On April 18, 2024, the inhabitants of the monastery of Hieromonk Vasily (Roslyakov), Monk Trofim (Tatarnikov) and Monk Ferapont (Pushkarev), who were killed on Easter 1993, were prayerfully honored at the Vvedensk Stavropol Monastery of Optina Deserts.
On this day, two Liturgies of the Presanctified Gifts and a memorial service were celebrated.
The divine service in the Kazan Cathedral of the monastery was led by the vicar of the Optina Desert, Bishop Joseph of Mozhaisk.
His Grace was co-served by the rector of the Optina Pustyn monastery in Moscow, the press secretary of the Synodal Department for Monasteries and Monasticism, Archimandrite Melchizedek (Artyukhin), and the brethren of the monastery in holy orders.
The sermon was delivered by Hieromonk Philotheus (Magerramov).
At the end of the divine services for the repose of the ever-remembered brethren, they prayed for a memorial service at the Resurrection Chapel, erected over their burial place. The funeral service was led by the vicar of the monastery.
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For many years now, the monastery of Optina Deserts has been commemorating the murdered brothers, Hieromonk Vasily (Roslyakov), Monk Trofim (Tatarnikov) and Monk Ferapont (Pushkarev), daily at the Divine Liturgy. Numerous pilgrims come from everywhere to worship their holy graves and ask for grace-filled help in spiritual and everyday needs.
During this time, the fame of the murdered monks spread not only throughout Russia, but also far beyond its borders. God glorifies His chosen ones who gave their lives for the sake of His Holy name.
The news of the martyrdom of three Optina villagers at the hands of a Satanist on Easter 1993 cut through the ordinary daily life like a thunderbolt, shook people's souls and hearts.