|
 Elder
Nektary came from a poor working class family. A schema-nun counseled
him to go to Optina where he arrived in 1876. For 20 years he was discipled
by Elder Anatole and also received counsel from Elder Ambrose. Both were
strict with him, and later, as a spiritual father, the medicine he gave
was often bitter, although he was kindly affectionate towards those undergoing
difficulties. He became something of a fool-for-Christ and spent several
years as a semi-recluse, reading not only spiritual texts but also the
world's literary greats: Milton, Dante, Shakespeare; he studied science,
mathematics and painting, and in conversation with intellectuals was able
to relate all human knowledge to the spiritual world and the wonder of
God's gift of creativity.
In 1913 he reluctantly agreed to be spiritual father of the brotherhood.
Comparing himself to his predecessors, he said, "They had whole loaves
of wisdom, while I have but a slice." In fact, it was said of Elder
Nektary that he was "a sword of light piercing the soul."
 When
in 1923 Optina was closed by the communists, Elder Nektary was imprisoned
briefly, then released, and spent the rest of his life in trying circumstances
in the village of Kholmishcha. Nevertheless, he managed to preserve a
radiant peace and maintained ties with some of his spiritual children.
Two months before he died he foretold to them his repose. He also said
that his body would not remain in the Kholmishcha cemetery. His prophecy
was recently fulfilled when, in July, monks from the newly reopened Optina
Hermitage transferred the Elder's relics-wondrously fragrant to the monastery
where they now repose in the main church, in a side chapel dedicated to
Elder Nektary's beloved abba, Elder Ambrose.
Father Nektary, pray to God for us! |
