The ultimate humiliation of Elder Chrysostom of the Jordan deserttranslated

A lesson in faith, forgiveness and true strength One of the most shocking and deeply human moments unfolded in the heart of the Jordanian desert, in the Holy Monastery of Agios Gerasimos the Jordanite, in Jerusalem. The Abbot of the Monastery for more than forty years, the militant Archimandrite Chrysostomos Tavulareas, the man who with effort, prayer and self-denial turned a once abandoned sanctuary into a great spiritual destination for thousands of pilgrims from all over the world, gave an invaluable lesson in humility and Christian love.

During the service, the venerable Elder stood before the faithful and read the forgiving wish, as prescribed by the Orthodox tradition. But this time the moment was different. With a trembling voice, visibly moved and with tears in his eyes, he did not hesitate to put aside all human pretensions and ask, from the depths of his heart, for forgiveness from all those who may have once been saddened, embittered or wronged by his words or actions, even unintentionally.

The image of this ascetic old man, who for decades has been a support for countless people, being humbled in front of the flock...