This article discusses the spiritual, missionary and cultural activity of Optina Monastery between 19th and 21st centuries. The author describes the characteristics of the monastic life at Optina that have been cultivated by the Optina fathers and have attracted numerous people throughout centuries to this holy place. The author believes that the most important of these characteristics are: a genuine prayerful life led by the monks, openness to the sorrows and needs of the pilgrims and a spirit of faithfulness to the tradition established through the teachings of the holy Optina fathers.