The Monk Emilian of Italy
Commemorated on March 7
The Monk Emilian
of Italy (in the world Victorinus) was by birth a Roman, and until he was
an old man, he led a sinful life. Having repented finally, he withdrew to a
monastery, accepted monasticism with the name of Emilian, and the remainder of
his days he humbly served God, astounding the brethren by his uncomplaining
obedience and strict fasting. The monks noted, that by night Emilian secretly
visited a cave, situated not far from the monastery. One time the hegumen
followed him and found the Monk Emilian in the cave, praying with tears of
contrition, and illumined by an unearthly light, and heard a Voice from above:
"Emilian, thine sins art remitted thee".
Deeply moved by all
that had happened, the heguman after morning Divine-services asked the elder to
tell the brethren his secret, and the saint told everyone about the great mercy
of God towards him. Then the hegumen explained to the brethren: "The Lord
could have forgiven him his sin in quiet, but for the sake of us all He did
manifest His mercy with the appearance of light and a voice, so that we all
might behold His grace and mercy to sinners sincerely repenting".
The Monk Emilian
spent the remainder of his days in spiritual joy and he peacefully expired to
the Lord.
© 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos.