Get to know your native land. Venerable Nikander of Pskov Venerable Nikander of Pskov the Wonderworker

Grace and silence, miraculous springs, tranquility, peace, harmony and joy are synonyms of the Holy Annunciation Nikander Hermitage - the most mysterious monastery in the Pskov region. Here the holy waters give the mourners physical and spiritual strength, and miracles in the Nikander desert for the Glory of God continue unceasingly.

The monastery arose here a few years after the death of St. Nikander of Pskov (in the world - Nikon), who glorified these places with his spiritual exploits. He was born on July 24, 1507 into a pious family of peasants Philip and Anastasia in the village of Videlebye in the Pskov region, about 35 versts from Pskov. From childhood, he discovered in himself a desire for great deeds. Nikon's father soon died, and the boy was left in the care of his mother. He sought to learn to read and write in order to read the Divine Scripture.

150 years earlier, Eleazar, later the famous Euphrosynus, founder of the Eleazar Monastery, was born here. In his early youth, Nikon became acquainted with the places where the hermits Euphrosynus and Savva Krypetsky lived. I admired the spiritual power of the holy saints, their self-denial in the name of love for God and people. After the death of his father and brother Arseny’s acceptance of monasticism, Nikon persuades his mother to give away her property and go to the monastery. He himself decided to live according to the example of the Monk Euphrosynus, whom he deeply revered.

In order to be able to read the Word of God, Nikon hired himself as a worker for the Pskov resident Philip, who, for his diligence, sent him to study with an experienced teacher. Seeing the young man’s jealousy, the Lord Himself showed him the place of his exploit. While praying fervently in one of the Pskov churches, he heard a voice from the altar, commanding him to go to the desert, which the Lord would show through His servant Theodore: “Nikon, My servant, go to the desert indicated to you by the pious husband Theodore, and there you will find peace for yourself; and after you that place will expand, and many will be saved in it!”

The peasant Theodore took him to the Demyanka River, between Pskov and Porkhov. There Nikon built himself a small hut and spent time in solitude, eating only plants.

The people, having learned about his home, began to visit him, which involuntarily disturbed the peace of the hermit. Nikon, avoiding worldly honor, retired to the cenobitic hermitage of the Monk Savva of Krypetsky. The abbot, seeing his bodily weakness, did not immediately agree to accept him, fearing that the difficulties of monastic life would be beyond his strength. Then Nikon, falling to the shrine of the Monk Savva, began, as if alive, to beg him to take him into his monastery. The abbot relented and tonsured Nikon with the name Nikander.

With renewed vigor the monk rushed to exploits - he devoted himself entirely to God, completely renounced his will and submitted everything to the will of the abbot and the brethren. He constantly strengthened himself with such pious reflections: “The monastic life is like a field of wheat; it requires frequent rain of tears and great hard work. If you want to bear abundant fruit and not thorns, then be sober in mind and work; try to be good soil, and not rocky soil, so that what is planted from above in your heart can bear fruit, so that it does not dry out from the heat and despondency and neglect.”

The time free from prayer, the Monk Nikander spent in handicrafts. The abbot and brethren were amazed at the ascetic, his good behavior, humility and obedience, vigor and strength in his exploits, and glorified God. Meanwhile, the Monk Nikandr, again fleeing human glory and yearning for his former hermit life, went to his desert and lived there hopelessly for 15 years. He endured with great humility all the trials sent by God, showing long-suffering, mercy and meekness. But it turned out that there was no hiding from worldly passions, envy and greed. One day, robbers visited the hermit’s wretched hut, and, not finding anything valuable, they brutally beat Nikander. They took away holy icons and books. The monk began to pray to the Lord for the forgiveness of people stricken by the sins of self-interest and hardness of heart. The robbers could not leave the forest for three days, after which two repentant people came to Nikander and asked to forgive them, and the other two died.

But the monk was not so much afraid of robbers as of human praise. Therefore, he again left the desert and for the second time went to the Krypetsky Monastery, where he had previously accepted monasticism. Arriving at the monastery, the saint continued his strict ascetic life. Marveling at his exploits, the brethren made him a sexton. In addition, the saint was entrusted with the difficult and difficult obedience of baking the fora. But the Monk Nikander began to carry out this work with joy, thinking: “If our Lord Jesus Christ called the bread prepared for the Last Supper His Body, then I should rejoice that God vouchsafed me to prepare such bread, on which a great and terrible mystery is performed: in a wondrous and incomprehensible way they are transformed into the Holy Body of Christ "

And the ascetic of God continued to work tirelessly. The monks, seeing his increasing zeal and falling in love with him for his humility and meekness, asked the abbot to make Nikander a cellarer. The abbot fulfilled the request of the brethren and appointed the saint to cellarship.

With this exaltation, the saint did not change his previous life, but he was obliged to carry out the new one with humility and zeal, as if it were a task entrusted to him by the Lord Himself; He did not boast about the power given to him, remembering the words of Scripture: If anyone wants to be in you, let him be the servant of all ( Matt. 20, 26). Having received power in the monastery along with the position of cellarer, the Monk Nikandr behaved like the youngest, going to work before everyone else. But Saint Nikander was not a cellarer for long: the vanity that came with being a cellarer was not tolerable to him; constant communication with people was difficult; he strove for his former hermit life, for silence, and therefore decided to leave the monastery again, forever.

Having left the Krypetsky monastery, he settled on an island located about four miles from it; here the saint built a hut, again indulged in his usual exploits and spent three and a half years in this way. The fame of the hermit attracted many visitors to him, who sought words of edification from the monk. Meanwhile, the enemy - the envious people - inspired the abbot and the brethren of the Krypetsky monastery with the idea that, by attracting people to himself, Nikandr would reduce the monastic income. Therefore, they came to the monk and demanded that he leave this place. With the greatest humility, the saint fulfilled the demand: he again went into his desert, to the place indicated to him by God.

Arriving in his desert, the saint again devoted himself to exploits and lived there as a hermit until his blessed death for 32 years and 2 months.

Until the end of his life, the monk remained a hermit: that’s what they call him "Reverend Nikander the Desert Dweller" but he bequeathed not to leave the place of his work after his death, promising his patronage to the inhabitants of the future monastery. Endowed with the gift of clairvoyance and miracle-working, the saint, not sparing himself, throughout his life helped those who turned to him. 8 years before his death, he assumed the great schema.

He foresaw his death, predicting that he would die when enemies attacked the fatherland, predicting their imminent defeat. On September 24, 1581, during the invasion of the troops of the Polish king Stefan Batory in Pskov, one peasant found him dead: he was lying on a matting with his arms folded crosswise on his chest. The clergy and people came from Pskov and performed the rite of Christian burial.

In 1584, on the fertile site of the exploit of the Monk Nikander, consecrated by his almost half a century of prayer, a monastery was created, which began to be called the Nikandrov Hermitage. The builder of the monastery was the monk Isaiah, who was healed through prayer to the saint. In 1686, under Patriarch Joachim, the glorification of the Monk Nikander took place, and the celebration of his memory was established on September 24, the day of his death, and on the temple feast of the monastery - the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos.

In the 20s of the last century, the monastery was completely destroyed. The powerful Annunciation Church, which was built over three centuries, constantly expanding, was destroyed.

History of the Nikandrova Hermitage

In the middle of the 17th century, with the blessing of Metropolitan Nikon (later Patriarch), nobleman Yakov Matveevich Muravyov built a church in the monastery in the name of St. Nikander. And a little later the Church of Alexander Svirsky and the Holy Trinity. The monastery's prosperity is growing rapidly. In 1665 it was plundered by the Poles. However, the monastery was very soon restored, and in 1673 it burned along with all church and fraternal property. Hegumen Hilarion was even forced to turn to Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich with a request for help. The monastery was granted a lot of land, and benefactors were found, with the help of whom the condition of the monastery improved. Stone churches were built, new icons, books and much more appeared.

The fame of miracles from the relics of St. Nikander attracted more and more pilgrims to the monastery. This prompted the brethren of the monastery to turn to the patriarch with a request to “open and examine the holy relics and verify the miracles that occurred from them.” In 1687, a commission created on the instructions of the Patriarch examined the relics and found them incorrupt. After the discovery of the relics of the saint, the hermitage began to be called Nikandrova.

The heyday of the desert occurred at the end of the 18th - beginning of the 19th centuries thanks to the zeal of Archimandrite Gennady and the favors of Emperor Paul I. The nobility of that time could not help but support the tsar. Prince Lopukhin helps the monastery, Count Sheremetyev makes large donations, Grand Duchess Alexandra Iosifovna and the Empress herself donate.

Only the saint’s shrine, the vestments on the icons and two candlesticks cost 12 poods, 20 pounds of silver, 18 pounds of gold, 16,255 various stones and rhinestones. The total amount of silver in the monastery, according to historians, was more than 20 pounds.

The monastery had a most valuable library - more than 1000 books of spiritual and secular content, not counting liturgical books. There were handwritten books.

But the “prosperous and quiet life” ended with the coming to power in Russia of fierce God-fighters and Christ-haters. During the civil war they unleashed, the cancer of St. Nikander and his multi-healing relics disappeared without a trace. And in 1928, the monastery itself ceased to exist, destroyed to the ground and completely turned into ruins.

But the monastery was reborn to the Glory of God! With the blessing of the Lord, the first builder in the 21st century came to the desert, the monk Gabriel. A variety of people began to come to his aid, to the best of their ability: military personnel, journalists, road workers, pilgrims from all over Russia. They cleared the territory, improved the holy springs, and built. In almost a year, a wooden church in honor of the icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” was restored and consecrated.

In 2002, Abbot Spiridon (Ivashchenko) was transferred from the Pskov-Pechersky Monastery to Nikandrova Monastery. Already under him, another temple was being built in memory of the holy Royal martyrs, whose way of the cross began from the Pskov land.

Also in the desert, the construction of the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary has been completed. This is the only stone structure so far. The first service by the bishop's rank took place in this revived cathedral on the day of memory of St. Nikander in 2010.

Holy springs and icons of the monastery

The holy springs located here are especially revered by believers; there are only five of them. At the entrance, on the right, there is eye source of the icon of the Kazan Mother of God. They don’t drink water from it, they take it for eye treatment.

A kilometer from the monastery - radon source of St. Alexander of Svirsky. They don’t drink water from it either, they bathe in it.

Pilgrims are usually surprised by springs of the holy apostles Peter and Paul, which are located two meters from each other, but even the water level in them is different, moreover, one freezes in winter, and the other does not.

The central source is named after the holy Venerable Nikander. According to an ancient monastic legend, this well was dug by the hands of the monk himself. Pilgrims always take water from this source with them.

Speaking about the icons of the monastery, it should be noted that The most revered icon by believers is the icon of St. Nikander from the old Nikandrov Hermitage. We used to go with her to religious processions from the monastery to Porkhov. Is there some more a small icon of Nikandra with a piece of the relics of the saint. A certain philanthropist bought it in England and gave it to his father Nikolai Guryanov. From the island of Talabsk the icon “came” to Porkhov, and later it was transferred to the monastery that was being restored. The cell icon of the Sign of the Most Holy Theotokos of Elder Valentin Mardasov after his death was also transferred to the Nikandrov Hermitage. This is also where icon of the great martyr and healer Panteleimon with a piece of his holy relics.

Among the most revered are miraculous icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost.” Before her they pray for the souls of those who are prone to using drugs, alcohol, and committing crimes, that is, for everyone who does not live according to the commandments of God.

AUTUMN IN THE NICANDRA DESERT

A piece of the Blessed Land...
Holy places of Pskov.
The air here is extraordinary
And the rustle of a yellow leaf.

How little we need in this life...
At the walls of the shrine you realize,
That life without Vera is a clown show,
What you only gain by losing.

There are no domes that blind the eyes.
They were demolished by hard times.
On the bleeding bricks
Birch trees have sprouted in groves.

And on the ruins of the Shrine
From the darkness of the unbelief of the night
Ascended high from the Temple to the blue
The aspens are like two candles.

The years go by inexorably
Dust among the gravestones.
The Spirit of the Reverend is invisible
Soars above the silence of the desert.

It’s impossible to live “simpler”...
We cannot live without roots.
Holy faith are holy relics
We will soon find it in our souls.

And having come into contact with the Holy One,
Rays of love will sparkle in the hearts.
From oblivion, as if waking up,
The keys to the monastery will be clogged.

Remains of thuja alley –
Traces of novices of labor -
They will introduce a green landscape,
According to the vaults of the temples of those years...

In the thoughtful sadness of leaf fall
Burns in defiance of fate,
Like an unquenchable lamp,
Crimson autumn fire.
Holy Annunciation Nikandrova
men's desert. October 2000

HOLY SOURCE MONDARIUS

Turning right into Mayakovo,
Having walked about five miles to the cross,
You will be amazed, my friend, really,
What a miracle this place is!

There is such beauty around here,
That the heart will be full at once.
Here, little by little, without noticing,
The soul will sing poetry.

And the cross is not much at all,
Where was the Solpekovsky farm,
The road will still go right
Through the log deck.

There is a forest there, like in the kingdom of Berendey,
Overgrown with gray hairs.
Along the road to the right,
At the end of the path lies a graveyard.

Behind a thin film of fog
A vision of wondrous beauty
A clearing will open to your eyes,
Your ears will hear the splash of water.

You will see how the stitches loop,
Like a brocade belt
Smoothly framing the clearing,
A stream runs through the narrows.

Crossing the graveyard with sand,
Along the slope across the bridge
The path will lead down, running down,
On a small toe in the pine needles.

Where the ate froze in eternity
And the branches were tightly woven -
There is a kipun key of enormous power
Beats from the heart of Mother Earth.

In the stream, as if resting,
The stones and boulders are darkening.
Having magical powers,
The breakers are frolicking menacingly.

Log house in the form of a well,
And there are steps to the bottom.
Here the heart beats somehow more quietly.
Water boils that is cold.

The cross on the corner stands at the font...
The words won't come right away,
Where centuries-old fir trees grow cold,
And the millstones gnawed into the ground.

A little further from the font,
Almost next to the stream,
Close to a huge old spruce
There is a wide board lying down.

When there are snowdrifts all around
Or when the scorching heat
This is where illnesses are left
The water is cold and icy.

This is where hope is found
For healing. On the trunks
Clothes tied in a knot
On nearby trees.

Above the purity of running water
Purity of light flows.
Holy land - holy spring!
Holy Pskov places!

It is a great happiness to live on the Pskov land - the land of shrines, where, thanks to the great feat and prayers of our saints, God, to help us the weak, shows His grace, makes it possible to feel His mercy, to receive physical healing, and whoever is worthy, then spiritual. The Holy Annunciation Hermitage awaits its pilgrims!

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Venerable Nikander of Pskov

The Monk Nikandr of Pskov (baptized Nikon) was born on July 24, 1507 into a family of peasants Philip and Anastasia in the village of Videlebye in the Pskov region.

Since childhood, he dreamed of continuing the exploits of his fellow villager - the Monk Euphrosynus of Spasoeleazarovsky, the chief of the Pskov hermit-dwellers (May 15). The first in Nikon's family to become a monk was his elder brother Arseny. After the death of his father, seventeen-year-old Nikon managed to convince his mother to give away the estate and retire to a monastery, where she lived until her death. Having walked around the monasteries of the Pskov land, venerating the relics of St. Euphrosynus and his disciple St. Savva of Krypetsky (August 28), he was finally confirmed in his desire for a hermit’s life.

In order to be able to read the Word of God, Nikon hired himself as a worker for the Pskov resident Philip, who, for his diligence, sent him to study with an experienced teacher. Seeing the young man’s jealousy, the Lord Himself showed him the place of his exploit. While praying fervently in one of the Pskov churches, he heard a voice from the altar, commanding him to go to the desert, which the Lord would show through His servant Theodore. The peasant Theodore took him to the Demyanka River, between Pskov and Porkhov. (Subsequently, Philip and Theodore, who helped the monk achieve his cherished goal, through his prayers, also embarked on the path of monasticism and became tonsures of the Krypetsky Monastery with the names Philaret and Theodosius.)

After spending several years in silence and harsh labors that withered his flesh, Nikon came to the monastery founded by the Monk Savva Krypetsky. The abbot, seeing his bodily weakness, did not immediately agree to accept him, fearing that the difficulties of monastic life would be beyond his strength. Then Nikon, falling to the shrine of the Monk Savva, began, as if alive, to beg him to take him into his monastery. The abbot relented and tonsured Nikon with the name Nikander.

The Monk Nikander endured many temptations and troubles on the narrow path of asceticism. Blessed Nicholas (February 28) predicted to him about the “desert passions” back in Pskov. Through the prayers of all the saints of Pskov and the Monk Alexander of Svir (August 30 and April 17), who twice appeared to the monk, instructing and strengthening him, he, with the help of God’s grace, overcame all the manifold snares of the evil one. Through the power of prayers, the monk defeated the weaknesses of the flesh, human ill will and the devil’s fears. One day he was almost killed by robbers, who took away his only and most valuable property for the hermit - books and icons. Through the prayers of the saint, two of them, frightened by the sudden death of their comrade, repented of their atrocities and received the elder’s forgiveness.

The Monk Nikander did not live long in the Krypetsky Monastery and, with blessings, returned to his hermitage. Subsequently, he once again came to live in the Krypetsk monastery, where he fulfilled the obedience of the guide and cellarer, and again went into the desert and lived there in fasting and prayer, comprehending the Word of God. Every year during Great Lent, the Monk Nikandr went to the Damianovo Monastery, where he confessed and received the Holy Mysteries of Christ. Eight years before his death, he accepted the great schema there. Many people began to come to the monk “for the sake of benefit,” for, according to the words of St. John Climacus, “monastic life is light for all people.” Believers turned to St. Nikander for prayerful help, for the Lord endowed him with many grace-filled gifts. The hermit treated all the needs of his visitors with love and attention and even arranged for them to spend the night in a miserable “hotel by the oak tree,” which he heated himself. The monk did not allow himself to flaunt his talents. Coming secretly to his cell, people always heard that he was praying with bitter sobs. He, noticing the proximity of people, immediately fell silent, hiding from them the gift of tears he had received.

The Monk Nikandr remained a hermit until the end of his life (that’s what they call him - the Monk Nikandr the Desert Dweller), but he bequeathed not to leave the place of his labors after his death, promising his patronage to the inhabitants of the future monastery. The monk commanded the deacon of the Porkhov women's monastery, Peter, to build a church on his grave and transfer there the icon of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos from the Tishanka churchyard. He foresaw his death, predicting that he would die when enemies attacked the fatherland, predicting their imminent defeat. On September 24, 1581, during the invasion of the troops of the Polish king Stefan Batory, one peasant found him dead: he was lying on a matting with his arms folded crosswise on his chest. The clergy and people came from Pskov, admirers of the saint, among whom was Deacon Peter, and performed the rite of Christian burial.

In 1584, on the fertile site of the exploit of the Monk Nikander, consecrated by his almost half a century of prayer, a monastery was created, which began to be called the Nikandrov Hermitage. The builder of the monastery was the monk Isaiah, who was healed through prayer to the saint. In 1686, under Patriarch Joachim, the glorification of the Monk Nikander took place and the celebration of his memory was established on September 24, the day of his death, and on the temple feast of the monastery - the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos. During the reconstruction of the monastery's cathedral, the relics of St. Nikander, hidden in the wall, were discovered, and June 29 is celebrated as the day of the discovery of his venerable relics. And now the prayerful connection of believers with the Monk Nikander, who is deeply revered on Pskov land, is strong."

http://iconsv.ru/
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St. Nikandr Pskovsky. Icon. Russia. End of the 18th century

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Akathist to the Holy Venerable Nikander, Pskov Wonderworker
http://www.kotlovka.ru/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2560

Kontakion 1
Chosen from the Head and Finisher of faith, the Lord Jesus, given as an example of the following of the Orthodox Church to the class, valiant ascetic and wonderful miracle worker, Reverend Father Nikandra! We offer these prayer books with praise and thanksgiving: for through your warm intercession with the Heavenly King you have interceded with us all useful and saving intercessions. As we have boldness towards the Throne of Grace, free us from all misadventures, let us call to you:

Ikos 1
Surrounded by nine angelic forces of glory, the Lord, foreknowledge of the unwavering will of your heart, that you want to be a submissive disciple and a diligent fulfiller of His commandments, I will inspire you, like the prophetess Anna of old, to run to the temple of the Lord, so that you may learn there the beginning of wisdom, which is the fear of the Lord: also and teach us to sing to you in wonder:
Rejoice, O pious root of good vegetation.
Rejoice, wonderful fruit of all Christian virtues.
Rejoice, little child, who at the font of renewal dedicated yourself to the Lord for faithful service.
Rejoice, anointed one, received from above with all your spiritual armor.
Rejoice, for those who from youth took up arms against their bodies, against this world and the devil.
Rejoice, having opened your mind to the light of knowledge of God.
Rejoice, having sought the Lord everywhere before your eyes and set your intentions in Him.
Rejoice, your hearing is perceptive of the words of God, in which faith is restored and converted.
Rejoice, open your mouth to the praise of God and the singing of psalms, to your sincere edification in what is beneficial to your soul.
Rejoice, you have arranged your hands to do good deeds to those in need.
Rejoice, guide your nose in walking along the path of the justifications of the Lord.
Rejoice, direct all your mental and physical feelings to please the Giver of all good things.
Rejoice, most blessed Nikandra, our reverend father.

Kontakion 2
Seeing the venerable Nikander with his soul's eyes, as if there was all sorts of vanity in this world, and as if the essence of the passions of the present age were unworthy, having glory to appear in heaven, he was anxious, he rejected himself, the world and what is in it, we instruct the venerable Euphrosynus and Savva, to walk the narrow and sorrowful path in the heavenly Jerusalem above, having now reached it, standing before the Throne of the Lamb, worthily rejoices with them and with all the chosen ones, singing to the Almighty God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2
Having understood the Lord, having given you to drink, reverend, the verbal and unflattering milk of piety, grant you to grow into a husband, perfect to the measure of your age, growing into salvation, so that you may taste that the Lord is good: coming to the Unman, you yourself, like stone, are built alive in a spiritual temple, in Holiness is holy, offering spiritual sacrifices is pleasing to God; and may you prosper in this. Having moved away from your home, you have gone away to a God-fearing husband, to learn from him what is needed: take away the Scriptures, in which the eternal life is hidden, and teach us to invite you like this:
Rejoice, young man, you despise all children's play, as if you were creeping towards evil.
Rejoice, shining through the wisdom of the heavenly, and not the earthly, like valuable beads.
Rejoice, for you have adorned your face and heart.
Rejoice, loving the Lord with all your soul and with all your strength.
Rejoice, not just the Sabbath day, but all the days of life are holy to the Lord God.
Rejoice, you who did not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
Rejoice, you have honored your parents with love, obedience and due reward.
Rejoice, O thy neighbor, as thou hast loved thyself.
Rejoice, thou who taught thy youth in chastity.
Rejoice, for you have betrothed yourself to a pure virgin to Christ the Bridegroom.
Rejoice, thou who created the law written by the grace of God, and to perfect this still one completed.
Rejoice, you who sold all your possessions, and may you inherit eternal life by distributing to the poor.
Rejoice, most blessed Nikandra, our reverend father.

Kontakion 3
The power of the divine gospel word: “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” like a two-edged sword, I will penetrate your most blessed, zealous heart, and I was with reverence in the holy temple: you were so filled with its actions, as if nothing else I stumble, especially the husband Theodore, who showed you the way by God’s will, your simple spirit, like a turtledove, settled in the impenetrable desert, and there, having erected a certain dwelling, you yourself imagined a village to the Most High God, singing to Him in ascetics of prayer and fasting always: Alleluia.

Ikos 3
Having the foundation of your God-pleasing life, our blessed father, humility, meekness and non-conceit, so that your father, seeing in secret, will reward you in reality, you imagined that in deserted places there would be the hiddenness of your virtue. But as it was said: “There is no voice that cannot be heard”; Thus, your holy life will become famous in the surrounding countries. And let not the dirty trick of the flesh, the angel of Satan, hinder your progress, and let not tempt you to boast about this: for this reason, leaving your place of residence, God foresaw the best thing about you, you came to the monastery of St. John the Theologian, and with a frank voice before the church and with the angels you pronounced sacred vows, you entered into monastic service. Let us also chant the following:
Rejoice, warrior, not working for two masters, but for the One who lives in Heaven, who desires.
Rejoice, all who were commanded through the rulers appointed by Him with joy, and not with groaning.
Rejoice, you who patiently bore the greatest bitterness.
Rejoice, having slain your flesh warring against the spirit through prayer and severe fasting.
Rejoice, thou who spendst the night alone in the thoughts of God and in tears.
Rejoice, having exposed your body to mortify the passions to be devoured by flying animals.
Rejoice, stained with the blood of martyrdom as a testimony to the immutable faith.
Rejoice, after the crucifixion of the old Adam, the new, who is Christ, quickened in holiness and truth.
Rejoice, thou who are baptized into Christ.
Rejoice, having clothed yourself with all His splendour.
Rejoice, eat the angel's bread in the courts of Zion on High.
Rejoice, strengthen yourself with the word of God for many different works.
Rejoice, most blessed Nikandra, our reverend father.

Kontakion 4
The storm of confusion raised by the winds of many different thoughts about your venerable life, which are with you in community, rocks the ship of your humility. But you, being more and more filled with humility to the zealot, are coming back into the desert, even as the voice of the Invisible One commanded you to depart from the altar, and then to greater deeds, having girded yourself with power from above, you have turned, trampling under the power of the Cross all the opposing intrigues, so that you can weave a victorious crown , worthy to receive upon your head from the hand of the Lord, always the conquerors of the Creator, singing to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 4
You exist in place, great ascetic, where your dwelling was built, to the God who works in this way, you carried out your course in warm prayers, in undoubting hope, as if every word does not faint from God, and in love, from neither wounds nor rebuke, You could not be distracted by famine or any other need: but the devil, like a lion, seeking someone to devour, the inhuman robbers whispered, giving you over to destruction, but nothing is possible. Moreover, your indescribable patience was glorified: when you were all stained with blood from an ulcer with a spear in your ribs, then you cried out to your soul, like Stephen: “Father, let them go!” We see your strong complacency, and with surprise we cry out to you like this:
Rejoice, O sufferer, having dedicated to yourself something pleasing to God as a sacrifice.
Rejoice, thou who art not afraid of those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul.
Rejoice, unshakable stone, from which all the raging waves are crushed.
Rejoice, for in you there is faith, love, humility and kindness.
Rejoice, man of sorrows, rejoice with Saint Paul in your suffering.
Rejoice, receive joy, joy and much reward in heaven.
Rejoice, with your blood, like a voice crying out to heaven, striking them with blinding and drowning.
Rejoice, by the blood of these you turned to the true path of repentance.
Rejoice, you did not show menacing and local gaze to those who came to you.
Rejoice, for you are a compassionate father who does not offend his corrupt children.
Rejoice, having been crowned with the martyrs and passion-bearers by the outpouring of your blood.
Rejoice, not just for all those who flow to you in faith, but also for all your warm prayer books.
Rejoice, most blessed Nikandra, our reverend father.

Kontakion 5
The God-bearing star, borrowing its light from the true sun of righteousness, the Lord Jesus, you appeared to us, God-blessed Nikandra, in the dark night of this long-suffering life, sleeping and erring, show us first the time of rising from the sleep of sin: in the same plausible image, in your word, life, love , by spirit, faith, purity, meekness and patience, leading along the path of salvation to the heavenly Fatherland of all those who come running to you and cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 5
Having seen the pious children of the Orthodox Church, especially those around you, your zealous life according to the commandments of the Lord, and the grace of the Holy Spirit dwelling in your heart, with which you became wise for salvation, you taught paternal punishment to those who listened to you, and with it you healed not only mental ailments, but also physical ones , I flow to you with faith, not returning in vain, but like the clouds in the sky filled with moisture, I irrigate the fields of my hearts, returning the good fruits of faith and crying out like this:
Rejoice, source, in the midst of waterless places, flowing out the sweet waters of useful teachings.
Rejoice, kind teacher in the hope of those who demand assurances of God’s mercy.
Rejoice, blessed-leaved tree, calming with coolness and consolation in this vale of wanderers.
Rejoice, for with its perfect fruits you satiate those who hunger for the righteousness of Christ.
Rejoice, peacemaker, who provides healing for all ailments.
Rejoice, thou who, as a merciful physician, give freely to the sick.
Rejoice, thou who art of great mercy and a repository of swiftly-presented compassion for those who grieve.
Rejoice, permission for the innocent and righteous judgment for the condemned.
Rejoice, having striven for spiritual poverty and thereby infusing the Kingdom of God within you.
Rejoice, diligently diligent in the purity of your soul and body, and with the same vision of God.
Rejoice, O lamp, kindled with the oil of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, exalted to the high place of heavenly glory.
Rejoice, most blessed Nikandra, our reverend father.

Kontakion 6
They preach silent deserts, abodes, cities and weigh your passionless life, which you, the wise God, have acquired, first by mortifying your flesh by vigil, fasting, standing in prayer, lying lower on your ribs, even bowing your head and a little dozing. Against the devil’s obsessions and his hordes, sometimes as horsemen on horseback, with timbrels and cries, sometimes transformed into fierce wolves and wondrous beasts, you armed yourself: with the defeat of the rod, and with the power of the Cross, and thus, like the great Constantine, you conquered. Boasting about Him as invincible with weapons, always eat Him crucified on Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 6
Thou shalt shine upon the kingdom of the Orthodox-Russian years, a great lamp, placed not hidden, but on the candlestick, filled with the oil of pure faith, hope and love for the Creator of thee, moreover Christian patience, kindness and wonderful abstinence from brushes, so that thou mayest show love to all who honor thee For man will not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Likewise, we, who cover our sins with the darkness, hungering and thirsting in spirit, looking at you, joyful, invite you like this:
Rejoice, chosen warrior of Christ our God. Remain faithful to Him even unto death.
Rejoice, thou bravely victorious in the battle of life's invisible enemies.
Rejoice in your service, as a swift flowing stream that never turns back.
Rejoice, thou who did not receive the seed of the word of God in a heart of stone, but in a heart of flesh.
Rejoice, you who brought forth good fruits, with which you appeared to the world.
Rejoice, for through these the world glorifies the Father Who is in Heaven.
Rejoice, having placed your hope both in life and in death on the Lord alone.
Rejoice, you who conquered all that opposed you.
Rejoice, for you have protected yourself with it, like an invincible shield.
Rejoice, inseparable from your love, the Bridegroom Christ.
Rejoice, enjoy all the bliss you acquired with your blood forever.
Rejoice, for through Christ’s sitting at the right hand of God and through His intercession you cried out in your heart: “Abba Father!”
Rejoice, most blessed Nikandra, our reverend father.

Kontakion 7
I want a certain God-fearing man, Simeon, to come and bow to you and be satisfied with your sweet teachings, so that I could strengthen my soul, which I then began to eat. But you, more perspicacious, predicted his soon-approaching death and prepared him for a peaceful departure from this deplorable vale into eternal, endless life: for the sake of accepting a monastic image, directing your soul to grief, and having lived well, died and settled into the blessed bosom of Abraham; About what you glorify God, eat thanksgiving: Alleluia.

Ikos 7
The Lord, wondrous in the high places, revealed you as a new prophet, sharing the gifts of the Holy Spirit with everyone, giving you the power of clairvoyance: for a noble man, Peter, who had been married to his wife in his days and was childless, was miraculously brought to you, you foretold that a son would be born to him, and as if in the place of your silence the temple of the Most Holy Mother of God will be erected, and this place will spread and become glorified, and it will come true, marveling at this, crying out to you:
Rejoice, man of prophecy, crowned with the fulfillment of his work.
Rejoice, contemplating the future as the present through the grace of God.
Rejoice, blessed trumpet, with which the sad hearts of earthlings are lifted up.
Rejoice, spiritual tablet, it depicts the essence of the prediction that is not false.
Rejoice, teacher and founder of desert-dwelling monks.
Rejoice, spreader of wondrous abodes through your prayers.
Rejoice, you who abundantly fulfilled the monastery’s poverty and miraculously protected from predators.
Rejoice, teach the good flock you have gathered for salvation.
Rejoice, thou who art most plausible in the image of spiritual poverty.
Rejoice, all this world is red, as if quickly disappearing, despised for God’s sake.
Rejoice, many people have been converted and saved from the path of sin to the Lord.
Rejoice, fulfill the spiritual consolations that call upon you.
Rejoice, most blessed Nikandra, our reverend father.

Kontakion 8
A strange vision and hearing does not captivate the mind in the obedience of faith and does not repent of the truth, this is to be, as when through a dream vision, we stretch out your hands, when through a friendly verb, when through various signs, you give perfect healing to the weakened, the sick, the ailing: we by faith We are taken captive, as all things are possible to God, and “believe in Me, the works,” as Christ said, “whatever I do, he will do greater things,” we glorify the Miracle-working God in you. Confessing to you that you are worthy of His omnipotence to be an instrument, we cry out loudly: Alleluia.

Ikos 8
Having been completely devoted to God: with the mind - as if to think about Him, with the will - as if to do what is pleasing to Him, with memory - bringing to yourself the incomprehensible things that bring Him, everything that edifies and everything that knows, you presented your body to Him, having exhausted and cleansed it with vigil, fasting and wonderful abstinence May you be worthy to be a settlement of the Most High God, may you abide in Christ, and He in you. For this reason, during Holy Lent, you came to the Deman monastery, and in fulfillment of all your virtues, you enjoyed the Lord's table, eating with reverence and joy the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Looking at you, we kindly cry out to you:
Rejoice, true disciple of Christ, by His desire you desired to fulfill His will.
Rejoice, thou who marchest from faith to faith, from glory to glory.
Rejoice, thou who has enjoyed the ever-flowing, life-giving source of sweets.
Rejoice, having tasted the undying, eternal meat, foretaste of heavenly bliss.
Rejoice, thou who art worthy of the incomprehensible sacrament upon which the angels desire to come, and to be a fellow-companion.
Rejoice, through this union you have been called to live with Christ in the Kingdom of Glory.
Rejoice, man filled with the thought of God and despising all earthly things.
Rejoice, in disgust you did not see vanity, having covered your head and face with schema.
Rejoice, who foretold the time of your death from no one.
Rejoice, for some reason you have folded your hand crosswise towards your chest.
Rejoice, having given your spirit joyfully into the hands of the Lord.
Rejoice, earthly life with the divine voice: “Blessed is God, who is well-willed, glory to You,” imprinted.
Rejoice, most blessed Nikandra, our reverend father.

Kontakion 9
Every human and angelic nature deserves to marvel at the great feat from your country and the wonderful gift from above: so much so that you enslaved the flesh of the spirit, because on earth you showed an immaterial, equal life with the angels, and living in the spirit, you walked in the spirit, and in the flesh you appeared incorporeal you are. For this reason, for the sake of many miracles of creation, we receive from the Lord, with a pure and God-pleasing soul, by the grace of him, who is counted among the elect of the heavenly powers in the never-ending Kingdom, where you sing to the Almighty God: Alleluia.

Ikos 9
The twisted tongue of many things perplexes you, worthy of all glory, glorious reverend Father Nikandra, according to your heritage, to praise and splendidly glorify your more natural deeds, which you did on earth in the flesh. But even after your repose in the eternal Kingdom of Glory, where you now rest sweetly after your labors and struggles, you do not cease to perform many and glorious miracles for us: the honest fortress, where your holy relics rest, is like Siloam, from lameness, blindness, infirmity and weakness health improves. We, who have such a priceless treasure, are convinced by thanksgiving and sing this:
Rejoice, earthly angel and heavenly man.
Rejoice, spiritually alive in the flesh, in a most peaceful world.
Rejoice, the honorable one also bore the praise of the Holy Trinity.
Rejoice, thou who has dedicated the three parts of thy soul to the One Lord.
Rejoice, winged mind flying towards the Trisolar Light.
Rejoice, having endeavored by your will to sanctify yourself, as the Lord our God is holy.
Rejoice, having care not only for yourself, but also for everyone to achieve bliss.
Rejoice, full of peace and love of God, for you were peace-loving and brotherly-loving to all.
Rejoice, overshadowed by the spirit of graces, and making wise those who flow to you for salvation.
Rejoice, you who comfort those who have come to repentance with the mercy of God.
Rejoice, before the face of God, as a servant walking before the Lord.
Rejoice, ascetic, as if you have achieved your crown, which you are worthy to receive for us too.
Rejoice, most blessed Nikandra, our reverend father.

Kontakion 10
Although the salvation of your soul was achieved, reverend, from your youth, even to your death, you walked along a narrow and sorrowful path, taking up the cross on the frame, knowing that the wide and spacious path leads to destruction. Moreover, even though thorns, and impassable places, and evil adventures, I will stumble upon you: yet, the faithful Leader and Champion Jesus who preceded you, you have reached into the courts of heaven, where there are joys unspeakable, which eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and the heart of man has not seen. sighing, enjoying, crying out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 10
Thou art an insurmountable wall to all earthly beings, for the speedy intercession and intercession of those who flock to you, blessed Father Nikandra! Likewise, to us, to your holy relics, guarded by invisible angels, coming with faith, and merciful to those who ask for help in every need, be a strong wall and an indestructible bulwark, shielding and protecting us from all troubles, for which we cry out to you like this:
Rejoice, quick intercessor, accept our petitions and offer up the mercy of God on the altar.
Rejoice, fulfill every request in their favor.
Rejoice, the poor will soon be heard.
Rejoice, compassionate judge of widows and father of the orphans.
Rejoice, innocently zealous protector of the embittered.
Rejoice, gratuitous healer of those who are sick in soul and body.
Rejoice, food and consolation for the hungry and thirsty.
Rejoice, warmth in the filth of existence.
Rejoice, undisturbed haven for those overwhelmed.
Rejoice, good helmsman, steer the life of this ship.
Rejoice, having richly fulfilled the poverty of your monastery.
Rejoice, holy temples and buildings, consumed by fire, having been splendidly renewed by the warming of reverent hearts.
Rejoice, most blessed Nikandra, our reverend father.

Kontakion 11
The singing of every earth-born deserves to be silenced in the glorification of your labors that exceed the strength of human beings, in whose image you labored well in the desert, cultivating the field of your heart for spiritual fruitfulness. Who from man will magnify your harsh life, who will glorify your courageous deeds, perfect silence, humility, kindness, spiritual poverty, fasting for many days, unceasing prayer, purity in the inner and outer man, for whom you have been honored with all those who follow the Lamb without blemish, in reverence and truth, sing: Alleluia.

Ikos 11
The luminous luminary appeared not only in the countries of Novagrad and Pskov, but also in all of God-saved Russia you illuminated with the golden rays of your deserted and godly life, reverend, and with abundant waters from your celibate relics, you soldered all the faithful who cry out to you like this:
Rejoice, having confessed Christ Jesus in word and deed before men.
Rejoice, for as a reward for this, you have been confessed by Him before the angels of God forever.
Rejoice, good worker of the grapes of Christ, who bore the burden of the day and the vine.
Rejoice, the fruits of your labors, like the firstborn, were offered to the Lord as a gift.
Rejoice, you anointed the nose of Jesus with the peace of your tears in faith.
Rejoice, for wherever the voice of the Gospel pierces, your name is proclaimed.
Rejoice, having prepared your body as a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, even after death, having been worthy to act in Him for the benefit of people.
Rejoice, for the demonic powers of your relics tremble.
Rejoice, for your relics exude joy to everyone in the sorrows that befall them.
Rejoice, you who have flown to heaven with your soul, as Elijah left Elisse's mantle, and you are your relics for us.
Rejoice, for by their power, just as we parted the waters with that mercy, we, kissing me, part the waters of sorrows and walk across the land of fulfillment of good desires.
Rejoice, most blessed Nikandra, our reverend father.

Kontakion 12
The grace given to St. Sergius was sometimes preached by the Grand Duke Demetrius with his warriors, when, through his prayer and the help of two monks given to him from him, he defeated the wicked Hagarians. In the same way, we preach your grace, when, having laid Pskov to the evil Batory with his hordes, you led through your prayer the inhabitants of the land harmless in the midst of fire and sword, who went with the consecrated cathedral to the burial of your body: from here, drawing hope, every country that honors you will be delivered from invasions of foreigners through your intercession, we cry to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 12
Singing reverently your desert exploits, servant of God Nikandra, in whose image you have achieved immortal glory in heaven, and your eternal dormition in death, we glorify with our hearts and lips the God of all consolation and bounty, Who has given us to you, such a courageous ascetic against invisible enemies in succession, and such merciful father, who even after his death did not abandon us, but always fed us with abundant miracles of water, cleansed us and cooled us. While performing the funeral hymn, let us bless your memorable life with a kind memory and a zealous kiss:
Rejoice, man of God, adorned with the nine beatitudes of the Gospel.
Rejoice, thou placed on high in the miraculous illumination of the Orthodox Church.
Rejoice, having become like Onuphrius and Sergius the Great, imitating your life in the desert.
Rejoice, Alexander of Svirsky, who appeared to you purely for strengthening against the attacks of demons, following in the shrine.
Rejoice, jealous of Moses the Seer of God in his contempt for temporary sweets.
Rejoice, you who counted the reproach of Christ more than wealth, more than all treasures, looking at the reward of heavenly joys.
Rejoice, having peace and holiness with all, for their sake you see God.
Rejoice, having approached the city of the Living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, according to the degree of virtues.
Rejoice, from there, through your intercession, send down to us all good things, temporal and eternal.
Rejoice, conqueror of visible and invisible enemies, created as a pillar in the Church, on whom the name of God is written.
Rejoice, the dead of the world are alive, but God grants life to the dead in soul.
Rejoice, living forever in the Kingdom of Heaven with Christ, pray for us to be with Him too.
Rejoice, most blessed Nikandra, our reverend father.

Kontakion 13
O most blessed, reverend, great wonderworker Nikandra, most merciful patron and father of our days! Accept this present prayer from your heart, the prayer that is appropriate for you, and with your shameless intercession ask the Heavenly King: may Christ God free the suffering Russian country from the fierce atheists and free their power, and may he erect the throne of Orthodox rulers; His faithful servants, in grief and sorrow, crying out to Him day and night, may the painful cry be heard and may our belly be delivered from destruction, from enemies visible and invisible, from all troubles, misfortunes and sorrows, and intercede to all who diligently call on you, etc. The time of living in peace and true repentance has ended, in the Kingdom of Heaven I will sing with you forever: Alleluia.
This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1st and kontakion 1st
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Prayer to the Holy Venerable Nikander, Pskov Wonderworker

About our reverend and blessed father Nikandra, the patient faster, the zealot of silence, the spiritual teacher of those who want to be saved, the punisher of the quiet lazy, the resolver of corrupting passions, gentle, the husband of desires, the fulfillment of prophetic insight, the foretelling of the future, the adamant of faith in Christ, the unbreakable, unshakable foot of patience, obedient to the fulfiller of the commandments of your Creator, a flesh-bearing angel and a fragrant receptacle of the Holy Spirit, a desert dweller and a demon-driver, a humble doer of all virtues. Heavenly man and cohabitant of the heavenly ranks, earthly angel, inherited the earth by the meekness of the spirit of the meek, friend of Christ and servant of the Most Holy Theotokos, even the shrine of your celibate relics in your temple was pleased to glorify. For you are the Mother of the Creator and Creator of all creation and the Guardian of all who labor and are burdened, because even from your cancer, Reverend, you commanded the miraculous rain to fall on the faithful. To her we kindly pray to you, most wonderfully: do not cease to pray to the Most Holy and Life-Giving Trinity, to send down to our power health, silence and longevity, to the enemies victory and victory, and from the slander of the enemy to the army to remain in peace; give harmony to the churches, and grant peace to all people, and an abundance of good things. And extinguish, O blessed one, with your prayers the kindled demonic arrows hovering at us, so that the malice of sin may not touch us, and bestowing all your mercy upon everyone, look upon me too, your humble servant: for I am bound cruelly by captives of sins, and drawn, alas for me! into the abyss of the passionate sea uncontrollably. For this reason, I diligently pray to your shrine, O most rich one, and I kindly fall down before the race of your relics with tears, stand before me on the path of this disastrous life: break the bonds, drive away passions, loosen from sinful chains, deliver me from present sorrow and all evil, release me from grant painful bonds and salvation, for I was saved by your prayers, I will sing and glorify the One God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, in the Trinity, now and to the endless ages of ages.

Amen.
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The prayer is different

O venerable and blessed Father Nikandra, citizen of Mount Jerusalem, friend and associate of the chosen warriors of heaven, glorify the Trinitarian God! Look mercifully at us, now standing before the race of your honorable relics, and with all our feelings nailed to the sweetness of this age, turn to the pursuit of the heavenly desires. You dwell in the heavenly abodes, with the reconciled spirits of the triumphant Church: we are still at war, in this difficult time, with invisible enemies. We are separated from you not only by place, but by our sins and iniquities, in whose image we anger the Lord at every hour and bring ourselves to destruction: but to you, as natural to us, we run and cry out with warm tears. Instruct and instruct us to walk in your footsteps: be our chosen leader on this path, like Moses of old to the people of Israel. For from you, our father, compassion for those who mourn and love for humanity requires your help in times of adversity and in good times: for I live for you on earth, not only for my own salvation, but for all those who come to you, you bring prayer to the Almighty, let him not despise the work of his hands and destroy him with the wicked. Fatherly punishment is yours, walking in the footsteps of the commandments of the Lord, growing in the hearts of your sons, like a good seed bearing fruit. To those who are ill, weakened, sick, grieving, or embittered, they preach with praise your immediate help, healing and intercession: but your whole holy life was a mirror of all sorts of virtues. Even though you were so much, disciple of Christ, on earth, how much are you now in Heaven! You stand before the Throne of the Unapproachable God, and in Him, as in a mirror, you see all our needs and petitions - you rejoice with the angels of God about the one sinner who repents, with great joy - and God’s mercy, and His love for the human race is endless, and your boldness much to Him. Ask from the All-Merciful Giver of all blessings, peace and the holiness of His Church, under the sign of the militant Cross, victory and victory over her invisible enemies and unanimity in the faith: call those who have gone astray from Orthodoxy to the knowledge of the truth, enlighten the unfaithful with the light of the Gospel, bring sinners to repentance and convert , grant purity and chastity to the virgins, give sanctuary to the married, nourishment to the widows and the orphans, protection to the poor, return to the wandering, shelter to the floating, ask for forgiveness to the repentant, comfort to those who cry, need help, intercession to those in need, speedy healing to the sick, and for the good fulfillment of every request. Do not reject us who call you with faith and love! Even though we are unworthy of such a father and intercessor, desecration of soul and body: but you, being an imitator of God’s love for mankind, make us, through your prayers, worthy by turning from the path of evil to the path of peaceful virtues. Novgrad and Pskov, and all of Russia, enlightened by your godly life and miracles, preach you to be a warm intercessor. Show us your mercy too, unworthy! We believe that you are present with us in spirit, and moreover, you are with us in body - behold, before our eyes are incorruptible, celibate relics, which the Lord has glorified again with the manifestation of many miracles. For those who stand before them, as I live for you, we fall down and humbly pray: accept our prayers and offer up on the altar of God’s mercy, for may He send down to us His omnipotent grace, strengthening us in a good life, and timely and inviolable help in our needs - mental well-being , health to the body, good life, peace in our days, goodness in the air, fire of love and all piety, purity of heart in prayer, patience and hope in misadventure, joy in hope, and time for repentance, as if we have escaped real evils, we will be worthy to reside in the blessed abode of heaven, where you now dwell with all those who please God and glorify the Trinitarian God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.
Amen.
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Troparion to St. Nikander the Desert Dweller, Pskov Wonderworker

Troparion, tone 4:
The venerable Father Nikandra heard the Divine Voice, as in the Gospel: come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, and receive the cross, you followed Christ, you left the world, you dwelt in the desert, and through fasting and vigil we will receive the heavenly gift, and you heal the souls of the sick who come to you in faith. In the same way, reverend, your spirit will rejoice with the angels.
Troparion, tone 6:
You have appeared as a luminary of unfading light to our country, O Blessed One, having valiantly endured the enemy’s bitterness, beatings and wounds, like a garment of incorruptibility, imputed to you, for you fought with beasts, and having received perforations from evil men, you prayed for them, saying: do not put sin on them this. In the same way, you have become like the Lord Christ, O most praiseworthy Nikandra, our Father, praying for our souls.
Kontakion, tone 1:
As the ray of the sun Christ shows you, reverend, you shine in the lands of Russia with miracles of grace, and drive away the darkness of passions and sorrows from those who come to you with faith. In the same way, we honor your memory, Nikandre our father, and cry out to you: Rejoice, beauty of the desert dwellers, and praise and affirmation to our country.
Kontakion, tone 8:
In the election of the God-shining star of faith, which rose in the Russian land, the blessed Father Nikandra, with tears and fasting and vigil and prayers, depressed his body, and thus found Heavenly life, and joyfully secretly rejoiced with the angels, so we call to you: Rejoice, Rev. Father Nikandra, deserted inhabitant.
Greatness
We bless you, Reverend Father Nikandre, and honor your holy memory, teacher of monks and interlocutor of angels.
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Nikandr the Wonderworker of Pskov, Venerable

The Monk Nikandr of Pskov (baptized Nikon) was born on July 24, 1507 into a family of peasants Philip and Anastasia in the village of Videlebye in the Pskov region. From childhood he discovered a desire for great deeds. Nikon's father soon died, and the boy was left in the care of his mother. He sought to learn to read and write in order to read the Divine Scripture. He often visited his rural church in the name of the saint of God Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra; he did not like children's games; He was not seduced by beautiful clothes, content with thin rags, and only thought about how he could be saved. Nikon greatly liked the quiet monastic life devoted to work and prayer. The pious youth was attracted to the ascetic life by the examples of the Venerable Euphrosynus of Spaso-Eleazar, the chief of the Pskov desert dwellers (May 15/28), and Savva of Krypetsky (August 28/September 10), who had recently shone with their exploits and miracles in the Pskov land.

When Nikon turned seventeen, he began to pray to his mother to move away from the vain world. Anastasia listened to her son’s advice; She distributed part of her estate to the poor, donated part to the Church of God and took monastic vows in a nunnery, where she lived until her death. Having walked around the monasteries of the Pskov land, venerating the relics of the Monk Euphrosynus and his disciple Savva, he was finally confirmed in his desire for a hermit’s life.

When Nikon returned to Pskov, he was taken into his house by the merchant Philip, who loved the young man for his extraordinary humility and patience. Seeing Nikon's great desire to understand literacy, Philip apprenticed him to a certain deacon. The Lord enlightened the mind of the young ascetic. Soon Nikon learned to read and write and read Divine books, so that everyone was amazed at his quick success. But his thoughts were occupied with one thing - the desire to please the Lord, to save his soul.

Remembering the words of the holy prophet David: Behold, I went away running and settled in the desert: in the hope of God, who saved me from cowardice and from the storm.(Ps. 54:8-9), the humble ascetic earnestly prayed to the Lord to deign to see the desert, to send a man who could show him that secluded place. The saint's prayer was heard. When the monk came to Pskov to, according to his custom, listen to the Divine Liturgy in the Church of the Holy and Glorious Epiphany, in this temple there was a voice from the altar to Nikon, commanding him to go to the desert, which the Lord would indicate through His servant Theodore. The peasant Theodore took him to the Demyanka River, between Pskov and Porkhov. (Subsequently, Philip and Theodore, who helped the monk achieve his cherished goal, through his prayers also embarked on the path of monasticism and became tonsured at the Krypetsky Monastery with the names Philaret and Theodosius).

The Monk Nikander endured many temptations and troubles on the narrow path of asceticism. Blessed Nicholas predicted to him about the “desert passions” back in Pskov (February 28/March 12). Through the prayers of all the saints of Pskov and the Monk Alexander of Svir (Comm. August 30/September 12 and April 17/30), who twice appeared to the monk, instructing and strengthening him, he, with the help of God’s grace, overcame all the manifold snares of the evil one. Through the power of prayers, the monk defeated the weaknesses of the flesh, human ill will and the devil’s fears.

Meanwhile, rumors about the exploits of the hermit spread, and the surrounding residents began to flock to him, asking for prayers and instructions. The glory from people was difficult for the humble ascetic; he didn't want to and was afraid of her. Therefore, fleeing from human glorification, Nikon left his solitude and went again to Pskov to the monastery founded by the Monk Savva Krypetsky. The abbot, seeing his bodily weakness, did not immediately agree to accept him, fearing that the difficulties of monastic life would be beyond his strength. Then Nikon, falling to the shrine of the Monk Savva, began, as if alive, to beg him to take him into his monastery. The abbot relented and tonsured Nikon with the name Nikander.

With renewed vigor the monk rushed to exploits - he devoted himself entirely to God, completely renounced his will and submitted everything to the will of the abbot and the brethren. He constantly strengthened himself with such pious reflections: “The monastic life is like a wheat field, it requires frequent rain of tears and great hard work. If you want to bear abundant fruit and not thorns, then be sober in mind and work; try to be good soil, and not rocky soil, so that what is planted from above in your heart can bear fruit, so that it does not dry out from the heat and despondency and neglect.”

The Monk Nikandr spent his time free from prayer in handicrafts. The abbot and brethren were amazed at the ascetic, his good behavior, humility and obedience, vigor and strength in his exploits, and glorified God. Meanwhile, the Monk Nikander, again fleeing human glory and yearning for his former hermit life, went to his desert and lived there for several years. In the wild desert, the very life of the ascetic was often in danger. So, one day, robbers attacked the saint’s wretched hut, took away the hermit’s meager belongings, took away his last consolation - holy icons and books, and they severely wounded him in the ribs with a spear and left him barely alive. Through the prayers of the saint, two of them, frightened by the sudden death of their comrade, repented of their atrocities and received the elder’s forgiveness.

But the monk was not so much afraid of robbers as of human praise. Therefore, he again left the desert and for the second time went to the Krypetsky Monastery, where he had previously accepted monasticism. Arriving at the monastery, the saint continued his strict ascetic life. Marveling at his exploits, the brethren made him a sexton. In addition, the saint was entrusted with the difficult and difficult obedience of baking the prosphora. But the Monk Nikander joyfully began to carry out this work, reflecting: “If our Lord Jesus Christ called the bread prepared for the Last Supper His Body, then I should rejoice that God has vouchsafed me to prepare such bread, on which the great and terrible mystery is performed: wondrous and in an incomprehensible way they are transformed into the Holy Body of Christ.”

And the ascetic of God continued to work tirelessly. The monks, seeing his growing zeal and falling in love with him for his humility and meekness, asked the abbot to make Nikander a cellarer. The abbot fulfilled the request of the brethren and appointed the monk to cellarship. With this exaltation, the saint did not change his previous life, but fulfilled his new duty with humility and zeal, as if it were a task entrusted to him by the Lord Himself; He did not boast about the power given to him, remembering the words of Scripture: If anyone wants to be in you, let him be the servant of all.(Matt. 20, 26). Having received power in the monastery along with the position of cellarer, the Monk Nikandr behaved like the youngest, going to work before everyone else. But Saint Nikander was not a cellarer for long: the vanity that came with being a cellarer was unbearable for him; constant communication with people was difficult; he strove for his former hermit life, for silence, and therefore decided to leave the monastery again, forever. Having left the Krypetsky monastery, he settled on an island located about four miles from it; here the saint built a hut, again indulged in his usual exploits and spent three and a half years in this way. The fame of the hermit attracted many visitors to him, who sought words of edification from the monk. Meanwhile, the enemy - the envious people - inspired the abbot and the brethren of the Krypetsky monastery with the idea that, by attracting people to himself, Nikandr would reduce the monastic income. Therefore, they came to the monk and demanded that he leave this place. With the greatest humility, the saint fulfilled the demand: he again went into his desert, to the place indicated to him by God.

Arriving in his desert, the saint again devoted himself to exploits and lived there as a hermit until his blessed death for 32 years and 2 months. He spent 15 years of them without seeing a human face, so that people did not know about the place of his exploits. Miraculously, the Lord revealed His saint to the world. A certain Peter, nicknamed Yesyukov, who lived 12 versts from the saint’s hut, once, chasing an elk, drove into a dark forest, into a remote, impassable wilderness. Peter lost sight of the elk; then he noticed a small hut fenced with a palisade - the dwelling of the Monk Nikander.

Many people began to come to the monk “for the sake of benefit,” for, according to the word of St. John Climacus, “monastic life is light for all people.” Believers turned to St. Nikandra for prayer help, for the Lord has endowed him with many grace-filled gifts. The hermit treated all the needs of his visitors with love and attention and even arranged for them to spend the night in a miserable “hotel by the oak tree,” which he heated himself. The monk did not allow himself to flaunt his talents. Coming secretly to his cell, people always heard that he was praying with bitter sobs. He, noticing the proximity of people, immediately fell silent, hiding from them the gift of tears he had received. Meanwhile, seeing that the end of his earthly life was approaching, the Monk Nikander decided to place the great schema on himself. He went to the Demyansky Monastery and here received great tonsure at the hands of the abbot; this happened eight years before his death.

At that time, a deacon from the city of Porkhov, named Peter, often came to the monk for soul-saving conversations. During one visit, Nikander told Peter: “Brother Peter, soon the Lord will call my soul to Himself, and then you will bury my sinful body. I don’t know how I’ll inform you, because at that time there will be a battle: then Polish and Lithuanian troops will come here and keep Pskov and Porkhov under siege; “When you hear about my death, fearlessly bury my body, and a church will be erected over my tomb in honor of the great and glorious Annunciation.” He foresaw his death, predicting that he would die when enemies attacked the fatherland, predicting their imminent defeat. On September 24, 1581, during the invasion of the troops of the Polish king Stefan Batory, one peasant found him dead: he was lying on a matting with his arms folded crosswise on his chest. Thus, our venerable father, the Venerable Nikander, the desert dweller, rested in peace in the Lord.

The secluded place of the exploits of the holy desert dweller did not remain forgotten. Two and a half years after the death of St. Nikandra, a church was erected over his tomb in honor of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 1585, a layman came to that place. Here he took monastic tonsure with the name of Isaiah. For a long time, Isaiah suffered from a leg disease and finally, through the prayers of the monk, he received healing from his illness. This Isaiah built a monastery on the site of the exploits of the Monk Nikander and gathered a large brethren in it.

In 1686, by order of the All-Russian Patriarch Joachim, due to rumors of his miracles, the relics of the saint were examined and found incorrupt; at the same time, his life was compiled and a service was composed for him (there is also an akathist). Patriarch Joachim, having examined the life and service of the saint, ordered to celebrate his memory on the temple feast of the monastery (i.e., on the Feast of the Annunciation), as well as on September 24 - the day of his death. During the reconstruction of the monastery cathedral, the relics of St. Nikandra, hidden in the wall, and June 29 is celebrated as the day of the discovery of his honest relics. And now the prayer connection of believers with St. Petersburg is strong. Nikandrom, who is deeply revered in the Pskov land.