Pavel of Taganrog: the life and miracles of the holy elder, in which prayers also help

Right Pavel Taganrogsky

Pavel Pavlovich Stozhkov, Taganrog
(1792 - 1879), righteous Memory March 10, May 22 (Ukr. [1]) - discovery of relics in 1998, June 7 (Ukr. [2]) - glorification in 1999

Born on November 8, 1792 in the family of a nobleman of the Chernigov province of Krolevets district. At baptism he was named after St. Paul the Confessor, Archbishop of Constantinople [3]. The parents wanted to provide their son with an education and a good social position, while the young man strove for salvation and a godly life in prayer and wandering in holy places. At the age of 25, following the words of the Lord: “... sell everything you have and give it to the poor: and have treasure in Heaven” (Luke 18:22), Blessed Paul distributed the part of his estate that had fallen to him, set the peasants free, and, taking with the blessing of his father, he set off on a cherished journey through the holy monasteries, in order to find repose for his soul under their roof.

His wandering life lasted about ten years, and then he settled in the seaside city of Taganrog, where, forgetting his noble origins, he spoke the common Little Russian dialect and lived in a dugout. Through hard work in the port and tireless prayer, he cleansed his soul and body from everything passionate and sinful, the grace of God clearly rested on him, and he shone for many with his righteous life, and involuntarily people, under the impression of his speeches and deeds, thought more deeply about the meaning of life and remembered the Heavenly Fatherland. They began to go to him for advice and consolation.

Having arrived in old age, he left hard work in the port and settled in a small house, praying incessantly to God and serving people. Every day, with the first sound of the church bell, he went to the cathedral, prayed during the Liturgy, adjusted the lamps, for which he carried a small bench with him, and a white towel on his shoulders, with which he wiped the holy icons. From the church, Blessed Paul, as usual, walked through the market. Hanging with two white canvas bags and holding a stick in his hands, he walked around all the traders with his usual instructions and consolations. Merchants gave him alms, but from some he did not accept any alms and even drove them away from him with a stick. The nights, as before, were spent in fervent, kneeling prayer. The Jesus Prayer never left his lips; He taught everyone who came to him to say this prayer, and without it he never allowed anyone into his cell. Pavel Pavlovich loved churches and often donated icons, lamps, candles, oil, etc. to them. He taught to be faithful in small things, instilled a love for church shrines and transferred this reverent attitude to objects that sanctify human life in the world: prosphora, incense, candles.

The common people found in the blessed one a holy elder great in virtue. Having established himself in an immaculate life, according to the law of the Lord, blessed Paul was like a lamp on earth, shining with good deeds. He received from the Lord the gift of healing and insight. And people came to him with their sorrows, troubles and questions. Many came to the blessed one and begged him to allow him to stay with him, so that the words of the psalmist would be fulfilled on them: “You will be reverent with the venerable one, and you will be innocent with the innocent man; and you will be chosen with the chosen one” (17:26-27). And he left some to stay with him as if under obedience.

Having sacrificed his estates to God, Blessed Paul often sacrificed for the sake of Christ the fruits of his noble upbringing and education, and under the guise of feigned rudeness skillfully hid his sublime and noble soul. If some visitor with unrepentant sins comes to Blessed Paul, the blessed one, without embarrassing the visitor with the rude revelation of his secrets, feignedly attacks one of his novices: scolds, scolds, threatens with a stick, while naming the visitor’s sins in order to motivate that to repentance. The novice meekly endures and only repeats: “Forgive me, father, it’s my fault.”

By the power of God's grace, the blessed one clearly saw both the soul of man and his future. He predicted to his confessor, Hieromonk Damian: “ You will be a great man, such that you cannot be greater.”

, - and these prophetic words really came true in the life of Father Damian: in 1897 he was installed as Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem.

Approaching the end of his earthly life, the blessed one weakened more and more in his bodily strength, but his holy soul continued to glow with love for God and his neighbors. Like other great saints of God, the Lord revealed to him the day and hour of his death. The day before, he ordered a letter to be written to his loved ones asking them to be at his funeral.

Died on March 10, 1879. In the evening he became extremely weak and, having received the Holy Mysteries of Christ from his confessor, Father Damian, he betrayed his righteous soul to God. At the moment of his death, everyone present saw that the face of the saint of God shone with great joy, from his blessed head, a yellowish shadow passed over his entire body to his very feet, and after that his body became white, like snow. All who saw this sign of God’s grace over blessed Paul were touched in their hearts and glorified God for such His mercy.

Reverence

Reliquary with the relics of the righteous Pavel of Taganrog, 2015

Blessed Paul loved to say: “Even though I die, my place will not remain empty.”
And he added: “My bush will never be empty.” The village girl Maria Velichko came to the ascetic with the question of whether she should marry or go to a monastery - and heard: “Oh, little girl, and you will die with me...”. Mary remained in his cell for the rest of her long life, remembering him, glorifying the Lord and imitating the exploits of Blessed Paul. Like her, all who sought to graft themselves into the fertile bush of the saint of God, seeking peace and consolation for their souls, found them. Since his death, the people's veneration of the saint of God has not ceased, which has recently been increasing more and more. On the day of remembrance of the blessed one, a great multitude of believers from all over Russia gather at the shrine with his holy relics to prayerfully honor him; the chapel in the old cemetery of Taganrog, where he was buried, is never empty, the lamps in front of the holy icons in his cell never go out. Through the prayers of Blessed Pavel Pavlovich, believers are given healing, consolation and gracious help from the Lord. The local glorification of the saint took place on Sunday, June 20, 1999 in the city of Taganrog. More than ten thousand believers from the Rostov region and southern Russia came to venerate Blessed Paul on the day of his canonization. Carried in turn by all the priests of the Rostov diocese, the ark with the holy relics was solemnly transferred from the All Saints Church in the old cemetery to the St. Nicholas Church in Taganrog, where the Archbishop of Rostov and Novocherkassk Panteleimon read the bishop's ruling on the canonization of St. Blessed Paul of Taganrog and celebrated the Divine Liturgy, after which many believers venerated the relics of the saint. The glorification was marked by numerous miracles. The ceremonial transfer of the relics was predicted by the monk shortly before his departure to the Lord, when the elder chanted: “They carried Paul to the grave, and from the grave to the cathedral” (in those years, St. Nicholas Church had the status of a cathedral).

By the determination of the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church on February 2-3, 2016, the name of the righteous Paul of Taganrog was included in the month book of the Russian Orthodox Church for church-wide veneration [4]. On February 14 of the same year, Metropolitan Mercury of Rostov performed the rite of great consecration of the first parish church in Russia in the name of the righteous Paul of Taganrog in the village of Mateev Kurgan [5].

What is known about the life of the saint

The worldly name of the saint is Pavel Stozhkov. His surname belongs to a noble Ukrainian family. Pavel's birthplace is Chernigov region. Date of birth: November 19 (November 8), 1792.

Origin and childhood

The parents named their youngest son in honor of Paul the Confessor, the Archbishop of Constantinople and a fighter against heretics. The boy could occupy a high social position in the future, but he was not interested in worldly education and honors. From childhood, his soul longed for a peaceful life in Christ.

As a sixteen-year-old teenager, Pavel made his first pilgrimage to the holy places of Ukraine. He was away for a year. Upon his return, his father's wrath fell upon him. He was lucky enough to continue his wanderings at the age of 25.

The young man liked Kyiv most of all. He visited the Kiev Pechersk and Pochaev Lavra several times. By that time, his father had left half of his fortune to Pavel. The second half went to his older brother Ivan. Every monastery or church that Paul came to received a generous donation.

The pious young man did not study at a theological seminary or at the theological faculty. He attended church universities in conversations with wise elders and spiritual mentors: he observed the righteous and ascetic way of life, and got used to continuous communication with God through prayer.

Maturity

Having reached his fourth decade, Pavel reached Taganrog. Arriving in the city, he felt that he had found a place on earth to accomplish the feat of serving God and people.

Seasoned in his wanderings, the righteous man had good health and physique. He sought to work in grain procurements for the local merchant family of the Maltovs. Pavel was known as an intelligent and efficient worker with remarkable strength. But as soon as the church rang for service, he left everything and went to prayer.

Righteous Paul became an important part of the spiritual life of the city. The cell in which he lived is still preserved and is open to visitors. As during the life of the saint, people come there for advice and admonition.

Eldership

From his youth to his old age, Paul respected the laws of Orthodoxy, honored holidays and was diligent in prayer. Residents of Taganrog saw the elder as an example to follow. A circle of followers formed around the mentor.

The disciples led a monastic ascetic lifestyle, observed fasts, holidays and spent a lot of time in prayer. Some lived with the spiritual master. Other, very wealthy and family people, came to visit and pray with Elder Paul, and in the evening they returned home. They brought donations to the saint, but he gave the gifts to the temple and distributed them to those in need.

In communicating with guests and students, the elder showed sensitivity and tact, received everyone with love and gave advice. He considered it his feat to instill in people respect for the Christian faith and traditions of the Orthodox Church.

Saint Paul talked with everyone, but not in an edifying manner, but revealing to each person his own path to God. Some were forced to repent of their sins by the meek word of the elder, while others had their eyes opened through a direct indication of sinfulness.

Paul cared not only about the righteous lay people, but also about those who had stumbled—the prisoners in the city prison. The elder brought donations to the condemned and held conversations. Through him, prisoners passed notes to the priests asking them to remember their names at the service.

Pavel Taganrog called for continuous prayer. He taught to pray even in doubt and after bad deeds, when the soul is ashamed. After all, no one on earth will help a person save his soul - only himself and the Lord. Therefore you need to pray. God is eternal Light and Truth.

Death and canonization

The holy elder Pavel of Taganrog lived 86 years. Throughout his long life he attached great importance to pilgrimage and prayer. The righteous man traveled a lot in his youth, and in settled maturity and old age he often ordered forty-day services in the church and himself came to them every day to read prayers.

Pavel Taganrogsky died on March 23 (March 10), 1879. His follower Maria Velichko, also a respected old woman, took upon herself the care of the community.

The saint was buried at the Old Taganrog Cemetery. There is a chapel on the site of his grave. The relics were transferred to St. Nicholas Church, where Paul prayed during his lifetime. After his death, the flow of those in need of his help increased. The elder was canonized in 1999 as a locally revered saint.

Miracles

One of the miracles occurred on the day of the canonization of Paul of Taganrog. During the service, the sun shone over St. Nicholas Church. At noon, a bright rainbow halo appeared around the solar circle.

The elder's cell is a small house on Turgenevsky Lane. Inside there is a bench where he rested. Pavel slept little, without a pillow, covering his clothes. He spent most of the night praying. Pilgrims come to sit in the saint's place and receive relief from their ailments.

In his old age, physical strength did not leave Paul. He helped add chapels to the church and carried bricks. The elder treated icons with respect. He loved to wipe the holy faces and light lamps in front of them. One day the rector of the temple looked at the elder, and he saw him dressed in light bishop’s clothes.

Pavel was often seen at the market. He walked sedately through the rows with two knapsacks, leaning on his staff. For traders, the appearance of the old man was a happy omen - the day would be profitable. They gladly gave him food as a donation. But the perspicacious righteous man did not always agree to accept the gifts, and even hit some with a stick.

Saint Paul of Taganrog had the gift of foresight. Several famous cases of his prophecies being fulfilled:

Hieromonk Damian Kasatos became Patriarch of Jerusalem;
Maria Velichko came to ask the elder when she would get married. In response, the girl heard that she would die in his house. Subsequently, Mary became a devoted disciple of the saint and herself acquired the gift of clairvoyance;
A pilgrim who came to ask for the healing of his wife was hit on the head by the elder with his staff. The saint said that he had come a long way in vain. His wife was healed at the moment of the blow, and indeed was waiting for her husband upon arrival with a plate of dumplings, as the healer had predicted.

Treatment with a blow from a staff is Paul’s special method. He beat the “patients” hard, but even those whom traditional medicine was powerless to help were cured.

What is interesting about the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker?

Its revival was timed to coincide with preparations for the celebration of the 300th anniversary of Taganrog. Mountains of garbage had to be removed from the central part of the structure in order to create a site for new construction. Only in the late 1990s, with the support of state funding and the purposeful activities of Rector A. Klyunkov, a new main church building was erected on the site where the temple had once burned down.

The interior layout was designed to accommodate scheduled worship services. The bell tower was also restored. St. Nicholas Cathedral is also the Orthodox heart of spiritual education in Taganrog. There is a Sunday school for adults and children here. The general picture of the Christian monument is an ensemble of three buildings, which is a monument of history and culture of the 17th century.

Thanks to its incredible and entertaining history, today many tourists want to visit Taganrog. St. Nicholas Church also stands out for its unique shrines, the most important being the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, donated by Metropolitan Vladimir in the second half of the 18th century. He brought it from Italy - from the town of Bari. In 1820, the image changed its location - it was transported to the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. The relics of Blessed Paul of Taganrog have been kept in St. Nicholas Church since the late 90s. XX century.

Meaning in Orthodoxy

Blessed Pavel of Taganrog showed that to get closer to God it is not necessary to become a martyr, but it is enough to lead a righteous life and partake of the Mysteries of Christ at the Eucharist. The Holy Sacrament gives a fuller sense of the presence of God in life and participation in the grace of the Holy Spirit. The way of life of the community of followers of the elder was based on the sacrament of the Eucharist.

In the 19th century, society moved away from faith. The elite and ordinary people went to church out of habit, without feeling unity with God. This situation led in the future to the rejection of faith at the state level. Elder Paul supported piety in those who did not renounce Christian traditions and helped those who were ready to come to Him find the way to God.

Address, opening hours

Address: per. Turgenevsky, 82, Taganrog, Rostov region, Russia.
GPS coordinates: 47.202348, 38.928813.
Opening hours: May-September – 8:00-19:00, October-April – 8:00-17:00.

Cell of St. Pavel of Taganrog awaits Taganrog travelers every day. Even if a tourist is far from religion, this attraction is worth a visit: the appearance of the squat building, its interior, and atmosphere perfectly convey the flavor of the century before last. The history of the existence of the saint and his personality are of great interest: visitors will be curious to get to know one of the most revered and famous local residents.

Lyrics

The official hymns to Pavel of Taganrog were written after the approval of his church-wide glorification.

Prayer

O great servant of God and miracle worker, holy blessed Paul! You, having ascended to the heights of virtues, have shone like a bright star through your life, and having chosen a wandering life, you have counted this red world as nothing. Moreover, the All-Righteous Judge glorified you with many miracles. Place your holy soul in the heavenly abode, where you enjoy the love of God, and see our needs and hear our petitions. Be a healer for our ills, a helmsman for those who swim on the sea and a reliable deliverance for those who drown. We pray to you, blessed Paul: ask everyone who exists in every need and who comes to your aid for every gift that is useful to everyone: advancement of faith and love, increase in piety, affirmation of peace, healing for the sick, consolation for the sad, help for the needy, protection for the offended. And grant us, saints of God, through your prayers to end our earthly life in a pious manner, to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal life, with all the saints, to endless ages of ages. Amen.

Troparion

Seeking the Heavenly Fatherland, / you left the house of your parents / and, despising the corruptible riches of the world, / through abstinence and labors you acquired mental prayer. / Moreover, many miracles and signs from the Lord having become glorified,/with faith you help those who come to you in all kinds of misfortunes:/ Righteous Father Paul, / pray to Christ God, / to save our souls.

You have acquired the power of God in weakness, and you have appeared as a chosen vessel of divine grace, and you have also received the gift of healing from the Heavenly Physician, and you have healed our bodily and spiritual ailments, righteous Father Paul, pray to Christ God to save the city and the people who worship you.

Kontakion

You have acquired the power of God in weakness/ and the chosen vessel of divine grace has appeared,/ you have also received the gift of healing from the Heavenly Physician,/ you have healed our ailments of body and soul,/ Know Father Paul, pray to Christ God/ to save the city and the people who honor you.

Greatness

We bless you, holy blessed Father Paul, and honor your holy memory, for you pray for us, Christ our God.

Akathist

Kontakion 1

Chosen servant of Christ, for His sake, having embraced foolishness and thus lived in the world, having rejected the world’s vain shackles, the holy and blessed Elder Paul, we bring praise to this song, as you have guided many spiritual children through prayers and deeds of piety on the narrow path of salvation, but you, as Have boldness in the Lord, pray for us to be delivered from all sorts of mental and physical ulcers, calling to you with love: Rejoice, blessed Elder Paul, miracle worker of Taganrog!

Ikos 1

You desired to be like an angel on earth, you turned away from your youth the wealth and beauty of this world, blessed father, you squandered your parents’ property for the sake of alms, you have acquired true treasure in heaven. We, marveling at your prudence, joyfully say to you: Rejoice, most honorable roots of the noble branch, Rejoice, joint heir of the Kingdom of Heaven. Rejoice, abundant class, who vegetated from the land of Krolevets, Rejoice, lamp of faith, shining in the city of Taganrog. Rejoice, the zealot of poverty and mercy, Rejoice, the accuser of covetousness and evil gain. Rejoice, fragrant tree of chastity, Rejoice, unceasing prayer to the Creator. Rejoice, blessed elder Paul, miracle worker of Taganrog!

Kontakion 2

Seeing such a craving for a godly life, your parent, heeding God’s providence, entrusting all care for you to the Lord, sent you on the path of pilgrimage, blessing you. But you, moved by the love of God, directed your feet to holy places, zealously fulfilling the commandments of the beatitudes of the Gospel, you served God faithfully, crying out loudly: Alleluia!

Ikos 2

Constantly ascending with your mind to the One Creator of all creation, ever seeking the Kingdom of God, blessed Paul, you left your father’s house, coming to the borders of the Don region, wanting to work for Christ in the arduous task of foolishness, you clothed yourself in imaginary madness. We, sinners, knowing this, your zeal for God is so pleasing, we cry to you: Rejoice, you who carried the fear of God in yourself from childhood, Rejoice, you who showed great zeal for church service. Rejoice, sweet bunch of spiritual grapes, Rejoice, thou who driveth away every sinful thought. Rejoice, you who valued noble ranks and titles for nothing, Rejoice, who loved the life of a pilgrim. Rejoice, you who abhor the vanity of the riches of this world, Rejoice, elder blessed Paul, miracle worker of Taganrog!

Kontakion 3

Strengthened by the power of grace from above, you spent days and nights in sobriety and prayer, holy of God, at every hour you did not give sleep to your eyes, just as the angels amazed you with the arm of your piety, singing to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 3

Having the Orthodox Church as a dear thing to you, Blessed Paul, like a caring child, you dangerously fulfilled the commandments of God, you often partook of the Holy Sacraments, and so, growing in virtue from strength to strength, you truly became a partaker of the glory of God, who now stands before Him from the faces of saints . We, who cannot remain silent about your God-pleasing life, say to you with tenderness: Rejoice, having received the gift of clairvoyance from Christ God, Rejoice, having your face beaming with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, finger, indicating the will of God to us, who are in ignorance, indicating, Rejoice, balm, greatly healing our spiritual ulcers. Rejoice, bright-beamed lightning that enlightens the twilight, Rejoice, sweet-sounding flower that gladdens the heart. Rejoice, unyielding rule of fasting and repentance, Rejoice, fragrant incense of prayer to God. Rejoice, blessed elder Paul, miracle worker of Taganrog!

Kontakion 4

A storm and a great coward are swift in the sea, just as a ship is overwhelmed by the waves, then fear and horror will attack the worshipers of Jerusalem, floating fiercely, their death soon impending in the abyss, if not for their strong hope in your gracious help, blessed Paul. But you, like a quick intercessor, did not become stubborn at all, you appeared in transparent clothes, and you tamed the waters of the sea in the name of Jesus, and you taught those you saved to cry to Him: Alleluia!

Ikos 4

Hearing about your effortless labors, all those suffering and offended came to you, servant of Christ, seeking consolation, until your cramped and wretched cell seemed to them truly like a bright royal palace, giving shelter to everyone who sings your praises: Rejoice, lamentations for joy, rejoice, mothers drying of tears. Rejoice, help in everyday affairs, Rejoice, quenching of prodigal lust. Rejoice, the heat of the day to those who endure irrigation, Rejoice, consolation to all who mourn in grief. Rejoice, quick help for those in illness and circumstances, Rejoice, praise and adornment for the city of Taganrog. Rejoice, blessed elder Paul, miracle worker of Taganrog!

Kontakion 5

Your God-loving soul was greatly indignant when enemy ships destroyed Kerch, invaded the Pontus of Azov, and threatened the inhabitants of Taganrog with death. Then you, blessed elder, deeply sick for our earthly fatherland, for the granting of victory to the Russian army against the adversaries, you fervently prayed, calling on your fellow citizens to steadfastly fight for the faith, calling on the king and the fatherland, so that they can see in battles the undoubted help of God to the Russian weapons, with gratitude boldly cry out to the Heavenly King of glory: Alleluia!

Ikos 5

The cathedral archpriest sees you praying in the middle of the temple, dressed in angelic vestments, and wonders how on you, wondrous elder, you have fulfilled the words of Christ: “good servant, good and faithful, you were faithful over a little, I will put you over many.” For this reason, accept from us unworthy praise the titanic: Rejoice, innocent accuser of wickedness, Rejoice, virgin-like angel. Rejoice, strong adamantine of patience, Rejoice, invincible precious diamond. Rejoice, visiting the sick and weak; Rejoice, anointing the ulcers of the soul with the oil of joy. Rejoice, reverent astonishment of the priests, Rejoice, astonishment of the heavenly angels. Rejoice, blessed elder Paul, miracle worker of Taganrog!

Kontakion 6

You appeared as a preacher of the non-acquisition of the corruptible treasures of this world, Blessed Paul, as not just abundance from the simple, but also wealth and property, requiring your instructions, I will give myself completely to obedience to you. But you, sometimes walking through the marketplaces and knowing the secret thoughts of the traders, exposed human vices, speaking before King David: “If wealth flows, do not apply your heart.” In the same way, we, about the words of the psalmist inspired by you, call out to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 6

You have shone forth like a beacon of light, showing the path to salvation and faithfully leading all those wandering in darkness on the sea of life to a heavenly refuge. We, knowing that, according to the word of the Lord, you truly appeared as a fisher of men, the good elder, we offer you a song of thanksgiving: Rejoice, you who calm the turbulence of the sea, Rejoice, you who fill the seas of fishermen. Rejoice, who commands the winds and elements, Rejoice, who quenches the storms of passions. Rejoice, ray, enlightening the darkness of sin, Rejoice, helmsman, guiding to the benign shore of judgment. Rejoice, for you deliver those drowning from the abyss, Rejoice, for you diligently catch people. Rejoice, blessed elder Paul, miracle worker of Taganrog!

Kontakion 7

Although the young man Nikolai could learn from you in a spiritual conversation, you told you how, through your elder prayers, spiritual eyes were opened to him, when it was time for a church service, and when he looked up, you saw heavenly angels in the holy altar, decorously serving , the priests were unworthy, as if they were bound by some kind of shackles, and they were horrified by such a terrible vision and were extremely embarrassed. But by your words, Paul, I instruct, you knew that neither the machinations of the devil, nor the weaknesses of the shepherds and flock will be able to shake the Holy Orthodox Church, which is to be until the end of the world, but to God, who through you made Him understand, you sang: Alleluia!

Ikos 7

The new sun of the Russian land that never sets, the righteous shepherd and wonderworker John of Kronstadt, knowing your godly life, which cannot, like the light on the candlestick, hide from the world, calling you, blessed father, a pillar established from earth to heaven. We, in the virtue of squalor and in the prayer of weakness, see so much of your benevolence towards our badness, truly you are the pillar and support of the imams, resorting to your intercession, we bring to you the chic chant: Rejoice, for you instruct us in Trinitarian worship, Rejoice, for the souls of the faithful you feed on grace. Rejoice, for you generously treat God-loving workers, Rejoice, for you let go of the covetous, obsessed with self-interest. Rejoice, destroyer of dark superstitions and prejudices, Rejoice, destroyer of godless and wicked lips. Rejoice, fiery preacher of renewal through repentance, Rejoice, interlocutor of the good Shepherd of Kronstadt. Rejoice, blessed elder Paul, miracle worker of Taganrog!

Kontakion 8

You were a wanderer and a stranger on earth, ever seeking the heavenly city, and your generous right hand looked upon the wanderers, even though you foresaw all the paths with a discerning eye, you raised prayers for those on the way and far away to God, and He provided for them at all times. In the same way, we, glorifying you, cry out to God who glorified you: Alleluia!

Ikos 8

You were everything to everyone, blessed Paul, constantly edifying those far and near with the word of salvation; Bearing the infirmities and illnesses of your very difficult body without complaint, you have reached venerable old age, and behold, the time of your departure to God has come, especially tireless care for human souls for the sake of the Lord, extend the term of your life and add another fifty years. But you, having embraced everyone with love, not wanting to orphan your spiritual children, tried to leave behind you the blessed old woman Mary, your cell attendant and student. While we are so sad about the salvation of all, we cry out to you with tenderness: Rejoice, you who have acquired the Kingdom of Heaven through poverty of spirit, Rejoice, as you who were previously weeping and weeping have been comforted. Rejoice, heir, who inherited a new land with meekness, Rejoice, lover of truth, filled with greed and thirst for truth. Rejoice, O merciful one, for thou hast been pardoned by God; Rejoice, O God-seer, for thou hast seen God with a pure heart. Rejoice, thou who was called the son of God, known as a peacemaker, Rejoice, thou persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for such is the Kingdom of Heaven. Rejoice, reproached for Christ's sake, but now blessed by all, Rejoice, blessed one, and rejoice, for your reward is many in heaven. Rejoice, blessed elder Paul, miracle worker of Taganrog!

Kontakion 9

All your bodily strength left the wanderer Glyceria and her life faded away, but your soul, having been released from earthly bonds, remained in the heavenly realms, contemplating with amazement there you, elder saint, rejoicing in the future blessed life in great glory. Her daughter Lukia watered her body prepared for burial with tears, when she died, according to your, Paul, prayers to Christ, she came to life and rose in health. We, marveling at this miracle, how, according to your words, the shadow of death is wasted and funeral weeping is turned into joy, we cry out in gratitude to God, the life-giver of all: Alleluia!

Ikos 9

Thou hast imputed the floridity of the worldly talkers, the envy of the age-old enemy of the salvation of the possessed, to the minds of the blessed Paul, for thou hast acquired one Christ for thyself as an intercessor and justifier; We, remembering your meekness and gentleness, filled with faith, please you, saying this: Rejoice, gold, the valiantly past crucible of humility, Rejoice, silver, the heat of slander that received cleansing. Rejoice, you who diligently drank the water of reproach, Rejoice, you who warmly loved your enemies. Rejoice, in reproaches there is blessing, Rejoice, in persecution there is patience. Rejoice, in slander there is consolation, Rejoice, in slander there is joy. Rejoice, blessed elder Paul, miracle worker of Taganrog!

Kontakion 10

Weary from bodily infirmities and the struggles of life, although you had prepared your soul to depart from this world, you called upon your spiritual father, hieromonk Damian, and, looking up, you predicted greatness and glory for him; ; He, having composed what you said in his heart, did not understand your words. Now that the ninth is ten years old, I ascended to his patriarchal service in the holy city of Jerusalem, in fulfillment of your prophetic voice, and she, greatly rejoicing at the fulfillment of such a glorious sign, cried out in gratitude to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 10

Stone walls cannot shelter the prisoners in prison from your love and care, merciful elder. We, marveling at your zeal for those living in cramped conditions and deprivations, greet you with these greetings: Rejoice, awakening the fear of God in law-breaking souls, Rejoice, teaching prison guards to show mercy to the fallen. Rejoice, tearful mourner for the oppressed, Rejoice, warm prayer book for the captives. Rejoice, manna, giver of drink to the hungry, Rejoice, source of water, giver of drink to the thirsty. Rejoice, convert prisoners to repentance of their sins, Rejoice, grant the shameless death and burial of the departed. Rejoice, blessed elder Paul, miracle worker of Taganrog!

Kontakion 11

It is beautiful to sing your quiet migration from the earthly to the heavenly, elder saint, as if not only in your life, but also in your dormition you shone with wondrous signs. In that night, Archpriest Vasily came to see your soul as bright angels drawn to heaven, and Abi, awakened from sleep, filled with fear and trembling, but the people of Taganrogstia, hearing your glorious departure and hearing those miracles, and not being able to break through to your tomb, carried to the graveyard, for the sake of the large crowd of people, I climbed on the roof and on the linen roofs, I ran far ahead and lay down on the tall trees, so that everyone could look at your coffin from there, but I hit myself in the chest, mourning my orphanhood; and sobs interrupted their tender song to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 11

As a light-receiving light in the night of godlessness, your wretched grave shone for us, O blessed elder, when the earth was ours, I saw that you were good and flourishing, having become all desolate and watered with the blood of saints; The Russian Church is lamenting and torn apart by violent rebellions and strife, the temples of God are destroyed and desecrated; and when our weeping surpassed the weeping of Bethlehem more than the weeping of Bethlehem: there only infants were beaten, but here neither the old, nor the small, nor the rich, nor the poor were spared; and then you, most wonderfully Paul, gave speedy intercession to everyone who came to your tomb and called on you in prayer, hearing from everyone this: Rejoice, for the Jews were tempted, but your tomb appeared to the godless with madness, Rejoice, for the world was illuminated with miracles and your bounties. Rejoice, for your grave has been sprinkled with the blood of new martyrs. Rejoice, for from those bodies a new glory has entered into the nude. Rejoice, for your Russian glory has reached the ends of the earth, Rejoice, for you are no longer obdurate with the help of grace. Rejoice, before the image of God there is an unquenchable lamp, Rejoice, for you generously give everyone what they ask for. Rejoice, blessed elder Paul, miracle worker of Taganrog!

Kontakion 12

Divine grace appeared on you, blessed Paul, and an indescribable miracle appeared marvelously when the offering of your holy relics took place. Then all people saw with trepidation how the sun shone, flaunting itself, ascending to the heavenly heights, leaping, surrounded by rainbow circles like some kind of crown, joyfully emitting rays and shining everywhere, showing with this miracle how God glorifies those who love Him. Yes, everyone who sees this, diligently flowing to your holy race and accepting healing for the sick, with gratitude sings a song of praise to you to the Heavenly King of Glory who benefits everyone: Alleluia!

Blessed Pavel of Taganrog

Pavel Taganrog (1792-1879), blessed. Memory March 10 (March 23).

Blessed Pavel (Pavel Pavlovich Stozhkov) was born on November 8, 1792 into the family of a nobleman of the Chernigov province of Krolevets district. At baptism he was named after St. Paul the Confessor. The parents wanted to provide their son with an education and a good social position, while the young man strove for salvation and a godly life in prayer and wandering in holy places. At the age of 25, following the words of the Lord: “... sell everything you have and give it to the poor: and have treasure in Heaven” (Luke 18:22), blessed Paul distributed the part of his estate that had fallen to him, set the peasants free, and, taking with the blessing of his father, he set off on a cherished journey through the holy monasteries, in order to find repose for his soul under their roof.

The common people found in the blessed one a holy elder great in virtue. Having established himself in an immaculate life, according to the law of the Lord, blessed Paul was like a lamp on earth, shining with good deeds. He received from the Lord the gift of healing and insight. And people came to him with their sorrows, troubles and questions. Many came to the blessed one and begged him to allow him to stay with him, so that the words of the psalmist would be fulfilled on them: “You will be reverent with the venerable, and you will be innocent with the innocent man; and you will be chosen with the chosen” (Ps. 17:26-27). And he left some to stay with him as if under obedience.

By the power of God's grace, the blessed one clearly saw both the soul of man and his future. He predicted to his confessor, Hieromonk Damian: “You will be a great man, such that no one could be greater,” and these prophetic words were actually fulfilled in the life of Father Damian, whom the Lord vouchsafed to achieve the highest rank: he was appointed patriarch in 1897 Holy City of Jerusalem.

Blessed Paul reposed on March 10, 1879. In the evening he became extremely weak and, having received the Holy Mysteries of Christ from his confessor, Father Damian, he betrayed his righteous soul to God. At the moment of his death, everyone present saw that the face of the saint of God shone with great joy, from his blessed head, a yellowish shadow passed over his entire body to his very feet, and after that his body became white, like snow. All who saw this sign of God’s grace over blessed Paul were touched in their hearts and glorified God for such His mercy.

Blessed Paul loved to say: “Even though I die, my place will not remain empty.” And he added: “My bush will never be empty.” A village girl, Maria Velichko, came to the ascetic with a question whether she should marry or go to a monastery - and heard: “Oh, little girl, and you will die with me...”. Mary remained in his cell for the rest of her long life, remembering him, glorifying the Lord and imitating the exploits of Blessed Paul. Like her, all who sought to graft themselves into the fertile bush of the saint of God, seeking peace and consolation for their souls, found them. Since his death, the people's veneration of the saint of God has not ceased, which has recently been increasing more and more. On the day of remembrance of the blessed one, a great multitude of believers from all over Russia gather at the shrine with his holy relics to prayerfully honor him; the chapel in the old cemetery of Taganrog, where he was buried, is never empty, the lamps in front of the holy icons in his cell never go out. Through the prayers of Blessed Pavel Pavlovich, believers are given healing, consolation and gracious help from the Lord.

The glorification of the saint took place on Sunday, June 7 (20), 1999, in the city of Taganrog. More than ten thousand believers from the Rostov region and southern Russia came to venerate Blessed Paul on the day of his canonization. Carried in turn by all the priests of the Rostov diocese, the ark with the holy relics was solemnly transferred from the All Saints Church in the old cemetery to the St. Nicholas Church in Taganrog, where the Archbishop of Rostov and Novocherkassk Panteleimon read the bishop's ruling on the canonization of St. Blessed Paul of Taganrog and celebrated the Divine Liturgy, after which many believers venerated the relics of the saint.

The glorification was marked by numerous miracles. The ceremonial transfer of the relics was predicted by the monk shortly before his departure to the Lord, when the elder chanted: “They carried Paul to the grave, and from the grave to the cathedral” (in those years, St. Nicholas Church had the status of a cathedral).

Akathist to Saint Blessed Paul of Taganrog

Kontakion 1

God-chosen mentor and meek warrior of Christ, born into the pious nobility of the family of Paul and Paraskeva, named Paul the Confessor in the sacrament of Baptism, magnifyingly glorifying the Lord, we sing your praises. You, sanctified from youth by communion with God in prayers, free us from all troubles, calling: Rejoice, holy and blessed Paul of Taganrog, servant of Christ and wonderful prayer book.

Ikos 1

The Creator of Angels sent you, Holy Father Paul, to the Orthodox Church in glorification: you asked for a parental blessing for an ascetic life, in fulfillment of the will of God, you distributed a rich inheritance to poor people and churches, in holy places in the Solovetsky Monastery to the righteous Artemy Verkolsky, in Kiev-Pecherskaya and guide your steps to the Pochaev Lavra, you have chosen the city of Taganrog as your second home, and perform the feat of simple zealous life there until the end of earthly days. We, marveling at the providence of the Almighty for you, cry out to you with joy: Rejoice, simple adornment of the image of a godly life; Rejoice, you who covered your noble origins with humility and meekness. Rejoice, simple peasant clothing lover of wearing; Rejoice, in the language of the common people, unceasing prayers of warm offering to God. Rejoice, thou who obtained purity of conscience from the Taganrog grain piles in daily labor; Rejoice, thou who, out of the love of Christ, visited the holy temple of God every day without fail. Rejoice, icons, silver lamps, candles, sacrificing oil from your labors. Rejoice, holy blessed Paul of Taganrog, servant of Christ and wonderful prayer book.

Kontakion 2

Seeing the purity of the thoughts of your heart, Our Father Paul, chose you as His weapon as an example of pious living: you have vouchsafed to work zealously in the temple of God; in your house you receive widows and maidens as novices, teaching abstinence, fasting and all virtues by your example. Yes, confirmed by your prayers and instructions, we cry out to God with hope: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

In the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God, during divine services in prayers, you acquired the grace of God in abundance, O saint of God, you surprised the rector, Archpriest John, with a vision of God: in a shining vestment, like that of a bishop, during the liturgy you appeared marvelously before him, revealing your venerability to him. Seeing God's blessing on you, we cry out to you with joy: Rejoice, chosen by God from your youth to be a zealot of piety; Rejoice, joyful decorator of God’s temples. Rejoice, you who are attentive to your soul; Rejoice, having gained the respect and love of the serving brethren. Rejoice, protector of spiritual nobility; Rejoice, simplicity and modesty, strict abstinence in food to the zealot. Rejoice, trust in the omnipotent grace of God; Rejoice, healing of the hardened souls of the peasants. Rejoice, holy blessed Paul of Taganrog, servant of Christ and wonderful prayer book.

Kontakion 3

The power of the Most High truly determined your ascetic service, holy blessed Father Paul, you allowed yourself a short sleep on the bench at night, you saved time for prayer, you distributed the bread, olives, prunes, honey, lemons collected in your cell to your brothers and sisters in Christ, Guide strictly along the path of salvation. We, seeing this care of God, cry out to God with tenderness: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

The Lord has deigned to show His lamp to the world to you, blessed Father Paul, the knowledge of truth and the gift of clairvoyance, the gift of love of poverty, you have established in your soul. For this reason we sing to God: Rejoice, faithful zealot of the temple services; Rejoice, bearer of the spirit of meekness, kindly victorious. Rejoice, strengthener of the people of God in the markets in the faith; Rejoice in obedience to the strict ruler in your house. Rejoice, thou who art taught by the Spirit to seek the blessing of God in every work; Rejoice, filled with heavenly light. Rejoice, warm prayer book for us; Rejoice, unshakable mentor in the struggle of prayer. Rejoice, holy blessed Paul of Taganrog, servant of Christ and wonderful prayer book.

Kontakion 4

You were afraid of the shadow of evil-speakers, Holy Saint Paul of God, you called for church holidays to be spent in prayer and in the burden of the flesh, spending nights without sleep, with a stick in the hands of those sleeping blissfully with the words: A lyho their fathers, spiritually awaken. We are fighting a spiritual battle in vain; we cry out to God with joy: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Seeing the spiritual disorder in the souls of your children, you constantly called everyone to prayer, overcome pride and self-love and pour out spiritual blessings into instruction. For this reason we sing to God: Rejoice, often bow down to our Lord Jesus Christ, blessing your children; Rejoice, highly learned heel. Rejoice, strict admirer of Sunday and church holidays; Rejoice, peace of conscience and purity of soul, zealot. Rejoice, read akathists to the Savior and Most Pure Mother of God to the lover; Rejoice, frequent words of praise to the holy image of the Kazan Mother of God, the celebrant. Rejoice, for your diligence in prayers and bows to the pilgrims with bagels and nuts, lemons and franzoli; Rejoice, in the service of custom-made masses of the Son of God for the sins of people, you exclusively glorify. Rejoice, holy blessed Paul of Taganrog, servant of Christ and wonderful prayer book.

Kontakion 5

God-bearing star, you appeared to the living flock of the land of Taganrog, Our Father Paul, you imitated the mercy of St. Spyridon, you offered up warm prayers for your persecuted spiritual father, Hieromonk Benjamin, you called upon him to endure patience and bear sorrows and reveal to him the mercy of God. We, having seen by faith the truth in the humility of bearing the cross, cry out to you with joy: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Having seen the people of the country of Taganrog, the great protector of piety, the holy blessed Father Paul, you remained a true servant of God before God, you pleased the Lord with holy prayers, you acquired heavenly gifts, you directed to the salvation of Christ’s sheep. In the same way, we all, marveling at your love for God, cry out to you: Rejoice, God-glorified and wondrous ascetic; Rejoice, spiritual children who covered a long path to the holy fathers to the north of the country, Zosima and Savvaty. Rejoice, you who delivered the pilgrims from the icy hail and cold with the donated cloaks; Rejoice, you who affirmed obedience above prayer and fasting. Rejoice, you call to spiritual purity and to maintaining devotion to holy Orthodoxy; Rejoice, you invisibly proclaim the love of Christ before the tempted people of God. Rejoice, you forbid everyone to work on holidays; Rejoice, you continually teach people to pray to God, to go to church, to fast more often, and to light lamps before icons. Rejoice, holy blessed Paul of Taganrog, servant of Christ and wonderful prayer book.

Kontakion 6

The Holy Church preaches your struggles and labors, God-bearing servant of Christ, you were zealous for the glory of the Church of Christ, instructing the grace of the Holy Spirit to protect the poor and wretched, teaching your people to sing gratefully to the Lord: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

You have shone with the light of the truth of the long-suffering land, more holy than God, you have shown the love of Christ through the enlightenment of God’s people, you have blessed the giving of alms without pity, so that your people strive to sing to God: Rejoice, thou of Christian trustee of piety; Rejoice, disgraceful enemy of the human race. Rejoice, tireless nourishment flowing to you; Rejoice, joyful care for those persecuted for the sake of God’s righteousness. Rejoice, the ruble hidden from you has been transformed into a counterfeit one; Rejoice, through your life you have led many to the path of repentance. Rejoice, you who have a generous right hand; Rejoice, the knowledge of Christ’s love through generous care has been revealed to all prisoners. Rejoice, holy blessed Paul of Taganrog, servant of Christ and wonderful prayer book.

Kontakion 7

Although you established the Orthodox faith in your homeland in purity, our holy father Paul, you offered up a warm prayer to the Lord for your neighbors, you fulfilled God’s commandment to love them, you had constant concern for spiritual food for your flocked children. Having received this admonition, we gratefully cry out to God with tears: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

Seeing you as the chosen one of God, our blessed Father Paul, your spiritual children invariably surrounded you, glorifying the Lord, accepting your words about Orthodoxy, about shepherds worthy of celebrating the Holy Eucharist. We, in remembrance of all your works, unceasingly sing to the Lord: Rejoice, having revealed the service of heavenly angels at the altar to the faithful; Rejoice, truth: one unworthy of a shepherd should not celebrate the Eucharist, having affirmed. Rejoice, having recognized the unworthy shepherds bound in service; Rejoice, for teaching us to cover the fall from sin before the Lord with persistent prayer. Rejoice, you turn away the laity from disputes about faith; Rejoice, you bless us to be good zealots of Orthodoxy. Rejoice, having suffered slander and ridicule from those of little faith; Rejoice, the words about your sectarianism and schismatics are clothed in righteous anger. Rejoice, holy blessed Paul of Taganrog, servant of Christ and wonderful prayer book.

Kontakion 8

We see God’s mercy on you, Our Father Paul, in Christian perfection you have risen from strength to strength, you have received the gift of insight from the Lord for your great labors, and you have fulfilled God’s commandments with zeal. Whoever is able to bear your labors, even as you have done, singing to the Lord: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

Thou hast appeared to all, O blessed Father Paul, as the intercessor of all, with the saints who have shone forth in Holy Rus'; through thy exploits thou hast asked forgiveness of the faithful, and striven to praise God: Rejoice, thou who has pleased God with good deeds; Rejoice, having surprised your novice with the gift of spiritual and physical transformation. Rejoice, false asceticism through a torn, revealing bag; Rejoice, comparing the lack of humility with a holey bag. Rejoice, exaltation of inner virtues;

Rejoice, firm humiliation of vanity. Rejoice, for the teacher to have acquired the grace of God; Rejoice, for the closeness of the faithful to God, the nourisher. Rejoice, holy blessed Paul of Taganrog, servant of Christ and wonderful prayer book.

Kontakion 9

Every angelic nature was amazed at the providence of Thy mercy, our God, for Thou hast given us such a wise mentor, a warm prayer book for the salvation of our souls before Thy throne, O Lord, a trustee. Having found these treasures, we cry out to God with tears of joy: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

Thou hast betrayed all of thyself to the Lord God, holy Father Paul, the peace of Christ in the midst of men, the machinations of Satan revealed to them through love, thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord in long prayers. We, your pious life in vain, cry out to you with love: Rejoice, angelic and our constant surprise; Rejoice, bearer of God's glorification. Rejoice, you who consider the clicking of sunflower seeds to be idle talk; Rejoice, thou who hast escaped the coming sin of the first ordeal of the faithful. Rejoice, prayer shield and fence for the unfortunate and distressed; Rejoice, deliverance from misfortune to the novice who drowned her bucket at sea. Rejoice, miraculous healing of the scalded face of seven-year-old Anna; Rejoice, the saving sign of the cross was placed on her in a dream vision. Rejoice, holy blessed Paul of Taganrog, servant of Christ and wonderful prayer book.

Kontakion 10

If all people are to be saved, place you, holy servant of God, in the host of holy new martyrs, confessors and passion-bearers at the foundation of the temple of Holy Rus', so that all who exist in it cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

You were a mentor to all who come running to you with faith, Holy One of God, the Rostov country is a shield and fence and glorious care for the purity of the Orthodox faith. We, however, call upon the spiritual uprising of Holy Rus', promised by the holy saints, in prayers and in repentance we cry out: Rejoice, having accepted the feat of cell prayer before your death; Rejoice, you have corrected evil by living a pious life. Rejoice in your powers, who have bestowed upon our hearts for purification; Rejoice, St. Nicholas Church in the city of Taganrog is a wonderful decoration. Rejoice, image of the publican's humility; Rejoice, meek face of heavenly insight. Rejoice, pious instruction for the village priest; Rejoice, singing the church's tenderness. Rejoice, holy blessed Paul of Taganrog, servant of Christ and wonderful prayer book.

Kontakion 11

Unceasingly lifting up fragrant singing to the Most Holy Trinity and the Most Pure Virgin Mary, with all your thoughts, instructions, life, and image of piety for your novices, you remained for the weak, for strength, for the faithful, for blessing. But we, having loved God for His mercies towards us, call to Him: Alleluia

Ikos 11

God's chosen lamp was in life, Our Father Paul, you shone like a luminous luminary, exuding meekness and humility, you revealed the meaning of life in the world below to all who thirst, you directed love on the narrow path of bearing the cross. In the same way we sing to you: Rejoice, in the words: you will be a great man, revealing to the simple hieromonk Damian the secret of God; Rejoice, you who predicted the upcoming service to God to the future Patriarch of Jerusalem and your last confessor. Rejoice in your afterlife: my bush will never be empty, he said; Rejoice, you who have called all those who mourn and are burdened to your grave. Rejoice, you who ascended to heaven with the singing of angels; Rejoice, truth: the death of His saints is honorable before the Lord, confirming. Rejoice, loving father, called to console the faithful; Rejoice, for those who magnify and imitate you are a blessed protection. Rejoice, holy blessed Paul of Taganrog, servant of Christ and wonderful prayer book.

Kontakion 12

The love of the Most Pure Virgin Mother of God leads to you, blessed Father Paul, in the temple of the city of Taganrog your relics exude the grace of God, calling with uncreated light into the bosom of the Church of Christ, may we be honored with purification of our souls, may we sing through you to the God who benefits us: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing your life, Holy Father Paul, the earthly Church, militant in our souls, affirms the glory of heaven, through the mouth of its faithful children, with praise for Holy Rus', pleases you, calling for the help of all-Church repentance. We cry out to you with love before the Lord: Rejoice, you protect your spiritual children with the grace of God; Rejoice, you lead the souls of the faithful through righteous living and the way of the cross to the salvation of the souls. Rejoice, warrior of Christ, revealed to us in imitation; Rejoice, warm prayer book, acquisition of saving grace. Rejoice, spiritual healing for the weak; Rejoice, wonderful companion to the lonely. Rejoice, brave guardian of your children; Rejoice, thou who art like no other man, clothed in soft garments. Rejoice, holy blessed Paul of Taganrog, servant of Christ and wonderful prayer book.

Kontakion 13

O wonderful servant of Christ, holy blessed Father Paul, accept this little prayer of ours in praise to you from the people of God. Look upon us who are weak, removed from the Truth by separation, alienated by vain carelessness, infected by lukewarmness and lack of faith, standing in heavenly glory before the Throne of the King of Kings, our Lord Jesus Christ, pray for all of us: ask, ask, most holy of God, that we may find His mercy in day of judgment, singing in joy to the Most Holy Trinity: Alleluia.

This Kontakion is read three times, and then Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1.