Saint Alexander of Svir was born on July 15, 1448, on the feastday of the Prophet Amos, and was named for him in Baptism. Knowing that his parents had arranged a marriage for him, the youth went secretly to Valaam when he was nineteen. Amos lived for seven years at the monastery as a novice, leading an austere life. He spent his days at work, and his nights in vigilance and prayer. In the year 1474, Amos received monastic tonsure with the name Alexander. Following the example of their son, the parents also went to the monastery. After their death, St Alexander, with the blessing of the igumen of the monastery, settled on a solitary island, where he built a cell in the crevice of a cliff and continued his spiritual exploits. The fame of his asceticism spread far that is why St Alexander departed from Valaam and, upon a command from above, chose a place in the forest on the shore of a beautiful lake, which was afterwards named Holy. Here the monk built himself a hut and dwelt in solitude for seven years, eating only what he gathered in the forest. In 1493 while hunting for deer, the adjoining land-owner Andrew Zavalishin happened to come upon the saint's hut. Andrew spoke to him of a light he had seen at this place, and he entreated the monk to tell him about his life. From that point Andrew started to visit St Alexander often, and finally through the monk's guidance, he went to Valaam, where he was tonsured with the name Adrian. Later, he founded the Ondrusov monastery, and led a saintly life. Andrew Zavalishin was not able to keep silent about the ascetic, in spite of the promise he had given. News of the righteous one began to spread widely, and monks started to gather around him. Therefore, St Alexander withdrew from the brethren and built himself a dwelling place 130 sazhen from the monastery. In 1508 the Life-Creating Trinity appeared to St Alexander. And the monk saw Three Men, robed in radiant white garb, approaching him. Radiant with heavenly Glory, They shone in a pure brightness greater than the sun. Each of Them held a staff in His hand. The saint was ordered to build a church and a monastery. In the history of the Russian Orthodox Church this appearance is acknowledged as unique. In 1526 a wooden church of the Life-Creating Trinity was built . At the insistence of the brothers Monk became igumen. As igumen, the monk became even more humble than before. His clothes were all in tatters, and he slept on the bare ground and work with all.
Exact size: 31x27x2,5
Weight: 3 kg
Price estimated. Icon written under the order.
