Неделя 6-я по Пятидесятнице:

Митрополит Филарет

Святое Евангелие повествует нам о множестве чудес, которые сотворил во всей Своей земной жизни Господь наш Иисус Христос. Но то чудо, о котором мы слышали в сегодняшнем Евангелии, имеет особый характер, почему, между прочим, оно в году читается дважды: один раз – в Великом Посту и потом еще раз – в один из воскресных дней (уже не во время поста).

В этом чуде мы видим, как вера человека дает ему силу, мужество и решимость добиться своей цели, если даже встречаются несомненные препятствия.

Один человек заболел болезнью, которая в Евангелии именуется расслаблением (по нашему – паралич), и его друзья решили во что бы то ни стало принести его к Божественному Чудотворцу, о Котором слава гремела уже тогда по всей Палестине. Но когда друзья принесли его к дому, где учил Господь, то оказалось, что нет никакой возможности приблизиться к Нему, потому что Его окружала масса народа. У них была тяжелая ноша – они несли своего больного друга в переносной постели, или на носилках, – и увидели, что им никак к Нему не пройти.

И вот тогда они не остановились перед совершенно необычным средством: поднявшись на плоскую, сделанную из черепицы крышу, они ее разобрали; быть может, хозяева дома особого удовольствия не испытывали, видя это, но они сделали свое дело и таким чрезвычайным способом добились того, что переносную постель, на которой лежал расслабленный, опустили прямо к ногам Спасителя.

Но как назидательно дальнейшее повествование об этом чуде! Евангелист говорит, что Спаситель, видя веру их, говорит расслабленному: “Отпускаются тебе грехи твои.” Обратите внимание на слова “веру их;” не сказано “веру его,” т.е. самого расслабленного. Возможно, слова “веру их” относились и к нему, а м. б. и нет, потому что паралич мог его привести в полное расслабление и душевных и телесных сил. У него самого вера могла и поколебаться, м. б. у него и не было твердой веры, но

Господь видит “веру их,” тех, кто принес этого больного и свою веру уже доказал своей решимостью и настойчивостью.

Видя веру их, Господь обращается к больному, но не говорит ему сразу “встань,” а говорит ему: “Чадо, отпускаются тебе грехи твои.” Этим Господь сразу дает нам урок, что нужно смотреть, как говорят, в корень дела и прежде, чем врачевать тело человека, нужно уврачевать его душу. Болезнь, прямо или косвенно, всегда есть результат греха. Если бы люди не грешили, то и не болели бы. И вот Господь показывает нам, как врачуется этот корень, и сначала исцеляет душу от греха, от болезни греховной.

Но тут получилась неожиданная “реакция” на слова Спасителя. Когда Он говорил “отпускаются тебе грехи твои,” то среди окружавших Его в это время, были и Его враги, книжники и фарисеи, которые и из этого случая не замедлили извлечь для себя повод к осуждению и порицанию. Они стали думать, что Он богохульствует, отпуская грехи, т. к. кто же может отпускать грехи, кроме одного Бога, и не подозревая того, что они в данном случае правы, потому что Отпускавший грехи был именно Бог воплощенный.

Тогда Господь показал им, что Он видит их мысли и сказал: “Что вы думаете в сердцах своих?” Скажите, что легче, по вашему, сказать: “отпускаются тебе грехи,” или “встань, возьми постель твою и иди?” – По существу, сказать первое труднее. Ибо, действительно, отпускать грехи может только Бог или Его служитель, имеющий на это от Него власть и право. Сказать же “возьми постель твою и ходи” – значит действовать уже в порядке обычной нашей жизни. Но это – по существу.
А с внешней стороны – как и думали книжники и фарисеи, и многие из народа – конечно, труднее сказать второе. Потому что сказать “отпускаются тебе грехи,” легко, а отпущены они или нет – кто может проверить? Сказал – и сказал… А если сказать больному “возьми постель твою и иди,” а он не встанет и не пойдет, то получится нехорошо. Поэтому, с человеческой точки зрения, судящей по внешности, труднее сказать второе.

Вот Господь и говорит: “Чтобы вы знали, что Сын Человеческий имеет власть отпускать грехи – Тебе говорю” – обращается Он к расслабленному – “возьми постель твою и иди в дом твой” (Т.е. – чтобы вы знали, что у Меня есть та власть, о которой вы говорите и которая принадлежит только Богу, Я делаю на ваших глазах то, что с вашей точки зрения гораздо труднее – исцеляю расслабленного).

Но я еще раз хочу повторить то, что для нас с вами необходимо всегда помнить: врачевать больного человека нужно с основы.

Вот почему верующие люди, когда они серьезно заболевают и когда вокруг них идут разговоры о том, чтобы пригласить врача, а может быть созвать и консилиум, говорят: “Сначала призовите служителя Церкви, он укрепит меня таинствами церковными – исповедью, принятием св. Таин и соборованием (или елеосвящением – таинством, специально назначенным для врачевания). И когда душа моя будет освобождена от тяжести греховной, тогда лечите и мое тело.” Так и нужно всегда поступать.
А ведь нам, духовникам, сплошь и рядом приходилось встречаться с печальными случаями, когда человек болен тяжело и опасно, ему грозит смерть, а окружающие его и родные не приглашают к нему священника, говоря: “Мы боимся его испугать.”

Разве можно руководиться такими соображениями, когда человек, быть может, стоит вплотную перед концом своей жизни? Как же лишить его главного – того, что необходимо для отходящей души?! Нет! Не приглашают служителя Церкви! Говорят: “Боимся испугать.”

А между прочим, нужно иметь в виду и то, что человек, который сознает, что его болезнь может кончиться смертью, уже совсем по-другому смотрит на все – у него иное восприятие. Мне, грешному, приходилось причащать за долгие годы священства многие сотни, а м. б. и тысячи больных, и я не помню ни одного случая, чтобы больной испугался. Наоборот – больные всегда с радостью встречают служителя Церкви, несущего им благодатное укрепление и освящение.

Это и есть то первое и главное, что необходимо сделать для больного, а потом уже делать все остальное, т.е. врачевать его земными лекарствами. Но прежде всего надо уврачевать его бессмертную душу. Аминь.

6th Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday of the Paralytic – Blessed Theophylact

From The Explanation of the Gospel of St. Matthew

1-2. And He entered into a boat, and passed over, and came into His own city. And, behold, they brought to Him a paralytic, lying on a bed.— His own city means Capernaum, for it was there that He was living. He was born in Bethlehem, raised in Nazareth, and lived for an extended length of time in Caperna-um. This paralytic is not the same as the one mentioned in John [5:2-9], for that one was beside the Sheep’s Pool in Jerusalem, while this one was in Capernaum. And that one had no one to help him, while this one was carried by four men, as Mark says [Mk. 2:3-12], who lowered him through the roof, a fact which Matthew omits.

And Jesus seeing their faith.— Either the faith of the men who brought the paralytic, for Jesus often worked a miracle on account of the faith of those who brought the one sick; or, of the paralytic himself. Said to the paralytic, Take courage, child; thy sins be forgiven thee.— Jesus calls him child, either as one of God’s creatures, or because he believed. To show that the man’s paralysis is a result of his sins, Jesus first forgives him his sins.

3-5. And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For which is easier to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?— By knowing their thoughts, Jesus shows that He is God. He rebukes them by saying, “You think that I am blaspheming by promising to forgive sins, which is a great thing, and that I resort to this because it is some-thing which can not be verified. But by healing the body, I shall guarantee that the soul has been healed as well. By doing the lesser deed, though it appears to be more difficult, I shall also confirm the remission of sins, which is indeed something great even though it appears easier to you since it is not visible to the eye.”

6-8. But that ye may know that the Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins—then saith He to the paralytic—Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God Who had given such power unto men. —Jesus commanded him to carry his bed so that the event would not appear to have been imaginary, and also, so that the multitudes would see the miracle. For they thought that Jesus—Who is greater than all—was only a man.

6th Sunday after Pentecost

Holy Martyr Hyacinth

Readings

The Reading from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Romans (12:6-14)

Brethren: Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us: if prophecy, let us prophesy according to our portion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation; he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Have kindly affection one for another with brotherly love, in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not.

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (9:1-8)

At that time, Jesus entered into a boat, and passed over and came into His own city. And behold, they brought to Him a man sick with the palsy, lying on a bed. And Jesus, seeing their faith, said unto the one sick with the palsy, ‘Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.’ And behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, ‘This man blasphemeth.’ And Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, ‘Why think ye evil in your hearts? For which is easier: to say, ‘Thy sins be forgiven thee,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’? But that ye may know that the Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins,’– (then said He to the one sick with palsy) ‘Arise, take up thy bed and go unto thine house.’ And he arose and departed to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled and glorified God, who had given such power unto men.

Troparia

Troparion of the Resurrection (Tone 5)

Let us, O faithful, praise and worship the Word Who is co-unoriginate with the Father and the Spirit, and Who was born of the Virgin for our salvation; for He was pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh and to endure death, and to raise the dead by His glorious Resurrection.

Troparion of the Holy Martyr Hyacinth (Tone 4)

In his suffering O Lord, Thy martyr Hyacinth received an imperishable crown from Thee, our God; for, possessed of Thy might, he cast down the tormentors and crushed the feeble audacity of the demons. By his supplications save Thou our souls.

Kontakion of the Resurrection (Tone 5)

Thou didst rise from the tomb, O omnipotent Saviour, and Hades was terrified on beholding the wonder; and the dead arose, and creation at the sight thereof rejoiceth with Thee. And Adam also is joyful, and the world, O my Saviour, praiseth Thee forever.

Kontakion of the Holy Martyr Hyacinth (Tone 6)

Having acquired Thy Faith like a tree of life in the midst of his soul, Thy martyr, O Christ, became more honourable than the Garden of Eden, by his spirit boldly destroying the tree of the serpent’s deception; and he was crowned with Thy glory, O greatly Merciful One.

THE HOLY MARTYR HYACINTH

A young man and a courtier at the court of Emperor Trajan, Hyacinth was a secret Christian. Once, when Emperor Trajan and his entire court solemnly offered sacrifices to the idols, Hyacinth refrained from this abominable activity. For that he was accused and brought before the emperor to be judged. The emperor counselled him to deny Christ and offer sacrifices to the idols. But Hyacinth remained as firm as a diamond and said to the emperor: “I am a Christian and I honour Christ. I worship Him, and to Him alone do I offer myself as a living sacrifice.” Beaten, spat upon and flayed, this holy martyr was thrown into prison. By order of the emperor, he was given nothing to eat except sacrifices offered before the idols. Hyacinth refused to partake of them and after eight days died in prison. Then the prison guards saw two radiant angels in the prison: One angel covered the body of the martyred Hyacinth with his radiant vesture, and the other angel placed a glorious wreath on his head. The entire prison was illuminated and fragrant. The youthful Hyacinth honourably suffered and was crowned with eternal glory in the year 108 A.D.

SAINT ANATOLIUS, PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE

Anatolius was at first a presbyter in the Church at Alexandria, but following the death of Patriarch Flavian, he was elevated to the patriarchal throne of Constantinople, in the year 449 A.D. During his time, the throne of Constantinople was recognized as equal to the throne of Rome, by the Ecumenical Council held in Chalcedon in 451 A.D. He struggled greatly for the purity of the Orthodox Faith and suffered much at the hands of the heretics, until he was slain by them in the year 458 A.D., during the reign of Pope Leo the Great. Anatolius governed the Church for nearly nine years, and took up his heavenly habitation among the holy hierarchs in the Kingdom of God.

3rd Sunday after Pentecost

Saints Onuphrius the Great and Peter of Mount Athos

Readings

The Reading from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Romans (5:1-10)

Brethren: Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost who is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely will one die for a righteous man, yet perhaps for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth His love toward us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Galatians (5:22-6:2)

Brethren, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vainglory, provoking one another and envying one another. Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye who are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (6:22-33)

The Lord said: ‘The light of the body is the eye. If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air, for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They toil not, neither do they spin, and yet I say unto you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Therefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘Wherewith shall we be clothed?’ (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek.) For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.’

Holy Gospel according to Matthew (11:27-30)

The Lord said to His disciples: ‘All things are delivered unto Me by My Father, and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him. Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.’

Troparia

Troparion of the Resurrection (Tone 2)

When Thou didst descend unto death, O Life Immortal, then didst Thou slay Hades with the lightning of Thy Divinity.  And when Thou didst also raise the dead out of the nethermost depths, all the Hosts of the heavens cried out: O Life-giver, Christ our God, glory be to Thee.

Troparion of Saints Onuphrius and Peter (Tone 4)

O God of our fathers, deal ever with us according to Thy gentleness, take not Thy mercy from us, but by their supplications direct our life in peace.

Kontakion of the Resurrection (Tone 2)

Thou didst rise from the tomb, O omnipotent Saviour, and Hades was terrified on beholding the wonder; and the dead arose, and creation at the sight thereof rejoiceth with Thee. And Adam also is joyful, and the world, O my Saviour, praiseth Thee forever.

Kontakion of St Onuphrius (Tone 3)

Illumined by the radiance of the all-holy Spirit, O divinely wise one,  thou didst forsake all the tumults of life; and on reaching the desert, O venerable father, thou didst gladden God the Creator, Who is over all things. Wherefore, Christ, the great Bestower of gifts, doth glorify thee, O blessed one.

Kontakion of St Peter the Athonite (Tone 2)

Having withdrawn thyself from human companionship,  out of divine desire and love for thy Lord, O Peter, thou didst dwell in caves of stone and deep ravines; and thou didst receive from Him a crown.  Pray thou unceasingly, that we be saved.

THE VENERABLE ONUPHRIUS THE GREAT

This saintly hermit had been living in the desert for sixty full years when the monk Paphnutius visited him. His hair and beard reached to the ground and his body, due to a long period of nakedness, was covered with long hair. All his hair was white as snow and his entire appearance was brilliant, sublime and awesome. Seeing Paphnutius, Onuphrius called him by name and recounted to him his [Onuphrius’s] life in the wilderness. His guardian angel had appeared to him and brought him to this place in the wilderness. For a long time he had eaten only vegetables, which could rarely be found in the wilderness. After he had endured violent combat with the temptations of the demons, and his heart had been completely strengthened in the love of God, an angel of God brought him bread for nourishment. Besides that, by the good providence of God, there grew up next to his cell a palm tree that brought forth dates abundantly, and a spring of living water began to flow there. “However,” Onuphrius said: “I mostly nourish myself and quench my thirst with the sweet words of God.” To Paphnutius’s question as to how he received Holy Communion, the hermit answered that an angel of God brought him Holy Communion every Saturday. The next day the elder told Paphnutius that it was the day of his departure from this world; he knelt down, prayed to God and gave up his spirit unto God. At that moment Paphnutius saw a heavenly light illuminating the body of the reposed saint and heard the singing of angelic hosts. Having honorably buried the body of Onuphrius, Paphnutius returned to his monastery, that as a living witness he might narrate to others, for their benefit, the wondrous life of this man and the greatness of God’s providence toward those who have completely given themselves over to the service of God. Onuphrius died in the year 400 A.D.

VENERABLE PETER THE ATHONITE

Peter was a Greek by birth and a soldier by profession. Once, in battle against the Arabs, Peter was captured, bound in chains, and cast into prison. Peter remained imprisoned a long time in the town of Samara on the Euphrates River, and he constantly prayed that God would free him from prison and take him to a wilderness, where he would dedicate himself completely to a life of prayerful asceticism. St. Simeon the Receiver of God, together with St. Nicholas, appeared to him in prison and touched his iron chains with his staff; they melted like wax and Peter suddenly found himself in a field outside the town. He immediately set out for Rome, where he was tonsured a monk by the pope himself at the tomb of St. Peter. After this he again departed by boat for the east. The All-Holy Birth-giver of God, along with St. Nicholas, appeared to him in a dream, and the Birth-giver of God told St. Nicholas that she had designated Mt. Athos for Peter to live on in asceticism. Up to this time Peter had never heard of Mount Athos. Disembarking therefore on the Holy Mountain, Peter settled in a cave, where he remained for fifty-three years in difficult ascetic labors, in a struggle with hunger and thirst, with heat and cold, and especially with deomonic powers, until he had overcome all with the help of God. After he had endured the first temptations and had successfully passed the first difficult tests before God, an angel of God began to bring him bread every forty days.

On several occasions, the tempter–the devil–appeared to him under the guise of an angel of light, but Peter repelled him with the sign of the Cross and the name of the All-Holy Birth-giver of God. About a year before his death he was discovered by a hunter who was hunting deer around Athos, and from the mouth of the saint heard his life’s story. He died in the year 734 A.D. His relics were translated to Macedonia.

3rd Sunday after Pentecost

Saints Onuphrius the Great and Peter of Mount Athos

Readings

The Reading from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Romans (5:1-10)

Brethren: Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost who is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely will one die for a righteous man, yet perhaps for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth His love toward us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Galatians (5:22-6:2)

Brethren, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vainglory, provoking one another and envying one another. Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye who are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (6:22-33)

The Lord said: ‘The light of the body is the eye. If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air, for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They toil not, neither do they spin, and yet I say unto you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Therefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘Wherewith shall we be clothed?’ (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek.) For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.’

Holy Gospel according to Matthew (11:27-30)

The Lord said to His disciples: ‘All things are delivered unto Me by My Father, and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him. Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.’

Troparia

Troparion of the Resurrection (Tone 2)

When Thou didst descend unto death, O Life Immortal, then didst Thou slay Hades with the lightning of Thy Divinity.  And when Thou didst also raise the dead out of the nethermost depths, all the Hosts of the heavens cried out: O Life-giver, Christ our God, glory be to Thee.

Troparion of Saints Onuphrius and Peter (Tone 4)

O God of our fathers, deal ever with us according to Thy gentleness, take not Thy mercy from us, but by their supplications direct our life in peace.

Kontakion of the Resurrection (Tone 2)

Thou didst rise from the tomb, O omnipotent Saviour, and Hades was terrified on beholding the wonder; and the dead arose, and creation at the sight thereof rejoiceth with Thee. And Adam also is joyful, and the world, O my Saviour, praiseth Thee forever.

Kontakion of St Onuphrius (Tone 3)

Illumined by the radiance of the all-holy Spirit, O divinely wise one,  thou didst forsake all the tumults of life; and on reaching the desert, O venerable father, thou didst gladden God the Creator, Who is over all things. Wherefore, Christ, the great Bestower of gifts, doth glorify thee, O blessed one.

Kontakion of St Peter the Athonite (Tone 2)

Having withdrawn thyself from human companionship,  out of divine desire and love for thy Lord, O Peter, thou didst dwell in caves of stone and deep ravines; and thou didst receive from Him a crown.  Pray thou unceasingly, that we be saved.

THE VENERABLE ONUPHRIUS THE GREAT

This saintly hermit had been living in the desert for sixty full years when the monk Paphnutius visited him. His hair and beard reached to the ground and his body, due to a long period of nakedness, was covered with long hair. All his hair was white as snow and his entire appearance was brilliant, sublime and awesome. Seeing Paphnutius, Onuphrius called him by name and recounted to him his [Onuphrius’s] life in the wilderness. His guardian angel had appeared to him and brought him to this place in the wilderness. For a long time he had eaten only vegetables, which could rarely be found in the wilderness. After he had endured violent combat with the temptations of the demons, and his heart had been completely strengthened in the love of God, an angel of God brought him bread for nourishment. Besides that, by the good providence of God, there grew up next to his cell a palm tree that brought forth dates abundantly, and a spring of living water began to flow there. “However,” Onuphrius said: “I mostly nourish myself and quench my thirst with the sweet words of God.” To Paphnutius’s question as to how he received Holy Communion, the hermit answered that an angel of God brought him Holy Communion every Saturday. The next day the elder told Paphnutius that it was the day of his departure from this world; he knelt down, prayed to God and gave up his spirit unto God. At that moment Paphnutius saw a heavenly light illuminating the body of the reposed saint and heard the singing of angelic hosts. Having honorably buried the body of Onuphrius, Paphnutius returned to his monastery, that as a living witness he might narrate to others, for their benefit, the wondrous life of this man and the greatness of God’s providence toward those who have completely given themselves over to the service of God. Onuphrius died in the year 400 A.D.

VENERABLE PETER THE ATHONITE

Peter was a Greek by birth and a soldier by profession. Once, in battle against the Arabs, Peter was captured, bound in chains, and cast into prison. Peter remained imprisoned a long time in the town of Samara on the Euphrates River, and he constantly prayed that God would free him from prison and take him to a wilderness, where he would dedicate himself completely to a life of prayerful asceticism. St. Simeon the Receiver of God, together with St. Nicholas, appeared to him in prison and touched his iron chains with his staff; they melted like wax and Peter suddenly found himself in a field outside the town. He immediately set out for Rome, where he was tonsured a monk by the pope himself at the tomb of St. Peter. After this he again departed by boat for the east. The All-Holy Birth-giver of God, along with St. Nicholas, appeared to him in a dream, and the Birth-giver of God told St. Nicholas that she had designated Mt. Athos for Peter to live on in asceticism. Up to this time Peter had never heard of Mount Athos. Disembarking therefore on the Holy Mountain, Peter settled in a cave, where he remained for fifty-three years in difficult ascetic labors, in a struggle with hunger and thirst, with heat and cold, and especially with deomonic powers, until he had overcome all with the help of God. After he had endured the first temptations and had successfully passed the first difficult tests before God, an angel of God began to bring him bread every forty days.

On several occasions, the tempter–the devil–appeared to him under the guise of an angel of light, but Peter repelled him with the sign of the Cross and the name of the All-Holy Birth-giver of God. About a year before his death he was discovered by a hunter who was hunting deer around Athos, and from the mouth of the saint heard his life’s story. He died in the year 734 A.D. His relics were translated to Macedonia.