Today we also celebrate the Venerable Silouan of Athos (+1938). Saint Silouan grew up in a spiritual family, however he lived a worldly life - he enjoyed the luxuries of the world and often got drunk at parties and loved showing off in front of his female friends. One night at a party, he saw a man die from alcohol abuse and this made him rethink his life choices. He finally decided to become a monk at age 27 at the Holy Monastery of Saint Panteleimon on Mount Athos. Here, he struggled greatly to rid himself of his passions. One night, he fell into despair and prayed unceasingly for the Lord's solace. Still a novice, the Lord Himself appeared to him and comforted his despondent soul. This however, brought on the vice of pride to the young novice and he was faced with many more temptations. The Lord's voice gave him the advice by which he would live the rest of his life: "keep your mind in hell and despair not". These poignant words, just like to us, seemed unusual to the Saint, but he developed a love for them. After much struggle, he reached the state of dispassion and was granted the gift of tears as well as prophecy. Although illiterate, Saint Silouan became a fount of knowledge for all who sought his counsel. Having lived a life equal to those of the first desert fathers, Saint Silouan reposed in peace in 1938. May he intercede for us always + #saint #silouan #silouanos #athos #mountathos #mount #stpanteleimon #panteleimon #monk #monastic #ascetic #christ #jesus #jesuschrist #vision #despondent #despondency #despair #hope #love #keepyourmindinhell #despairnot #orthodox #sophia