Holy Fathers Slain at Sinai and Raithou - 2 parts

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GOCPriestMark
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Holy Fathers Slain at Sinai and Raithou - 2 parts

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"There was an elder named Moses, who came from the town of Pharan. From childhood he loved monasticism. He labored as an ascetic for seventy-three years and was formerly superior of Raithou. His dwelling was a cave near the monastery. Moses was a second Elijah the Tishbite: everything he asked, the Lord granted. Townsfolk from Pharan and Ishmaelites living nearby witnessed the healings and other miracles he performed, and many became Christians. The saint frequently drove demons out of the possessed. Although visitors from Egypt brought him bread, never once after becoming a monk did he taste it; however, he did keep a little on hand to feed pilgrims. His own food was dates; and his drink, water. His garb was made from the plaited fronds of the date palm. No one loved stillness as much as he, but he gladly and kindly received those who came to reveal their thoughts. He slept very little, and never before completing Matins, but kept vigil nightly. During Lent he spoke to no one, breaking his silence only on Great Thursday. He allotted himself twelve dates and a mug of water for the whole of the Fast, and according to his disciple, frequently succeeded in subsisting on this until Great Friday. One day, during Lent, a 5aracen chieftain named Vendianus, who was possessed, was brought to Moses to be healed. A mile from the elder's cell, the evil spirit threw Vendianus to the ground and screeched, 'Woe is me! Where are they taking me? I cannot remain in this man a moment longer.' So saying, the demon fled, and Vendianus regained his senses. He and many of his tribe believed in Christ and were deemed worthy of Holy Baptism. Saint Moses was among those who fell into the hands of the barbarians and were slain.

The Great Collection of the Lives of the Saints - St. Dimitri Rostov - January 14 - p202

Last edited by GOCPriestMark on Sun 27 January 2008 5:57 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Priest Mark Smith
British Columbia

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Post by GOCPriestMark »

"Truly, brethren," he said, "I saw mournful things that day, which can hardly be described. One of the great fathers of Raithou was named Adam. He had a fifteen-year-old disciple called Sergius. The youth had been under Adam's care since he was a little child, and had learned well how to combat demons. Because he was young and handsome, the barbarians did not slay him, but grabbed his arm and dragged him away. Cheated of death and a portion with the fathers, he broke into tears. Then, gaining control of himself, he fearlessly set upon his captor, snatched his sword, and struck him a blow upon the shoulder. He hoped to arouse the barbarians' anger so that they would murder him, and he was not disappointed. While they cut him to pieces, he laughed. His last words were, 'Blessed is the Lord, Who hath delivered us from bondage to sinners!'"

The Great Collection of the Lives of the Saints - St. Dimitri Rostov - January 14 - p207

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Priest Mark Smith
British Columbia

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