Venerable Anthony (Putilov) of Optina

Venerable Anthony of Optina (Alexander Ivanovich Putilov in the world; 1795–1865) was born to a devout merchant family in Romanov, Yaroslavl province, the younger brother of St. Moses of Optina. Drawn to monastic life from youth, he joined his brother in ascetic retreat in 1812 and was tonsured with the name Anthony in 1820. In 1821 the brothers came to Optina Hermitage to establish the St. John the Forerunner Skete, which Anthony headed from age thirty, becoming one of the founders of the monastery's eldership (starchestvo) tradition. He bore a chronic, non-healing leg wound with patience throughout his life. From 1839 to 1841 he served as abbot of the St. Nicholas Chernoostrovsky Monastery in Maloyaroslavets, restoring order there before ill health forced his return to Optina. Known for spiritual discernment, gentleness, and a gift for consoling the sorrowful. He reposed on August 7/20, 1865.