Nestor the Chronicler. Called the father of the history of Ancient Rus'

14.10.2019

Nika Kravchuk

Nestor the Chronicler - Orthodox and... Catholic saint

Many people know about this saint from school curriculum. Nestor the Chronicler, the author of The Tale of Bygone Years, was actually the first to tell “where the Russian land came from,” how Princess Olga was baptized, how Slavic writing was created, and much more. November 9 is the day of remembrance of the saint.

Lover of book wisdom

In the Near Caves, on the territory of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, there are the relics of one of the most famous saints in Rus' - the Monk Nestor, who was called the Chronicler for his special obedience associated with recording the history of Rus'. The saint was born somewhere in the 50s of the 11th century in Kyiv, and from a very young age he labored in the Kiev Pechersk Monastery (when the Monk Theodosius was still the rector).

He combined monastic modesty, holiness and a special gift from God - love for the written word. For example, this phrase can be included in collections of aphorisms about books: “There is great benefit from the teaching of books, books punish and teach us the path to repentance, for from book words we gain wisdom and self-control. These are the rivers that water the universe, from which wisdom emanates. Books have innumerable depth, we console ourselves with them in sorrow, they are the bridle of abstinence. If you diligently search for wisdom in the books, you will gain great benefit for your soul. For he who reads books converses with God or holy men.”

Writer and historian

“Reading about the life and destruction of the blessed passion-bearers Boris and Gleb”;
"The Life of Theodosius of Pechersk."

The reason for writing the lives of Saints Boris and Gleb was the transfer of their relics to Vyshgorod (1072). In memory of his holy mentor, he wrote the life of St. Theodosius, and about 10 years later, in 1091, the abbot of the Pechersk Monastery entrusted him with finding the incorrupt remains of St. Theodosius (they were transferred to the church).

But the Tale of Bygone Years, completed somewhere in 1112-1113, brought him centuries of fame. From this work we learn many interesting facts:

866 - the first mention in church sources of the Russians;
how Slavic writing was created thanks to Cyril and Methodius;
how Princess Olga received the Sacrament of baptism in Constantinople;
the first Orthodox church in Kyiv was back in 945;
Prince Vladimir sent ambassadors to different countries to find out which faith to choose;
988 - the baptism of Rus'.

The “Tale...” did not indicate the name of the author, but based on the analysis of the work itself, conclusions can be drawn. Feels a special style, there is a lot artistic descriptions. But the reliability of many facts is not questioned, since Nestor the Chronicler used large number sources. He analyzed the monastery records, existing historical codes, read the Byzantine chronicles of John Malala and George Amartol, and did not ignore even the stories of the elder boyar Jan Vyshatich and travelers.

Thanks to The Tale of Bygone Years, we learn about the history of the Church in Rus':

how the Pechersk Monastery arose, who labored in it, how it was destroyed in 1096;
what were the first Kyiv metropolitans like;
how the Church existed in hard times princely civil strife and raids by nomads (villages were robbed, and sometimes even temples were set on fire).

Veneration of the Saint

In 1114, the Monk Nestor passed away; the brethren buried him in the Near Caves of the Monk Anthony of Pechersk. The relics are still in the same place today. Hundreds or even thousands of pilgrims from all over the world pray to Nestor the Chronicler here every day. Many people turn to him; it is especially important to ask for the help of this saint for all those who work with the written word and are interested in history.

Hundreds of writers wonder every day how to write a bestseller. The monk has been dead for more than 900 years. And his “Tale of Bygone Years” and “The Life of Theodosius of Pechersk” still arouse interest even among the demanding modern reader and publisher.

Of course, the Monk Nestor did not at all pursue fame, success, fame, or veneration. But the memory of him has not subsided for centuries; the date of his memory - November 9 - is considered the day Slavic writing. But no less interesting is that the Pechersk chronicler is also honored by the Roman Catholic Church. God is marvelous in His saints!

Take it for yourself and tell your friends!

Read also on our website:

Chief Russian chronicler
“The Tale of Bygone Years” remains relevant today

The alphabet, literacy, enlightenment - without these concepts, perhaps, neither the development of spirituality, nor, especially, civilization is possible. These are the ways in which both sacred and moral, intellectual, aesthetic knowledge are passed on from generation to generation. All holiness and bookishness in Rus' came, first of all, from Kyiv, the mother of Russian cities, which is now undergoing difficult trials

V.M. Vasnetsov. Saint Nestor the chronicler. 1885 -1893

One of the most famous monks who rests in the Near (St. Anthony) caves of the Kyiv Lavra is Nestor the Chronicler (honored by the Church on November 9, New Art.), who left us “The Tale of Bygone Years” - the most famous of the ancient Russian chronicle works of the 12th century, describing mostly history Eastern Slavs, where the narrative begins with the Flood, covering historical and semi-legendary events that took place in ancient Rus'. Otherwise, the monument is called the Chronicle of Nestor or the Primary Chronicle.

It is here that we read things that move the heart of every Russian Orthodox man words about how the holy apostle came to the lands of future Rus'. “When Andrey taught in Sinop and arrived in Korsun, he learned that the mouth of the Dnieper was not far from Korsun... and sailed to the mouth of the Dnieper, and from there he went up the Dnieper. And it so happened that he came and stood under the mountains on the shore. And in the morning he got up and said to the disciples who were with him: “Do you see these mountains? On these mountains the grace of God will shine, there will be a great city, and God will erect many churches.” And having ascended these mountains, he blessed them, and put up a cross, and prayed to God, and came down from this mountain, where Kyiv would later be, and went up the Dnieper. And he came to the Slavs, where Novgorod now stands...”

The Tale of Bygone Years”, in Glagolitic

And here is another fragment from the Tale: “As time passed, after the death of these brothers (Kiya, Shchek and Khoriv), the Drevlyans and other surrounding people began to oppress the glades. And the Khazars found them sitting on these mountains in the forests and said: “Pay us tribute.” The glades, having consulted, gave a sword from the smoke, and the Khazars took them to their prince and the elders, and told them: “Behold, we have found a new tribute.” They asked them: “Where from?” They answered: “In the forest on the mountains above the Dnieper River.” They asked again: “What did they give?” They showed the sword.

And the Khazar elders said: “This is not a good tribute, prince: we obtained it with weapons that are sharp only on one side - sabers, but these have double-edged weapons - swords. They are destined to collect tribute from us and from other lands.”

And all this came true, for they did not speak of their own free will, but by God’s command. So it was under Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, when they brought Moses to him and the elders of Pharaoh said: “This is destined to humiliate the land of Egypt.” And so it happened: the Egyptians died from Moses, and first the Jews worked for them. It’s the same with these: first they ruled, and then they rule over them; so it is: the Russian princes still rule the Khazars to this day.”

Venerable Nestor the Chronicler. Icon. XIX century.

This year marks 900 years since his death outstanding writer and a preserver of Russian history, an ascetic of the faith. The Kiev-Pechersk Patericon states that the Monk Nestor the Chronicler was born in the 1050s in Kyiv. As a young man he came to the Monk Theodosius, the founder of the Kyiv Pechersk Assumption Monastery, and became a novice. Nestor was tonsured by Theodosius' successor, Abbot Stefan.

The Monk Nestor said: “There is great benefit from bookish teaching; books punish and teach us the path to repentance, for from bookish words we gain wisdom and abstinence. These are the rivers that water the universe, from which wisdom emanates. Books have innumerable depth, we console ourselves with them in sorrow, they are the bridle of abstinence. If you diligently search for wisdom in the books, you will gain great benefit for your soul. For he who reads books converses with God or holy men.”

Nestor the Chronicler. Reconstruction based on the skull of S.A. Nikitina.

Let us remember that this was said in those days when the book was truly only a source of spiritual wisdom and enlightenment. A lot has changed in a thousand years.

Gutenberg's press printed, alas, megatons of the most unbridled literature, when bookishness included “secular” literature, sophisticated and perverted at times to the point of insanity and devilry.

The Monk Nestor carried out the obedience of the chronicler in the monastery. In the 1080s, he wrote “Reading about the life and destruction of the blessed passion-bearers Boris and Gleb” - in connection with the transfer of the relics of the martyred brothers to Vyshgorod in 1072. Let us recall that the brother-princes became the first saints in Rus', they were canonized as saints - as intercessors of the Russian land and heavenly helpers of the Russian princes.

Nestor the Chronicler. Birch bark. V. Churilov. Kharkov.

At the same time, the Monk Nestor compiled the Life of the Monk Theodosius of Pechersk, and in 1091, on the eve of the patronal feast of the Pechersk monastery, Abbot John instructed him to dig up the holy relics of the Monk Theodosius from the ground for transfer to the temple (the memory of the discovery is celebrated on August 14). Historians claim that when grand opening relics of St. Theodosius (1091) monk Nestor was one of the main characters, and the great authority of Nestor among the brethren of the Pechersk monastery is indicated by the story of the Kiev-Pechersk Patericon about the exorcism of the demon from the monk Nikita the Recluse: here, along with such ascetics of faith and piety as Abbot Nikon, Pimen the Postnik, Agapit Lechet, Gregory the Wonderworker, Isaac the Pechernik, Gregory, the creator of the canons, Onesiphorus the Seer, stands also Nestor, “like the chronicler who wrote,” then still a relatively young monk.

Monument to Nestor the Chronicler in Kyiv. 1988 Sculptor F.M. Soghoyan. Architect N. Kisly.

Big biographical encyclopedia states: " The most important work— The Life of Theodosius of Pechersk, compiled in the period between 1077 and 1088: it alone can provide some support in judgments about Nestor as a writer. Enjoying great popularity in ancient Russian literature, the Life of St. Feodosia has a rather complex literary history, which can be traced with more or less careful attention to various editions of the Kiev-Pechersk Patericon, in which this Life has long occupied a prominent and honorable place. How literary work, Nestorov’s Life has significant merits and clearly speaks of the author’s great reading and outstanding education: good language(consistent Church Slavonic style), sensible and sometimes entertaining presentation...”

But the main feat of the life of the Monk Nestor was still the compilation by 1112-1113. "Tales of Bygone Years." Based on the historical and literary data that science currently has, there is reason to believe that the supposed Nestor Chronicle included “The Legend that the Pechersk Monastery was nicknamed”, “The Tale of the First Monkmen of the Pechersk”; “The Sermon on the Transfer of the Relics of St. Feodosia”, as well as several small notes.

Lyubech. Monument to Nestor the Chronicler.

“This is the story of bygone years, where the Russian land came from, who began the reign in Kyiv, and where the Russian land came from,” - this is how the Monk Nestor defined the purpose of his work from the first lines.

Nestor was definitely a Russian patriot, as can be judged at least by the events to which he devoted the pages of his narrative. He talks about the first mention of the Russian people in church sources - in 866, under the holy Patriarch Photius of Constantinople. It also tells about the creation of the Slavic charter by the holy Equal-to-the-Apostles “Slovenian teachers” Cyril and Methodius. It is from him that we learn about the Baptism of St. Olga Equal-to-the-Apostles in Helena in Constantinople.

The chronicle of St. Nestor has preserved for us a story about the first Orthodox church in Kyiv (945), about the confessional feat of the holy Varangian martyrs (983), about the famous “test of faith” by Saint Vladimir Equal-to-the-Apostles (986) and the subsequent Baptism of Rus' (988).

We also owe Nestor information about the first metropolitans of the Russian Church, about the emergence of the Pechersk monastery on the Kyiv Dnieper hills, about its founders and ascetics. The monk was an eyewitness to the destruction of the Pechersk monastery in 1096.

The spiritual depth, historical fidelity and patriotism of “The Tale of Bygone Years” place it among the highest creations of our national and world literature.

The Monk Nestor the Chronicler died around 1114, bequeathing to the Pechersk monks-chroniclers the continuation of his brainchild. In general, in its final form, “The Tale of Bygone Years” is the combined work of several monks of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. Nestor’s successors in the chronicles were Abbot Sylvester, who gave a modern look to the “Tale of Bygone Years”, Abbot Moses Vydubitsky, who extended it until 1200, and Abbot Lavrenty, who in 1377 wrote the oldest of the surviving copies that have preserved the “Tale” of the Monk Nestor ( "Laurentian Chronicle").

Laurentian Chronicle, 1377

Canonized (Reverend Nestor the Chronicler) in Russian Orthodox Church; memory - October 27th Julian calendar. The relics rest in the Near (Antonie) caves of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra.

Nestor, under the name Nestor the Chronicler, Pechersky is included in the list of saints of the Roman Catholic Church.

The main Russian chronicler is immortalized in sculptural monuments many cities of Rus'.

Monument to Nestor the Chronicler in Pryluky

First of all, famous monument M. Mikeshin “Millennium of Russia” (1862).

On June 10, 1988, not far from the Kiev-Pechersk monastery, a monument to Nestor the Chronicler was unveiled as a gift from the sculptor F. Sogoyan (architect N. Kisly) to the city, in connection with the 1000th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus'.

There is a monument to Nestor the Chronicler both in Novgorod-Seversky and in Priluki, where it was erected in honor of the 900th anniversary of the city on the territory of the ancient Val.

In Lyubech, the monument to the chronicler has a remarkably unifying character: it was erected in 1997 in honor of famous first congress ancient Russian princes, which took place here in 1097. The Russian unification theme, as we see, has been painful for almost a thousand years.

Holy Father Nestore, pray to God for us!

, Saint

Nestor - (50s of the 11th century) ancient Russian writer, hagiographer of the late 11th century - beginning of XII centuries, monk of the Kiev Pechersk Monastery. Author of the lives of princes Boris and Gleb, Theodosius of Pechersk.

Canonized (Reverend Nestor the Chronicler) in the Russian Church; memory - July 27 according to the Julian calendar. The relics rest in the Near (Antonie) caves of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra.

The same Slovenian came and sat down along the Dnieper and crossed the clearing. and the Druzians are Derevlyans. before he sat down in the woods. and the friends are graying between the chorus and the dvina and quarreled with the drgvichi. and I sat down on the Dvina and reproached the Polochans. for the sake of the river to flow into the river. name of the canvas. That's why they're called Polochans. Slovenians sit near Lake Ilmerya. and called you by your name. and she made the city and the city and the city of Novgorod. and the friends are gray on their gums. and seven. and according to the sule. and the north has changed. and so the Slovenian language disappeared. that’s what the Slovenian charter is called... (On the settlement of the Slavs in Rus', “The Tale of Bygone Years”)

Nestor the Saint

Nestor also wrote “Reading about the life and destruction of Boris and Gleb” and “The Life of Theodosius of Pechersk”.

The Monk Nestor the Chronicler was born in the 50s of the 11th century in Kyiv. As a young man he came to the Monk Theodosius († 1074, commemorated May 3) and became a novice. The Monk Nestor was tonsured by the successor of the Monk Theodosius, Abbot Stefan. Under him, he was ordained a hierodeacon. His high spiritual life is indicated by the fact that he, along with other reverend fathers, participated in the exorcism of the demon from Nikita the recluse (later the Novgorod saint, commemorated on January 31), who was seduced into Jewish wisdom.

The Monk Nestor deeply valued true knowledge, combined with humility and repentance. “There is great benefit from book learning,” said he - books punish and teach us the path to repentance, for from book words we gain wisdom and self-control. These are the rivers that water the universe, from which wisdom emanates. Books have innumerable depth, we console ourselves with them in sorrow, they are the bridle of abstinence.

If you diligently search for wisdom in the books, you will gain great benefit for your soul. For he who reads books converses with God or holy men." In the monastery, the Monk Nestor bore the obedience of a chronicler. In the 80s, he wrote "Reading about the life and destruction of the blessed passion-bearers Boris and Gleb" in connection with the transfer of their holy relics to Vyshgorod in 1072 (Comm. May 2). In the 80s, the Monk Nestor compiled the life of the Venerable Theodosius of Pechersk, and in 1091, on the eve of the patronal feast of the Pechersk Monastery, Abbot John instructed him to dig up the holy relics of the Venerable Theodosius from the ground for transfer to the temple ( memory of the discovery on August 14).

The main feat of the life of the Monk Nestor was the compilation of the “Tale of Bygone Years” by 1112-1113. “This is the story of bygone years, where the Russian land came from, who began the reign in Kyiv, and where the Russian land came from” - this is how the Monk Nestor defined the purpose of his work from the first lines. Extraordinary wide circle sources (previous Russian chronicles and legends, monastic records, Byzantine chronicles of John Malala and George Amartol, various historical collections, stories of the elder boyar Jan Vyshatich, traders, warriors, travelers), interpreted from a single, strictly ecclesiastical point of view, allowed the Monk Nestor write the history of Rus' as an integral part world history, the history of the salvation of the human race.

There is great benefit from bookish teachings; books punish and teach us the path to repentance, for from bookish words we gain wisdom and self-control. Books have an unprintable depth, we console ourselves with them in sorrow, they are a bridle of abstinence. If you diligently seek wisdom, you will gain great benefit for your soul. For he who reads books converses with God or holy men.

Nestor the Saint

The patriotic monk sets out the history of the Russian Church in the main moments of its historical formation. He talks about the first mention of the Russian people in church sources - in 866, under the holy Patriarch Photius of Constantinople; tells about the creation of the Slavic charter by Saints Cyril and Methodius, Equal-to-the-Apostles, and the Baptism of Saint Olga, Equal-to-the-Apostles in Constantinople.

The chronicle of St. Nestor has preserved for us the story of the first Orthodox church in Kyiv (under 945), the confessional feat of the holy Varangian martyrs (under 983), the “test of faith” by Saint Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles (986), and the Baptism of Rus' (988). We owe information about the first metropolitans of the Russian Church, about the emergence of the Pechersk monastery, about its founders and devotees to the first Russian church historian. The time of St. Nestor was not easy for the Russian land and the Russian Church. Rus' was tormented by princely civil strife, the steppe nomadic Cumans ravaged cities and villages with predatory raids, drove Russian people into slavery, burned temples and monasteries. The Monk Nestor was an eyewitness to the destruction of the Pechersk monastery in 1096. The chronicle provides a theological understanding of Russian history. The spiritual depth, historical fidelity and patriotism of The Tale of Bygone Years place it among the highest creations of world literature.

The Monk Nestor died around 1114, bequeathing to the Pechersk monks-chroniclers the continuation of his great work. His successors in chronicling were Abbot Sylvester, who gave a modern look to the “Tale of Bygone Years”, Abbot Moisei Vydubitsky, who extended it until 1200, and finally, Abbot Lavrenty, who in 1377 wrote the oldest copy that has come down to us, preserving the “Tale” of St. Nestor ( "Laurentian Chronicle"). The heir to the hagiographic tradition of the Pechersk ascetic was St. Simon, Bishop of Vladimir († 1226, commemorated May 10), the rescuer of the “Kievo-Pechersk Patericon.” When talking about events related to the life of the holy saints of God, Saint Simon often refers, among other sources, to the Chronicles of St. Nestor.

The Monk Nestor was buried in the Near Caves of the Monk Anthony of Pechersk. The Church also honors his memory together with the Council of Fathers, who rest in the Near Caves, on September 28 and on the 2nd Week of Great Lent, when the Council of all Kiev-Pechersk Fathers is celebrated.

Saint Nestor - quotes

In those days, the Glades lived separately and ruled over their clans... And there were three brothers: one named Kiy, the other - Shchek, and the third - Khoriv, and their sister - Lybid. Kiy sat on the mountain where Borichev now rises, and Shchek sat on the mountain that is now called Shchekovitsa, and Khoriv was on the third mountain, which is why it was nicknamed Khorivitsa. And they built a town in honor of their elder brother, and named it Kyiv. And around the city there was a forest and a large forest, and they caught animals there. And those men were wise and intelligent, and they were called polyans, from them there are glades in Kyiv to this day.

Rev. There was a time when Rev. Nestor was assigned all those places in the Tale of Bygone Years where the speech is in the first person, and a rather detailed biography was obtained: they indicated exactly the year and place of birth, the time of arrival and entry into the monastery...

Nestor the Chronicler, author of "The Tale of Bygone Years" (statue by M. Antokolsky) Nestor is an ancient Russian writer, hagiographer of the late 11th - early 12th centuries, monk of the Kiev Pechersk Monastery. Author of the lives of princes Boris and Gleb, Theodosius of Pechersk.... ... Wikipedia

NESTOR, ancient Russian writer, chronicler of the 11th beginning. 12th century, monk of the Kiev Pechersk Monastery. Author of the lives (see LIVES OF THE SAINTS) of princes Boris and Gleb, Theodosius of Pechersk (see THEODOSIY of Pechersk). Traditionally considered one of the greatest historians... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary

Nestor the Chronicler- Reverend, born in the 50s. XI century in Kyiv, at the age of 17 he entered the Kiev Pechersk Monastery. He was a novice of St. Feodosia (Memory 3 (16) May, 14 (27) August). He received tonsure from Abbot Stephen, successor of Theodosius. Purity of life, prayer and... ... Orthodoxy. Dictionary-reference book

Reverend, monk of the Kiev Pechersk Monastery; genus. in 1056; At the age of 17 he came to the monastery, was tonsured a monk, and then ordained a deacon. In 1091 he was entrusted with the discovery of the relics of St. Theodosius. Died around 1114. Other information about him... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron

Pechersky (c. 1056 1114), compiler of the “Tale of Bygone Years”, was born in Kyiv, at the age of seventeen he entered the Kiev Pechersk Monastery as a novice. He was received by the founder of the monastery, St. Feodosius. Through the purity of his life, prayer and zeal, the young... ... Russian history

Nestor, monk of the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery- Nestor (1050s (?) – early 12th century) – monk of the Kiev Pechersk Monastery, hagiographer and chronicler. From the Life of Theodosius of Pechersk, written by N., we learn that he was tonsured in the Kiev Pechersk Monastery under Abbot Stephen (1074–1078) and elevated by him... ... Dictionary of scribes and bookishness Ancient Rus'

Books

Nestor the Chronicler, Irtenina N.. In the early 1070s. A young, well-educated novice settled in the Pechersky Monastery near Kiev, the future famous monastery. Neither his worldly name, nor how he lived until he was 17 years old, we do not...
Nestor the Chronicler, Natalya Irtenina. In the early 1070s. A young, well-educated novice settled in the Pechersky Monastery near Kiev, the future famous monastery. Neither his worldly name, nor how he lived until he was 17 years old, we do not...

(~1056–1114)

On the way to monasticism

The Monk Nestor the Chronicler was from Kyiv. ABOUT exact date birth, we know nothing about the details of his childhood and youth. There is reason to believe that Nestor was born in the 50s of the 11th century.

At the age of seventeen, Nestor, wanting to connect his life with monastic work, appeared to two blessed fathers: St. Anthony (the founder of Russian monasticism) and St. Theodosius. Understanding the ascetics as the righteous of God, he humbly asked them not to drive him away, but to allow him to remain with them in obedience.

At this time, Anthony lived in a secluded cave, in sacred silence, pleasing God with unceasing heartfelt prayer. Theodosius was busy setting up a monastic monastery. By the providence of God, Nestor remained with the reverend fathers.

Even before his initiation into monasticism, he showed them a readiness to live a strict monastic life. Despite his youth and numerous difficulties associated with the weakness of the flesh, Nestor showed his fathers firmness in his desire to follow the path of salvation.

Through them he was sanctified and enlightened as through two great lamps of God. He zealously and resignedly fulfilled the obediences assigned to him, learning humility, meekness, fasting, vigil, heartfelt prayer and free poverty. Having the most sincere respect and love for his mentors, he fulfilled every word without complaint, with joy and trust.

Angelic Ministry

After the blessed death of Anthony (1073) and Theodosius (1074), he himself seemed to have died to the world.

From the abbot of the Pechersk monastery, Venerable Stephen, Nestor accepted the angelic image, and soon he was elevated to the rank of hierodeacon.

The monks of the Pechersk Monastery were famous for many virtues. Wanting to imitate the Redeemer, they willingly performed the most difficult daily feats. Some ate only raw or boiled grass, some labored in prayer vigils, some in prostrations. All of them were united by the fact that they unanimously remained in faith, hope, love, as befits the brethren of the Orthodox monastery.

Having adopted an angelic image (double: as a monk and as a deacon), Nestor became like the disembodied heavenly servants: with even greater zeal he began to please God with obedience and prayer, and began to increase Christian virtues in himself. At the same time, he did not hypocritically consider himself a sinner unworthy of God's gifts.

Engaged in ascetic work and experiencing Divine goodness through experience, Nestor did not deny the importance of theoretical knowledge. He valued godly books as a treasury of Truth and allegorically compared them to rivers flooding the universe. It is believed that his special obedience was the compilation of chronicles.

So, in the 80s of the 11th century, he recorded the life of his spiritual teacher,. But perhaps the most outstanding creative work of Nestor the Chronicler was the history of the development of the Russian land. It is believed that he completed this work by 1112-1113.

In essence, it included a complex of various legends, processed and presented in the form of a single integral work. Historical facts are closely intertwined in it with the history of the development of the Church. The history of Rus' itself is presented here as an important and integral part of world history. The fundamentality and clarity of the work reveals the author as a man of great learning and faith.

In 1091, the brethren, moved by the Holy Spirit, gathered together, led by the abbot, for a council, where, after consulting, they decided to dig up the relics of St. Theodosius, previously buried in a cave, and solemnly transfer them to the Pechersk Church. According to the word of the abbot, Nestor, having prepared the necessary tools, chose assistants from the brethren and headed for the burial of the saint. They said prayers and began to dig. They dug alternately, evening and night; however, it was not possible to get to the honest relics. And only when the bell was struck, at that very moment Nestor suddenly realized that he had gotten to the bottom of the relics.

This event itself was accompanied by miraculous signs: the brethren who were in the monastery saw pillars of fire. The relics were reverently transferred to the prepared place. Subsequently, Nestor witnessed other miracles and signs performed by the power of God through this shrine.

Having achieved, with the help of God, holiness and reverence, Nestor peacefully rested in the Lord in 1114, bequeathing to his brethren to continue the chronicle of the history of Rus' compiled by him, which was fulfilled. IN modern form this chronicle is known to us by its name.