At the Ringing of the Bells: The Paschal Martyrs of Optina

by Maria Larsen (Translator)

On Pascha of 1993, three young monks of the famous Optina Hermitage—Hieromonk Vasily, Monk Therapont, and Monk Trophim—were brutally murdered by a satanist. The saintly lives of these monks show that their martyric death was a special gift to them from the Lord. Based on a book published by Optina Hermitage, with many excerpts from Hieromonk Vasily’s diary, this book is the most complete account of their lives, miracles and writings available in English.

288 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Navel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Batushka, do you have one, most cherished, wish?"
"Yes, I would like to die on Pascha, at the ringing of the bells."
- From the life of Heiromonk Vasily

On Pascha in 1993 three monks were martyred by a satanist. The accounts of their lives as well as the accounts of their intercessory miracles are contained within.

[Clayton Pearlstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

"- Batushka, do you have one, most cherished wish?
- Yes. To die on Pascha at the ringing of the bells."
from the life of New Martyr Vasily

This book was so beautiful! I have been drawn to Optina since my entrance into the Orthodox Church. I have read a few of the lives of the Optina Elders with one of my favorites being Elder Ambrose (who New Martyr Vasily was particularly drawn to as well). If you are unfamiliar with Optina then you would do well to pick any one of the Elders to read about or start with this book and work backward. I might also add for anyone that has read The Brothers Karamazov that the Elder Zosima character is based on Elder Ambrose.

This book contains the lives of the 3 new martyrs of Optina who were stabbed to death on Pascha of 1993 at the ringing of the bells. Their blood was spilled on the recently reestablished Optina Monastery which had come to ruins under the yoke of the godless communist regime. This suffering brought tears, but it also brought great blessings to the Church as we have gained 3 new intercessors before the Throne of God. Thus a priest named Father Nicholaus is quoted in the book as saying, "Well, why are you crying? Three lamps have lit at Optina, three lampadas."

I cannot recommend this book enough. O holy New Martyrs pray to God for us!

[Johnny T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and inspiring.

[Ryder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading about the life and martyrdom of Hieromonk Vasily, Monk Therapont, and Monk Trophim was convicting and motivating. The stichera and letters written by Hieromonk Vasily were beautiful to read. If you are searching for a book to inspire you in your spiritual life, this is a great option.
Martyrs of the Optina Monastery, pray for us!