Saint Nilus The Elder

Nilus of Sora, also known as Nil Sorsky or Nil Sorski (c. 1433 – 7 May 1508), was a Russian Orthodox monk and spiritual writer who lived during the late medieval period in Russia. He is best remembered for founding the non-possessors movement within the Russian Orthodox Church, which opposed ecclesiastic landownership. Nilus founded the Sora Hermitage, where he spent much of his later life in asceticism and prayer. His teachings emphasized a simple and poverty-filled existence, distinguishing him from those who held onto material wealth. The Russian Orthodox Church venerates Nilus as a saint, celebrating his feast day on 7 May each year to honor his contributions to monasticism and spirituality.