SKU: 2835924639

Elder Nikon of Optina

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Elder Nikon of OptinaThe Elders of Optina Monastery have had a tremendous impact on Russian society, calling forth a nationwide blossoming of sanctity. During the course of a century, their prophecy and God illumined counsel attracted spiritual seekers from far and wide. Elder Nikon (Belyaev) (18881931) was the beloved disciple of Elder Barsanuphius of Optina for over five years, during which time he assimilated his spiritual fathers sanctity and teachings to such a

The Elders of Optina Monastery have had a tremendous impact on Russian society, calling forth a nationwide blossoming of sanctity. During the course of a century, their prophecy and God-illumined counsel attracted spiritual seekers from far and wide.

Elder Nikon (Belyaev) (1888–1931) was the beloved disciple of Elder Barsanuphius of Optina for over five years, during which time he assimilated his spiritual father’s sanctity and teachings to such a degree that was later able to take on the labor of eldership himself. Fr. Nikon kept a spiritual journal detailing his relationship with Elder Barsanuphius, giving us a valuable view into how eldership is passed on. His humble acceptance of God’s providence at all times enabled Fr. Nikon to maintain his spiritual equilibrium no matter what the circumstances—and his lot was to be a difficult one. After the closure of Optina Hermitage as a monastery by the Soviets in 1918, he was the last hieromonk to continue serving there in the one open church until its final closure in 1923. Elder Nikon then began his ministry of eldership in the town of Kozelsk, where he settled with other Optina monks, and continued selflessly serving those around him until his arrest in 1927 and his exile to Russia’s far north, where, in poverty and sickness, with uncomplaining trust in God, he reposed in 1931.

The Life of Elder Nikon is particularly appropriate for our times, as the decline of the collective West into a Soviet-style dystopia mirrors the tragedy that overtook Orthodox Russia a century ago. Elder Nikon’s words of counsel on how to maintain faith, as well as his own example of confessing Christ in the face of persecution, are as needful for us today as they were during his own lifetime.

In addition to Nun Maria’s beautifully written biography of her spiritual father, this volume also contains Elder Nikon’s edifying letters and teachings.

Elder Nikon of Optina is the ninth volume in the series of Lives of the Optina Elders published by the St. Herman of Alaska Brotherhood.

*Paperback 544 pp.
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SKU: 2835924639

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Caitlin Wasill
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
If you’re wanting to get married, READ THIS BOOK!!
Format: Hardcover
We love this book! We used it to prepare for marriage and now gift it as an engagement gift! Very very helpful!
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Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2025
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NitiG
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 5
Great gift for any newly engaged couple
Format: Hardcover
Best gift for newly engaged couples
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Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2026
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L. J.
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 4
A fundamental message for preparing the heart, mind and body
Format: Hardcover
"Preparing your heart for marriage: Devotions for Engaged couples" is a great devotional that should be used by certain couples who follow a certain type of Christian spirituality to help prepare for married life. As the author Gary Thomas stresses, marriage is an entirely different ballgame from dating. No matter how long (or how short) you've been dating your beloved, living with them and learning how their personality works in daily marriage life is the key. These are 30 pre-marriage devotionals that do not require a Biblical reading with them, and have questions for reflections at the end. First, the pluses of this book. The black and white pictures and the layout of the book is just gorgeous. This is a perfect gift for a couple who has just been engaged. The preparation for marriage is realistic. This book deals with myths regarding a perfect marriage are, what communication is and how to continue to learn to love the other person even when times are tough (it's called taking your marital vows seriously). Now, the issues I have with the book. There is a big emphasis on being sexually pure before marriage. A lot of people will like this approach. However, some of the most religious people I know don't believe in this anymore, and feel this is a lesser sin. Some people who might be open to Christianity might be turned off by the heavy handiness of this subject in this work. This is a very Southern Baptist approach to sexuality. When I read about the author's credentials (teacher and writer in residence at the Second Baptist Church in Houston, TX which is one of the largest fundamental churches in Tx) I was not surprised by his approach. While I understand this approach and there are scriptural references to this approach, it may not be appealing to those questioning the validity of Christianity or to those who are interested in exploring becoming a Christian. Overall, this is a good gift. My Husband and I are an old married couple by now, and we enjoyed the book together and read it in one sitting, discussing the questions at the end. I think this can be used by older married couples. (We decided to revisit our courting days and asked some of the questions at the end of each devotional in past tense). I note the author seems to have devotionals for married couples and has written 18 other Christian oriented relationship books as of this writing. This is good for engaged or newly married couples who have a fundamental bent, or who are willing to either skip the sexual purity chapters or discuss the importance of sexuality in their present married/engaged life.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2019
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Nicole Sharp
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect
Format: Hardcover
Very Satisfied! Bought as a small engagement party gift!
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Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2025
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Emily
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 5
Best book I have ever read
Format: Hardcover
This book has been so helpful with bringing God more into my relationship! It is wonderful for setting goals and guidance on how marriage is and should be! I can’t wait to read his other books
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Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2024

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