Neil Sora

(in the world Nick Maikov; ca. 1433-1508), a church leader, who made an outstanding contribution to the theory and practice of Russian monasticism.
Born in Moscow. In his youth was 'skoropistsem', ie. scribe books. Haircut in Cyril-Belozersky Monastery and join it to the life and teachings of 'trans-Volga' (ie. monks on the other - to Moscow - the bank of the Volga) elders. Traveled to Palestine and Constantinople, for a long time spent on Mount Athos, fully permeated impressions of asceticism, prayer, 'smart doing'. I also felt a profound impact Byzantine isichasm, including ideas Symeon the New Theologian (11.) And Gregory of Sinai (14.). Back home (between 1473 and 1489), founded the monastery near the Kirillov. The ideal of monastic life was for him not typical at that time in Russia the life of the monastery (in small groups of monks), which is considered the best Nile, 'the king's way' asceticism compared to a hostel (Kin) and asceticism. Severely condemned the luxury of church decoration, 'silver and gold', all sorts of 'acquiring', ie. economic expansion of the church in the world, considering that the monks should be content with only the fruits of his labor. Without endorsing fanatical exhaustion of flesh, . encouraged to focus on the inner world of the soul, . crushing in its sinful impulses through a 'smart', . psychologically-focused prayer, preaching and softness against the heretics, . Considering those, . who repented, . 'martyrs',


. Promoting tolerance, and especially the 'non-possession' provoked sharp opposition from the church of the majority, although the imperial power (in the person of Ivan III) ideas of the Nile - in relation to deprivation of their property monasteries - were quite nice
. One way or another the struggle that erupted at the council, 1503, where the Nile was called, ended in defeat for 'non-covetous' and win 'Josephites', ie. Joseph Volotskii supporters who advocated opposing principles. At the early stage of this struggle Neil Sora died (May 7, 1508). The most ardent follower of the case made by the prince-monk Vassian Patrikeev.

Written by Neil monastic charter, faithful disciples, the spiritual message and a will belong to the best examples of religious literature, the Russian Middle Ages.