Elena Ivanovna Roerich’s book “The Banner of the Venerable Sergius of Radonezh” first saw the light in 1934, when difficult times of godlessness had arrived. The shrine of the Russian land, the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, was plundered, as were most other temples and monasteries. It seemed the lamp had gone out for centuries, but the Lord’s paths are truly unfathomable. Another miracle of Sergius occurred—the Lavra was declared a museum and thus saved. In 1946 the relics of St. Sergius were returned to the monastery, and worship resumed. Once again the candle of hope flared up, and began the spiritual renewal of Russia.
In 2014 the 700th anniversary of Sergius of Radonezh will be celebrated at the state level. In the heart of the Russian person, there lives and will live forever gratitude and love for the great Saint, who always saved Russia in difficult times.