Patericon

St. Sergius and St. German.

The history of the foundation of Valaam Monastery is lost in the depths of centuries, but the available historical records indicate that it has existed from the very beginnings of Christianity in Russia. The founders of the community were Saints Sergius and Herman of Valaam, whose pious and God-pleasing lives inspired a whole multitude of holy fathers. These sanctified monks became founders of many Russian monasteries, and carried the Apostolic message all the way to the shores of Alaska.

Now, after half a century of desolation and desecration, the Monastery of Valaam has revived. This revival is impossible without reference to the spiritual treasury of Valaam asceticism.

Our main purpose is to open to our readers the grace-filled life in Christ, in service to God and neighbor by the experience of the great ascetics of our Monastery. To this end we place our hope in God, on the prayers of our holy elders, and the involvement and cooperation of all who follow the path of Valaam Monastery and its spiritual heritage.

Abbot Nazarius (1735-1809).

Abbot Damascene (1835-1881).

St. Antipas I (1816-1882).

St. Herman of Alaska (1757-1836).

Elder Leonid of Optina (1768-1841).

Elder Alexis (1834-1900).

Elder Agapit (1838-1905).

Schema-monk Nicholas (1864-1947).

Schema-abbot John (1873-1958).

Juvian the Chronicler (1880-1957).

Schema-abbot Luke (1880-1965).