Venerable Joseph of Optina

Venerable Joseph of Optina (born Ivan Yefimovich Litovkin) was born November 2, 1837, in the village of Gorodishche, Kharkov province, into a devout peasant family. Orphaned young, he entered Optina Pustyn as a novice in 1861, becoming cell-attendant and closest disciple of St. Ambrose of Optina. For over thirty years he lived beside his spiritual father, absorbing his gift of discernment, meekness, and unceasing prayer. After Ambrose's death in 1891, the brotherhood chose Hieroschemamonk Joseph as his successor — confessor and elder to whom thousands of pilgrims came for counsel. Despite severe illness in his final years, he retained his gentleness and care for his spiritual children. He reposed May 9, 1911, at Optina Pustyn. Glorified by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1996 among the Optina Elders, and church-wide in 2000.