By Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria
The Church today commemorates Saint Silouan the Athonite, who is one of the greatest modern figures of the Athonite and broader Orthodox monasticism.
He was born in Russia in 1866 and his parents were pious Christians. After various ups and downs and confusions in his early youth, an apocalyptic vision of the Virgin Mary helped him to repent deeply and to long the monastic state.
In 1892, he went to the Garden of the Virgin Mary (Perivoli tis Panagias), on Mount Athos, in Saint Panteleimon’s Russian monastery. He became a monk in 1896.
Saint Silouan, won the love and appreciation of his companions, but also received many attacks from the devil. Having completely devoted himself to God, he soon started to receive gifts and experience unique God’s signs.
Although he was not well educated, he acquired rare wisdom and experience through his struggles and studies. Communication with him was a source of joy. He gave peace and rest to other people.
He completed his earthly course through praying and glorifying God. He fell asleep in death on September 24, 1938, on Mount Athos.
Source: Church of Cyprus
