October 10

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On this day we also celebrate the Synaxis of the Righteous Fathers of Optina Hermitage in Russia, who struggled valiantly in the monastic life in prayer, humility, obedience, and love, and whom God deemed worthy of the lofty gifts of discernment, prophecy, clairvoyance, and eldership, that is, the grace to guide souls on the unerring path of salvation. They are Leo (who reposed in 1841), Macarius (1860), Moses (1862), Anthony (1865), Hilarion (1873), Ambrose (1891), Anatolius (1894), Isaacius (1894), Joseph (1911), Barsanuphius (1913), Anatolius (1922), Nectarius (1928), Nicon (1931), and Isaacius (1936).

Apolytikion of 14 Elders of Optina Monastery

Plagal of the First Tone

For your greatness in prayer and humility and love, for your ascetical firmness and Orthodoxy of faith, God hath given His exceeding wondrous gifts to you as unto prophets of His will, as to angels on the earth, and stewards of men's salvation. Wherefore enlighten us also, O universal lights of Optina.

Kontakion of 14 Elders of Optina Monastery

Plagal of the Fourth Tone

To Leo, Moses, Anatolius, and Anthony; to Barsanuphius, Macarius, Hilarion: to Isaacius and Nicon, the righteous Martyrs; to Nectarius and Joseph and Isaacius, Anatolius, and Ambrose, who outshineth all, let us cry with joy: Rejoice, O Elders of Optina