Слово 32. Послание к иерею Сильвестру

To the most honorable priest of the Most High, adorned with all the colors of virtues and an excellent judge in the knowledge and understanding of the Holy Scriptures, Mr. Sylvester, my benefactor, the inviolable famous monk bows a lot to the ground. I consider it a great condemnation for myself to conceal from you what was inspired in me by the Holy Spirit to confirm the truth of our Orthodox Christian faith; but I dare to do this, obeying the words of the stichera, which says: “Having realized the condemnation of the one who hid the talent, my soul, do not hide the word of God, proclaim His wonders” and so on; also hearing the words of that preacher who was caught up to the third heaven: Therefore, my child, make me strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus: and what you have heard of Me as many witnesses, have taught these things to those who are faithful, so that they will be pleased and teach others (2 Tim. 2:1-2). Accept the following words from me with love, and if after reading they turn out to be worthy of respect before your great wisdom, then give glory to the one who enlightened me; If there is any flaw in them, then correct me, I ask, according to your inherent wisdom. If the Apostle Paul, a chosen vessel, found it necessary to offer Peter and James the gospel, which he preached to the nations, wanting to make sure whether he preached correctly, and not as, he says, in vain or flowing (Gal. 2:2); all the more so am I, uneducated and feeble-minded, obliged to seek such reasoning from you, who are so much educated and conveniently inclined towards mercy for those who require help, as I hear from everyone. Therefore, with good hope, I dare to turn to your mercy with a request, so that you would deign to remind the blessed Tsar and Autocrat of all Russia about the children of the late Nikita Borisovich, so that the Emperor would appease and show them mercy, since they are in great poverty and need: they have a large debt and three sisters who have nothing to give away. Have mercy, for God’s sake, extend a helping hand to them, according to your characteristic God-like mercy. To her, I ask you, most honorable priest, help the much-sorrowful widow and her orphans, quench their sorrow with the dew of your compassion, and dry the bitter tears that flow incessantly. Be a defender of widows and a father of orphans, like that righteous long-suffering man, and let us not forget what the apostle said: For this faith is pure and immaculate before God and the Father, to visit the orphans and widows in their sorrows, and so on. (James. 1:27) May the Lord our God Jesus Christ always protect you in His goodness. You might be interested in: