St. Ambrose of Optina
St. Ambrose (born Alexander Grenkov, 1812) entered Optina Monastery in 1839 and, after the repose of Elder Macarius in 1860, became its chief elder despite a lifelong debilitating illness.
For three decades pilgrims from across Russia, from peasants to Dostoevsky and Tolstoy, sought his counsel, and he served as the model for Elder Zosima in The Brothers Karamazov. He reposed on October 10, 1891, and was glorified by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1988. His surviving letters and recorded counsels remain among the most beloved works of Russian spiritual guidance.
We must live on earth as the wheel turns: only one point touches the ground, while the rest strives ever upward.
Live and do not grieve, condemn no one, annoy no one, and my respects to all.
It is best to live simply. Do not wrack your brain. Pray to God. The Lord will arrange everything; just live more simply.
Where there is simplicity, there are a hundred angels; but where there is cleverness, there are none.
Whoever reproaches us gives us a gift, but whoever praises us steals from us.
The Lord abides in simple hearts.
The beginning of salvation consists in rejecting your own will and understanding, and doing the will of God.
Troparion · Tone 5
We come to you, as to a fountain of healing, O Father Ambrose. For you guide us truly on the path of salvation, protecting us from troubles and misfortunes by your prayers, and comforting us in our physical and spiritual sorrows; above all, you taught with humility, patience, and love. As our fervent intercessor, entreat Christ the Lover of mankind that our souls may be saved.
Kontakion · Tone 2
Fulfilling the precepts of the Shepherd of shepherds, you inherited the grace of Eldership, having compassion for all who come to you with faith; therefore we your children cry out to you with love: Holy Father Ambrose, entreat Christ God that our souls may be saved.
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