Red Easter

The book "Red Easter" by Nina Pavlova is dedicated to three Optina new martyrs who were killed on Easter in 1993.

In the spring of 1993, the entire Orthodox world was shaken by a terrible event that occurred on the eve of Easter: three residents of the Optina Monastery were brutally murdered by a mentally unstable person. In heaven, the number of intercessors for the Christian world increased, and we, in glorification of the feats of the new martyrs, raise prayers for their repose.

The book "Red Easter" is written in memory of the feat of the Optina new martyrs. It is not so much a biography of the monks as a chronicle of the revival of Optina Monastery and the miracles that accompanied it. The book contains many details and testimonies from eyewitnesses: pilgrims, monastery residents, and local residents. The narrative is based on the author's diary entries, who, having come on pilgrimage, remained in Optina for permanent residence.

The picturesque descriptions of the life and customs of the time in which the monastery was revived, thanks to the writer's talent, convey the grace-filled atmosphere of the holy place where the new martyrs of our time served Christ and accomplished the feat of faith.

The characters, dialogues, and testimonies of eyewitnesses of those events reveal to us the image of sincerely believing people who accepted Christ into their hearts "even unto death." The lights of our days, the memory of which warms and inspires the souls of believers, clergy, and laypeople, encouraging and strengthening them for sincere and selfless service to the Lord. Glorifying God, who has granted us examples of the unwavering faith of the Optina new martyrs.