Silouane de l'Athos
1866-1938 20th century Feast day: September 24
To pray for all people, even one's enemies, and to hold on to hope at the very edge of despair.
Who was Silouane de l'Athos?
A Russian peasant who became a monk at the Russian monastery of St Panteleimon on Mount Athos, where he spent forty-six years, long serving as steward over the workshops. An unlettered man, at first tormented by long inner trials, he received a word that gave him peace and became a silent guide to those who came near him. His writings, saved and published by his disciple Archimandrite Sophrony, made his burning prayer for the whole world known.
In their own words
Keep your mind in hell, and despair not.
The soul cannot know peace unless she prays for her enemies.
If you will pray for your enemies, peace will come to you; but when you can love your enemies, know that a great measure of the grace of God dwells in you.
The man who has learned love from the Holy Spirit sorrows all his life over those who are not saved, and sheds abundant tears for all the people.