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On [[August 30]], 1913, Isaac was appointed [[abbot]] with the rank of archimandrite and as such his appointment as abbot of Optina Monastery would be the last before the Bolshevik storm and occupation of Russia. Fr. Isaac was noted for his calm demeanor, simplicity, and the abundant tears he shed during the Divine services.
After the Bolsheviks had taken over the government of Russia in 1917, Optina Monastery was closed in 1923. Several [[monk]]s, including Fr. Isaac, the hieromonk Gerontius who had been the [[cell]]-attendant of Elder [[Barsanuphius (Plikhanov) of Optina|Barsanuphius]], and the novice Rodion Sheichenko, remained in Kozelsk for several years where Fr. Isaac served in the Church of St. George. In August 1929, the group of Optina monks, with Fr. Isaac, were arrested along with all the [[clergy]], [[monastic]]s, and [[laity]] who were close to the churches in Kozelsk. They were placed into a prison. Soon, they were sent to a prison in Sukhinichi and then, later, to Smolensk.
After the end of an "investigation" in January 1930, these prisoners were dispersed, mainly to Siberia, where they eventually ended their earthly lives. While the details of Fr. Isaac's final years have a degree of uncertainly, he apparently was exiled to Belyov, near Moscow. He was arrested again in 1932, but was released. He was again arrested in 1937 in connection with an affair related to [[Bishop]] Nicetas of Belyov from which he was sentenced to be shot. The dates of his [[martyr]]dom vary, as [[January 8]], 1938 or [[December 26]], 1938.