Hearing the Gospel call to forsake everything to follow the Lord, Saint Theodore, who was a wealthy nobleman, gave away all his possessions to the poor and became a monk in the Kiev Caves Lavra at the feet of the holy elder, Saint Basil. Making quick progress in his zeal but fragile in his inexperience, the Devil opposed him by suggesting worries about the future. Without recourse to the prior security of his wealth and status, Saint Theodore fell into despair as his anxieties took root. Recognizing the signs in his disciple, Saint Basil pulled him up from the abyss of doubt as the Lord did for Saint Peter by showing him that source of his struggle was a lack of faith and not any real vulnerability. Seeing the Saint’s befitting dependence upon his elder and enraged that his previous attack had only prompted the young monk to draw even closer to God, the Enemy of Mankind renewed his assault through an even more devious scheme. Saint Basil having left the monastery on a three month assignment, the Devil appeared to Saint Theodore in the guise of Basil, explained that he had returned early from his trip, and advised him to begin praying for the Lord to return his wealth again. The Evil One explained that, now that Theodore had been freed from his attachment to it, the money could be used for good purposes. In the days that followed, the Devil appeared in Saint Theodore’s dreams as an angel of light multiple times and revealed to him the location where a great treasure had been buried in the area in times past. Then, returning again as Pseudo Basil, the demon asked Saint Theodore to reveal to him the location of the treasure so that they could use the wealth for the Kingdom. Such were the lengths to which the Accuser was willing to go to enslave the Saint to his passions, and, having fallen prey again to deception, Saint Theodore succumbed to avarice and dreamed of absconding with the money to use for his own selfish purposes. As he was planning to act on his plan, the real Saint Basil returned and sought out his spiritual child. But Saint Theodore drove him away thinking that he had devised some ruse (“acting” as if he hadn’t seen him in a long time) to rob him of his precious treasure. Seeing that his victory was in a precarious position, the demon appeared yet again to the Saint exhorting him to leave the monastery that very night. In the meantime, the true Basil returned to Theodore’s cell with a group of faithful monks who testified to the fact that Saint Basil had indeed been away from the monastery for past three months. Realizing that he had again been tricked by the Devil and that his soul was in danger, Saint Theodore gave himself over again to repentance and was prescribed the obedience to let no one enter his cell without first reciting the Jesus Prayer that drives away the invisible foe. Then, he hid the accursed treasure again and prayed to God that he would forget its location permanently, a prayer which the Lord in His mercy granted. Finding peace and joy again, the now experienced warrior matured in the Faith and grew old under the guidance of Saint Basil in the wilderness to which they had retreated as hermits. Not willing to admit defeat, the Devil assailed Saint Theodore again by indirect means. The demon appeared in the guise of Saint Basil to a boyar close to Prince Mstislav and told him that the Monk Theodore had found the long-sought-for treasure. The Devil further explained that the Saint was looking for the right opportunity to leave the country and to take with him the wealth he had discovered. Hearing this, the Prince had Saints Theodore brought before him to question them on the matter. Warned by the God that something was amiss, Saint Basil left his retreat to join him. Saint Theodore freely revealed that he had once known the location of the treasure, but, by the prayers of Saint Basil, he had been blessed to forget it for his deliverance from the passions and the salvation of his soul. Thinking that he was being made to play the fool by two simple monks, the enraged Prince had the two men tortured and thrown into prison to await further interrogation. That night, however, the two Saints gave their souls into the Lord’s hands, having won the ultimate victory over the ever-thwarted Enemy.
Category: Thoughts of the Future
Indicates saints who were attacked by the demons in the form of thoughts of the future.
Martyr Jerusalem
A disciple of the Holy Virgin Martyr Oraiozela, Saint Jerusalem made Christ Jesus her bridegroom and entered the monastic life. Living with the “beautiful zeal” of her Spiritual Mother (Oraiozela means “beautiful zeal”), the grace of the Lord shined from her face to the spiritual benefit of all who came into contact with her. Unable to bear such power, a demon influenced a group of pagans to abduct her for the purpose of forcing her to sacrifice to the local idols and be married. Imitating yet again Saint Oraiozela, Saint Jerusalem steadfastly refused to deny Christ or her calling despite the cruel tortures which they subjected her. When they saw that, by the grace of God, she was impervious to their machinations, she was beheaded and carried off the martyr’s crown.
Athanasius the Athonite
The great builder of the Holy Mountain, Saint Athanasius began his life trying to hide himself away for the sake of hesychia. As a child he did not care to join in the rambunctious games of others his age, instead retiring into the forest where he played as abbot. When admiration for his stately and sober bearing led him into the service of an imperial general, he shunned all of the rich trappings of his office instead living like apart like a hermit in a city. Eventually, the holy man entered the monastic life, where he achieved his goal of retreat from the world on Mt. Athos which was at the time populated only by hermits. The devil, seeing in the young monk a future adversary he would not be able to overcome, assaulted him with all of his strength, particularly through the temptation of acedia (idleness, sloth, restlessness, loss of interest in spiritual things, feeling vaguely unwell). His heart as dry as a desert, he thought about leaving, but committed to staying where God had placed for at least a year. On the last day, having experienced no relief and making preparations to return to the world, Saint Athanasius was filled with the uncreated light which departed to him the gifts of joy and tears. Having overcome his trial by the grace of God, the Saint became a scourge of the enemy. By his prayers, he drove away a demon that had physically paralyzed some workmen who were building him a permanent structure on the place where he had received the gift of light. Building works began radiating out from there like the rays of the sun, with the saint overseeing the work and securing financial support for the projects from imperial benefactors, including the Emperor himself. The demons responded to the assault by stirring up dissension among the growing communities, and Saint Athanasius left Athos for a time. Called to Constantinople by the the Emperor John Tzimiskis who had assassinated Nicephoros Phocas (Athanasius’s spiritual child), the Saint so impressed the man that he doubled the support the monasteries on the Holy Mountain received from the crown, and sent a wise monk from the Stoudion Monastery back to Athos with the Saint to quell the unrest. This was accomplished through an imperial edict, the Tragos, which gave the communities there an official organization; it is preserved to this day in Karyes. Thus, the devil was overcome in both the personal life of the Saint and in the community that he helped to build – both literally and spiritually. The rest of his life was attended by countless other miracles, especially among the many lepers who came to him for aid. He lovingly referred to them as the greatest treasure of the Great Lavra.
Hymnography
As we the choirs of the fathers come together, let us acclaim the lover of Christ, the namesake of immortality, the true initiate of the Savior, and the boast and pride and guide of all solitaries, who was sanctified unto the Lord from infancy; for having conceived divine love in himself, he abandoned the delusion of the world, and took Christ’s yoke upon his shoulders. He manfully put to flight the hordes of demons, showing us in his deeds that more excellent way of divine love; for walking therein, he speedily reached the true light of the Trinity, Who is able to do all things. O amazing wonder, and work of divine magnificence! For he, being earthly in nature, became equal to the angelic essences, receiving infinite glory and honor from God; and he is become an intercessor for us, that we may attain to the eternal good things in the day of judgment.
(For the Entreaty, Second Troparion; Vespers)
The all-wondrous achievements of thy life in asceticism amazed the noetic powers and astonished mortals; for in this earthly body, thou didst wrestle with invisible enemies almost as though thou hadst been without flesh. Therefore, all the generations of the pious, and above all, thy venerable flock, the shining monument to thy labors, sing of thee. It is this flock which thou didst show to be a delightful city in the wilderness, which though didst establish as the beautiful dwelling of an army of monks, which is bedecked with thy wonders and thy noble contests as with costly vesture. Through thy prayers and intercessions, O Athanasius, it asketh that it be protected by Christ, Who hath great mercy.
(For the Entreaty, Third Troparion; Vespers)
Let us sound a trumpet of song; for the grace of the Spirit, resounding more clearly than any trumpet, calleth all together to the praise of our God-bearing Father. Ye kings and princes, marvel at the true servant of the King of all, who with the whole armor of the Divine Spirit put to flight the principalities and powers of the ruler of this world. Ye shepherds and teachers, let us acclaim him who is pure in doctrine, courageous in the Faith, or lofty understanding in divine vision; in works, soaring above the clouds; in doctrine, a torrent of delight; the guide of the erring, the support of the shaken, and most compassionate towards all in infirmity. As we extol this great boast of Athos, let us all say: O Athanasius, pinnacle of the Fathers, stand by thy servants in every hour, O our Father, and by thine entreaties , save thy flock.
(For the Entreaty, Doxastikon; Vespers)
Rejoice, thou who becamest the head of the ascetics, and their unconquered champion; for cutting the roots of the passions and bravely bearing the blows of the demons’ onslaughts, thou didst overcome their utter infirmity and their error, which slayeth souls; and thou didst show forth the great strength of the Savior’s Cross, making manifest that its might is invincible. Girding thyself therewith, thou overcamest all that reject Christ God’s divine and most honored appearance unto us in the flesh. O wise Athanasius, intercede with Him to grant His great mercy to our souls.
(For the Aposticha, Second Troparion; Vespers)
Thou wast a shining pillar of light raised up in virtues and a cloud overshadowing all those on the Mount of Athos, for whom thou wentest before, leading seers of God from earth to Heaven’s heights. By parting the passions’ sea with the rod of the Savior’s Cross and overcoming the invisible Amalek, thou didst find a clear passage leading up Heavenwards; there hast thou gained thine everlasting portion, O blest of God, as with the bodiless Angels, thou now dost stand at the throne of Christ in great joy and gladness. Intercede with Him to grant His great mercy to our souls.
(For the Aposticha, Third Troparion; Vespers)
The Angel’s ranks were awed by thy life in the flesh, how, though corporeal, and clad with earthly clay, thou didst set forth with courage to invisible wars and wrestlings and didst boldly smite the hordes of the demons with mortal wounds. Wherefore, Christ rewarded thee with abundant gifts in return. Entreat Him that our souls fund salvation, O most renowned Father Athanasius.
(Apolytikion)
Making thy mind governor over the passions, and having thy footsteps guided by godly deeds, thou didst walk the good road unto the end, piously warding off the ambushes and treacheries and knaveries of the demons, since thou didst wisely choose the better.
(Ode Four, First Troparion; Orthros Canon)
Having marvelously received thy calling from on high, thou didst inherit immortal life. For though in a body, thou didst lead the life of the bodiless on the earth, becoming invincible to passions. Therefore we extol thee, O Father:
Rejoice, bright glory of monastics; rejoice, shinning pillar of chastity.
Rejoice, far-seen token of courage; rejoice, proof of all-wise prudence.
Rejoice, impartial scales of exact justice; rejoice, thou who madest the fervency of thy deeds conformable to reason.
Rejoice, mind enjoying ineffable intellections; rejoice, thou who didst reverently study all creation.
Rejoice, thou by whom demons have been shamed; rejoice, thou by whom every passion is slain.
Rejoice, haven for those in the tempest of life; rejoice, savior of them that faithfully cry to thee:
Rejoice, O Father Athanasius.
(Ikos; Orthros Canon)
Vigorously thrusting back the principalities and powers of darkness, O Athanasius, thou becamest a mighty teacher and saving guide, laying bare their treacheries and ambushes and guile, and preserving thy flock unharmed from all the demons’ villainy.
(Ode Eight, First Troparion; Orthros Canon)
Truly precious in Thy sight, O Christ, hath been the death of Thy Saint; for behold, even after death, how Thy servant wondrously hath gushed forth from his holy foot a spring of blood, which doth ever drive away all kinds of sickness; and it doth put to flight spirits of wickedness, which this blessed man while yet alive on earth fought against with bold resistance even unto blood.
(For the Praises, First Troparion; Orthros)
Christ the Lord hath shown us mortal men thy relics ven’rable shrine as a fountain of miracles and a river filled with gifts, Athanasius supremely wise. For it hath granted their sight unto the blind and hath purged elephantitis away; it cleanseth leprosy; and those vexed with unclean spirits are set free from the demons’ power and they are made sound and whole.
(For the Praises, Second Troparion; Orthros)
New Martyr Procopios
Becoming a monk in his youth on the Holy Mountain, Saint Procopios was respected by the brethren for his simplicity of faith. The Devil, however, unleashed an endless assault of temptation suggesting that he return to the world. Unable to resist, the Saint finally gave in. Embittered by his weakness, Procopios despaired and ran to Islam in a vain attempt to hide himself from the Lord. Coming to himself at the moment of his circumcision, the Saint was convinced of God’s mercy for sinners, and confessed his apostasy. From then on, he zealously sought for a time where he might boldly Christ before men. When the time came, and he was hauled before the tribunal, he repudiated his Muslim turban and donned a monastic skoufia explaining that he had only accepted Islam after being deceived by the Devil. He proclaimed that there was nothing at all left him in but Christ. Shortly thereafter, he was found worthy to receive a martyr’s crown, thereby triumphing over the enemy.
Gregory, Disciples of Nicetas of Thebes
This saint was shaped into the very image of his Spiritual father, Nicetas of Thebes. After becoming a monastic, he lived as a hermit on the island of Oreos in Greece, spending several years in silence and prayer. When visitors were invariably drawn to him, he taught them to resist the evil thoughts suggested by the devil. To do so he equipped them with the weapons of humility, watchfulness, righteous anger, rebuke, and cleansing prayer that gushes forth from a heart given to divine eros.
James, who through Deception Venerated the Devil
Eager to test himself with great feats of asceticism, Saint James sought solitude before he was ready for it against the instructions of his spiritual father. Closing himself off in a cave, he hurled himself into a battle he did not understand, and, his efforts having seemingly been met with success, a destructive pride took root in his soul. After some time, a demon appeared to him the guise of an angel of light and told him to prepare himself because the Lord Himself would come to fill him with His Divine grace to an even greater degree. Having been thoroughly deceived, the disobedient and pretentious solitary made his preparations and, when a glorious figure appeared, Saint James prostrated himself before him. The devil, for that is who had actually appeared, then struck the man on the head and disappeared. Distraught and defeated, the monk left his retreat and went in tears to a holy elder who lived nearby. Seeing Saint James, the holy man exclaimed that he had been made a plaything of Satan, and instructed him to go and live the coenobitic life in a monastery. Obeying as he should have in the beginning, Saint James went and did just that. After long years of humility and obedience, he was given the blessing to retire to his cell where, as a well-seasoned warrior, he was able to achieve those things he had once tried to achieve out pf pride and out of order. Through faithfully keeping the strict rule of prayer given by his spiritual father, God eventually counted him worthy of the grace to work miracles. Redeemed and restored from his grievous fall, Saint James departed this life in peace.
Cyril, Archbishop of Alexandria
When the great beacon of the Church, elucidator of the Hypostatic union, and champion of the Theotokos, Saint Cyril of Alexandria, had been newly consecrated as Patriarch, he set out to immediately crush the last vestiges of paganism in the lands under his authority. One of the final strongholds of the enemy was an oracle in the city of Menuthis which was infamous for its demonically-inspired revelations. Saint Cyril decided to translate the relics of Saints Cyrus and John to the city, leading the week-long procession himself. Upon arrival, the grace of God working through the presence of His saints drove off the demons who could not bear to be in their presence. Thus through the decisive and God-inspired action of Saint Cyril, the city was liberated from demonic tyranny and was brought under the protection of Saints Cyrus and John.
Hymnography
Made strong in Christ, O Cyril, with steadfast resolve thou hast destroyed the devices of the crooked dragon like a spider’s web.
(Ode Three, First Troparion; Orthros Canon)