At first glance, nothing special happened in the life of Semyon Ivanovich Antonov, who was born in 1866 in the village of Tambov Uyezd, except for the fact that the boy grew up kind, strong and obedient. But from the age of four, he began to seek God. At nineteen, he wanted to go to the monastery, but found the Savior, being an ascetic on Mount Athos.
This and other details of the life of the Monk Silvanus of Athos were written in the book of his spiritual son, Archimandrite Sofronius, “The Elder Silvanus of Athos”, which consists of two parts.
Monk's Asceticism
In 1892, the old man came to Mount Athos, 26 years old, after he had finished his service in the sapper battalion of St. Petersburg. On the holy mountain the monk lived until his death. It was Elder Silouan who spoke and advised others that for salvation it is always necessary to remember the death and love of God. He owns the saying that a person should keep his mind in hell, but not fall into despair.
This suggests that all his life he felt the love of God for man and did not forget about the terrible torment prepared for people to be evil and cruel. Like many ascetics, Silvanus of Athos constantly prayed for the whole human race, and still constantly prayed Jesus.
The reverend died in 1938, leaving notes on spiritual life published in 1952. Surprisingly, the elder never studied anywhere, but many of his spiritual messages are equated with the new "Philokalia." The relics of Silwan of Athos in Moscow will awaken for several days at the end of September.
Bringing the relics of the saint to Russia
For 1000 years now, Russian monks have been present on Mount Athos, where the monastery of the Holy Martyr and Healer Panteleimon was built for them. And on this occasion, His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill, together with the Holy Kinot of Athos, gave their blessing so that the relics of Silvanus of Athos in Moscow and other cities could be seen and worshiped by people.
Until now, the honest head of the saint has never been taken out of the Athos St. Panteleimon Monastery, but now the time has come for the worship of all who wish this shrine. Recently, a special ark was made for the honest leader, and even with the relics of the old man, a miraculous icon will be delivered to Russia . It depicts the image of the Savior and they say that the reverend before her always prayed with tears, and once he was honored to see Christ for a moment.
While there will be relics of Silwan of Athos in Moscow, many pilgrims will be able to approach and venerate the shrine. And also ask the elder for help and pray to the Lord.
Where will the relics of Silvanes of Athos be brought to Moscow?
The following is planned. First, from September 19 to 20, the relics of Silwan of Athos in Moscow will be stayed on the Mount Athos in the Church of the Holy Great Martyr Nikita, and then on the evening of September 20, before the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, they will be delivered to the All-Night Vigil in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, where the service will be led by the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill.
The day after the liturgy with the participation of the Patriarch, the relics will be delivered to Danilov Monastery, where they will remain until September 24, then they will return to Mount Athos. In fact, the stay of the relics of Silwan of Athos in Moscow will last about five days.
Monk's Asceticism
This event is important not only for believers, but also for the country as a whole, and for everyone else. The main feature of the saint was his love for people. For forty-six years of life on Mount Athos, the old man gained the love of many monks. So, his name is also mentioned in the book of Archimandrite Ephraim the Holy Mountaineer “My Life with Elder Joseph”, where the author describes the reverend as a seer and a prayer book.
The more a person knows about the lives of such people, studies the Gospel, prays and goes to church, the clearer his future will be built before him, as well as past mistakes will not put pressure on his soul and lead him into depression or even despair.
Of course, not everyone will be able to come into contact with the shrine, but this is not important, the main thing is that such people once lived on earth, they live now, although we may not know about it, and will live until the end of time.