Truly wondrous is God in His Saints, Who revealed the Hermitage of Optina as a garden of eldership, 
where the God-enlightened Fathers, knowing the secrets of the human heart, became valiant protectors of the people of God; 
for they set those burdened by sin on the path of repentance, 
enlightening those whose faith was wavering with the light of Christ’s teachings, 
and teaching them the wisdom of God, 
they felt compassion for the sick and healed them. 
Now, in God’s glory, they pray unceasingly for our souls.
 
--Kontakion for the Elders of Optina Monastery
(Tone 4)