COOK ISLANDS 5 DOLLARS RUSSIAN ICON ST. SERGIUS OF RADONEZH IN SOUTH AFRICA

Cook Islands 5 Dollars Russian Icon St. Sergius of Radonezh Silver Coloured 2010 Edition Technical Specs Presentation Country:   Cook Island Metal Purity:    ¿Silver 0.999 Box:   Yes Year of Issue:   2010 Weight:   25 g CoA:   Yes Face Value:   5 dollars Dimensions:   30x38 mm     Quality:   Proof     Mintage:   2500   St. Sergius of RadonezhSt. Sergius, the founder of the Holy Trinity Lavra, was born of wealthy Rostov boyars on May 3, 1314. On the fortieth day the local priest baptized the child, naming him Bartholomew. From his childhood he grew accustomed to solitude and sought his salvation through prayer, fasting and work. In 1337, at the age of 23, after his parents¿ death, he decided to leave for the desert together with his elder brother Stephen. The brothers chose to found their hermitage in a clearing surrounded by thick forest on a low hill, later called Makovets (a term often used to indicate the top of a hill). They built for themselves a cell and a small church, which they dedicated to the Lifegiving Trinity. That was the birth of the monastery, which later served as a source of pride and inspiration to the people of Russia. ____________________________________________________  Feel free to e-mail me with any questions.