Elder Ambrose of Optina bead Guardian of My Heart’s Key

Guardian of My Heart’s Key will move and inspire readers of all ages

above the clouds

Archbishop of Shanghai and San Fransisco

the Mother of God bore within herself the universality of her Son

This provides much greater benefit than many prayers or prostrations done mechanically

Elder Ambrose of Optina bead Guardian of My Heart’s KeyElder Ambrose (1812 1891) is considered the pinnacle of Eldership in Optina. He embodied the virtues of all the elders in the highest degree divine humility, purity of mind and heart, overflowing love, and total self sacrifice for the salvation of his fellow man. Because he had attained the depths of humility, the Lord blessed him with spiritual gifts by which to heal suffering souls. He read human hearts, was granted to know the past, present and