Is Father Eli from Optina Hermitage alive? Elder Elijah: the weakening of the family threatens with dire consequences
Iliy Nozdrin is an outstanding spiritual personality, the confessor of Patriarch Kirill, a true elder, of whom there are so few left in our times.
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Biography of Schema-Archimandrite Elijah
The future elder was born in the simplest family of peasants in the village of Stanovoy Kolodez (near Orel). This significant event took place in 1932. They baptized the baby with the name Alexy (in honor of the man of God Alexy).
At that time, there were few believing families, and atheism was everywhere. But Elijah was lucky - his parents were deeply religious. The kid began to get used to work and prayer very early. At the age of 3, he already knew the most simple prayers and sincerely called to the Lord. Having lost his father early, who died at the front, the boy knew all the hardships and hardships of a military childhood and became a real help for his mother. In addition to the boy, the family had three more children.
From early childhood, Eli was distinguished among his peers by his outstanding mental abilities, as well as by his great industriousness. Despite the fact that he always had a lot of worries at home, he graduated from high school with excellence. Then there was a service in the army, after which he will enter a technical school. After successfully completing his studies, Iliy was sent to work at a cotton mill in the city of Kamyshin.
But the young man is especially acutely aware of the need for spiritual life and spiritual education. Therefore, he enters the theological seminary in Saratov. But Elijah failed to complete his studies. At this time, Khrushchev came to power and the persecution of the Orthodox faith began again. The seminary is closed. Eli continues his studies at the Leningrad Theological Seminary, then at the academy.
In 1966, the most important event in the life of Alexei takes place - he takes the tonsure, at which he is called Ilian. Then Ilian was ordained a hierodeacon, and soon a hieromonk.
10 years: from 1966 to 1976 he spends in the Pskov-Caves Monastery, where he gets acquainted and is in close contact with John Krestyankin.
And in 1976, he managed to make his cherished dream come true - to go to Athos. On the Holy Mountain, he lived in a skete in the mountains and performed the obedience of the confessor of the brethren of the monastery.
The 980s are marked by a special spiritual upsurge of our Motherland. At this time, Hieromonk Ilian is recalling from the Holy Mountain to his country. In Russia, he goes to Optina Pustyn, or rather, to what was left of her during the years of persecution. It is under him that Optina is reborn and becomes the heart of the Orthodoxy of the country.
Since 2009, the elder has been carrying out the honorary mission of the confessor of our Patriarch Kirill.
At the same time, Elder Ilian does not leave his flock and is the spiritual mentor of many simple Orthodox people who come to him for advice and help in Optina Pustyn. For most of the day, the old priest, despite his fatigue, receives pilgrims right at the refectory table.
Confessor of Patriarch Kirill
the honorary mission of the confessor himself His Holiness Patriarch Elder Eli has been carrying since 2004.
During this time, he is distinguished by huge charitable activities. Thanks to the elder, destroyed temples are being restored and new ones are being built.
The deputies of the State Duma awarded him the title of "Honorary Citizen of the City of Orel" for his charitable and missionary activities.
Prophecies of the Elder
In wide circles of Orthodox Christians, the Optina Elder is known for his predictions about Russia.
Unfortunately, these prophecies are not very optimistic, so the elder calls on all citizens of our country to unite and revive the true Orthodox faith in their souls.
Elder Elijah predicted severe trials for Russia and Ukraine, which, in his opinion, are inevitable and cannot be prevented in any way.
In his predictions, the priest speaks rather vaguely, without naming any specific dates or specific events.
But the way out of his words is unequivocal - a return to the origins of the saint Orthodox faith and not just in words, but in deeds. After all, it’s not enough just to build churches, decorate them and stand for long services, you need to let the Lord into your heart, love your neighbor with all your heart and live according to the commandments and biblical canons.
Father is sure that the time spiritual rebirth Russia will certainly come, and then we will be truly invincible.
How to get to the priest in Peredelkino
Elder Elijah is either in the Optina Desert or in Peredelkino on Patriarchal Compound. Many believers ask the question: how to get to the far-sighted priest when he is in Peredelkino.
To do this, you must come to the service in Church of the Transfiguration and wait until the elder comes out of it after the end of the service. There is no pre-registration for admission.
What recently took place the so-called. "Missionary Expedition of the Russian Orthodox Church" led by Schema-Archimandrite Eli (Nozdrin) , which is called "known to all Orthodox world spiritual strength, wisdom and meekness of an old man.
The message, in particular, says that "after the service, the parishioners ... were waiting for the appearance of the spirit-bearing priest, who is now called the elder of the Russian Land, to touch him, to come under his blessing."
Let us cite the testimonies of some Orthodox believers, which allow us to doubt the "elderhood" and "spiritual wisdom" of the respected Schema-Archimandrite Elijah.
I.
First of all, I want to say that I am opposed to Father Eli being called an elder. In my understanding, he is not. Elderhood presupposes not only spiritual experience, but a certain spiritual community and continuity, and what kind of continuity does Fr. Elijah have? With which of the elders of the 70-90s does he have a spiritual community? I would say that at one time appointed to be Elder of Optina Hermitage... Which is not surprising. This twig stretches from Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov), who was a complex personality, and most likely worked for the KGB, plus expressed and professed heretical views, and the shameful sin of ecumenism, which reaches out for the ROC MP, lies on his conscience.
Fr. Elijah was tonsured by Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov), who then ordained him a hierodeacon and hieromonk. About the Pskov-Pechersk stay of Father Elijah in the monastery walls (from 1966 to 1976) - silence. 10 years - no information.
Much more is known about Father John (Krestyankin) during this period (he appeared in Pechory in 1967). And about his monastic path. Then some of the elders were still alive, and they began to spiritually minister to Father John.
As a matter of fact, in the late 1980s Father Iliy was sent to Optina with a certain “task” - the opening of the monastery and its life had to take place under the supervision and control of the church authorities, who were still closely connected with the KGB and the CPSU. Father Eli was "his" person. He was the perfect fit for the position of spiritual father. But there were unforeseen obstacles. It turned out that there are other views that run counter to the “party line”. But it became clear that this "party" would stop at nothing. However, Father Eli himself was far from fulfilling the "task". He just showed amazing cowardice. And the line of the party was performed by Father Melchizedek (Artyukhin)...
Soon after Local Council In 2009, Sheikh Iliy became the confessor of his fellow student at the Theological Academy, the newly elected Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill, and moved to Peredelkino, in the courtyard of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. However, this does not surprise me ... The clan of Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) won unexpected victory. I hope it's temporary. Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeev), Vicar of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Chairman of the Department of External church connections Moscow Patriarchate, from the same cohort. In fact, the close link between the authorities and the Russian Orthodox Church has not disappeared anywhere, and those who were once close to secular power turned out to be in the highest echelons of church power. Here is the succession!
I can't say anything about Father Elijah as a monk and priest. Because his spiritual life is the mystery of God. And I must show respect for his monastic rank. At least formal. But I wonder if there were more examples destination an elder in the history of the Church? When and to whom did you make a powerful PR campaign in the media?
Most of the reverends and elders of the era of the USSR, and even after 1991, were persecuted to one degree or another, either by the authorities, or by their own brothers, and often existed in disgrace (however, this was also in general church history). Here is an amazing example, when an old man is “spun up” also above. Of course, opal is not a sign of holiness. But in this case, talking about something else...
I read what they write on some Orthodox forums about Father Elijah - the style of speech is simple - religious exaltation. Completely alien Orthodox spirit. Orthodox information sites are literally “crammed” to capacity with conversations, interviews and instructions from Fr. Or me. It is already written that “almost the last real old man” Russian Orthodox Church (http://www.pravmir.ru/starik-i-vechnost/)
Fortunately, Father Eli does not consider himself as such. In this he is honest with God.
In fact, at the moment, the leadership of the ROC MP is the "spiritual children" of the odious Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov).
II.
Those who lived in Optina for a long time, after the appearance of Abbot Elijah in Optina, should remember the scandal with the photo portrait of Pope John Paul II in the cell of this "old man".
And only when many of the brethren murmured and refused to go to Elijah for confession, the portrait that hung not far from the icons was taken down.
I heard this from my confessor, hegumen Nikon, one of the restorers of Optina, a prayer book and faithful warrior of Christ.
III.
Was familiar with Fr. Nikon, if we are talking about the hegumen of Optina Nikon, who recent times labored at the Optina farmstead in Moscow and had already retired.
He was in disgrace, that's for sure. I also know about Elijah and I know some details from his life from Schema-Archimandrite Seraphim (Tomin), who was the dean in the monastery on Mount Athos, when Fr. Eli (then Hieromonk Ilian) labored there as a librarian. Even there he had a portrait of the Pope in his cell, which embarrassed the brethren.
And one day a cardinal arrived on Athos. The brethren ignored his arrival, and Father Ilian went out to meet the cardinal with a cross, as to a bishop. After that, the brethren stopped communicating with him, and after a while, Fr. Ilian returned to Russia.
He said that it was hard for him there. Because on Athos there are only abbots in free mode, and hieromonks must carry out obediences like ordinary monks. And he returned to Russia to receive abbess here. He took the vows of the schema, received the hegumenate and wanted to return to Athos, but he was invited by Fr. Evlogii to Optina not as an elder, but as a confessor of the brethren. From Optina, Ily wrote a letter to Archimandrite Sophrony (Sakharov), but he never received an answer.
I think that Father Eliy is a good person. That's just his faith distorted. He believes that Catholics are not heretics, but our brothers in Christ. He spoke about this in front of me to a monk from Optina Hermitage and spoke with fanaticism.
He showed Fr. Elijah a letter from Elder Ambrose, where the Elder condemns the heresy of the Latins, and Fr. Elijah sneezed at his feet, calling him "Satan" and "schismatic."
Father Eliy is a simpleton. He can’t even connect two words, watch his video of the conversation - they are all contradictory and paradoxical.
Simplicity is good, but the main gift of a true elder is prudence. The elder will never praise the one who harms the Fatherland, but Fr. Ily reveres Gorbachev, who ruined our state. Father Eli even blessed his children to print portraits of Gorbachev and handed them out in the church.
I do not condemn the Church, and even more so I do not oppose the Church, talking here about Fr. Elijah. Don't bother blaming me for this.
I just want to warn people against the danger that awaits them when they turn to Father Elijah. I think that the article published here has the same purpose.
Schema-Archimandrite Eli attracts with his "humble" appearance. But try in front of him to start a conversation about Catholics, call them heretics and you will see how his "humility" will disappear like steam. For some reason, the communists will immediately become to blame for everything. This is how Fr Eliy reacts to any political question.
An even greater misfortune of his religion is the Origen heresy. He believes that everyone will be saved - regardless of faith. And he thinks that this is his manifestation of love. ""God is love". He cannot make someone suffer,” says Fr. Eli.
I don’t know what it is: a charming delusion or a heretical conviction?
Time will tell, but the Lord will judge. Sorry if I confused anyone. Be carefull. And to the enemies of the Church who blaspheme the Patriarch and the priesthood, I advise you to pay attention to your sins, and if you do not see them, then go to the temple of God. There are plenty of good shepherds who sincerely seek salvation.
IV.
"Elder" Eli (Nozdrin) as a weapon of information warfare
How is Orthodox anti-Sovietism promoted?
1. A person is taken who has the image of a “deserved authority” (in some cases this image is promoted artificially).
2. He is encouraged to speak out on camera on issues in which he is a priori incompetent.
3. After obtaining the required result, the information field is pumped with the finished material.
4. The Orthodox reverently absorb the offered ear noodles, because ... "this is old man and confessor of the Patriarch».
5. PROFIT!
For example, about the "gravedigger" of the great power (or "evil empire") of the USSR B.N. Yeltsin, the “old man” Ily spoke as follows: “ If it were my power, I would make a monument to him. He, like George the Victorious, with all this synodism - the Central Committee - threw down a party ticket ... He went to be torn to pieces ... His merit is that millions, billions of people turned to God, and the Church became normal.
Obviously, the terry anti-Sovietism of Schema-Archimandrite Elijah used as a weapon of information warfare against our Motherland.
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-For a long time, a special category of monks, called elders, has appeared among Russian monasticism. These people are by no means always of advanced age, since the title testifies not to the years lived, but to the gifts of insight and wisdom sent to them by the Lord, for meekness, humility and victory over their own passions. One of these chosen ones of God is our contemporary Schema-Archimandrite Ily Nozdrin.
Father Iliy Nozdrin was born in 1932 in a peasant family in the village of Stanovoy Kolodez, Oryol region. At holy baptism he was given the name Alexis, in honor of Saint Alexis, the man of God. Despite the mass atheism that prevailed in those years, his family was very religious. As Elder Eli (Nozdrin) himself recalls, he began to pray from the age of three. Having lost his father early, who died at the front in 1942, the boy became a faithful support for his mother, who was forced to raise four children alone after the death of her husband.
By the grace of God, from childhood, the future Schema-Archimandrite Ily Nozdrin was gifted not only with diligence, but with a lively and clear mind. Despite all the difficulties of the post-war years, he successfully graduated from high school and, having served his term in the army, went to study at the Serpukhov Mechanical College. After graduation, Alexei Nozdrin (Iliy) was sent to the city of Kamyshin, Volgograd Region, where he worked on the construction of a cotton mill.
Years of study
During these years, a desire to serve God manifested itself with special force. Leaving the profession of a builder, to which, as it turned out, he had no inclination, Alexei Nozdrin (Ili) went to study at the Saratov Theological Seminary. However, it failed to finish. As you know, in those years, the enemy of the human race chose the head of state Nikita Khrushchev, who perpetrated another persecution of the church, as his weapon. In the wake of this anti-religious campaign, the seminary in Saratov was closed, and Alexey went to Leningrad, where he continued his studies at the theological seminary, and then at the academy.
Academy graduate Nozdrin (Iliy) becomes a monk
Here, on the banks of the Neva, happened major event in his life. In March 1966 Alexei Nozdrin (Elij) took monastic vows with the new name Ilian, which he took in honor of one of the forty martyrs of Sebaste. Soon, Metropolitan Nikadim (Rotov) ordained the monk first as a hierodeacon - that is, a monk who has the right to perform the deacon's ministry, and then as a hieromonk - a monk with a priestly rank. Since then, he begins to fulfill obediences in a number of parishes in Leningrad and the region.
Years spent in the Pskov-Caves Monastery and on Mount Athos
As father Iliy (Nozdrin) later recalled, on the formation of his spiritual world a great influence was exerted by the example of a native of the Tambov province, who became a monk of the Athos monastery, and later canonized as a saint, Siluan of Athos. Having also had the desire to devote himself to life in the holy monastery, Ilian spends a long period of time, from 1966 to 1976, within the walls of the Pskov-Caves Monastery, where he closely communicates with an outstanding figure in the Russian Orthodox Church- the recognized old man and seer Archimandrite John Krestyankin.
In 1976, the cherished dream of Father Elijah came true - he was sent to the monastery of the Great Martyr Panteleimon, located on Mount Athos. Living in one of the mountain sketes, far from the vain world, he carried the obedience of the confessor of the monastic brethren, which, of course, provided him with the opportunity to gain rich experience in knowing the secrets of human souls.
In the Optina Desert
The end of the eighties in Russia became a period of spiritual revival of the country after decades of total atheism. In order to give this process an additional impetus, the leadership of the Russian Orthodox Church used all the reserves at its disposal. By decree of the Holy Synod, Hieromonk Ilian was also summoned from Athos.
He was sent to the once famous Optina Desert, which was to be restored after decades of desolation. Elijah begins his stay in it with the adoption of the great schema - the highest monastic rank, providing for a complete renunciation of the world and spiritual reunion with God. According to church charter, he also receives a new name - Eli, by which he is known today.
Recognition of the merits of the elder
Optina Hermitage owes much to the revival of its former spiritual greatness to the senile service, which Schema-Archimandrite Iliy has been carrying in her for the third decade. It is thanks to his tireless work as a coordinator and ideologist that the monastery has become today the largest center of Orthodoxy and pilgrimage.
Since 2009, Father Iliy has been fulfilling an important and honorable mission - he is the personal confessor of the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill. To feed your spiritual child he moved to his residence near Moscow, located in the village of Peredelkino, widely known for the fact that many prominent figures of Russian and Soviet art lived in it.
Senior ministry
Fulfilling such a lofty obedience, the elder does not stop, being in Optina Hermitage, communication with ordinary people. Many in life have various difficult situations, which, in their opinion, can only be sorted out by Elder Eli (Nozdrin). How to get an appointment with him is a question that worries many. However, this is a very real task, if it were the Will of God and one's own desire. Optina monks report that the priest regularly receives pilgrims right at the table in the refectory and devotes most of the day to this.
As a rule, there are many visitors, and this is no coincidence, because the elder's prayer has a special grace-filled power, which has been repeatedly confirmed in practice. Both within the walls of the monastery and outside it, a case is known when, with his prayer, he brought back to life a seriously wounded and already dying soldier brought from Chechnya. It is known that this episode, widely discussed in medical circles, did not find scientific explanation. There are other known cases miraculous healings through the prayers of the elder.
In Russia, there have always been spiritually perspicacious people who were called elders. Moreover, they fell into this category not at all for advanced years, but thanks to special wisdom, which appeared as a result of fervent prayers and labors for the glory of God. Previously, such elders lived mainly in Optina Hermitage, where pilgrims from all over Russia came for advice and blessings. Today, this tradition is being revived, and Elder Eli, who will be discussed in our article today, played a significant role in this process.
For the sake of meeting this amazing person, people are ready to spend several days in Optina Hermitage, waiting for his visit and at least one encouraging word. As the pilgrims say, not a single trouble will hide from the gaze of the elder Elijah. He will encourage, support and guide everyone. Much that he does is perceived as something miraculous, although the elder himself believes that everything in this world happens only by the will of God. Who is he, Elder Elijah from Optina Hermitage? Let's get to know him together.
Getting to know an old man
Schema-Archimandrite Elijah is difficult to find in one place. Despite the fact that he recently turned eighty-five years old, he is constantly on the move. And how could it be otherwise, if the elder has so many tasks and duties that one wonders where he draws strength for all this? Although the Schema-Archimandrite himself only trusts in God. He is sure that everyone in this world is given a burden according to their strength and understanding. After all, the Lord is merciful, and therefore he will never scourge the children of his beloved.
Elder Elijah manages everything. He often travels around Russia and holds meetings with ordinary people, and besides this, he does not forget to visit Optina Hermitage weekly. After all, it was he who was blessed for the restoration and revival of this ancient monastery. And, judging by the way he looks now, the elder did an excellent job with this work.
Not so long ago, the schiarchimandrite was appointed confessor of Patriarch Kirill himself, with whom they have known each other for several decades. This appointment was the reason for the forced relocation of Elder Elijah to Peredelkino.
Many pilgrims wonder how to get to meet him. They are planning visits to Peredelkino, but this is not worth doing. After all, it is almost impossible to find an old man here. He comes to his house for rare moments of relaxation and does not receive visitors. O the best way we will tell readers a little later about seeing and talking with the elder.
Young years of Schema-Archimandrite
The future elder Elijah, and in the world Alexey Nozdrin, comes from a simple peasant family. He was born in the Oryol region and still loves these places very much. He comes here most often and oversees many parishes.
Despite the fact that in the thirties of the last century atheism was totally implanted, the Nozdrin family was very pious, and with early years the boy attended church regularly. From the age of three, he could no longer imagine himself without prayer and, in his own words, turned to God for advice in absolutely any situation.
There were four children in the family, but it was Alexei who had to help his mother raise them. His father died at the front, and the boy took care of his mother and loved ones. By nature, he was generously endowed with kindness, diligence and humility. In addition, the young man was distinguished by intelligence, quick wit and a desire for knowledge, which helped him finish his studies in high school.
While serving in the army, a story happened to Alexei, which he later regretted for a long time. Surrendering to the persuasion of his commander, he joined the Komsomol and received a Komsomol ticket. However, the young man believed that a person who believes in God cannot be a party member. He deeply regretted that he had allowed himself to be persuaded to this act, and soon burned the ticket issued to him.
In the fifties of the last century, Alexei graduated from a professional educational institution in Serpukhov and was sent to work in Kamyshin.
Path choice
Since the young man learned to be a builder, he was sent to build a new factory. However, it was at this time that Alexei realized that he did not feel any attraction to his profession at all, and began to visit the only functioning church in the city more and more often. There he often talked with his spiritual, and he once advised the young man to try to enter the theological seminary. This proposal seemed very interesting to Alexei, and after much deliberation, he moved to Saratov, where he entered the seminary.
Seminary studies
The years of study were not easy for Alexei. During this period of time, mass persecution of the church began in the country, as a result of which churches and Christian educational institutions began to close.
The seminary in Saratov was closed, and further education young man had to in Leningrad. Here he graduated not only from the seminary, but also from the academy. During these years, he met the future Patriarch Kirill, communication with whom gave him great pleasure. As the patriarch later recalled, Alexei seemed to him alive, intelligent and very kind person, who literally saw everyone from the inside, and was by nature very sociable.
In Leningrad, he received monastic tonsure and took a new name - Ilian. He began his service in several parishes of the city and region at once. In the first years of his obedience, he was ordained a monk with a priestly rank.
Formation of the spiritual world of the elder
Ilian was very thoughtful about his duties and read a lot. Under the influence of the lives of the saints, his spiritual outlook and attitude to the service of the Lord was formed. He was especially inspired by the opportunity to devote his life to serving in Athos monastery. For this, Ilian spent ten long years in Pskov-Pechersk monastery. Here he could often be caught in spiritual conversations with Elder John Krestyankin.
Finally he was sent to Athos, where he carried out the obedience of a monk and lived in a secluded cell. The years spent in the monastery of St. Panteleimon gave the elder a lot. In silence and prayers he knew the secrets human soul which greatly helped him in his future activities.
Revival of the Optina Hermitage
By the early 1990s, the situation in the country had changed dramatically. Temples and monasteries began to revive everywhere, and the people reached out to faith with their souls. Such a massive impulse revealed an acute shortage of priests, who by this time were scattered around different parts of the world. From Athos, Ilian was also called, who was entrusted with the important mission of restoring the Optina Monastery. By this time, for more than ten years, he had been in complete desolation and needed a person who could take on the real feat of reviving the holy place.
In the same year, the elder received the highest rank, according to which he completely renounced the world and devoted every second of his life to the Lord. Since the acceptance of this dignity can be considered as a birth in God, the elder also received a new name - Eli. The elder has been serving in the Optina Desert for about thirty years, and the monastery owes its current status to the tireless labors of the Schema-Archimandrite. Quite deservedly, this place is considered the center of Orthodoxy, where tens of thousands of pilgrims come every year.
honorary mission
For eight years already, the schiarchimandrite has been fulfilling the most honorable mission that an Orthodox clergyman can only imagine. He is the confessor of Patriarch Kirill. Surprisingly, the elder himself believes that this work is his sacred duty, and even left the monastery so dear to his heart to settle in Peredelkino. From here it is much closer for him to get to Moscow and communicate with his spiritual child.
Warm relations have long been established between the patriarch and the schiarchimandrite, so they are only getting stronger every day. Not the last role in this process is played by the prayers of the elder. They are credited with incredible power, because where Elder Eli, there is always a place for a miracle.
About how to get to Elder Elijah, in one or another life situation many Orthodox think. And those lucky ones who managed to do this tell amazing things about the schiarchimandrite. Each pilgrim has his own story of meeting and communicating with the elder, because he literally saved many from spiritual blindness and other problems.
Some talk about how, without even looking at the pilgrim, the Schema-Archimandrite answered all the questions that tormented the soul of the person who came for an answer. At the same time, depending on the situation, the elder found comforting or accusatory words.
Many write that Eli is able to heal mental anguish with one or two words or make a person think about his life, completely changing it in the future. And after all, the elder does not raise his voice, does not accuse, but can penetrate into the very essence of the pilgrim standing in front of him and understand what exactly he needs.
The elder always knows which of those present to give an icon that he personally brought from Athos, and to whom a book, the reading of which will help the pilgrim to see spiritually.
There are known cases when, after the elder's prayer, people were healed in the most miraculous way. The story of a soldier on the verge of death is widely discussed. His relatives brought him to the monastery hoping for a miracle. The man no longer regained consciousness, and only after the prayer of the elder opened his eyes, and soon got to his feet. Doctors simply shrugged their shoulders regarding this case and could not find a worthy scientific explanation for it.
Elder Eliy, Optina Pustyn: how to get there
If you really need to see the elder, then feel free to go to Optina Pustyn. True, no one knows when the Schema-Archimandrite will arrive here. However, he visits the monastery almost every week and communicates freely with pilgrims in the refectory. Therefore, be sure to pray before going to the monastery and be sure that the Lord will give you the opportunity to talk with the elder if it is necessary for the good of your soul.
We must remember: first of all, there is God, there is a soul in man. There is eternity. And in order to recognize this truth, we have so many arguments that one person will never count them.
Before starting to acquaint readers with the answers of Schema-Archimandrite Elijah (Nozdrin) to our questions – questions of concern to many Orthodox – I would like to tell you about one episode that we have witnessed.
Among those who came to Elder Eli that day was a woman with a sick son - the boy has cerebral palsy, he cannot walk. They are from Central Russia. Georgy Bogomolov, as soon as he found out about them, said that they should be let in without a queue. They talked with the priest for about seven minutes, no more. A woman raising her son alone (her husband left) decided not to take too much time from the elder. And she probably had something to talk about with him ... But there were those in the queue who talked for 20 minutes, or maybe more. And they asked if it was worth selling the cow. No one was eavesdropping - we ourselves accidentally witnessed such a conversation.
Many years ago, I heard how Georgy Bogomolov once threw into the crowd: “They come and start talking about cats…” At that time I did not understand the meaning of these words at all. What kind of cats? What cats should you talk about with the elder? Now I have personally seen that they are talking not only about cats ...
And then we met the mother of this sick boy and, while waiting for a taxi, we got to talking. An amazing woman: calm, persistent. Her son Victor suffered serious complications after being vaccinated. But I did not see any longing in the eyes. She joined the Church three years ago. Now it is much easier for her. And it was enough for her to communicate with Father Elijah for a few minutes to understand something important.
But let us continue the story of our conversation with the elder.
“Father, there are a lot of broken young families now. And not only young spouses, but also those who have lived together for 20–25 years, get divorced. Why is this happening? What needs to be done to save the family?
“The whole point, of course, is our morality. We must remember: first of all, there is God, there is a soul in man. There is eternity. And in order to recognize this truth, we have so many arguments that one person will never count them. For this, we can say that a million is not enough. Everything talks about it. Look at you man! Look around you! Look at life, look at history. We have Holy Bible which from Adam to this day bears witness to God. And how many examples, phenomena underworld. We have thousands of these examples too! All this speaks of the Divine Truth! There is nothing against! We will not be mistaken if we say that it is zero. Only the charm of the devil. And those people are unhappy in the full sense of the word, who do not want to recognize the Truth. Recognize as Divine Truth. Like a real story.
And we, it would seem, how much we have achieved thanks to Christianity, thanks to a morally stable life! A lot: both in technology and in culture - a lot of everything! In development... For example, rockets, and now wireless phones... Thanks to the New Testament, thanks to Christianity.
But man does not want to admit that he is eternal. That he has a soul. Of course, this is from the devil. And if a person lived according to the Law, he would see how poor he is if he is without God! How unhappy he is - both in this world and in the future, which will be inevitable. Ask any grandmother, ask a scientist. After all, we have so many great scientists. The first university was founded by Lomonosov - he was a deeply religious person. How he talks about the sun! This terrible mass is like a spark before You - before You, before God! Check out his poems. There were the greatest scientists in the past and in the present century.
When we live a godless life, the life in us becomes impoverished, falls. Man without God is diminished
What you asked about is not from teaching, no. This is from the corruption of the soul only. These are young people who do not want good for themselves, do not want to penetrate history. They don't know anything! Renounce God. They are absolute laymen. Look, they don't understand life, they don't know life! And when we live a godless life, of course, life in us becomes impoverished, falls. Man without God is diminished. He does not truly live, neither inwardly nor outwardly. However, he does not want to recognize what constitutes the true positive in life: to recognize God, to recognize eternity, to recognize the immortality of his soul. Doesn't want to. Not because he has no proof, evidence, but simply the devil, of course, twirls. And they only say: Lord, let me understand Your Truth! Or the first words of the Savior: "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." This is eternity, this is life right. And if in life there is such a consistent - like now - apostasy from God, then that's it! This threatens with dire consequences.
Now we have a pamphlet called The Last Call. It is not known, maybe an adult, but they say that it was written by a child. Many have read. Of course, it's scary to even think about it, I don't even want to talk about the dangers of this godlessness, this retreat.
So you asked about family. The family is a cell, it is a small particle of our society. The state of the family, the strength of the family determines the state of society. The weakening of the family threatens with dire consequences. All this is a loss of morality, a loss of conscience. Loss of consciousness. Loss of direction, what is important in life.
– Father, what does Orthodoxy mean for Russia?
– Thank God that now it has become at least called Russia. At least the word in the name of the country is Russia. Ancient word. How many centuries already exists. The communists wanted to obscure the whole past altogether. And how can a plant develop if the root is cut in it? So it was with us under the Soviet of Deputies, under the Soviet regime. They didn't want anything old, only new. But this is demonic - this is the devil that set people up in such a way as to discard our history, Russia, our roots. Thousands of the greatest heroes and generals! How many of our inventors are in the past, no matter what! They didn't mention it. Only: revolution! revolution! - as this one shouted, burry. All he wants is a revolution. And that's it. Of course, Russia is a great country. Holy Russia! It was called Holy Russia. Indeed, she was great. What great, healthy, strong people they were! What are we all now? Small fry turns out. Even if you look at the outside.
No, it cannot be denied: thank God, now many people are coming to faith. They come consciously. This makes me happy. It's nice, of course. People fill churches and realize what a person lives for, what is the life and meaning of a person's life. Not in just one burning life. It is in our high morality, which Christianity gave rise to. Such is the achievement here of a correct life and the realization of our eternal life.
– And why do the holy fathers encourage abstinence so much? What does it give us?
- Well, how! This, of course, is abstinence. (Laughs.) Of course, asceticism is built precisely on abstinence. Our morality, our fortress, our consciousness are built on abstinence. If not to abstain, how can you? The church has established its charter. To our deepest regret, people denigrate the Church, priests, bishops. They do not know the essence of our spiritual life at all. Church life, you understand? After all, how did they fight before? For Faith, Tsar and Fatherland!
Our morality, our fortress, our consciousness is built on abstinence
If there is no abstinence, then this will lead to bad consequences. In the family, for example. Take children: parents allow them a lot. There are many examples of children killing their parents. From what? Because they were allowed too much! Do you understand? This is a matter of education. And the Church is the first to educate a person. For example, in a post. Not every family will allow everything that can be bought: for food, for clothes - this is a luxury.
Here the son asks: father, buy me a car. Wait, earn money yourself, then buy: a car or something else, an apartment, for example. Then it will be valuable to you. And when all this was served to you on a silver platter… You have to work hard, then you will appreciate your car, take care of it, even drive more carefully.
– Father, you mentioned the bishops. Who is a bishop in the Church? What should be the attitude of the flock towards him?
- If you talk in a secular way, then the bishop is the boss. Christianity must be understood. People attack faith, but they do not have any exact concepts about the Christian faith, about what faith is. Where does the history of Christianity begin? We have a Trinity holiday. What is the Trinity? This is the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles, and therefore on the world. The Lord promised that after His Ascension He would send the Holy Spirit. But we don't understand... Not knowing faith, we don't understand the essence of life. After all, everything is from an insect to a huge animal: an elephant, a camel; from a small petal to huge trees - everything lives only thanks to the action of the grace of God. The action of the power of God, the Wisdom of God. Even if a recidivist, about whom it is terrible even to speak, is deprived of grace-filled strength, he will not be able to live a day. Everything lives only by grace. Youth, godless people, different denominations, confessions - God keeps everything only by His grace. And into the world after suffering and Resurrection, after His Ascension, the Lord promised to send the Holy Spirit. First to the apostles, and through them to the whole world. The first successors of the Holy Spirit are the apostles. They ordained the leaders of the early followers of the Savior. You have to read about it. Unfortunately we don't know New Testament, the history of Christianity.
And by the way, theological science is the most extensive of all branches of knowledge. For it originates in Old Testament. But, unfortunately, people do not want to know this. The devil, of course, keeps everyone. Someone believes that a believer is a narrow-minded person. Like Khrushchev, who said that fools are baptized. Of course, he got confused. How many died through it - thousands of people! Without thinking, he gave the Crimea. And Crimea has always been Russian. A sea of Russian blood has been shed there. He turned out to be a traitor. And he believed that believers can be sent to a madhouse. Yes, that's how it was, and that's how it was. How many people were sent! And he almost got there.
– Father, I would like to receive your comment on Ukraine. Now the schismatics want to take away Kiev Pechersk Lavra, collect signatures on the Internet. How should Ukrainians, how should Russians react to this?
– This Ukrainian turmoil began with the Maidan. The revelry of these presumptuous buddies. How many thousands of people died. And how much has been destroyed. And to this day, the consequences. Insolence. It's easy for bandits to seize power. Conscience does not exist for them. Law too. As they say: the law is not written for fools.
– Recent years 20 have become extremely popular psychics, fortune tellers, all kinds of healers. People are ready to pay them a lot of money for their "help", often the last. What is the danger of such hobbies?
The worst thing for us is a school where children do not get the right idea about the essence of life.
- It's all retreat. Loss of real faith. Consequences of godlessness. In the old pre-revolutionary times, we had missionary seminaries and theological schools. Then they gave correct ideas about faith. And when sects and abnormal teachings arise, these are all, of course, products of demonic power. A person strives to know something true, but there is no right direction, no right teaching. The worst thing for us is the school, where children do not get a correct understanding of the essence of life. And, of course, when a person wants to know something higher than the ordinary, he throws himself at all sorts of baits. That's like a bird. Take a chicken: there is no good food for it, and if they give it some sand, it will peck at it too. So are people. Infected by all sorts of sects.
– Father Eli, how to deal with pride? So you go to the temple and pray, but you can’t defeat it in yourself. There are also worries, doubts, despondency. How to resist them?
- Remember that all our earthly life short. It is not guaranteed even for one day in this world. But the Lord pointed us to eternity. The Lord could create everything for this life. I could deliver from the devil and from everything abnormal and turn a person to Himself. But since man is the crown of creation, he is endowed with will. Here is an example of 12 apostles, and among them - Judas. The God-man Savior knows that Judas will betray Him. He could have saved him, like the other apostles. The Lord gave him everything for him to believe, but... So the Lord leads every person to goodness, but keeps his will. We are temporary. Our whole life is too short, too limited. And the Lord points to eternity. How many empires, how many states there were... The Lord shows us our future endless eternity. published
Nikita Filatov spoke with Schema-Archimandrite Ily (Nozdrin)
