lived on earth a man named Silouan.Every day he desperately prayed, asking God to pardon him.But his prayers went unanswered.Several months passed, and his strength exhausted.Silvanus despaired and cried to heaven: "You are relentless."With these words in his mind as if something snapped.For a moment he saw a living Christ.His heart and body filled the fire - with such force that if the vision lasted a couple of seconds, the monk would have just died.Throughout his life, Silas remembered unspeakably gentle, cheerful, infinitely loving gaze of Jesus and telling others about God - it is incomprehensible and boundless love.On this holy and we'll talk in this article.
Childhood
Silouan (real name - Semen Antonov) was born in Tambov province in 1866.For the first time God heard the boy four years.Somehow his father, who liked to host guests and ask them about something interesting, invited into the house bookman.During the meal ensued "hot" talk about the existence of God, and the small Simon sat there and listened attentively.Bookman convince his father that God does not exist.Especially the boy remembered his words: "Where is it, Lord?" Simon had said to his father: "You teach me the prayers, and the man denies the existence of God."To which he replied: "Do not listen to him.I thought he was smart, but it turned out the opposite. "But the answer of his father planted in the soul of the boy's question.
Young years
Fifteen years.Simon grew up and got a carpenter to the estate of Prince Trubetskoy.There's also worked as a cook, who wore regularly to pray at the grave of John Sezenevskogo.She always tells about the life of a recluse and took place at his tomb miracles.Some of the workers were present confirmed the stories of John and also considered a saint.After hearing the future Reverend Silouan clearly felt the presence of the Most High, and his heart burned with love for the Lord.
From this day forward Simon began to pray a lot.His soul and character changed, prompting the boy to drive to monasticism.The prince was very beautiful daughter, but he looked at them as sisters, not as women.While Simon even asked his father to send him to the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra.He allowed, but only after the young man finished military service.
extraordinary strength
Elder Silouan had as a young man of great physical strength.Once one of the guests of Prince going to harness the horse.But on the night of severe frost, and all of its hooves were in the ice, and to discourage him, she did not give.Simon put his hand firmly horse's neck and told the man: "Slugger".The animal could not even poshelohnutsya.Resident shot down the ice with hooves, harnessed the horse and left.
Simon also could bare hands to take a vat of boiling soup and transfer it to the table.Punched the young man interrupted thick board.The heat and cold and had a raised severity for several hours without rest.By the way, he did eat and drink as well as work.One day, after a hearty meal of meat at Easter, when everyone had gone home, the mother offered Semyon eggs.He did not give up and happy to eat fried eggs, in which, as they say, is not less than fifty eggs.Same with drinks.For holidays in the restaurant Simon could easily drink two and a half liter of vodka and did not even get drunk.
first great sin
strength of the young men, it will come in handy in the future to commit deeds, caused the first great sin that Silouan long otmalival.
In one of the holidays, when all the villagers were on the street, Simon was walking with his friends and playing the harmonica.Meet them were two brothers who work in the village of shoemakers.Senior has been tremendous growth and strength, but also liked quarreling.He began to take away from Semen accordion.He handed it to his friend, and to the cobbler asked to settle down and go their separate ways.It did not help.Pudova fist flew towards Semen.
Here's how the incident recalled the saint Silouan: "At first I wanted to give up, but then I felt ashamed that people will laugh at me.So I struck a heavy blow to his chest.Shoemaker bounced a few meters, and from his mouth gushing blood and foam.I thought I had killed him.Thank God nothing happened.About half an hour it was evacuated by pouring cold water.Then he struggled to his feet and took him home.Finally he recovered only after two months.Once I had to be very careful, because the two brothers are constantly watched for the street with knives and batons.But the Lord has saved me. "
First Vision
Young Life Seeds "was in full swing."He had forgotten about the desire to serve God and just spend time unchaste.After another drinking bout with friends, he fell asleep and in a dream saw a snake crawled to it by mouth.Felt a strong disgust, Simon woke up and heard the words: "For you disgusted by what he saw?Also, I hate watching what you're doing with your life. "
there was no one but the voice proiznёsshy these words, was extremely pleasant and breathtaking.Silouan was convinced that she spoke to him of God.Until the end of his days, he thanked her for instruction on the right path.Semen was ashamed of his past life, and it has strengthened the desire to serve God after the end of military service.In it it awakened a sense of sin that completely changed his relationship to everything around him.
Military
serve Seeds were sent to St. Petersburg, in the Guards.The army loved him, because he was a good, calm and executive soldier.One day he and three companions went to the town to celebrate the holiday in the restaurant.All drank and chatted and Simon sat and said nothing.One of the soldiers asked him, "Why are you silent?What are you thinking about? "He replied:" Here we sit, have fun, and pray on Mount Athos today! »
Throughout his service in the Army Semyon constantly thinking about the Holy Mountain, and even sent to receive a salary.Once he went to the nearest village to transfer money.On the way back he met a mad dog that wanted to pounce on him.Bound by fear, but Simon said: "Lord, have mercy!" The dog seemed to come across an invisible barrier and ran into the village, where the damage caused to livestock and people.After this incident, he further strengthened the desire to serve the Lord.When the service was over, Simon came home, packed his bags and went to the monastery.
arrival of the Holy Mountain
Silouan, teaching is true to this day, he came to the Holy Mountain in 1892.His new ascetic life he began in the Russian monastery of St. Panteleimon.
By Athos customs, a new novitiate was for a few days to be completely alone, remembering their own sins.Then set them out in writing and repent confessor.Sins Silas were released and began his service to the Lord, praying in his cell, long service in the temple, vigils, fasts, communion, confession, work, reading, obedience ... Over time, he learned the Jesus Prayer of the rosary.In the monastery, everyone loved him and regularly praised for the good character and proper operation.
monastic life
Over the years of serving God on the Holy Mountain Monk performed many ascetic feats that seem impossible to most.Sleep was a monk Slight - he slept several times a day for 15-20 minutes, and to do it on a stool.The beds had not been at all.Prayer Silouan lasted all night.Happy monk worked as a laborer.He adhered to the inner obedience, cutting off his own will.He was temperate in his movements, conversations and food.In general, he is himself a role model.
Conclusion
Silouan, whose life has been described in this article, to the end of his life slept literally in minutes.This is despite the disease and melt strength.Thus, he has cleared a lot of time in prayer.Especially hard he did the night before the morning service.In September 1938, the monk died peacefully.His life Reverend Silouan showed an example of humility, meekness, and love for others.Fifty years after his death, the elder canonized.
