A novel by the well-known Soviet writer-historian D. M. Balashov (1927–2000) is devoted to the great ascetic and defender of Russian land, Saint Sergius of Radonezh.
In the book “Praise of Sergius,” Balashov continues the main theme of his work—the creation of Muscovite Rus. The hero of this novel is the Rostov man Varfolomey Kirillovich, known in monastic life as Sergius of Radonezh. By the will of fate, he became the center of that powerful spiritual revival of Rus which brought Vladimir Rus to the Kulikovo Field and, on the ruins of Kievan Rus, created a new state—Muscovite Rus. Before the reader unfolds the glorious and difficult life of this legendary man—from birth to death.