On October 8, the Russian Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Sergius of Radonezh

Today, October 8, 2026 (September 25, old style), believers celebrate the day of the repose of one of the most revered Russian saints - St. Sergius of Radonezh. In the Orthodox tradition, “death” means not just death, but the transition of a person to eternal life, so on this day the Church glorifies his spiritual path.

St. Sergius, who is popularly called the “humen of the Russian land”, played a key role in the spiritual history of the country. He founded the Trinity Monastery (now the Trinity-Sergius Lavra), raised many disciples who created new monasteries throughout Russia, and blessed Prince Dmitry Donskoy before the Battle of Kulikovo.

Sergius is called the hegumen of the Russian land not only as the founder of the monastery. Many ascetics became his spiritual students, and the monasteries founded by them played a huge role in the development of monastic life in Russia, notes Archpriest Dmitry Kurdyukov, Chairman of the Missionary Department of the Tver Diocese.

The saint has two main days of remembrance: October 8 (the day of his death in 1392) and July 18 (the day of his incorruptible relics in 1422). Traditionally, believers turn to St. Sergius with prayers for success in their studies, strengthening faith and peace in the family. The main place of his veneration remains the Trinity Cathedral of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra in Sergius Posad, where his holy relics rest.