St. Silouan the Athonite
St. Silouan (1866-1938), born Simeon Ivanovich Antonov to a peasant family in Russia's Tambov province, left for Mount Athos at age 27 and spent forty-six years as a simple monk of the Monastery of St. Panteleimon.
After a vision of the living Christ, he passed through years of spiritual struggle, receiving from the Lord the word "Keep thy mind in hell, and despair not," and became a teacher of humility, unceasing prayer, and love for enemies, weeping in prayer for the whole world. Though barely schooled, he left writings of extraordinary depth that were preserved and published by his disciple St. Sophrony (Sakharov) in the book Saint Silouan the Athonite; he was glorified by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 1987.
Keep thy mind in hell, and despair not.
The soul cannot know peace unless she prays for her enemies.
Blessed is the soul that loves her brother, for our brother is our life.
The Lord loves all men, but His love is greater for the man who seeks Him.
To pray for people is to shed blood.
Troparion · Tone 4
On the path of humility, by your prayers you received Christ as your Master. In your heart the Holy Spirit witnessed to your salvation. Therefore all people called to live in hope rejoice and celebrate your memory! Holy Father Silouan, pray to Christ God to save our souls.
Kontakion · Tone 8
During your life on earth you served Christ and followed His path; now in Heaven you contemplate Him Whom you have loved! Since you dwell with Him as He promised to His elect, holy Father Silouan, instruct us now in the path that you have traveled.
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