Venerable Nilus of Stolbensk Lake

Commemorated on December 7.

Saint Nilus performed many other miracles. He would refuse gifts if the conscience of the one offering it to him was impure, or if they were in bodily impurity.

Aware of his approaching end, Saint Nilus prepared a grave for himself. At the time of his death, an igumen from one of the nearby monasteries came to the island and communed him with the Holy Mysteries. Before the igumen’s departure, Saint Nilus prayed for the last time, censing around the holy icons and the cell, and surrendered his soul to the Lord on December 7, 1554. The translation of his holy relics (now venerated at the church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Of the Sign” in the city of Ostashkova) took place in the year 1667, with feastdays established both on the day of his death, and on May 27.

Troparion

You appeared as a bright light on the island of Lake Seliger.
From your youth you took Christ’s cross on your shoulder.
You followed him zealously, O Father Nilus,
and by your purity you approached the divine likeness.
You were enriched with the gift of miracles;
and now we run to your relics compunctionately crying:
Entreat Christ our God that he may save our souls!

Kontakion

Leaving your fatherland you made your wilderness dwelling on the island of Lake Seliger.
Living in hardship and amazing men by your virtues,
you received Christ’s gift of working wonders.
Remember us who honor your holy memory,
that we may cry to you: Rejoice, O Father Nilus!