The Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra is the heart of Orthodox Russia. Its founder, the greatest ascetic of piety, St. Sergius of Radonezh, was famous not only for his transformation of monasticism, construction of monasteries, and miracles, but also for his gracious public service to the state and its "Christ-bearing" people. Called by the chroniclers "the abbot of the Russian land," he reconciled the warring princes and blessed the army for its battle against Mamai's hordes.
