Red Easter

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

In the spring of 1993, the entire Orthodox world was shaken by a terrible event that took place on the eve of Easter: three residents of Optina Pustyn were brutally murdered by a mentally unstable person. In heaven, there were more intercessors for the Christian world, and we raise prayers for their repose in glorification of the martyrs' feat.

The book "Red Easter" is written in memory of the feat of the Optina martyrs. It is not so much a biography of the monks as it is a chronicle of the revival of Optina Pustyn and the miracles that accompanied it. The book contains many details and testimonies from eyewitnesses: pilgrims, residents of the monastery, and local people. The narrative is based on the diary notes of the author, who, having once come on a pilgrimage, decided to stay in Optina permanently.

The picturesque scenes of life and customs of the time when the monastery was revived convey, thanks to the writer's talent, the gracious atmosphere of the holy place where the 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 in their hearts "even unto death." The lights of our days, whose memory warms and inspires the souls of the faithful, clergy, and laity, encouraging and strengthening them for sincere and selfless service to the Lord. In glorifying God, who has given us examples of unwavering faith of the Optina martyrs.