Повесть об иноке, никого не осудившем

On the same day, the monk reposed before the Lord, having condemned no one. The Monk Anastasius Sinaite tells the following about him. A certain monk, living in a monastery, spent his days carelessly, not caring about his salvation, but indulging in idleness all his life. Having reached an advanced age, he was already approaching death. When he fell ill with a serious illness and was already at his last breath, he was not at all afraid of death, but was preparing to be separated from his body with joy, praising and glorifying God. The brethren who surrounded him and the abbot of that monastery said to him: “We saw that you, brother, spent your life in idleness. Why are you so carefree and joyful in this terrible hour of death? Strengthened by the power of God, arise and explain this to us, so that we too may glorify God. The brother, rising a little from the bed, said to them: “It’s true, honest fathers, that I spent my life carelessly. Now the Angels of God brought me and read a handwriting in front of me, on which all my bad deeds were noted. After reading the manuscript, the Angels asked me: “Do you know this?” I answered: “Yes, I know.” But since I renounced the world, took monastic vows, never condemned anyone and was never angry with anyone, I pray to God that the words of Christ will be fulfilled on me, Who said: “Judge not, lest ye be judged; If you forgive people their sins, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 7:1, 6:14). And as soon as I said this, the holy Angels immediately tore up the handwriting of my sins. That’s why I go to God with joy and gladness.” Having said this, that brother in peace gave up his soul to the Lord. You might be interested in: