Among the monks of Optina Monastery, there are many revered Orthodox saints, and one of the most respected is the Venerable Nectarios of Optina, known in the world as Nikolai Tikhonov, originally from Elets.

Nikolai Tikhonov was born in 1853. His parents passed away early, leaving the boy an orphan. At the age of 11, he began working in a merchant's shop, and by 17 he became a junior clerk, which was considered a good career achievement at that time. However, at 20, Nikolai decided to leave his job and went to the Vvedenskaya Optina Monastery, located near Kozelsk, better known as Optina Monastery. There he met the revered elder Ambrose, which became a turning point in his life.

In 1887, Nikolai took monastic vows and received the name Nectarios. His spiritual mentor became the later glorified elder Anatoly. The brotherhood of the monastery accepted the young monk, noting his spiritual growth and ability to influence the hearts of people. Soon he was ordained first as a hierodeacon and then as a hieromonk. At the age of 59, he was elected as an elder, which is a high honor in Orthodoxy.

Contemporaries recall that Elder Nectarios was highly respected among the monks and parishioners, possessed the gift of healing, and could read letters without opening the envelopes. He was a man of remarkable spiritual height. In April 1920, he accepted the great schema, but heavy trials awaited him ahead. In 1923, the monastery was closed, and Nectarios of Optina was arrested.

After his release, the elder lived in the village of Kholmishchi, where he passed away on May 12, 1928. Seven years after his death, his grave was opened in search of treasures, which were not found. The next day, the villagers discovered his body incorrupt and reburied him.

In 1987, Optina Monastery was returned to the Orthodox Church. Five years later, the fragrant relics of the elder were transferred to the monastery. In 1996, he was recognized as a locally revered saint, and in 2000, he became a universally venerated saint.