Good News

I’ve known Optina Pustyn’ for a long time—almost sixteen years, since 1874. Over all these years, I visited there often: earlier I lived in the monastery for long periods, both in winter and in summer. And now, for almost the fourth year, I’ve been staying near it all the time, without going anywhere. And I clearly see how much has changed for the better. In my presence, people’s desire to come closer to the Church and its tradition has noticeably increased, as well as the need for spiritual mentorship.

Over the years, more and more newcomers arrive here not out of simple curiosity—and not only because of national feeling—so they can see something truly Russian: a way of life that preserves the foundations our ancestors lived by, a well-ordered Russian monastery. No: many signs indicate something else—especially in recent years, personal religious requests have significantly strengthened.