Greetings from Metropolitan Alexander on the occasion of the 675th anniversary of the birth and the 580th anniversary of the repose of Venerable Macarius of Unzha

Your Eminence, dear Vladyka Ferapont!

Your Grace, dear Vladyka Alexiy!

Reverend Fathers, brothers, and sisters!

Today, on the ancient Kostroma land, we are celebrating the significant anniversaries that turn our thoughtful gaze to the life, feats, and miracles of one of the great saints of the Russian Orthodox Church—Venerable Macarius of Unzha and Yellow Waters. "God-given vessel of the Holy Spirit, brilliant and all-radiant light of the Russian land," as this great ascetic and beacon of faith is called in the liturgical hymns.

"Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith" (Hebrews 13:7), the Apostle Paul instructs us. It has been 580 years since the repose of the venerable elder, yet time has not erased his memory among the Orthodox people, nor has it diminished his veneration. Guided by the words of the foremost apostle, we continue to praise the labors of Abba Macarius and reverently invoke his name in our prayers. "Such is the power of virtue: it does not yield to time, nor wither with the passing of days," says Saint John Chrysostom.

Venerable Macarius began his monastic journey on the land of Nizhny Novgorod, in the Ascension Pechersk Monastery under the guidance of the abbot of the monastery, Saint Dionysius, the future Bishop of Suzdal. From his wise mentor, he learned the lessons of prayer, humility, and virtuous living. Subsequently, through the labors and prayers of Venerable Macarius, two monastic communities were founded in the Nizhny Novgorod region. For his patience and meekness, mercy, and love of godly contemplation, the Lord rewarded him with the gifts of insight and miracle-working, with the ability to heal both spiritual and physical ailments. The truest word of Holy Scripture was fulfilled in his life: "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden" (Matt. 5:14-15).

Venerable Macarius lived during a tragic time—when the Fatherland was under foreign domination, and brotherly blood was shed in civil strife. Persecuted by enemies, the 90-year-old elder, along with his disciples and spiritual children, was forced to leave his native land. After a difficult journey, he arrived on the banks of the Unzha River, where he founded a new, his third, monastery. Thus, in the distant 15th century, the Kostroma land acquired a new intercessor and protector before the Throne of the Almighty. In the monastery he founded, dedicated to the Life-Giving Trinity, the venerable one found his final resting place. To this place, to the reliquary with his honorable relics, like to a life-giving source, pilgrims from all over Rus' began to flock, as chroniclers testify. Peasants and merchants, hierarchs and rulers came to venerate the saint and receive his gracious help. Venerable Macarius became revered by the Orthodox people as a deliverer of captives and a protector of the oppressed. Over time, the humble monastery on the Unzha River transformed into one of the most famous monasteries in Russia and became known as the "Lavra of Venerable Macarius."

The revolutionary upheavals of the past century, which caused unprecedented trials for our country, did not spare the ancient monastery of Venerable Macarius. The monastery shared the sad fate of many churches and monasteries of Holy Rus', suffering closure and desecration. By God's mercy, the shackles of militant atheism fell, and the Trinity Monastery on the Unzha rose from the ruins, once again rekindling the lamp of monastic prayer.
The Lord granted me the blessed opportunity to become the initiator and participant in this sacred endeavor. Exactly 30 years ago, the entire ensemble of the monastery buildings was transferred to the Kostroma Diocese, and in August 1994, together with a multitude of clergy, we consecrated the first restored monastery church—the Church of Macarius. At present, monastic life continues to develop in the Holy Trinity Macarius-Unzhensky Monastery. May God grant that through the diligent labors and prayers of Bishop Alexiy and the brethren, the efforts of benefactors, and the dedication of parishioners and pilgrims, the ancient monastery will once again become, as it was in former times, a significant spiritual and educational center of the Galich Diocese and the entire Kostroma region. When we delve into the lines of the life of Venerable Macarius of Unzha, his image emerges before us, shining with the unfading light of the Heavenly Kingdom. In our age, when people often seek comfort, shy away from spiritual feats, forget about meekness and humility, and strive for superiority over others, it is important to frequently remember the clear and truthful image of the holy ascetic. Every Christian is called, above all, to care for the things above, for "one thing is needful" (Luke 10:42), and through the acquisition of virtues, to prepare for the encounter with eternity. We must strive to acquire the love for God and neighbor, the meekness, gentleness, and diligence exemplified by the venerable saint. Abba Macarius did not leave behind written works.
His main legacy is a life wholly dedicated to God and people. The spiritual testament of the saint rings out through his words, passed down to us through pious tradition: "Do not grieve, children. If we accept the earthly punishments sent by God with gratitude, we will also be deemed worthy of His future blessings."

580 years have passed since the earthly struggle of Venerable Macarius ended, but his glory will never fade or dim, for the righteous live forever (Wis. 5:15). As we venerate the honorable relics of our venerable and God-bearing father Macarius, let us turn to him in prayer from the depths of our souls, asking him to bestow upon us God's blessing, which alleviates sorrows, ends calamities, dries tears, heals illnesses, and, most importantly, strengthens us on the Christian path, "so that people may see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven" (Matt. 5:16).

Through the intercession of Venerable Macarius of Unzha and Yellow Waters and the advocacy of all the saints who have shone forth on the Kostroma land, may the Lord grant us His gracious help and increase in our hearts a living and sincere faith, which works through love (Gal. 5:6).

HEAD OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH OF KAZAKHSTAN

METROPOLITAN OF ASTANA AND KAZAKHSTAN