On this day, July 5 according to the Julian Calendar (July 18 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Translation of the Relics of the Venerable Sergius of Radonezh, Wonderworker, which took place in the year 1422.
The Venerable Sergius of Radonezh is the greatest saint of Russia, venerated as the patron and spiritual father of the Russian land. He was born around 1314 and reposed on September 25, 1392. His principal feast is celebrated on September 25 (Old Style), but the Church also celebrates the translation of his holy relics on this day.
After his repose in 1392, Saint Sergius was buried at the Trinity Monastery he had founded north of Moscow. For thirty years his relics rested in the earth. Then in the year 1422, during the construction of a new stone cathedral at the Trinity-Sergius Lavra to replace the original wooden church, the saint’s incorrupt relics were uncovered. They were found to be wholly incorrupt and fragrant — a sign of God’s favor upon His great servant.
The relics were solemnly translated and placed in the new Trinity Cathedral, which stands to this day at the Trinity-Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad. This translation became itself a feast of the Church, celebrated every year on July 5 (Old Style).
Saint Sergius gathered around himself a multitude of disciples, who founded dozens of monasteries throughout Russia. His influence on Russian spirituality, culture, and the very formation of the Russian state cannot be overstated. He is called “the builder of Russia” and “the Abbot of all Russia.”
May the intercessions of the Venerable Sergius of Radonezh be with us all.