October 7, 1337 - 687 years ago At the age of 10, young Varfolomei was sent to a church school to learn literacy alongside his brothers: the elder Stefan and the younger Peter. Unlike his brothers, who excelled in their studies, Varfolomei struggled significantly. His teacher scolded him, his parents were disheartened and reprimanded him, while he prayed with tears, but his learning did not progress. Then an event occurred, which is reported in all the biographies of Sergius. At his father's request, Varfolomei went out into the field to search for horses. During his search, he reached a clearing and saw an elder hermit under an oak tree. He respectfully told the elder of his troubles and invited him to his parents' home. There, the elder said: “The sign of the truth of my words will be that after my departure, the boy will master literacy and understand the holy books. And here is another sign and prophecy for you – the boy will be great before God and men for his virtuous life.” ...The elder's words came true. On October 7, 1337, the young devotee Varfolomei was tonsured as a monk with the name Sergius; later, he became known as Sergius of Radonezh. Soon after, Sergius founded the Trinity Monastery, and the fame of the miracles performed through his prayers spread throughout Rus'. The elder reconciled feuding princes, believing that a bad peace is always better than a good quarrel: even Dmitry Donskoy was blessed for the battle with Mamai only after the elder was convinced that the prince had done everything possible to reconcile with the Khan. During his lifetime, many already considered Sergius of Radonezh a saint, but he regarded himself as the most unworthy of mortals. The Russian Orthodox Church commemorates Sergius of Radonezh (according to the new style): July 18 (the finding of his relics) and October 8 (his repose).