In ancient times, the centers of spiritual, cultural and scientific life were monasteries. The monks living in them learned to read and write, unlike the bulk of the people. Thanks to their manuscripts, we can now learn about the ancient history of mankind. Monk Nestor made a huge contribution to the development of science. The chronicler kept a kind of diary, where he wrote down all, in his opinion, significant events in the life of society. For his labors and good deeds, the monk was canonized by the Orthodox Church and is revered as a saint. The story of his extraordinary life will be the subject of this article.
Nestor the chronicler: tonsured monks
According to the monastic charter of those times, a person had to undergo a three-year obedience at the temple, and only then did he receive the right to be a servant of the Lord. The hero of our story, Nestor, was preparing for monasticism, and in this he was helpedfirst hegumen Theodosius, and then Stefan. These people had an extraordinary influence on the further fate of Nestor. At that time, many monks kept chronicles, but at first our monk did not think about this matter. He was the most ordinary brother, like everyone else.
Nestor the chronicler: craving for knowledge
Gradually, the monk realizes that he is becoming interested in book wisdom. He enthusiastically begins to read the Gospel, and then the lives of the saints. The latter served as his role model. Reading the lives of the Greek righteous, the Monk Nestor the chronicler decided to start writing about the exploits of the Russian saints, so that they would not remain without a trace. The first work of the monk was the life of the blessed martyrs Boris and Gleb. After this work, life began to give Nestor many reasons for research. So, he was instructed to find the body of Abbot Theodosius. With the help of two monks, Nestor was still able to find the relics of the saint, which were transferred to the Lavra. Impressed by this event, he began another work. He was none other than the life of St. Theodosius.
The Tale of Bygone Years
Hegumen began to notice the talent and hard work of Nestor, who was instructed to bring together many records from different years and edit them. It was from that time until the end of his life that Nestor the chronicler wrote The Tale of Bygone Years. Currently, this creation is one of the highest values of Russian history, because it is based on numerous sources, and also written with the help ofunsurpassed literary skill. Until his death, Nestor the chronicler was engaged in his work. After him, other priests took up the manuscript.
Memory of a saint
Until now, the Russian people remember the exploits that the chronicler Nestor accomplished. His biography has not been fully restored, because he lived a long time ago - in the 11th century. Already in the XIII century, Nestor was commemorated as a saint. Its significance for the Russian Orthodox Church and for the entire Slavic people can hardly be overestimated. The monk was buried in the Anthony Caves in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. The Orthodox Church commemorates Nestor on November 9th. In addition, the monk is also remembered on October 11 - the day of the Council of the Venerable Fathers of the Lavra.
