On Pascha night, 1993, three monks of Optina Monastery were stabbed to death by a mentally deranged man using a knife with the inscription "666". This book tells the story of one of these modern day martyrs, Fr. Vasily (Rosliakov), in his own words and the words of those who knew him. This inspiring biography takes us from his childhood in the Soviet Union, his youth as a successful athlete, and his life in the famous Optina Monastery as it was being renewed after years of ruin. It is a profound story of spiritual struggle and spiritual discernment. Included are the poet Fr. Vasily's own writings and sermons.