681. О чуде исцеления от образа Спасителя. Рассказывать о грехах прежней жизни должно только духовнику на исповеди

M. St. O. n. G.I.H.B.n. p.n. Your Most Reverence Mother Abbess Leonida! I received your letter dated July 3 with a photograph of the image of the Savior. The miracle of healing you described from this image of the demon-possessed Anna can truly be considered a miracle of God’s mercy towards her. You doubted whether Anna really was possessed, or whether she was deceiving. “But in reality, her demonic state is confirmed by the fact that when she prayed in front of this image, she had, as you describe, a terrible fit - she was beaten and broken so that the four sisters could not restrain her. From Anna’s stories about her former sinful life and from her obstinate character, one can see the reason why the evil enemy attacked her and gained such power. You did well that you placed Anna under the supervision of a strict nun, who does not allow her to act outrageously. And let this nun inspire Anna that the sins of her previous life should be told only to one confessor at confession, and not at all publicly. That Anna, after healing, said that the Queen of Heaven spoke to her and the Infant Christ stretched out his hands to her, etc. - all this could have been imagined by her, since in general, those sick with both physical and mental ailments do not suddenly receive full health. The crafty enemy could have presented all this to her in order to again drag her into his trap or draw her into the delusion into which people fall from arrogance or pride. And therefore, I think, it is useful for her to be on black obediences (of course, according to her strength), which involuntarily humble her pride. But in any case, she would have been under the supervision of a strict nun, who would not have allowed her to tell unnecessary things. It is impossible to hide from the criticism of worldly people. Even the Savior Himself did not hide from them. But it doesn't matter. Regarding your miraculous icon of Christ the Savior, it is good to explain in detail to His Eminence the Metropolitan himself, and where he blesses to place it, place it there. And if he blesses prayer services to serve, then prayer services will be served. There is nothing contrary to our Orthodox faith and morality here. You can consult with S., if he is a well-intentioned person, but be more careful in view of your circumstances. Asking for you and the sisters of your monastery the peace and blessing of God, I remain with sincere goodwill. You might be interested in: