Venerable
Venerable Barsanuphius Of Optina
17 июля 1845 — †1 апреля 1913
Venerable Barsanuphius of Optina (Plikhankov) — a brilliant military officer who, in a single night by God's Providence, became a great Optina elder; spiritual father and guide to countless pilgrims, one of the last great elders of Optina Hermitage before the revolution.
Venerable Barsanuphius, born Pavel Ivanovich Plikhankov, was born on July 17, 1845. He made a brilliant military career as an officer, but, in the words of Venerable Nectarius of Optina, "from a brilliant military man, in a single night, by God's dispensation, he became a great elder." Leaving the world, he entered Optina Hermitage, where under the guidance of Elder Anatoly (Zertsalov) and other spirit-bearing fathers he grew in the spiritual life. He was later himself made a confessor and elder, receiving an unending stream of pilgrims — from simple peasants to members of high society — granting comfort, healing of souls, and wise counsel. He was distinguished by a special gift of discernment and spiritual experience, acquired in part through his former military service. He died on April 1, 1913. He is glorified in the Synaxis of the Venerable Elders of Optina. His memory is kept on April 1/14 (day of repose), as well as October 11/24 in the general Synaxis of the Optina Elders.
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