Before conscription age, the elder was a peasant. After serving, Elder Silouan decided to become a monk.
The following record about the elder has been preserved on Mount Athos:
Schemamonk Father Silouan, worldly name - Semyon Ivanovich Antonov, peasant of the Tambov province, Lebedinsky district, Shovsky volost and village. Born in 1866, came to Mount Athos in 1892, was tonsured in 1896; to the schema - in 1911. Obediences took place: at the Mill, at the Kalamarei metoch (the property of the Monastery outside Athos), in Old Nagorno-Rusik, in Economy. Died 11/24 September 1938.
Brief biography
At first glance, from the outside, Silouan's life looks simple and unheroic. The saint did not become famous for his theological works, impressive sermons, or a large flock that listened to every word of the teacher. During his lifetime, Silouan was sometimes called a saint for his frenzied love for the Savior and longing for God. Silouan’s works are imbued with the desire to serve the Almighty by faith and a deep desire to get closer to Divine truths.
The texts of the Athonite elder are simple, contain the spiritual experience acquired by Silouan, and make a deep impression on priests experienced in theology and ordinary believers.
Origin
Siluan (in the world Semyon) - from a simple peasant family in the Tambov province, was born in 1866. Pious parents instilled in the boy faith in God. The saint recalled how meek, humble and gentle his father was. One day, the fasting parents ate the meat Silouan had prepared on a fast day without saying a word.
After a long time, the father remembered his son’s mistake and pointed out the mistake without reproach or reproach. The parents ate lunch with disgust, but silently, not wanting to embarrass Silouan.
The young guy was distinguished by his physical strength and prowess, he loved to walk and have fun, and he sinned a lot in his youth. He worked a lot, was resilient, helped his parents in the field. Silouan asked his father for permission to enter a monastery, but his parents suggested that he first undergo military service. Silouan served in St. Petersburg in the sapper troops. The daring guy gradually cooled down to the monastic life, spent his days having fun and drinking.
One day, after another binge, I saw in a dream that he was swallowing a snake. I woke up in horror and heard a woman's voice. Quietly and mournfully, the Mother of God said that it was as bitter for her to look at the actions of the young man as it was for him after the unpleasant dream. Instantly horrified by his unrighteous life, Silouan went to talk with the great elder John of Kronstadt.
The meeting did not take place; the young man left the elder a letter asking for blessings and prayers for him. A short time after the trip, according to Silouan’s recollections, he was surrounded by “hell flames,” which became the saint’s companion for many years. The decision was taken. In 1892, Silouan went to Athos, where he entered the Panteleimon Monastery.
Life and service to God
In 1896, on Mount Athos, Silouan adopted the schema. At the monastery, the saint served as a housekeeper, performed many chores, and collaborated with workers and laypeople. The outer life of the saint seems quiet and simple; pilgrims did not come to him in droves in thirst for teachings and instructions. The life of Silouan is an example of deep inner work, the search for God's grace, and the struggle against God-forsakenness, which the monk overcame throughout his life.
Upon entering the monastery, the saint felt deep grace, a thirst for spiritual life, and the closeness of the Lord, which shocked Silouan. After a short time, the monk felt lost, left by Christ alone with dark forces, “hell fire,” demons that surrounded and darkened his mind in a dense ring. In his later years, Silouan explained this by his own vanity and pride. The monk was constantly tempted by demons, either instilling in him thoughts of already achieved holiness, or assuring him that his sins were so great that forgiveness was impossible.
In moments of extreme despair, when prayers did not bring relief, and the mind refused to serve, the saint was likened to seeing Christ. The bright flash lasted a moment, a hot fire pierced Silouan’s entire body, until the living Jesus appeared before his eyes and put into his thoughts the words “Keep your mind in hell and do not despair.” In the eyes of Christ, Silouan saw and felt with his whole being the immeasurable and incomprehensible love of the Lord.
The short command of Jesus to the saint has been interpreted by Christian theologians for many years. Silouan received the covenant at the beginning of the 20th century, which became a series of wars, revolutions, and tragedies on a global scale. The hell that surrounds Silvanus, which Jesus spoke about, is a difficult path of awareness of sins and the need for repentance. A person needs to feel with his mind and heart his sinfulness, his departure from the commandments of Christ, the loss of his divine essence.
Important: The Lord leaves hope to the saint and all people with a short call - “don’t despair,” ask the Almighty for help, mercy, forgiveness.
The saint slept little and spent the time not occupied with work in prayer. I loved listening to Divine Scripture. He treated the monks with kindness and sympathy, never embarrassed or blamed others. Those who knew the saint closely considered him a man of strong will and special strength of spirit. He was not angry, he was meek and friendly with everyone.
The saint's speech was simple and understandable; he did not give the impression of a learned man. After talking with him, the brothers left comforted and peaceful.
Reference: Silouan was able to pacify the demons in his soul and achieve dispassion by the age of 60. At this time he met with Sophrony.
Death
The life of the saint was outwardly quiet, calm, without shocks. Silouan had no disciples, crowds of lay people did not seek his company. As quietly as he lived, the saint died on September 24, 1938. Canonized in 1988 as St.
Childhood
When little Semyon was 4 years old, his father gave shelter to a wanderer at home; it was on the eve of a holiday, and this man sold books and turned out to be an educated and interesting conversationalist. Unexpectedly for himself, Semyon heard something completely unusual: that Christ is not Lord at all, and that there is no God.
As an argument, the wanderer asked: “Where is He, your God?”; and then the little boy thought: “When I grow up, I will go all over the world to seek the Lord.” When the wanderer left the house, little Semyon said to his father: “You teach me to pray, but the wanderer said that there is no God.” The father replied: “I thought he was a smart man, but he turned out to be a fool. Do not listen to him". The father's answer did not remove doubts from the boy's soul.
After Semyon felt faith in himself, his mind turned to the Lord, and he prayed tirelessly with tears. Then the elder realized that a desire for monastic life was growing within him. Semyon began to beg his father to let him go to the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, but he was adamant: “First finish your military service, and then you will be free to go.”
Semyon grew up to be a handsome, brave and strong young man. One Easter, after a festive meat meal, when his brothers had gone away, he stayed at home, his mother boiled him almost 50 eggs, and he ate them all. In those years, Semyon worked on the estate of Prince Trubetskoy, and on holidays he went to an establishment where he could drink about 3 liters of vodka, but he was never drunk.
One day, in severe frost, the horse’s hooves froze to the ice and the horse did not allow it to be knocked down. Semyon held the horse's head with his hands and it did not resist. With his bare hands, the young man could take a hot pot of cabbage soup and move it from the stove to the table. With a blow of his fist, Semyon could break a thick board.
Canonization and veneration of a saint
The life and spiritual quest of Silouan became known thanks to his younger comrade, Archimandrite Sophronius, who wrote a book about the saint. The work “Elder Silouan” is considered by the church fathers to be the best Orthodox book of the 20th century. It tells about the spiritual quest of a saint who struggled with despondency, temptations, passions, lost and again found God in his soul. Silouan is revered as a true Christian, who realized and fought against his own sinfulness, sought help and consolation from the Lord, and prayed tirelessly to overcome hell within himself.
The saint did not want glory or fame during his lifetime, and did not teach. He dreamed of learning humility and meekness. Giving his notes to Sophrony, the elder complained that he was illiterate and asked to correct them and make them public. Sophrony highly revered the saint and glorified him throughout the world with his book. The canonization took place in 1988, the memorial day of Silouan of Athos is September 24.
Elder Silouan: how to become a saint when there is vanity all around
In the eyes of many, the ideal and pinnacle of monastic life is silence and silence. Nothing external distracts you - at most, the brothers with their complex characters - but the rest is all around: concentration and pristine nature: for example, the desert, forest or Mount Athos rocks. And where there are people and bustle, a deep spiritual life is impossible. This is one of the reasons for despondency among city residents who are surrounded by everything that can interfere with concentration.
The life of Saint Silouan is proof that such an idea of spiritual life is nothing more than “stamps”, because if everything was exactly like that, the monk Silouan would not have become a saint.
Elder Silouan labored in the largest monastery of Athos - the Russian Panteleimon Monastery - and performed the most “worldly” and fussy obedience - housekeeper. He had to supervise all the work done in the monastery by non-monks - simple pilgrims or hired workers and builders. It seems that he even worked for some time in a store at the monastery.
see also: who is a monk and why do they join a monastery?
The Monk Silouan maintained a responsible attitude to his work, and knew how (or rather, learned) to keep unceasing prayer in his heart.
Several monks from Panteleimon Monastery. The Monk Silouan of Athos sits on the far left in the first row.
For us, this is an inspiring example that the integrity of spiritual life does not depend in any way on what is around a person. A village or a city, a herd of cows or kilometer-long endless traffic jams - it doesn’t matter.
Iconography
Photographs of the saint have been preserved. People who knew the elder claim that his face was not as stern and tough as in the photo. All icons were painted after the death and canonization of Silouan. The saint is usually depicted with his hands raised in prayer to God. Open palms symbolize humility, surrender to the will of the Almighty. The holy elder prays for all people, asks for mercy and forgiveness. The famous and revered icon is kept in a Romanian monastery. There are copies of it in Russian churches.
Advice from above
But soon the Goodness of God reminded itself. One day, when Simeon returned from another walk and fell asleep, either in a half-asleep, or in a subtle sleepy vision, he suddenly saw himself as if from the outside. At the same time, he witnessed with his own eyes how the disgusting serpent penetrated into him.
Feeling disgusted and horrified, Simeon woke up and immediately heard a mysterious voice. It was the voice of the Most Pure Mother of God. The Mother of God explained that just as it was disgusting for him to look at the swallowing of the snake, so it was hard for Her to look at his sinful life.
As a result of such extraordinary admonition, Simeon realized that he was wrong, repented heartily, and thanked the Heavenly Queen for her attention and kindness. After this incident, he was again inflamed with zeal for the Lord, fired up with a desire to live according to God’s law, in accordance with his conscience.
Creative heritage
The holy elder left records that became known thanks to his student Sophronius. Silouan's works are simple texts in notebooks, often with repetitions, which reflect the spiritual experience of the monk. These are not theological works, written according to a rational decision with a plan and a breakdown of topics.
“The Holy Spirit draws us to write” - this is how Silouan interpreted his texts. The elder’s notes make an indelible impression on everyone, since he described his own experience and relied on what he himself experienced. Deep and meaningful theological work often comes from prayer rather than intellectual effort.
The saint wrote about boundless love for God, and prayed that everyone would be given the opportunity to comprehend the love of the Most High. The elder saw with his own eyes the demons that distracted him from his prayers and prevented him from getting rid of sinful thoughts. Silouan called for constant prayer to overcome hellfire. The ingenuous words of the holy elder penetrate the soul, amaze with their depth and sincerity, and testify to great spiritual work:
“Whoever loves the Lord always remembers Him, and the memory of God gives birth to prayer. If you do not remember the Lord, then you will not pray, and without prayer the soul will not remain in the love of God, for through prayer the grace of the Holy Spirit comes.”
The illiterate son of a peasant was able to find words that people could understand and generously shared what he had learned during long prayers. The book with the texts of the saint is often republished in different languages.
Quotes from Silouan of Athos
- “God always surrounds us with those people with whom we need to heal from our shortcomings.”
- “Friendship with someone who has a pure heart is valuable, but meeting him is more difficult than finding water in the desert.”
- “An overfilled vessel overflows. So a person’s overflowing heart pours out onto his neighbors what it is full of.”
- “If they bring dirt into your house, don’t ask where it comes from, throw it away immediately; If thoughts of condemnation enter your mind, do not inquire whether they are right or wrong - they are only dirt.”
- “To be saved, you must humble yourself. Because even if a proud person is forced into heaven, he will not find peace there either and will be dissatisfied and say: “Why am I not in first place?” But a humble soul is filled with love and does not seek primacy, but desires the good of everyone and is content with everything.”
- “Don't teach children to be rich, but teach them to be happy. Then, when they grow up, they will know the value of things, not their price.”
What do they ask the elder for?
Prayerful appeals to the saint have special power. The elder himself prayed constantly, interrupting only for a short nap. Silouan said that prayer saves the world, as long as it sounds, everyone is safe. If it goes quiet, the world will collapse.
What kind of help is asked from the saint:
- About softening the anger of your own heart, peace, readiness to forgive others for errors and mistakes.
- About liberation from unbelief, finding love for God. Prayer to a saint helps with the feeling that God has abandoned, faith has been lost, and helps to cultivate humility and meekness.
- About the increase of love, the reconciliation of warring parties, the end of quarrels and insults, family feuds and misunderstandings of loved ones.
- About liberation from bad passions, inclinations, and sinful thoughts.
- About healing from illnesses for yourself and your loved ones. For headaches, migraines.
- Help in difficult questions, finding the right path.
- About liberation from pride, vanity, ambition.
In front of the icon of Silouan they pray for worldly affairs and ask for help in spiritual life. The saint especially emphasized that prayers should be offered for good people and sinners, those who are unpleasant, and enemies. Christ is love and mercy. You need to pray for everyone, surrendering with all your soul, earnestly, to the point of exhaustion.
First big sin
The strength of the young man, which was useful to him in the future for accomplishing feats, became the cause of his first great sin, which Silouan of Athos spent a long time praying for.
On one of the holidays, when all the villagers were outside, Semyon walked with his friends and played the harmonica. Two brothers, working as shoemakers in the village, walked towards them. The eldest was of enormous height and strength, and besides, he loved to scandalize. He began to take the accordion from Semyon. He handed it over to his comrade, and asked the shoemaker to calm down and go on his way. It did not help. A heavy fist flew towards Semyon.
This is how Saint Silouan of Athos himself recalled this incident: “At first I wanted to give in, but then I felt ashamed that the residents would laugh at me. So I hit him hard in the chest. The shoemaker flew several meters away, and blood and foam gushed from his mouth. I thought I killed him. Thank God, everything worked out. They pumped it out for about half an hour, pouring cold water on it. Then they lifted him up with difficulty and took him home. He finally recovered only after two months. Afterwards I had to be very careful, because two brothers were constantly lying in wait on the street with knives and clubs. But the Lord saved me.”
Prayer text
O wonderful servant of God, Father Silouan! By the grace given to you by God, pray tearfully for the entire universe, the dead, the living and the future, do not be silent for us to the Lord, who diligently fall to you and touchingly ask for your intercession (names). Move, O all-blessed one, to prayer the Zealous Intercessor of the Christian race, the Most Blessed Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, who miraculously called you to be a faithful worker in Her earthly city, where the chosen one of God begs God for our sins, merciful and long-suffering, so that our untruths and iniquities are not remembered , but according to the ineffable goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ, to spare and save us according to His great mercy. She, servant of God, with the Most Blessed Lady of the World - the Most Holy Abbess of Athos and Her holy ascetics, ask the saints for the most holy Word of the holy Mount Athos and its God-loving desert dwellers to be preserved from all the troubles and slander of the enemy in the world. Yes, the Angels deliver the saints from evil and strengthen them in faith and brotherly love with the Holy Spirit, until the end of the century they pray for the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and show everyone the saving path, and the Earthly and Heavenly Church constantly glorifies the Creator and Father of Lights, enlightening and illuminating peace in the eternal truth and goodness of God. Ask the people of the entire earth for a prosperous and peaceful life, a spirit of humility and brotherly love, good morals and salvation, a spirit of fear of God. Let it not be malice and lawlessness that harden the hearts of men, which can destroy the love of God in men and cast them into godless enmity and fratricide, but in the power of Divine love and truth, as in heaven and on earth, hallowed be the name of God, may His holy will be done in men , and may peace and the Kingdom of God reign on earth.
Likewise, ask for your earthly Fatherland - the land of Russia, the servant of God, the longed-for peace and heavenly blessing, covered by the all-powerful omophorion of the Mother of God, to get rid of famine, destruction, cowardice, fire, sword, invasion of foreigners and internecine warfare and from all visible enemies and invisible, and thus remain the most holy house of the Most Blessed Mother of God until the end of the age, the Life-giving Cross by the power, and be established in the inexhaustible love of God. For all of us, who are immersed in the darkness of sins and warmth of repentance, who have no lower fear of God and who constantly insult the Lord who loves us immeasurably, ask, O all-blessed one, from our All-Bountiful God, so that with His All-powerful divine grace He will visit and revive our souls and all evil and let the pride of life, despondency and negligence in our hearts be abolished. We also pray that we, strengthened by the grace of the All-Holy Spirit and warmed by the love of God, in philanthropy and brotherly love, in humble crucification for one another and for everyone, may be established in the truth of God and well strengthened in the gracious love of God, and will draw closer to the filial One. Yes, thus, doing His all-holy will, in all piety and purity of temporary life, let us walk the path unashamedly and with all the saints of the Heavenly Kingdom and His Lamb we will be honored. To Him from all earthly and heavenly be glory, honor and worship, with His Beginningless Father, His Most Holy and Good and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
A short prayer for everyday needs:
“O great servant of God, venerable and God-bearing Father Silouan! Look upon us (names), humble and weak, and burdened with many sins, for your help and consolation of those asking: approach us with your mercy and help us (content of the petition). We now place our hope in you, merciful father: lead us to the unevening light of eternal life by your favorable intercession at the throne of the Most Holy Trinity, so that we glorify and sing with all the saints the venerable name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen".
Military service
The hardships of military duties did not frighten Simeon. The army service he served in St. Petersburg helped strengthen his character and taught him responsibility and diligence. He thought more and more decisively about monastic life, far from worldly temptations and meaningless vanity.
Several times Simeon donated the accumulated money to the needs of the Athonite monks. On this occasion, a saying developed among his colleagues that his mind was on the Holy Mountain and on the Last Judgment.
When his military service was nearing its end, Simeon decided to visit John of Kronstadt, ask for his blessing for monasticism and receive pastoral guidance. Not finding Father John on the spot, he wrote and left him a note asking for prayers. And the very next day, being in the location of the unit, Simeon felt as if he was in the midst of a roaring hellish flame. This feeling helped him confirm his desire to leave the world and devote himself to the service of God.
Akathist
Kontakion 1
Chosen prayer book and fragrant village of the Spirit, Reverend Silouan, ever shedding tears on the earth, burned with the desire that all people would be saved and see the glory of God. But since in illness you have acquired the womb of Christ, deliver us from the sorrow of sin, so that our lips may be filled with the Spirit and sing to you: Rejoice, great Silouan, sweetest theologian.
Ikos 1
The Angelic King, who from youth called you by His grace, ordained you, the wise Silouana, to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that you may testify to the world about the love of God, and raise people from the abyss of despair, gratefully calling to you: Rejoice, radiance of the Father’s love. Rejoice, preacher of Christ’s all-forgiveness Rejoice, warmth, filled with the Holy Spirit Rejoice, beauty of the primordial image Rejoice, through whom tears flow Rejoice, through whom meanings are purified Rejoice, branch of the crucified Russian land Rejoice, tree of life, bearing sweet fruits Rejoice, paradise, mediated by the meek Christ Rejoice, fruitful vines of Christ Rejoice, enlightening minds with the fire of grace. Rejoice, healing souls with the flame of love. Rejoice, great Silouane, sweetest theologian.
Kontakion 2
Seeing you in the abyss of sin, the Most Pure Virgin is perishing, she is merciful towards you and with quiet words she calls to repentance. But you, Holy Father, having known You by the Spirit, never forgot your wondrous visit and the gentle voice of God to Mother, but were ever drawn to Her, singing with love: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Having acquired heavenly intelligence through repentance, and as part of my journey I accepted the prayers of the great shepherd John, like a thirsty sheep, you moved into the courtyard of Panteleimon, where, in the midst of hellish burning, you were crucified to the world, saying: “Here I will die for my sins.” We, marveling at the strength of your repentance, cry out to you: Rejoice, you who loved Christ more than your own soul; Rejoice, you who followed the Lamb of God; Rejoice, gold, purified by the fire of temptation; Rejoice, censer, lifted up by the flame of repentance; Rejoice, courageous warrior of Christ; Rejoice, filled with immaculate obedience; Rejoice! , mountain, overshadowed by the darkness of God's abandonment, Rejoice, who thought of the inexorable God in the night of Gethsemane. Rejoice, for the mystery of Christ's exhaustion has been revealed to you. Rejoice, for you have despaired, that you may comfort many. Rejoice, having ascended from youth to the heights of perfection. Rejoice, the Lord was crucified and resurrected in a wondrous image. Rejoice, great Silouan, sweetest theologian.
Kontakion 3
Let us receive the power of the Jesus Prayer into your heart from the Most Pure Theotokos, Tuna, who, O blessed One, was subjected to many enemy attacks, but with vigil, fasting and incessant flows of your tears, you propitiated the Lord and sang to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having you as a teacher and mentor, Silouan the God-bearing, we strengthen ourselves for the feat of the cross. For you have learned from the Lord by the path of eternal life and have received the revelation of heavenly mysteries by the Holy Spirit, by Him we are inspired to sing to you: Rejoice, Christ-shaped mind Rejoice, heart enlarged by the commandment of Christ Rejoice, for your body has been sanctified by the Holy Spirit Rejoice, for your relics are fragrant with your faith Rejoice , Mysterious Holy Trinity Rejoice, beloved son of the Heavenly Father Rejoice, close friend of Christ Rejoice, fiery mouth of the Holy Spirit Rejoice, ineffable theologian of reality Rejoice, thou who drew the streams of God's love on the perch of Christ Rejoice, river that watereth the ends of God with the knowledge of God Rejoice, treasury of those who thirst for water Rejoice! great Silouane, sweetest theologian.
Kontakion 4
We will not be afraid of the storms of life and the thoughts of our souls, Our Father Silouan, for your words are the lamp of our feet and the light of our paths. Through you we have learned to consider ourselves inferior to all and to long for the humility of Christ, singing a victorious song to our enemies: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
May the earth hear and rejoice in the mercy of the Lord, as the living Christ incomprehensibly appeared to you, Reverend Silouan, and made you worthy to enjoy the Holy Spirit, through whom you knew the Lord and loved Him to the end. We, marveling at this indescribable theophany, please you: Rejoice, you who beheld the meek and humble One Rejoice, you who longed to be like Him Rejoice, for you filled you with the sweetness of the Spirit of everything Rejoice, for you martyrically thirsted for the suffering of Christ for the sake of Rejoice, the quiet and meek gaze of Christ, never forgetting Rejoice please , following Him continually with tears, seeking Rejoice, raised from hell to the vision of the face of God Rejoice, having heard there unspeakable verbs Rejoice, partaker of the glory of the sons of the Resurrection Rejoice, seer of the mysteries of God's love for mankind Rejoice, illuminated by the Spirit by the theology of the Creator Rejoice, Him who preached the merciful and all-forgiving Rejoice, great Silouane , sweetest theologian.
Kontakion 5
Illuminated with uncreated light, in you, Father, wisdom is hedgehog and in Christ Jesus, Who has shown you to be a marvelous new theologian and prayer book, watering the world with tears, so that all people will know God, just as you have known Him through the Holy Spirit, and will turn to Him in joy calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Having seen that perfect grace had diminished, you had already accepted that when you appeared to Christ, you were overcome with tears, O Reverend, and having gone through many fiery temptations, you painfully learned how grace is acquired and how it is preserved. In the same way, as grace to the mysterious and wise ascetic, we sing to you: Rejoice, you who miss the Lord with your soul; Rejoice, you who yearn for the streams of eternal life; Rejoice, captivated by the beauty of the Face of God; Rejoice, star, who is weeping from the night; Rejoice, you who suffer from intelligent enemies tormented by many, Rejoice, crying out with sighs to the One who is able to save Rejoice, calling on mercy with the cry of the Seraphim Rejoice, having acquired grace as an inheritance through suffering Rejoice, receiving spiritual intelligence with the blood of Rejoice, having given us this knowledge, like a treasure, Rejoice, by whom we are inspired, destroyed by the sobs of perception Rejoice, great Silouan , sweetest theologian.
Kontakion 6
You appeared to the world as a preacher of unconditional love for enemies, O Reverend Silouana, as the Holy Spirit made you like the crucified Christ, and taught you to have mercy on your enemies like your own children and to pray tearfully for them. And grant us, beloved father, this true knowledge, which is eternal life, so that with you we may sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Shine upon you the light of reason, O wise Silouana, when after fifty years of struggle your spirit becomes discouraged, the voice of the Lord shows you the way to humility, saying: “Keep your mind in hell and do not despair.” Having accepted this rule as an invincible weapon against our enemies, we gratefully cry out to you: Rejoice, God-taught ascetic, Rejoice, shining light of those who exist in darkness, Rejoice, like-minded father of the ancients, father of the desert, Rejoice, enriched with the mind of the saints, Rejoice, having shared in the feat of Seraphim in the spirit, Rejoice, having come to be a perfect man by fiery work Rejoice, to whom the secret of love, which is humility, was revealed Rejoice, to whom our desperate age received healing Rejoice, the humility of Christ, like beads seeking Rejoice, who burned pride with God’s ordained law Rejoice, like Christ, exhausted by obedience to hell Rejoice, the path of His commandments flowed with merry feet Rejoice , great Silouan, sweetest theologian.
Kontakion 7
Although all mankind may be saved, the Lord who loves mankind will leave you to taste the torments of hell, for you will be a fiery prayer book for those languishing in hell and the shadow of death, for whom in the night he interceded for joy and peace with great tears, so that they will not be deprived of the glory and love of such a God, but may everyone sing in non-evening light: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
The new Adam appeared in the universe, blessed, by the Holy Spirit you recognized within yourself the mystery of the fall of the primordial, and repented before heaven and earth, you cried out: “Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.” Moreover, the Heavenly Powers kept you in fear, and rejoicing at your repentance, you cried out: Rejoice, for the deprivation of the glory of God was weeping with Adam’s lament. Rejoice, you who watered the earth with streams of tears. Rejoice, for the desert of the world mysteriously listened to you. Rejoice, for you have received the heavenly and royal packages. Rejoice, all of you. human races overwhelmed by repentance Rejoice, you who interceded for the knowledge of God's mercy for all Rejoice, who through illnesses restored the pristine beauty Rejoice, king and priest according to the order of Melchizedek Rejoice, sacrifice offered on the universal altar Rejoice, for now the time of Adam's lamentation has passed away Rejoice, for you will endure forever to Christ, O Himmers Dasha your soul Rejoice, and give us the grace of Adam's repentance. Rejoice, great Silouan, sweetest theologian.
Kontakion 8
A strange thing has happened to you, venerable one, since you are not involved in worldly wisdom, you have known the ineffable of God, and you have theologized the mysteries of the future age, the face of the luminous Holy Spirit, who through your lips tell us how great it is to acquire the humble Spirit of the love of Christ, who has mercy on everyone. , singing to the Lord: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
Having been completely in conformity with the word of the Gospel, you have found a heart that has mercy on all creation, and like the Heavenly Father who kissed the prodigal son, every brother of yours has become dear to you. And like a flame, so that all people would know the Lord, you cried out: “Give me, Lord, tears, so that my soul may cry for love for my brother day and night.” In the same way, we all magnify you as the evangelist of heaven: Rejoice, partaker of Gethsemane’s lament Rejoice, village containing God and man Rejoice, strangely combining sorrow and joy in yourself Rejoice, dearest fruit of the world Rejoice, most pure of oil, healing the brokenhearted Rejoice, quiet one in the light, uplifting the desperate ones Rejoice, you have always suffered for the poor and humiliated Rejoice, you have warmed grieving souls with the warmth of the Spirit Rejoice, like Seraphim, merciful to wild beasts Rejoice, freed from darkness now humbly reigning Rejoice, source of tears, washing the conscience Rejoice, eagle, under the wing of the sky and the one who gathers the earth, Rejoice, great Silouan, sweetest theologian.
Kontakion 9
Secretly listening to all the Heavenly Powers, chanting the suffering of the Lord, you foresaw Christ before you, blessed, stretching out your hands on the Cross, let us be humble, and the sweetest song that the Holy Spirit taught you, you cherubically sang to Him in your soul: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
Victory the wise of this age, conquering, spiritually wrote you from the face of God's mercy, blessed Silouan, so that all the pagans under heaven will come to the knowledge of the truth of one God. And we receive your book, like the fire of the Comforter, by which the hardened are softened and tears of tenderness are given, we sing to you with gratitude: Rejoice, animated Gospel, by which the ends are enlightened Rejoice, book written with the reed of the Spirit Rejoice, by which the Good News has gone forth again into all the earth Rejoice, by which is new Philokalia has been given to the world Rejoice, depth of mysteries revealed in simple words Rejoice, height of perfection offered to all Rejoice, inexhaustible treasure of theology Rejoice, prophetic mouth, image of the Holy Spirit of the verb Rejoice, teach with authority, heir of the Apostles Rejoice, inexhaustible source of healing waters Rejoice, sting , to the love of heaven, the wounding Rejoice, rod, flowing streams from stone Rejoice, great Silouan, sweetest theologian.
Kontakion 10
Thirsting for the salvation of the human race, you became like Christ praying in Gethsemane, that you might redeem everything from the curse of the law, for the Holy Spirit filled you with the love of Christ, even as he dies, that others may live, and thus seeing in each of your brothers the image of the glory of God, you shed blood your prayers for the entire race of Adam, crying out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
You knew the invincible wall of the Christian race, you knew the Most Holy Virgin, Silouana before the miracle, as if the Holy Spirit dwelled in you, you were a relative of the Most Pure One and all the inhabitants of heaven, having understood their thoughts and feelings in secret, you announced to us, who mentally sing to you: Rejoice, beloved chosen one of the Mother of God, Rejoice , heaven's grace-filled fragrant flower Rejoice, as Sergius and Seraphim, the Mystery of the Most Pure One Rejoice, looking at the height of Her fiery love Rejoice, penetrating into the depths of the Lady's sorrow Rejoice, as you wept with the Mother of God's lament in the Holy Spirit Rejoice, for you stood at the Cross, ineffable, with the Mother of God Rejoice, for you have wisely contemplated Her covering over the earth Rejoice, you bear her sorrow for people in your heart Rejoice, you have made clear to us the mercy of the Most Pure One for sinners as a consolation Rejoice, now see the Mother of God in glory Rejoice, your words about the Virgin bring us light and joy Rejoice , great Silouan, sweetest theologian.
Kontakion 11
You sang a new song, O blessed one, as the Lord taught you: keep your mind in hell, you tearfully sought God, saying: “I will soon die, and I will dwell in the prison of hell, where the imam grieves and weeps for the Lord.” And thus, humbled to hell, you stood before God with a pure mind, and the Spirit testifying to the salvation of your soul, you cried out to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
The light of Christ's humility shone upon you, O God-seeing Silouan, for through the Holy Spirit you came to know this indescribable mystery, and having learned from the Lord meekness and humility, you found peace in your soul. Grant us also the humble Spirit, so that we may find peace before the end, who please you: Rejoice, sweet-singing of the humility of Christ Rejoice, humble one, burning like an unburnt sun Rejoice, warming everyone with your warmth Rejoice, for yours is the land of the meek Rejoice, flowering garden where God dwells Rejoice, you are loved by the Apostles, Prophets and Reverends Rejoice, you are loved by Angels, Seraphim and Cherubim Rejoice, you are loved by Heaven and Earth Rejoice, the Most Pure Virgin loves you Rejoice, humble one, the Lord rejoices in you Rejoice, humbled to hell and conquered the world Rejoice, by Heaven and now glorified by the earth, Rejoice, great Silouan, sweetest theologian.
Kontakion 12
We are illuminated by the grace of the Spirit, O mystical Silouane, you have outlined for us the law of divine love, saying: “If anyone loves a lot, he also suffers a lot,” as love is invariably involved in sorrow. Moreover, seeing you, like Christ and the Mother of God, we are pained for the people, and we tenderly cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing a song in your soul, filled with the peace of God, you quietly passed from death into wondrous life, in the fragrance of your deed. And now, where the Lord is, you stand in vain, in vain the glory of His meek and merciful Face, and according to your promise, pray for the whole human race, and for us, who sonically sing of you: Rejoice, kinsman of the Lord in the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, boldly calling upon God, dearest Father Rejoice, as the children of the Heavenly Father have seen your brethren Rejoice, for Christ has made us one family Rejoice, you who sow the sorrows of fasting with divine tears Rejoice, who with joy reaped the classes of ever-life Rejoice, heavenly food that feeds the hungry Rejoice, a pure heart that has seen God Rejoice, now you have become like Him to the end Rejoice, bright cover of the universe Rejoice, and be a comforter to your orphans Rejoice, and do not forget us who mourn in this world Rejoice, great Silouan, sweetest theologian.
Kontakion 13
O wonderful Father Silouan, bearer of the universal Spirit, accept the humble song of thanksgiving, as through you we have seen the light of God’s understanding, and standing now before the Most Holy Trinity, remember them whom you loved, wise, and guide us to the quiet refuge of the Father’s love, so that we may be worthy to sing Alleluia with you.
The Athonite elder did not perform great feats in the name of the Christian faith, and did not become famous for his great deeds. Silouan lived his life quietly and modestly, devoting all his strength to serving the Lord, and spent time in prayer. The notes left by the saints help people find and keep God in their souls, gain strength, learn to love and forgive their neighbors and enemies. The holy elder is loved and revered for the invaluable help that his labors bring in the spiritual work of everyone.
