beginning early in the nineteenth century, and continuing up to (and even into) the atheist persecutions of the twentieth century. Saint Paisius Velichkovsky (November 15) was powerfully influential in bringing the almost-lost hesychastic tradition of Orthodox spirituality to Russia in the eighteenth century, and his labors found in Optina Monastery a 'headquarters' from which they spread throughout the Russian land. The Optina Elders were spiritual masters who became renowned throughout the Orthodox world for their holiness and spiritual gifts. Among them the most known are: Schema-Archimandrite Moses, Schema-Hegumen Anthony, Hieroschemamonk Leonid, Hieroschemamonk Macarius, Hieroschemamonk Hilarion, Hieroschemamonk Ambrose, Hieroschemamonk Anatole (Zertsalov) and Hieroschemamonk Barsanuphius. References External links Official site of the Optina pustin monastery Views of the monastery Optina pustin monastery - a live record The Glorification of the Optina Elders – A Second Pascha article from Orthodox America Russian Orthodox monasteries in Russia Buildings and structures in Kaluga Oblast Cultural heritage monuments in Kaluga Oblast Objects of cultural heritage of Russia of federal significance