Optina Elders on Pilgrimages

 

The elders severely reprimanded those who had the opportunity to visit the holy places, but were dissuaded by petty and disrespectful circumstances. Thus, the Monk Anthony wrote:

“Nothing stops others from the love of God and from visiting holy places: neither sorrow, nor illness, nor sadness, nor sighing; but you, my beloved, are hindered from fulfilling your promise by vanity of vanities and the most petty and disrespectful domestic circumstances.

And I most regret that you did not bother to worship the Mother of God, in whose region you are staying, for a whole year. Therefore, I advise you from the bottom of my heart to fulfill this duty urgently before the upcoming fast, regardless of the cold, bad weather,  domestic obstacles. "

The Monk Ambrose emphasized the importance of pilgrimage trips and warned that if we do not receive spiritual benefit from the pilgrimage, then we must reproach ourselves:

“Do not refuse a pilgrimage trip to Kiev right away if someone proposes it. It is better to think first, then speak, especially when it comes to the worship of the holy relics of God's saints. If, being in these places, we do not receive spiritual benefits, then the fault is from us, and therefore we must reproach ourselves, and not blame the place or something else. "

However, it happens that it is impossible to make a pilgrimage trip due to circumstances beyond the control of the person. Such elders consoled. The Monk Makarii, concerning the lack of an opportunity to visit the Optina Hermitage, wrote the following:

“I hear about your grief that you do not have the freedom to visit our monastery. We must accept this with obedience to the will of God. For there is nothing unpleasant for us, except His will, and this is a test for you in patience and strengthening your good intention.  If it is true, the more obstacles there will be, the more it will multiply."