Orthodox calendar: October 23 The Orthodox Church celebrates the memory of St. Ambrose of Optinatranslated

21st Week after Pentecost.

Today, October 23, 2026, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the martyr during divine services. Eulampia and Eulampia (303–311); St. Innocent, bishop Penza (1819); St. Ambrose of Optinsky (1891); St. Amphilochia, bishop. Vladimir-Volynsky (1122); Cathedral of Volyn Saints; blzh. Andrew, Christ for the Fool's Sake, Totemsky (1673); martyr Theotekna (III–IV); St. Vassian (V); St. Theophila Spanish (VIII).

Fast day.

Alexander Mikhailovich Grenkov (future Elder Ambrose)  was born on November 23, 1812 in the village of Bolshaya Lipovitsa, Tambov province. In the fall of 1839, he arrived in Optina Pustyn, where he was received by Elder Leo. Soon he took monastic vows and was named Ambrose, in memory of the saint of Milan, then he was ordained a hierodeacon and, later, a hieromonk.

Having comprehended Fr. Ambrose's serious illness undoubtedly had providential significance for him. She moderated his lively character, protected him, perhaps, from the development of conceit in him and forced him to go deeper into himself, to better understand himself and human nature. It’s not for nothing that subsequently Fr. Ambrose said: “It is good for a monk to be sick. And in case of illness there is no need to be treated, but only to be treated!” Helping...