The Monk Nestor the Chronicler: the biography of the saint

In ancient times, the centers of spiritual, cultural and scientific life were monasteries. The monks who lived in them were taught literacy and were able to write, unlike the bulk of the people. Thanks to their manuscripts we can now learn about the ancient history of mankind. A huge contribution to the development of science was made by the monk Nestor. The chronicler led a kind of diary, where he recorded everything, in his opinion, significant events in the life of society. For his work and good deeds, the monk was canonized by the Orthodox Church and revered as a saint. The history of his extraordinary life will be the subject of this article.

Nestor the chronicler: monastic vows

According to the monastic statute of those times, a man had to undergo a three-year obedience at the temple, and only then did he get the right to be a servant of the Lord. The hero of our narrative Nestor was preparing for monasticism, and in this he was first helped by Hegumen Theodosius, and then Stefan. These people had an extraordinary influence on the future fate of Nestor. At that time many monks conducted the chronicles, but our black man did not think about this matter at first. He was the most common brother, like all the others.

Nestor the chronicler: the desire for knowledge

Gradually, the monk realizes that he becomes interested in book wisdom. He begins to read the Gospel, and then the lives of the saints. The latter served him as an example to follow. Reading the life of the Greek righteous, the Monk Nestor the chronicler decided to start writing about the exploits of Russian saints, so that they would not be left without trace. The first work of the monk was the life of the blessed passion-bearers Boris and Gleb. After this work, life began to give Nestor many reasons for research. So, he was instructed to find the body of Hegumen Theodosius. With the help of two monks, Nestor still managed to find the relics of the saint, who were transferred to the laurel. Impressed with this event, he proceeded to the next work. He was nothing but the life of St. Theodosius.

"Tale of Bygone Years"

Hegumen began to notice the talent and diligence of Nestor, who was commissioned to bring together many records of different years together and edit them. It was from this time until the end of his life that Nestor the Chronicler wrote The Tale of Bygone Years. Now this creation is one of the highest values of Russian history, because it is based on numerous sources, and also written with the help of unsurpassed literary mastery. Until his death, Nestor the Chronicler was busy with his work. After him, other priests took up the manuscript.

Memory of the Holy

Until now, the Russian people remember the exploits of the chronicler Nestor. His biography is not fully restored, because he lived a long time - in the XI century. Already in the thirteenth century, Nestor was remembered as a saint. Its significance for the Russian Orthodox Church and for the entire Slavic people can not be overestimated. The monk is buried in the caves of Antony in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. The Orthodox Church commemorates Nestor on 9 November. In addition, the monk is recalled and on October 11 - the day of the Cathedral of the Reverend Fathers of the Lavra.