Kozelsk, Kaluga Province, Russia, April 10, 2025
Photo: optina.ru
A significant event took place at Optina Monastery last week. The reconstruction of its historical symbol, a trumpeting angel, was completed and the angel was installed atop the Vladimir Tower on April 4.
In pre-revolutionary Optina, the majestic figure of the trumpeting angel crowned the main entrance to the monastery, the Holy Gates, and was visible from afar. After the revolution, it was lost, and with the revival of the monastery, a wooden copy was erected, which over time deteriorated and no longer served as a functioning weathervane, the monastery reports.
Photo: optina.ru
Now, during the reconstruction, the figure of the angel, made from especially durable metal, has been equipped with a unique rotating mechanism ensuring ease of movement and strength of attachment even during strong gusts of wind.
The monastery writes:
The Book of Revelation of John the Theologian speaks of angels who will announce to the world the approach of the end times: And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets (Rev. 8:2). Just as a weathervane catches the slightest breath of wind, so the figure of the trumpeting angel reminds us of the need to be attentive to the signs of the times, to be sober and vigilant, ready to meet the Lord coming in glory: Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come(Mt. 24:42).
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