On July 18, Orthodox believers prayerfully commemorate the uncovering of the relics of one of the greatest Russian saints - the Monk Sergius of Radonezh, the wonderworker of all Russia. Even on the eve of the festive date, solemn services began throughout the country. On July 17, at the Holy Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill led the all-night vigil at the shrine with the relics of St. Sergius. A host of bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church and representatives of the clergy of the Lavra concelebrated the service to the Primate of the Russian Church. In the Sergius refectory church, small vespers with an akathist was served to the Monk Sergius. Metropolitan of Kiev and All Ukraine Onufry also took part in the festive divine services. On July 18, the day of the holiday, in the Dormition Cathedral of the Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra, he performed the divine liturgy, for which thousands of believers prayed who were on that day in a place that is often allegorically called the heart of Russian Orthodoxy. Festive services were also held on this day in all churches and monasteries of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Monk Sergius was born in 1314 near Rostov and received in baptism the name Bartholomew. It was he who laid the foundation for the Lavra - the spiritual center of Muscovite Rus - and blessed Prince Dimitri Donskoy for the Battle of Kulikovo. They pray to the Monk Sergius for help in all everyday needs, while it is believed that the intercession of the saint has special help in teaching.
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