Quick Facts
- Original name:
- Nikolay Maykov
- Born:
- c. 1433
- Died:
- 1508
- Subjects Of Study:
- Russia
- monasticism
- mysticism
Adding us as a Preferred Source tells Google you trust our content, so our articles show up more often in your Google Search, Discover feed, and AI Overviews.
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Saint Nil Sorsky
Russian mystic
Also known as: Nikolay Maykov
Saint Nil Sorsky (born c. 1433—died 1508; feast day May 7) was the first Russian mystic to write about the contemplative life and to formulate a guide for spiritual self-perfection.
After a trip to Constantinople and Mount Athos, he founded his own monastery beside the Sora River (whence the name Sorsky). At a council in Moscow (1503), Nil spoke against monastic ownership of property and thus came to be identified with the “nonpossessor” party within the Russian Church. He was also opposed to the involvement of monks in social-welfare and political activity. The writings and monastic rule of this Russian saint influenced Russian monasticism for several centuries.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Discover the fascinating events that shaped the world, straight from our editors.
By clicking “Sign Up”, you consent to the Britannica
Privacy Policy
and
Terms of Use.