690. Держись правды в отношении себя, а к ближним будь милосердна. Монахиням можно иметь свои деньги

M. St. O. n. G.I.H.B.n. p.n. Your Reverence, most honorable in the Lord Mother Abbess Leonida! I received your letter dated May 12. Your senior priest confuses you, saying that everyone should tell the truth. And our late Father Fr. Ambrose taught this: to adhere to the truth in relation to oneself, that is, to torture all truth from oneself, to judge one’s own deeds, words and thoughts as strictly as possible, and to try to show every kindness to one’s neighbors (unless, of course, this can be done without mental harm to them and those around them). This is how he interpreted the words of Holy Scripture: “All the ways of the Lord are mercy and truth,” as can be seen in his biography. Therefore, Mother, do not be embarrassed by the fact that your senior priest told you that God was punishing you with sorrows for not telling the Vladyka everything about the removed priest. It would be possible to answer the senior priest on this occasion: “I was afraid that, having started to tell the truth, I would say something unnecessary,” because, as you yourself noted, in the words of St. Isaac the Syrian, it’s true that violence happens in people who have not been cleansed of passions. And on o. Dean You do not dare to complain, since it is not at all a monastic thing to initiate legal proceedings with your superiors. Your reasoning is very reasonable. Try to do so. Meanwhile, you wrote about the new priest that he is a sober person and has no other vices. At the same time, say that both priests have their shortcomings. – I will repeat your words: “What should I do? Where can you find the perfect ones? We have to put up with people’s shortcomings.” A novice of shameful behavior, on the advice of Fr. dean, you can delete it. You also write that Fr. The dean does not order you to pay the locksmith the money he collects from you. - In this case, stick to the advice of Fr. dean. If the psalm-reader left you, it would be good, at least to go into military service. Then we should find a more thorough person in his place, older in age and of good behavior. Keep the money given to you by your benefactress and use it for your needs without hesitation. After all, other nuns have their own money, and no one finds fault with them. Regarding leaving your superiors, wait for the will of God. If the Lord wills, you will be dismissed without any requests from you. If you insist on leaving your position as abbot, then this on your part will be resistance to the will of God. Asking for you and your entire monastery the peace and blessing of God, I remain with sincere goodwill. You might be interested in: