Rev. Anatoly Optinsky (Mirtsalov). Life, letters.

About the Monk Optina Elder Anatolia (Mirtsalov; 1824 - 1894), his spiritual son, Rev. Barsanofius (Plikhankov), said: “He loved God, as soon as you can love Him. And this was felt to anyone who came to him. ”

Archpriest Sergius Chetverikov spoke about the old man as follows:“ Father Anatoly surprisingly connected a gentle loving heart, childish soul and the ability to tune others to his depth and wealth Spiritual knowledge. "

paternal love, spiritual wisdom and patient, affectionate attitude fill the letters of Father Anatoly to the spiritual children placed in this edition. And they complement their lengthy biography of an outstanding ascetic and shepherd.