St. Sergius of Radonezh is considered among the greatest of the Russian saints and, as the patron of the chapel at the old chancery in Syosset, he also has a special relationship to the Orthodox Church in America. He is himself a great saint, but he was also a son, disciple, friend, and teacher of saints. His parents, Cyril and Maria, are canonized; he received instruction from Sts. Theognostus and Cyprian of Kiev and St. Philotheus of Constantinople; he was a friend to St. Alexis of Moscow and St. Stephen of Perm; and he was spiritual father to many holy disciples such as Sts. Nicon, Andrew Oslyaba, and Alexander Peresvet. The wealth of St. Sergius’ saintly connections reminds us that salvation and holiness are never achieved alone. Even monks in isolated hermitages rely on prayers, relationships with holy fellow-ascetics and elders, and the examples of parents, relatives, siblings, friends, and clergy from their childhood. Let us take heed of the holy examples around us; let us seek closer relationships with those near us who model the life in Christ; let us especially grow near to the canonized saints through prayer and the study of their lives. If we desire to be saved, to live with Christ, we must seek the company of Christ’s friends, both those alive in this world and those who live forever in God.
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