Memorial Day of St. Stephen of Makhrishchi

Stefan Makhrishchsky was born on Kyiv soil and decided to serve the Lord and faith. He was ordained a monk within the walls of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. After several years of true obedience and tireless prayer, Stefan moved to Moscow. The influential Prince John the Second respected the saint and offered to settle 35 versts from the Trinity-Sergius Hermitage in the village of Makhrishche. Local landowners feared that their territory would become the property of the monastery. Spiteful critics were plotting. Stefan Makhrishchsky, being of a kind and peaceful disposition, preferred to move closer to Vologda and settled on the banks of the Avnezhka River. The Monk Stephen had a significant influence on the life of the monks of Rus' in the mid-14th century. Possessing a certain courage and strong foundations, he was infinitely devoted and obedient to the Lord's will. The saint was also known for the fact that Sergius of Radonezh himself was his mentor, interlocutor and trustee. Metropolitan Alexy of Moscow blessed the Monk Stefan of Makhrishchi for a good deed - to become the founder of a monastery in the Name of the Holy Trinity. Saint Stephen was demanding of himself, worked tirelessly and improved the monastery. Possessing the gift of endless love for parishioners, he gave valuable, wise instructions, strengthening the Orthodox in the faith and giving hope for the salvation of souls. The modest, quiet Reverend Stefan of Makhrishchi lived long and honestly. Already a very old man, he accepted the schema and left this world on July 14 (July 27, new style) 1406. In the middle of the 16th century, during the construction of the more modern Trinity Church, multiple burials were excavated. Among the graves, two white stone coffins stood out clearly. Only the most significant saints could be buried in such honor. It turned out that Abbot Varlaam and Saint Stephen received the honor. Archaeologists excavated the holy relics of St. Stephen of Makhrishchi, which were found incorrupt. For many years, thousands of faithful parishioners prayed to particles of the saint, asked for help in troubles, and received relief from illnesses. Interesting fact. Anthropologists carefully examined Stephen's remains. When moving to another shrine, one of the temple employees noticed a bright cross on the saint’s skull. It was a miracle. In memory of Saint Stephen, an Orthodox holiday has been established, which is celebrated annually by the church and believers on July 27. On the Memorial Day of St. Stephen of Makhrishchi, parishioners pray and remember the glorious deeds of the great saint.