of sins to those who worship by faith Thy most holy Nativity.

Song 4

Irmos: You came from the Virgin, not an intercessor, nor an Angel, but the Lord Himself, who became incarnate, and you saved all of me, a man. Thus I call to Thee: glory to Thy power, O Lord.

Your life, God-Bearing Blessed Alexandra, the rule is known to monastics, and now, zealously, we are saved, like yours, father, by Divine teaching.

The dawn of the Holy Spirit was received, bright star, Father Alexandra, shining with grace, you were to everyone, and you guided them to salvation through your teachings.

You wanted to be inside the world beyond the world, O wise Father Alexandra, having the power of God’s Spirit instructing you, living in impenetrable deserts and walking with animals without fear, as a young man, you fed on bodily illnesses.

Theotokos: We wear the terrible cherubic cloaks, O Master, as if on a throne of fire, into Thy, Pure One, the divine being has entered into Thy womb and flesh by the acceptance of a human being, as Alexander, one of the venerables, teaches, the only All-Singing One.

Song 5

Irmos: Thou art an intercessor for God and man, O Christ God: for by Thee, O Lord, didst thou bring the imams to the Master of Light, Thy Father, from the night of ignorance.

Having desired to keep your mind by observing the commandments, Alexandra, you withered away your carnal leaping with your abstinence, and the shepherd appeared to your God-loving copulation.

Following the Divine Law, the wise Alexandra, and obeying the command of the Creator, you became the lawmaker of the monks and the most famous rule, the punisher of the insane, and the mentor of the erring, and the most glorious lamp in the darkness of ignorance.

The fire of temptations and passions, the furnace with your tears, father, currents and spiritual dew, you richly extinguished, kept unburned: we are scorched by the love of all the King, you have withered away the desires of things.

Theotokos: Everyday lips cannot sing according to the heritage of You, the All-Singing One, the highest being, the Cherubim and all creatures. Also, with the Divine Alexander, beg the Lord for all of us.

Song 6

Irmos: Lying in the abyss of sin, I call upon the abyss of Thy unfathomable mercy: from aphids, O God, lift me up.

Having discerned the meaning of time, blessed Alexandra, you have achieved eternal abstinence through illnesses, Father, being a builder of souls, reverend.

As I endure the great sweat of your labors, Reverend Alexandra, comfort me with abstinence, wonderful father, the Lord Christ entrusts you with divine power and commands you to heal these ailments.

Having been the mentor of the monastics, the wise Alexander, these uniform laurels, and the image and outline of virtuous deeds, adorned them all, even in the monastery of married couples.

Theotokos: New, like Moses, who appeared, you built, like a tabernacle, a fence, in an all-honorable manner, even as you surpassed your illnesses and sweats, entrusting yourself entirely to the Most Pure Mother of God.

Kontakion, tone 8:

Like a multi-bright star, today you have shone in the Russian countries, Father, having settled in the desert, you have zealously desired to follow Christ’s footsteps, and, lifting the holy yoke upon your frame, the honorable cross, you have put to death your labors and the feat of your bodily leaps. We also cry out to you: save your flock, which you have gathered, wise, so we call to you: Rejoice, Reverend Alexandra, our father.

Ikos:

How can I praise your exploits and struggles, Rev. Alexandra? As immaterial reason has been acquired through humility, you have accompanied your life with the strong abstinence of your labors. Even though you were a man by nature, you also appeared as a citizen of Jerusalem on High: you lived in the flesh on earth, but you passed through your angelic sojourn and you were a pillar, unshaken by passions. Thus, the entire Russian land, having been enriched by you, praises you and magnifies you with faith, crying out to you like this: Rejoice, praise to your fatherland, to the great Novugrad and the whole Russian country, most bright lamp. Rejoice, who is a glorious branch of a pious father and a fruitful branch of a reverent mother. Rejoice, unyielding pillar of chastity and most luminous glory of monks. Rejoice, shepherd of Christ's fence of verbal sheep, bringing them to God's understanding. Rejoice, for you have cultivated the abundant desert with the height of your humility. Rejoice, all monastics are the image of virtue and uniform laurels of salvation. Rejoice, red repository of virtues and consolation to all who are sad and despondent. Rejoice, for having despised all the wisdom of this world, you have put to death the passions of the flesh. Rejoice, for thou hast been worthy to be an angel, and thou hast put to shame all the demonic armies. Rejoice, for you were glorified in all countries, for you did many miracles in Christ. Rejoice, for you have truly found God’s grace and from the Angels you have been honored to see the Holy Trinity face to face. Rejoice, as the second sun, shining miracles, granting the grace of healing to everyone. Rejoice, Venerable Alexandra, our father.

Song 7

Irmos: The ungodly command of the lawless tormentor rose high in flames. Christ spread spiritual dew to the godly youth, He is blessed and glorified.

Having dressed yourself in fortress, Alexandra, the Lady, and, like dust, you trampled the voluptuousness of life, we conquer incorruptible life with love, to which now you have communed, with the faces of the Angel, Father, united.

Stretching out your hands in a cross shape, O Alexandra the Wise, and sending up your prayers to the Most High, like Christ, the King of Glory, from the angels, God-Bearer, you saw the Lord, and, in the impassable deserts, you sought the Lord, keeping you with Divine grace.

Like thee, Alexandra, the universal star, the monk’s never-setting luminary, a helper in troubles and a great refuge for sinners, I offer you as an intercessor and prayer book to the Lord Christ, most honorably.

Theotokos: Desiring to see Your saint, Your Son and God, the ineffable glory of the Mother of God, This honorable cross is lifted up on the frame, following His life-giving feet.

Song 8

Irmos: Sometimes the fiery furnace in Babylon separates the action, scorching the Chaldeans by God's command, and watering the faithful, singing: bless all the works of the Lord, the Lord.

Like lightning with great brilliance, life shining with all the ascent of your abstinence, Alexandra the Wise, piously calling to the Creator: Bless all the works of the Lord, the Lord.

As a man walked on earth, Father Alexandra, as if he had truly acquired life in Heaven, he appeared as an angel to interlocutor, while he lived and lived his life. With them you sing now: Bless all the works of the Lord, the Lord.

You, more than the mind from the Unbegotten Father, were born before the age of the Son, the glorious preacher of Alexander, and the Most Holy Spirit, the One Trinity by nature known to the Divine.

Theotokos: Just as Elijah first settled in Carmel, so you too, trained in the impassable deserts, desired to live alone with God and, having been illuminated by God’s vision, the saint appeared to the Mother of God, crying out to Her: Rejoice, O Delighted One.

Song 9

Irmos: The Beginningless Parent, the Son, God and Lord, incarnated from the Virgin, appeared to us, darkened to enlighten, fellow squandered. Thus we magnify the All-Sung Mother of God.

Following in the footsteps of the venerable and God-bearing Lord Christ, having lived piously on earth, you appeared meek, kindly, merciful and humble, Alexandra, and filled with Divine love, for this reason we truly praise you.

A crown has been woven for you, like a conqueror, Alexandra, by your life-giving and all-powerful right hand, Father, and now you who sing your memory, blessed one, have been granted forgiveness of sins, O Most Glorious One.

You have copulated with the Incorporeal Hosts, and you have been considered a venerable figure, and you have rejoiced with those chosen by all, turning into true deification and immortal life, Father, with them you have unceasingly implored your Master for us.

Theotokos: The Temple consecrated, together with the One of the Trinity, Thy temple, the Lady, Thy saint Alexander is honorable, erected to Thy glory and honor, in which do not cease praying, to give us help through Thy prayers.

Svetilen:

The grace of God is in abundance in your soul, O wise Alexandra, and, as if you were incorporeal, you lived on earth. Deliver the dark clouds of those who honor you with passions, bringing them to a quiet refuge and driving away the demonic militias with Divine power.

Glory, even now, to the Mother of God:

May you truly create greatness with You, Eternal Son, with the Father’s advice: You gave birth to incorruptible life without passion, and you remained, as before the Nativity, a Virgin, having avoided the illnesses of your mother and remaining a Virgin after the Nativity.

Stichera, tone 4:

Reverend and God-Bearing One, your life has been undefiled, patience, meekness, and love are not hypocritical, abstinence is immeasurable, all-night standing, Divine tenderness, true faith and hope with mercy, Father, having acquired like an Angel, you lived on earth with your body, Blessed Alexandra, prayer book for our souls.

Like an earthly Angel and a Heavenly man, you were, wise, a source of tenderness and generosity, an unenvious stream appeared, an abyss of miracles, a sinner and a hand of sinners, the olive tree is truly fruitful of God, with the oil of your labors, wonderful Alexandra, anointing the hearts of those who faithfully praise you.

O Reverend and Blessed One, you have mortified the wisdom of the flesh with Divine understandings, you have been bodily above passions, and you have been confounded by those who bear the mark, depicting Divine goodness in yourself, and you have appeared to be all light-seeing by the action of the Holy Spirit, O Alexandra, our Father, the monastic adornment.

The source of the miracles of showing and the river of granting cancer your relics by man, Lord, Alexandra the Wise: you granted this vision to the blind, cleansing to lepers, ridding those possessed by unclean spirits of their power and thereby creating chastity, healing is infinite.

Voice 6:

Rejoice, for the fasting man there shone with much light, for the monk the star never set, praise to the shepherd, Father Alexandra, venerable one. Rejoice, blessed dwelling of the Trinity. Rejoice, source of love and mercy. Rejoice, most luminous lamp of reasoning. Rejoice, true rule of virtues. Rejoice, animated pillar. Rejoice, praise and affirmation to the great Novograd.

Akathist

Akathist

Kontakion 1

Ikos 1

Rejoice, Reverend Alexandra, miracle worker of Svir.

Kontakion 2 4]

Seeing the Lord your soul, like a well-cultivated field for spiritual fruitfulness, direct your thoughts from youth to the search for one thing, reverend, for the same love for the sake of Christ, you left your parents and your father’s house, having freed yourself from every vain addiction, you flowed to the desert monastery of Valaam to feats of monasticism, calling to God who saves you: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

With a divinely enlightened mind you have comprehended the vanity of this world and the impermanence, in which joy is replaced by sorrow, prosperity is cursed by unexpected troubles. Moreover, you desired eternal, incorruptible blessings, Reverend Father, and you sought to seek this through renunciation of worldly goods and free poverty, urging us to call you:

Rejoice, lover of desert silence; Rejoice, zealot of humility and non-covetousness.

Rejoice, perfect image of true selflessness; Rejoice, the monastic life equal to the angels is a remarkable phenomenon.

Rejoice, rule of faith and piety; Rejoice, mirror of patient obedience.

Rejoice, lover of monastic silence; Rejoice, thou who hast acquired spiritual tears.

Rejoice, we weep for the temporary who have gained eternal bliss; Rejoice, having crushed the enemies of the enemy with unceasing prayers.

Rejoice, having subdued your flesh through vigil and labor; Rejoice, tame passion through fasting and abstinence.

Rejoice, Reverend Alexandra, miracle worker of Svir.

Kontakion 3

Overshadowed and strengthened by the power of the Most High, in monastic tonsure of the hair of your head, you put aside all carnal wisdom, reverend, and like a well-skilled warrior, having acquired the monastic schema for the armor of salvation and armed yourself with the invincible weapon of the Cross of Christ, you fought powerfully against the invisible enemy of the devil, defeating him with deep humility lifted up my pride and cried out to the Lord: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having an abundant source of tears, O servant of God, and great grace of tenderness, you watered your bread with tears and dissolved your drink with tears, out of an abundance of divine desire and love for the Lord. In the same way, we please you with these titles:

Rejoice, famous ascetic of strength and courage; Rejoice, angelic man.

Rejoice, victorious warrior of the Heavenly King; Rejoice, good fruit of the Valaam monastery.

Rejoice, favorable to the desert dweller; Rejoice, never-ending prayer book.

Rejoice, great faster; Rejoice, wonderful silent one.

Rejoice, follower of the feat of the ancient God-bearing fathers; Rejoice, imitator of their patience and labor.

Rejoice, you dug your own grave in good time; Rejoice, constantly thinking about the hour of death.

Rejoice, Reverend Alexandra, miracle worker of Svir.

Kontakion 4

The storm of temptations and aspirations of the devil cannot shake the temple of your soul, Reverend Father, it was founded on the solid rock of faith in Christ and is preserved by sobriety and unceasing prayers, in the image of which you confronted the enemy of human salvation and unfalteringly ascended along the paths of virtues to spiritual perfection in measure age of Christ, singing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Hearing people praise you, you were afraid of the exaltation of vanity, God-wise Father, and like a true image of humility, you decided to flee into the unknown desert, to the Svir River, to the place indicated to you from above in a wonderful vision, and there you will work without restraint for the One God, where we We honor you with these blessings:

Rejoice, thou who has humbled Himself to the form of a servant, a good follower of Christ the Lord; Rejoice, zealous fulfiller of His holy commandments.

Rejoice, virgin in soul and body; Rejoice, unhypocritical industrious one.

Rejoice, despising the vain glory of man; Rejoice, destroyer of the networks of vanity and pride.

Rejoice, you who have trampled upon the soul-harming charm of arrogance; Rejoice, having assimilated for yourself the holy humility of Christ.

Rejoice, having fulfilled all your vows of monasticism; Rejoice, adorned with the gifts of God's grace.

Rejoice, thou who by grace received power over unclean spirits; Rejoice, you who blamed nothing for those intimidations and ghosts.

Rejoice, Reverend Alexandra, miracle worker of Svir.

Kontakion 5

A luminous ray illuminated in the darkness of the night the deserted place where you came to dwell, O Reverend, signifying the lightness of your soul and your heart flaming with love for the Lord, where it was pleasing to the Creator your will to work for Him in reverence and holiness and to sing a song of praise to Him there: Alleluia .

Ikos 5

Having seen your angelic life equal to the angels, blessed father, the depth of your humility, persistence in prayer, firmness of abstinence and the great zeal of your spirit for purity, you were amazed and glorified the philanthropist God, who strengthens the weak human nature. We please you and call:

Rejoice, deserted lamp, enlightening the Karelian country with the radiance of your virtues; Rejoice, wonderful adornment for monastics.

Rejoice, fragrant tree of the desert vegetation; Rejoice, fruitful tree of the heavenly planting.

Rejoice, you who loved the splendor of the house of God; Rejoice, having prepared within yourself a temple for the Trinitarian Divinity.

Rejoice, thou clothed in honor and righteousness; Rejoice, enriched with the union of virtues.

Rejoice, you who have received anointing from the Holy Spirit; Rejoice, consecrated vessel of God's grace.

Rejoice, good and faithful servant of Christ; Rejoice, true servant of the Lord.

Rejoice, Reverend Alexandra, miracle worker of Svir.

Kontakion 6

The preacher of your exploits in the Svirstey desert appeared as a catcher of wondrous beasts, who, having driven the trees into the impenetrable oak grove, by the sight of God found your temple, Reverend Father: seeing you in the flesh of an angel, wearing the sign of grace-filled illumination on your face, you were filled with fear and joy and fell to at your honest feet, in the tenderness of your heart, cry out to the Creator God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

You shone in the desert of Svirstey, God's bright luminary, and you guided many human souls on the path to salvation: for Christ has revealed you as a mentor and teacher to the desert-loving monk, who flocks to you like sheep to a shepherd, who is able to shepherd them into life-giving pastures. Moreover, as having created and taught, we honor you with these praiseworthy words:

Rejoice, source of inspired teachings; Rejoice, repository of abundant tenderness.

Rejoice, animated tablets of the law of the Lord; Rejoice, silent preacher of the Gospel of Christ.

Rejoice, having fulfilled the commandments of the Lord and taught them to your disciples; Rejoice, having inspired the lazy to correct your Christ-like morals.

Rejoice, having strengthened the weak with the grace given from the Lord; Rejoice, you who consoled those who mourn with the sweetness of your words.

Rejoice, you who have guided sinners to repentance; Rejoice, wise young one.

Rejoice, filled with compassion; Rejoice, rich in mercy.

Rejoice, Reverend Alexandra, miracle worker of Svir.

Kontakion 7

Although the Lord, the Lover of mankind, will glorify the place of your exploits, Father, He sent His angel to tell you that in that place there will be a monastery for salvation, and in it a temple in the name of the Holy Trinity. You, enlightened by the appearance of the incorporeal, listened with joyful trepidation to the heavenly gospel, calling in humility of spirit to the Lady of angels and men: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

A new sign of God's favor was given to you, reverend, when you were silent in the chosen desert, in the night a great light shone upon you, and three men in bright clothes appeared before you, giving you peace and commanding that you build a monastic monastery there and in it a temple in the name Holy Trinity. Marveling at this wonderful Trinity phenomenon in three angelic faces, we call to you:

Rejoice, Mystery of the Most Holy and Consubstantial Trinity; Rejoice, having witnessed the ineffable manifestation of God.

Rejoice, interlocutor of the luminous angelic forces; Rejoice, beholder of the radiant Divine vision.

Rejoice, partaker of the fiery trisolar radiance; Rejoice, worshiper of the Trinitarian Divinity.

Rejoice, enlightened one in the mortal body of immortality; Rejoice, you who have been honored with a heavenly visit to the earth.

Rejoice, high in humility, acquired; Rejoice, having received through poverty the rich mercy of the Lord.

Rejoice, you who sow everlasting joy with tears; Rejoice, you who have received the fulfillment of immutable promises.

Rejoice, Reverend Alexandra, miracle worker of Svir.

Kontakion 8

Strangely, an angel of the Lord appeared in the air in a mantle and a doll in other honors, indicating the place on which you had created a temple in the name of the Life-Giving Trinity in the Svirstey desert, Reverend Father, having completed and sanctified it with God’s haste, you and your disciples sent silent praises to the Lord in it , call: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

Having surrendered everything to the will of the Lord, begged by your disciples, you did not shy away from the grace of receiving the priesthood, Father, even though your spirit was anguished, horrified at this height, but you showed obedience to your spiritual children, striving them according to your calling:

Rejoice, worthy performer of bloodless sacrifices; Rejoice, reverent servant of the Altar of the Lord.

Rejoice, you who stretched out your holy hands to the Lord with much boldness; Rejoice, you who offer the warmest prayers from your pure heart to the throne of the Almighty.

Rejoice, thou who was the image of piety as thy disciple; Rejoice, head anointed with the ointment of the priesthood.

Rejoice, skillful leader of spiritual warriors; Rejoice, wise father of the monastic community.

Rejoice, O luminary, kindled in prayer to God; Rejoice, star, showing the right path to salvation.

Rejoice, olive tree, who has poured out the oil of God’s mercy; Rejoice, thou who hast given drink to those thirsty for the teaching of salvation.

Rejoice, Reverend Alexandra, miracle worker of Svir.

Kontakion 9

All the monks of your monastery came to a joyful trembling, when the rush of the stream of water moving towards your holy monastery, you tamed it with your prayer and by calling on the omnipotent name of Jesus Christ, you harmlessly arranged the stormy stream of the mother-in-law for the good needs of the monastics; Having seen your spiritual child, you cried out to God with all compassion: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

Human infatuation is not enough to express the abundance of spiritual joy, with which you were filled, God-bearing Father, when during your nightly prayer the Most Holy Theotokos appeared with the face of the angelic ranks and the immutable promises gladdened your soul, as the ever-present intercessor of your monastery will be, supplying and covering you throughout days. Likewise, we bring you these joyful verbs:

Rejoice, overshadowed by the favor of the Mother of God; Rejoice, comforted by the visit of the Queen of Heaven and earth.

Rejoice, hearing merciful words from Her lips; Rejoice, you who have received the promise of Her strong monastery of intercession.

Rejoice, Her most sincere beloved; Rejoice, chosen one of Her Son and God.

Rejoice, thou blessed with the gift of miracles; Rejoice, you who are to come, as if you are the present, you who have foreseen.

Rejoice, thou who miraculously multiplied the fishermen’s catch; Rejoice, thou who bestowest childbearing on a barren parent.

Rejoice, you who restored the sick to health; Rejoice, revealing the secret of human sins.

Rejoice, Reverend Alexandra, miracle worker of Svir.

Kontakion 10

To save the souls of your disciple, you fatherly admonished them, God-wise, in a word, with the example of your life, with meekness reproaching them, with love exhorting them to succeed in piety and purity: especially before your death, you commanded and taught them everything useful for spiritual salvation Thou shalt keep them awake in prayer and continually sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

The wall of intercession was your prayer, miracle-working saint, to everyone who flows to you with faith in every sorrow, for for the sake of the purity of your heart, spiritual power was given to you by God, to heal the sick, to help the needy, to prophesy the future, to glorify the greatness of God in you near and far. revealed, and call you Sitsa:

Rejoice, O physician who never suffers from human ailments; Rejoice, you are a great healer not only of physical illnesses, but also of mental illnesses.

Rejoice, thou who grantest sight to the blind; Rejoice, thou who hast made the sick and crippled healthy.

Rejoice, freed the demons from the oppression of the devil; Rejoice, healthy, returning mind to the frenzied.

Rejoice, you who healed those covered with scabs; Rejoice, comforter of the sad.

Rejoice, hastening to help those in need; Rejoice, you who have been weakened and imprisoned by your appearance have given freedom to those who are captive and imprisoned.

Rejoice, Reverend Alexandra, miracle worker of Svir.

Kontakion 11

You brought all-contrite singing to the Most Holy Trinity at the time of your death, reverend, and in the prayer that was on your lips, you gave up your holy soul in the hands of the Living God, Whom you loved from your youth and Him whom you worked unfeignedly until your venerable old age, also with good hope You joyfully went to the heavenly abode, with angelic faces singing to the Trinitarian God: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

Having seen your peaceful death, your disciples, great servant of God, dissolved the sorrow of separation from you with the consolation of grace, in the hope of your omnipotent intercession, grief at the Throne of God, where you hear with love those calling you:

Rejoice, received the crown of immortal life from the hand of the Almighty; Rejoice, rejoice in the hall of the Heavenly Householder.

Rejoice, contemplating with your frank face the glory of the Trisian Divinity; Rejoice, worship the Creator with the white-crowned elders.

Rejoice, heir of the all-bright Kingdom of Christ; Rejoice, citizen of Gorny Jerusalem.

Rejoice, resident of heavenly Zion; Rejoice, inhabitant of the tabernacles of paradise not made with hands.

Rejoice, for through the labors of this temporary life you have received eternal peace; Rejoice, blessedness, prepared for the righteous from eternity, having righteously received.

Rejoice, illuminated by the rays of the unevening light from above; Rejoice, shining down with the greatness of miracles.

Rejoice, Reverend Alexandra, miracle worker of Svir.

Kontakion 12

Participating in grace was the appearance of a sacred cancer containing your multi-healing relics, the miracle-working saint, whom the Lord has revealed many times in the depths of the earth incorruptible, healing endlessly and healing every ailment with the power of God, wondrous in His saints, who has wondrously glorified you in heaven and on earth, Him we sing: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing a joyful song of praise and thanksgiving to the Lover of Mankind, God, who glorified you in the land of Russia as a wondrous and merciful wonderworker, we pray to you, Reverend Our Father: be an intercessor to Him and a constant prayer book for us who call to you:

Rejoice, intercessor of the Christian race; Rejoice, treasury of many different gifts.

Rejoice, protection created by God; Rejoice, having received the grace of healing from God.

Rejoice, flower of incorruption, fragrant Holy Church; Rejoice, dawn of immortality, shining gloriously from the grave.

Rejoice, inexhaustible stream of generosity and mercy; Rejoice, inexhaustible source of compassion.

Rejoice, love and compassion are a many-wonderful phenomenon; Rejoice, God-given healing for our bodies.

Rejoice, favorable intercession for our souls.

Rejoice, Reverend Alexandra, miracle worker of Svir.

Kontakion 13

O great and glorious miracle worker, Venerable Father Alexander. Mercifully accept this little prayer of ours, and with your prayers save us from mental and physical ailments in this life and deliver us from future eternal torment, and grant us, together with you, in the Kingdom of Heaven, to sing to God: Alleluia.

(This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos and 1st kontakion)

Ikos 1

You had an angelic disposition, Reverend Father, and as if you were incorporeal, you lived an immaculate life on earth, leaving us with a wondrous image of spiritual perfection, so that we imitate your virtue and call you here:

Rejoice, God-given fruit of pious parents; Rejoice, you who have resolved the infertility of those who gave birth to you.

Rejoice, having turned their lamentation into joy; Rejoice, chosen by God from the swaddling clothes.

Rejoice, you who were ordained from the womb to serve Him; Rejoice, having loved His One with all your heart from your youth.

Rejoice, thou who countest all the red things of this world for nothing; Rejoice, your flesh is distressed by fasting and prayerful vigil.

Rejoice, immaculate vessel of God's grace; Rejoice, dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, adorned with purity.

Rejoice, man of spiritual desires; Rejoice, head, sanctified by the right hand of the Most High.

Rejoice, Reverend Alexandra, miracle worker of Svir.

Kontakion 1

Chosen saint of Christ and wonderworker, Rev. Father Alexandra, who has shone in peace like a God-bright star, through your kindness and many miracles of life, we praise you with love in spiritual songs: but you, who have boldness towards the Lord, with your prayers free us from all troubles, let us call ty:

Rejoice, Reverend Alexandra, miracle worker of Svir.

^sss^Reverend Alexander Svirsky^sss^

Twice in the entire history of mankind the Trinity was revealed to the bodily human gaze - the first time to Saint Abraham at the Oak of Mamre, signifying the great mercy of God towards the human race; the second time - on Russian soil to the holy venerable monk. What this appearance meant to the New Testament saint - we will not dare to answer. Let us only strive to honor this land, that monastery that was erected in the north of the Russian land at the behest of God the Trinity and the “New Testament Abraham” himself - our venerable father and wonderworker Alexander.

The Monk Alexander is one of the few Russian saints who was canonized shortly after his righteous death - namely, 14 years later. His disciples and many of his admirers were still alive, so the Life of St. Alexander was written, as they say, “hot on the heels” and is particularly authentic; it contains no “pious schemes,” it reflects the unique face of the holiness of “all Russia, the wonderworker Alexander.”

Brief life of the Monk Alexander of Svir, the wonderworker.

Compiled by monk Athanasius. 1905 July 12 days. Alexander-Svirsky Monastery, Olonets province.

Memory (discovery of relics) - April 30

Reverend Alexander was born on June 15, 1448, on the day of memory of the prophet Amos, and was named in honor of this saint at baptism. His parents, Stefan and Vassa, were peasants in the Ladoga village of Mandery, on the banks of the Oyat, a tributary of the Svir. From childhood, Amos - a late, begged child - was different from his peers: he avoided games, amusements and did not bother his mother with pranks. At the age of 19, having learned of his parents' intention to marry him, Amos secretly fled to Valaam.

For seven years he lived in the monastery as a novice, spending his days in labor and his nights in vigil and prayer. More than once, naked to the waist, covered in mosquitoes, he prayed in the forest from evening until dawn. In 1474 Amos took monastic vows with the name Alexander.

Having learned from travelers about the whereabouts of their God-loving son, his parents also went to the monastery. After their death, with the blessing of the abbot, Rev. Alexander built himself a cell on a secluded island: he carved a small cave in the rock and continued his spiritual exploits. They say that his body became so hard and rigid from his labors that even a blow from a stone could not have harmed him. One day, during prayer, Alexander heard a wondrous voice - the Mother of God Herself told him to go to a new place of salvation.

Having been blessed by the abbot, Alexander sailed away from Valaam that same day. He settled on the shore of Lake Roshchinskoye, where he built himself a hut in the middle of the forest. He lived in it for seven years, without any food supplies and without seeing a person. The saint's life was spent in complete silence, in unceasing prayer and lamentation for his sins. He ate only the grass that grew nearby.

Alexander's solitude was violated in 1493 - the location of the monk was accidentally discovered during a hunt by the neighboring owner Andrei Zavalishin, who had previously seen a wonderful light over that place. He begged the monk to tell him about his life and, having become his spiritual son, according to his instructions, he himself went to Valaam, and later founded the Andrusovsky monastery and became famous for his holy life under the name of the Monk Adrian Andrusovsky. Having heard from Andrew about the righteous man, monks began to gather to the monk, but the reverend. Alexander built himself a monastery away from the common dwelling.

Alexander spent twenty-three years in the Desert. And then in 1508 he had a wonderful vision: A light, unprecedented since the time of Abraham, shone, and a small hut became the most precious palace. Three Men entered, like three beautiful suns, in snow-white robes - they held staffs. “Like at Trinity,” Alexander thought, trembled and bowed to Them to the ground.

“Hope, blessed one, and do not be afraid,” Alexander heard and felt His hand, gently lifting him from his knees. The voice said that for the sake of his purity, the Holy Spirit lives in him, in Alexander. That it was necessary to gather the brethren, build a church, build a monastery, and that many would be saved through him... Alexander could not stand, he lay on the ground and, shedding tears, thought: how will he, the worst person of all, who came to cry about his sins, save others? And again the Lord took him by the hand and raised him from his knees.

“What to call the church, Lord?” - asked Alexander. And the answer was, just as he sees the Speaker in three persons, so the church will be in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Consubstantial Trinity. And having passed through the earth, the Lord became invisible...

That was the appearance to St. Alexander of the Life-Giving Trinity - Three Men, dressed in light, white clothes, illuminated by Heavenly glory. In the history of the Church, this Divine condescension of the Trinity is known as the only one since the coming of Christ. In the northern forest, the Lord Himself appeared to a simple monk - the entire Holy Trinity stood with His feet on our land.

The place for the church was indicated to the monk by an Angel, who crossed the place three times and confirmed what was revealed to him in a vision. In the same year, a wooden and, in 1526, a stone Church of the Life-Giving Trinity was built. At the insistence of the brethren, the monk received priestly rank and became abbot. Having accepted the abbess, Rev. Alexander became even more humble - he wore rags, slept on the bare floor, and worked together with everyone else. When one day there was not enough firewood and the steward asked the abbot to send one of the monks who was idle to get firewood, the monk replied: “I am idle,” and went off to chop wood.

At the end of his life, Rev. Alexander planned to build the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. One evening, after performing an akathist to the Mother of God, the monk sat down to rest in his cell and suddenly said to his cell attendant Athanasius: “Child, be sober and watchful, because at this hour there will be a wonderful and terrible visitation.” In the entrance of the cell, where the elder hurried, a great light shone upon him, spreading over the entire monastery, and the monk saw above the foundation of the Church of the Intercession, sitting on the altar, as if on a throne, the Most Pure Mother of God with the Child, and many angelic ranks standing before Her. The monk fell, unable to bear the light, but the Mother of God encouraged him and blessed the monastery.

Before his death, Rev. Alexander called the brethren and commanded them: “Tie my sinful body at the feet with a rope and drag it into the swampy wilds and, burying it in the moss, trample it under your feet.” But since the brethren did not agree, the monk ordered not to bury him in the monastery, but in his hermitage near the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord. The Monk Alexander reposed on August 30, 1533.

Up to fifteen of his disciples are known, glorified by the Russian Orthodox Church.

History of the discovery of the relics

As we remember, the place of his home in the Svirsky monastery of St. Alexander designated it as a cemetery and designated his own grave there. There his incorruptible relics were found in 1641; they were placed in a silver gilded shrine in the Church of the Transfiguration, where they rested until 1918, providing many healings to everyone who “flowed to them with faith.” The further fate of St. The relics are so unusual that they are worth a detailed narration.

With the fall of tsarist power, a terrible turmoil began in Russia. The relics of St. Alexander Svirsky were the first in the sad chain of shrines desecrated by the Bolsheviks. It is no coincidence that after the seizure of power in the north (January 5, 1918), the atheists were at the relics of the saint the very next day (January 6). But the Antichrist’s plans were thwarted by God’s power, revealed in the incorruptible relics. Six (!) times the Bolsheviks approached St. relics and could not bear the shrine - apparently, they were fettered by fear of it, it was difficult for the perpetrators of evil to step over it.

As Soviet propaganda reported, on October 22, 1918, when registering (i.e. confiscating) the property of the Alexander-Svirsky Monastery, “in a cast shrine weighing more than 20 pounds of silver, instead of the incorruptible relics of Alexander Svirsky, a wax doll was discovered " The rector of the monastery, Archimandrite Eugene, who was present during the opening of the shrine, courageously testified against the official version of the authorities, claiming that the shrine contained the authentic remains of the saint. It was worth it. Evgeniy's life - a few days later he was shot by the Bolsheviks. The entire brethren of the monastery also suffered martyrdom.

On December 21, 1918, they were able to take out the relics: they were confiscated and were under the close supervision of Zinoviev himself. It was at his instigation that a special commission was created, which established that the relics are not a “wax doll” or a “skeleton in slippers,” but genuine incorruptible holy flesh. Then the Bolsheviks began a campaign to hide the relics of the saint and secretly sent them to the Military Medical Academy of St. Petersburg. Here, under the label of an “unnamed exhibit”, not registered in the meticulously compiled catalogs of the anatomical museum, the relics were stored until August 19, 1997, when they were officially transferred to the monastic brethren of the Alexander-Svirsky monastery.

Historical, archival and forensic research, completed in St. Petersburg, established that the “mummified remains of an unknown person”, which had been in the anatomical museum of the Military Medical Academy since 1919, belong to the founder of the Alexander-Svirsky Monastery. The remains were identified by specialists from the Forensic Medical Expert Service of St. Petersburg, and it was noted that “natural mummification of such high preservation is inexplicable by modern science.”

Immediately after receiving the conclusion, a prayer service to the saint was served in the X-ray room. Those present “witnessed the beginning of the myrrh-streaming of the relics, accompanied by a strong fragrance.” The monk seemed to answer those who turned to him in prayer: “I hear you. It's me!" And, having “heard” the saint’s answer, the head of the Academy, Colonel General of the Medical Service Yuri Shevchenko, decided to immediately transfer the saint. relics of the Russian Orthodox Church. On July 30, 1998, the Orthodox Church regained one of its greatest shrines.

The relics of St. Alexander Svirsky are unique: the body is completely undecayed (!), which happens extremely rarely. And, perhaps, this is the only case when even those parts of the face that are exposed to decay in ordinary people in the first place - the soft tissues of the lips, nose and ears - are not touched by decay. The researchers were able to conclude: “The similarity of the subject’s face with early iconographic images of St. Alexandra". “Not only the intravital modeling was preserved, but also the skin of the face - not wrinkled and dried out, but very smooth and elastic; The skin color is light, with a yellowish-amber tint.” Thus the Lord honored the relics of His witness and seer.

“Rejoice, Reverend Alexandra, miracle worker of Svir!”

Many corners of the Russian land were sanctified by the presence of humble ascetics. Such is the northern Olonets land. Here, on the shore of Lake Roshchinskoye, stands the ancient Alexander-Svirsky Monastery.

The owner of these places is the Venerable Abbot Alexander of Svirsky; he dedicated his life to one goal: he wanted to contemplate the Lord with spiritual eyes and serve Him. And he received an answer to his aspirations: he was the only one of the Russian saints who in reality received the great and terrible visit of God the Trinity.

Reverend Alexander Svirsky was an ordinary child: his biography at the beginning of his life’s journey is similar to the biographies of ordinary boys living at that time. He was born in 1448 in the village of Mandera, Novgorod province.

The village was located on the banks of the northern Oyat River. He was the third, but very desirable child in the family. The pious parents Stefan and Vassa, looking at the calendar, chose a name for their son. The baby was named Amos, because the memory of this Old Testament prophet was celebrated on the day the boy was born.

Important! Folk signs: is it possible for a birthday?

The child received a Christian upbringing, grew up humble and pious, loved fasting and dreamed of doing all his deeds “in the name of the Lord.” The boy was not good at reading and writing. But the time that Alexander Svirsky spent in prayer was not in vain: his life tells that changes soon took place in his life. After some time, the opportunity presented itself to make my dream come true.

A meeting with monks from the island of Valaam changed his life. From them he learned about the Valaam Monastery, famous for its strict rules. The monks told the young man about the monastic ascetic life, and he became eager to become one of the brethren. It was decided to secretly leave my father's house. Under the cover of darkness, the young ascetic set off for the desired monastery. The abbot accepted Amos and gave him the task of working in various obediences to make sure whether the young man’s calling was true.

In 1474, after seven years of novitiate, the monk took monastic vows. On Valaam at that time there was a communal monastic rule, but the cherished desire of the young monk was solitary prayer. With the blessing of the abbot, he chooses a lonely island as the place of his ascetic labors. There no one could interfere with concentrated prayer work.

After several years of seclusion, the Monk Alexander of Svirsky, praying in his cell, heard the Divine voice and saw a light pointing to the southeast. He should have gone there, to the shore of the distant Holy Lake, to establish a monastery in the name of the Holy Life-Giving Trinity. There the young ascetic will find his salvation. Having taken a blessing from the abbot of his monastery, he got ready to set off.

1. Obedient to the will of God, he went to the indicated place and chose a secluded island for his residence.
2. At some distance, on the shore of Lake Roshchinskoye, he set up a retreat (prayer hermitage), which became for him a new place for performing spiritual deeds.
3. One day, during the regular prayer rule that the monk performed in his cell, the Holy Trinity appeared to him in the form of three Angels in light robes.
4. The Lord looked upon the spiritual exploits of His servant and celebrated them with His visit. The monk received instructions to build a temple on this site in the name of the Holy Life-Giving Trinity and create a monastery around it.

This event is shrouded in the greatest mystery, but the Monk Alexander of Svirsky did not doubt for a moment the truth of the voice of God. At the indicated place, the saint erected a wooden church, which was later built in stone. The brethren who had gathered by that time for prayerful deeds persuaded the ascetic to accept the priesthood, and then the abbess.

The saint spends the rest of his life in the labors of caring for the monastery, never ceasing to teach the brethren to do humble and godly deeds. Life tells that Alexander Svirsky could already perform miracles, so strong were his prayers to the Lord. During his life, the saint was awarded another vision: the Most Holy Theotokos herself came to consecrate the beginning of the construction of a church in the name of Her Intercession.

After the abbot's death in 1533, he was buried in the waste hermitage. And after 14 years, the icon of Alexander Svirsky was painted and the akathist approved. The monk was canonized. This is surprising, since it is the tradition of the church to glorify the righteous after a much longer period of time. But the miracles that occurred through the prayers of the saint became the decisive factor in favor of his speedy canonization.

Alexander-Svirsky Monastery

The example of the pious life of the ascetic served to spread Orthodoxy in the Olonets region, which was remote at that time. Ancient tribes lived here at that time. The monastery became for them a beacon of Orthodoxy.

People flocked here who wanted to become a monk in order to gain salvation through prayer and good deeds. The monastery expanded, new churches were opened, and the number of brethren increased.

It occupied a fairly large area, since it consisted of two parts - Troitskaya and Preobrazhenskaya, connected by a direct road.

Note! The great event of the appearance of the first abbot of the Holy Trinity Monastery is now reminded by the chapel erected on the spot where the miracle occurred.

Here numerous pilgrims can take sand with them with the blessing of St. Alexander of Svirsky. It is constantly replenished where traces of the presence of the Holy Trinity are forever imprinted. What does this shrine help with? Many who prayerfully apply it to a sore spot note significant relief. Orthodox Christians know that miraculous properties appear through sincere faith and prayer.

The Alexander-Svirsky Monastery has experienced a lot. They tried to destroy it and rob it more than once. But then the time of revival and prosperity came again.

During the period of its greatest prosperity, the monastery even bore the name of the Northern Lavra, since there were about 27 monasteries under its control. The monastery, through the prayers of its heavenly abbot (whose relics resided in the Transfiguration Church), was very rich and prosperous for a long time.

A very sad time came, and this greatest shrine left the monastery. In 1918, a terrible godless time began. The shrine was taken away, the monks were dispersed and shot, the churches were destroyed. And on the territory of the monastery at different times there were various organizations, including a psychiatric hospital.

But, by the grace of God, the hard times are over. The monastery came to life again. The monks returned to their ruined home. Construction began to boil, churches were re-consecrated and opened, cells were restored, parishioners and pilgrims began to flock. And most importantly: a precious shrine returned to the monastery - the relics of the saint, the eternal prayer book and guardian of the monastery. This joyful event occurred on July 30, 1998.

Through the intercession of the holy abbot, the monastery is being revived and alive today. Again, countless miracles occur at the relics in response to tearful prayers and petitions. Thousands of cases of instant healings are recorded in synodics. Cases of help, evidence that the Monk Alexander Svirsky hears prayers and helps, are described in numerous videos.

Holy relics

The election of the holy abbot of the monastery is a reflection of great merits before the face of the Lord. All his prayers were answered. The Almighty also despises the work of any person and responds to requests.

For almost 500 years, the relics of St. Alexander of Svir have amazed everyone who has seen them, prayed or worked with them. It is not enough to say that they are imperishable. During all this time, they have retained their appearance. Pilgrims, kissing them, claim that they have the temperature of the human body. In other words, the saint is still alive.

Those who are familiar with St. Alexander Svirsky and his life should definitely read the story of the second discovery of the relics or watch a video about it. Their fate is very difficult. It seemed that they were trying to erase the saint’s spiritual exploits from people’s memory forever.

They were first acquired back in 1641. Their extraordinary preservation even then surprised everyone who witnessed that event: the brethren of the monastery, Metropolitan Afoniy of Novgorod, the abbots of the Yuryev and Varlamo-Khutyn monasteries.

Note! The relics were placed in a beautiful silver shrine, donated by Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich Romanov, and transferred to the Transfiguration Church of the monastery.

Almost immediately they began to flow myrrh and emitted a strong fragrance that did not stop for a minute. The relics rested in the shrine until 1918. After a detachment of security officers broke into the monastery, there was a danger of their destruction. But by the providence of God they were taken out and hidden in a small hospital chapel. Later they were taken to Petrograd and placed in the Museum of Anatomy of the Military Medical Academy. There they were relatively safe. So the Monk Alexander of Svirsky hid his holy relics for the time being, and few knew where they were. The saint was waiting for the terrible godless time to end so that he could return to his monastery.

The terrible times have passed. After all the ups and downs, in 1998, the destroyed monastery was again transferred to the Orthodox Church. He again needed the holy guidance and intercession of the heavenly abbot, St. Alexander of Svirsky, in the matter of revival. The brethren of the monastery prayed that the Lord would reveal where the holy relics were.

In 1997, unnamed relics were discovered in the museum hall. After an examination process, they were identified, and in 1998, the holy wonderworker Alexander again took his place at the northern wall, next to the altar.

What does it help with?

The list of cases and testimonies about the prayer help of a miracle worker is constantly growing. The miraculous icon of Alexander Svirsky was painted from the holy relics, and the people who prayed in front of it know from experience what the saint helps with.

They pray to him if they want to ask for help in:

• strengthening faith;
• healing from illnesses;
• the birth of a long-awaited child;
• choosing the right path in life.

Useful video

Let's sum it up

Today, the place near the relics is never empty. Prayers of thanksgiving to the patron saint are constantly served. Numerous pilgrims come, make their requests and aspirations, and take blessed sand with them. The holy wonderworker Reverend Alexander of Svirsky, as before, offers his prayers to the All-Merciful Lord.

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