Eastern Rite ~ Feasts of 28 August AM 7533

Today is the Feasts of Our Venerable Father Moses the Black, of Our Holy Father Augustine, Bishop of Hippo (430), of the Holy Martyr Blessed Gebre-Michael, Illuminator of Ethiopia, the Synaxis of Our Venerable Fathers of the Monastery of the Caves at Kyiv Who Repose in the Further Caves, and the Commemoration of the Passing into Eternal Life (1952) of Sister Lavrentia (Harasymiv) of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Khyriv and Confessor of the Toms’k Region.

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Saint Moses lived in Egypt during the fourth century. He was an Ethiopian, and since he was black of skin he was called “Murin” (meaning “like an Ethiopian”). In his youth, he was the slave of an important man, but after he committed a murder, his master banished him, and he joined a band of robbers.

Because of his bad character and great physical strength, they chose him as their leader. Moses and his band of brigands were feared because of their many evil exploits, including murders and robberies. People trembled at the mere mention of his name.

Moses the brigand spent several years leading a sinful life, but through the great mercy of God, he repented, left his band of robbers and went to one of the desert monasteries. Here he wept for a long time, begging to be admitted as one of the brethren. The monks were not convinced of the sincerity of his repentance, but the former robber would neither be driven away nor silenced. He continued to implore that they accept him.

Saint Moses was completely obedient to the hegumen and the brethren, and he poured forth many tears of sorrow for his sinful life. After a certain while, Saint Moses withdrew to a solitary cell, where he spent his time in prayer and the strictest fasting.

Once, four of the robbers of his former band descended upon the cell of Saint Moses. He had lost none of his great physical strength, so he tied them all up. Throwing them over his shoulder, he brought them to the monastery, where he asked the Elders what to do with them. The Elders ordered that they be set free. The robbers, learning that they had chanced upon their former ringleader and that he had dealt kindly with them, followed his example: they repented and became monks. Later, when the rest of the band of robbers heard about Saint Moses’ repentance, then they also gave up their thievery and became fervent monks.

Saint Moses was not quickly freed from the passions. He went often to the hegumen, Abba Isidore, seeking advice on how to be delivered from the passions of profligacy. Being experienced in the spiritual struggle, the Elder taught him never to eat too much food, and to remain partly hungry while observing the strictest restraint. But the passions did not cease to trouble Saint Moses in his dreams.

Then Abba Isidore taught him the all-night vigil. The monk stood the whole night at prayer, so he would not fall asleep. As a result of his prolonged struggles, Saint Moses fell into despondency, and when he began to have thoughts about leaving his solitary cell, Abba Isidore instead strengthened the resolve of his disciple.

In a vision he showed him many demons in the west, prepared for battle, and in the east a still greater quantity of holy angels, also ready for fighting. Abba Isidore explained to Saint Moses that the power of the angels would prevail over the power of the demons, and in the long struggle with the passions, it was necessary for him to become completely cleansed of his former sins.

Saint Moses drove himself to additional labours. Making the rounds of the wilderness cells at night, he carried water from the well to each brother. He did this, especially for the Elders, who lived far from the well and who were not easily able to carry their own water. Once, kneeling over the well, Saint Moses felt a powerful blow upon his back and he fell down at the well like one dead, laying there in that position until dawn. Thus did the devils take revenge upon the monk for his victory over them. In the morning the brethren carried him to his cell, and he lay there crippled for a whole year. After he recovered, the monk with firm resolve confessed to the hegumen, that he would continue with his ascetic struggles. But the Lord Himself put limits to this toil which lasted for many years: Abba Isidore blessed his disciple and told him that the passions had already left him. The Elder commanded him to receive the Holy Mysteries and to go to his own cell in peace. From that time, Saint Moses received from the Lord power over demons.

Accounts about his exploits spread among the monks and even beyond the bounds of the wilderness. The governor of the land wanted to see the saint. When he heard of this, Saint Moses decided to hide from any visitors, and he departed his own cell. Along the way he met servants of the governor, who asked him how to get to the cell of the desert-dweller Moses. The monk answered them: “Go no farther to see this false and unworthy monk.” The servants returned to the monastery where the governor was waiting, and they told him the words of the Elder they had chanced to meet. The brethren, hearing a description of the Elder’s appearance, told them that they had encountered Saint Moses himself.

After many years of monastic exploits, Saint Moses was ordained deacon. The bishop clothed him in white vestments and said, “Now Abba Moses is entirely white!” The saint replied, “Only outwardly, for God knows that I am still dark within.”

Through humility, the saint believed himself unworthy of the office of deacon. Once, the bishop decided to test him and he bade the clergy to drive him out of the altar, reviling him as an unworthy Ethiopian. In all humility, the monk accepted the abuse. Having put him to the test, the bishop then ordained Saint Moses to the priesthood. Saint Moses laboured for fifteen years in this rank, and gathered 75 disciples around himself.

When the saint reached the age of 75, he warned his monks that soon brigands would descend upon the skete and murder all those who remained there. The saint blessed his monks to leave, in order to avoid violent death. His disciples begged the saint to leave with them, but he replied: “For many years now, I have awaited the time when the words spoken by my Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, should be fulfilled: ‘All who take up the sword, shall perish by the sword’” (Matt. 26: 52). After this, seven of the brethren remained with Saint Moses, and one of them hid nearby during the attack of the robbers. The robbers killed Saint Moses and the six monks who remained with him. Their death occurred about the year 400.

Troparion — Tone 1

You abandoned the Egypt of the passions, O Father, l ascending the mount of the virtues with fervent faith, l taking the Cross of Christ upon your shoulders;l and being glorified in godly works, / you proved to be a model for monastics, O Moses, summit of the Fathers. l With them, pray unceasingly that our souls may find mercy.

Troparion — Tone 1

(Podoben: “When the stone had been sealed...”)
You were shown to be a citizen of the desert,l an Angel in the flesh, and a wonderworker, O Moses, our God-bearing Father.l By fasting, vigil, and prayer, lyou obtained heavenly gifts, and you heal the sick, and the souls of those who have recourse to thee with faith. lGlory to Him Who gave you strength. Glory to Him Who crowned you. lGlory to Him Who, through you, works healings for all.

Kontakion — Tone 3

Your mind was filled with holy inspiration from God, / turning you from the lust and pleasures of the flesh, / bringing you to the height of the city of God. / O Holy Father Moses, intercede with Christ God that He may grant us great mercy.

Kontakion — Tone 3

(Podoben: “The Divine Faith...”)
O most blessed and righteous Father Moses, / you drove away the darkness of the passions, being richly illumined with divine light; / and by your vigilant prayers, / you withered the wanton pride of the flesh, / and ascended to the citadel on high, / where you entreat Christ God to grant us great mercy.

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Saint Augustine was born in the city of Thagaste in northern Africa. He was raised by his mother, Saint Monica (May 4), and he received his education at Carthage. In the capacity of professor of rhetoric, Augustine arrived at Milan, Italy where Saint Ambrose (December 7) was bishop. Under the guidance of Saint Ambrose, Augustine studied the Holy Scriptures. The Word of God produced in his soul a radical crisis; he accepted holy Baptism, gave all his wealth to the poor and was tonsured as a monk.

In the year 391 Valerian, Bishop of Hippo, ordained Saint Augustine a priest, and in 395, appointed him vicar bishop of the see of Hippo. After the death of Bishop Valerian, Saint Augustine took his place.

During his 35 years as bishop, Saint Augustine wrote many works devoted to combating the Donatist, Manichaean and Pelagian heresies.

Saint Augustine wrote many works (according to his student and biographer Possidias, the number approached 1030). Of his works, the best known are: The City of God (De civitate Dei), The Confessions, 17 Books against the Pelagians and Handbook of Christian Knowledge (The Enchiridion). Saint Augustine was concerned above all else that his writings be intelligent and edifying. “It is better,” he said, “for them to condemn our grammar, than for people not to understand.” Saint Augustine died on August 28, 430.

Troparion — Tone 4

(Podoben: “Come, let us worship the Word...”)
Let us cry out to Augustine the Great, / a Hierarch of the divine Church of Christ and a wise guide; / a renowned theologian of the city on high,1 / a lover of prayer, and a pillar of repentance; / “Intercede with the Lord, that He may have mercy on our souls.”1 A reference to his book The City of God.

Kontakion — Tone 2

(Podoben: “Seeking the things on high...”)
You accepted the light of Christ in your heart, / and being in this light, and illumining the faithful with light, / you burned the enemies with your wise writings; / O blessed Father Augustine, always intercede with Christ for all of us.

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Ghebre-Michael differs in three ways from the other canonised and beatified members of the Congregation of the Mission: First, he was African, not European; second, he was not a born Catholic, but an adult convert; and third, he was not actually a member of the Congregation.

He was a disciple of Justin de Jacobis for many years and eventually decided, with Justin’s consent, to become a Vincentian. A date was fixed for him to begin his internal seminary but when the fixed day arrived he was under arrest, and he died before he could carry out his intention. In a letter to the Superior General, Jean-Baptiste Etienne, Justin explained all this but said that he called Ghebre-Michael a Vincentian “because in his heart he already belonged to the Congregation”.

In a certain sense, too, he was not, strictly speaking, a martyr. He was not actually put to death for the faith. He died as a result of the long harsh treatment he had received.

The prefix Ghebre means “the servant of” and is always followed by the name of a saint; this combination is a very common form of name in Ethiopia and Eritrea. “Ghebre” cannot be separated from “Michael” and used as if it were a first name.

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On this day the Church celebrates the Synaxis of the Holy Fathers of the Kyiv Caves, whose relics repose in the Far Caves of Saint Theodosius. They have their own individual days of commemoration, but today we honour the whole assembly of these monastic saints who were a light upon the earth, guiding us on the path of salvation.

Igumen Theodosius, the Founder (May 3, August 14, September 2)

Monk Agathon the Wonderworker (February 20)

Archimandrite Acindynus (+1235)

Monk Ammon (October 4)

Bishop Amphilochius of Vladimir, Volhynia (October 10)

Monk Anatolius the Recluse (July 3)

Monk Aquila the Deacon (January 4)

Monk Arsenius, Lover of Labour (May 8)

Monk Athanasius the Recluse (December 2)

Monk Benjamin the Recluse (October 13)

Monk Cassian the Recluse (February 29, May 8)

Elder Daniel (14th Century)

Hieromonk Dionysius the Recluse (October 3)

Archimandrite Dositheus (+ 1218)

Elder Eulogius (14th Century)

Hieroschemamonk Euthymius (January 20)

Monk Gerontius the Canonarch (April 1)

Monk Gregory the Recluse (January 8, August 8)

Schemamonk Hilarion (October 21)

Monk Hypatius the Healer (March 31)

Archimandrite Ignatius (December 20)

Monk Isidore the Recluse (12th-13th Centuries)

Monk Joseph the Much-Ailing (April 4)

Monk Laurence the Recluse (January 20)

Monk Leontius the Canonarch (April 1, June 18)

Monk Longinus the Gate-Keeper (October 16)

Hieromartyr Lucian the Priest (October 15)

Monk Macarius the Deacon (January 19)

Monk Mardarius the Recluse (December 13)

Monk Martyrius the Recluse (October 25)

Monk Martyrius the Deacon (October 25)

Monk Mercurius the Faster (November 4, 24)

Monk Moses the Wonderworker (July 26, 28)

Monk Nestor the Unlearned (October 29)

Monk Paisius (July 19)

Hieromonk Pambo the Recluse (July 18)

Hieromonk Pancratius the Recluse (February 9)

Monk Paphnutius the Recluse (February 15)

Monk Paul the Obedient (September 10)

Igumen Pimen the Faster (May 8, August 7)

Monk Pior the Recluse (October 4)

Monk Rufus the Obedient (April 8)

Schemamonk Silvanus (June 10, July 10)

Schemamonk Sisoes (July 6)

Monk Sophronius the Recluse (March 11, May 11)

Monk Theodore the Silent (February 17)

Monk Theodosius (Prince Theodore) (August 11)

Archbishop Theophilus of Novgorod (October 26)

Igumen Timothy (+ 1132)

Monk Titus the Soldier (January 27, February 27)

Monk Zachariah the Faster (March 24)

Monk Zeno the Faster (January 30)

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From 

Levkadia Garasymov was born on August 17, 1911 in the village of Rudnyky, Mykolaiv district, Lviv region, into a large peasant family. Her father, Ilya, was a farmer, and her mother, Yulia, was a village midwife. There were six children in their family.

In 1919, Lefkadia went to school, but finished only four grades, after which she stayed at home to help her parents. She often thought about choosing a life position and was filled with God's love, which she poured out on everyone around her. Seeing the good example of the Sisters of St. Joseph, at the age of nineteen she felt a monastic vocation, and in 1931 she entered the monastery of this Congregation in the village of Tsebliv.

During the novitiate, the duties of the novice sisters included work on the farm and in the fields. Every morning at 5 a.m. the sisters got up and had to milk the cows. At 2 a.m. everyone began praying. The novices loved to impose various penances on themselves. Sister Lavrentia loved to pray "Have mercy on me, God" most of all with uplifted hands. Despite the physical labor, the candidates prepared for the investiture, which took place (at Lefkadia Garasymov) on January 8, 1932, on the day of the Council of the Most Holy Theotokos and the Holy Spouse Joseph. Thus Lefkadia received the monastic name - Lavrentia, and in 1933 she took her first vows.

In 1938, Sr. Lavrentia was assigned to the town of Khirov together with Sr. Olimpia Bida. Here the sisters conducted the apostolate of prayer, but Sr. Lavrentia spent most of her time in the crypt with the little ones, led church singing, and prepared children for First Holy Communion. In addition, she had organizational skills, embroidered all the things for the church, made artificial flowers in the winter, and organized the boys for duty on Good Friday at the Holy Sepulcher.

The war was ending, but difficult trials were approaching. "Liberators" came to our land. Hard times were coming for the faithful of the Church of Christ. Persecution and repression against our Church began. Prisons and concentration camps were filled (as if with the worst criminals) with the faithful, priests, monks and nuns. The Josephite sisters also did not escape the punitive hand of the "Soviet system", they were repeatedly warned and threatened to throw off their habits.

The sisters already guessed about their fate, but they had no intention of renouncing God. "The NKVD attacked the priest, Taras Bobkovych, of Khirov, and took him to prison. They broke into the sisters' house, threatened them, and demanded that they renounce God." But the answer was unequivocal: "With what God we began to live, with that we will die."

But despite various obstacles, the sister, strengthened by the Holy Spirit, continued to bring the Good News even during times of arrests and persecution. The sisters did not stop catechizing children, preparing them for Holy Communion. Before the Christmas holidays, they baked prosphora for people, and small children carried them. This could have had tragic consequences for everyone.

Troubles did not take long to come: in 1950, the sisters were attacked by the NKVD, their hands were tied, they were pushed into a car and taken to prison. They began to be closely monitored, but this did not frighten them. No persecution forced the sisters to renounce Christ; on the contrary, it confirmed their faith, so that by their example they could strengthen the faith of others. According to the testimonies, one can see that thanks to the great work of the sisters, namely Sr. Lavrentia, true believers of the Ukrainian Church were raised: "Sr. Lavrentia was engaged in our upbringing. It is to her that I owe the firm faith that helped me and my family worthily defend God's Truth." Only holy people who bore witness to Christ with their lives and lived for Him could instill such faith in people.

No persecution or repression forced the sisters to renounce the Lord. Breaking into the sisters' house, the NKVD officers searched, took away what they liked, and mocked the nuns. They threatened to make them renounce their life with God. The pogroms and searches did not stop, but the worst was yet to come. The most terrible were the night attacks. A similar incident occurred in 1950, when the NKVD officers, breaking down the door at night, broke into the house of the frightened sisters. Sister Lavrentia ran into a closet and jumped out through a small window into the garden. Cold rain was falling outside. Noticing an open window in the house, the NKVD officers ran out into the garden to look for the sister. Because it was dark, they pierced every bush. Not finding her, the NKVD officers left, and Sister Lavrentia, soaking wet in the cold rain, remained in the garden until morning. After this incident, she became seriously ill and her health deteriorated significantly. She was taken lying down to the Boryslav prison, where she was kept for a month without food. She ate only what she had brought with her. Sister Glykeria, who was arrested together with Sister Lavrentia and Olimpia, recalls that after 10-12 days they began to give her boiled water and a ration of bread. The sisters, strengthened by the Holy Spirit, bravely endured the abuse. Their fate had already been decided - they were to be taken to the Tomsk region to be killed. The sick Sister Lavrentia knew why she was suffering and that her sacrifice to God in this way could save many souls and even convert unbelievers to the Lord God. She was sure and in God's Providence, decided to sacrifice her patience for all the needy and persecuted. They traveled to Tomsk for two weeks in inhuman conditions: in dirty, overcrowded freight cars. Because Sr. Lavrentia was bedridden, the guards were forced to let Sr. Olimpia accompany her on the way. On June 30, 1950, they were assigned to the village of Kharsk (Molchanovsky district, Tomsk region). When they arrived there, no one there wanted to accept people with tuberculosis. Only one repressed Russian family showed mercy and gave up one room where the paralyzed owner of the house lay.

Despite their illness, the sisters were forced to do at least some work. Lavrentia made artificial flowers for people, even though she was very sick. The sick sisters did not go to doctors because the Soviet system was so degenerate that local doctors were not interested in helping "enemies of the people," but rather the opposite - they harmed their health, thereby doing a "good deed" for their state.

The Siberian conditions of exile were not conducive to the health of the sick, bedridden Sister Lavrentia. Because Sisters Olympia and Glykeria went to work, Sister Lavrentia was forced to remain without care, listening to the cries and groans of the sick master of the house. Soon, in these inhuman conditions, Sister Lavrentia died a martyr's death in the opinion of holiness - on August 28, 1952.

Of course, during that difficult time, thousands became martyrs like St. Lawrence, their blood, their suffering strengthened the spirit of other prisoners. Their personal example and hope in the one almighty God converted many unbelievers to the true Church of Christ.

Against the backdrop of severe suffering, Sr. Lavrentia did not fall, did not give up in spirit. She developed such virtues as faith, hope and love. She courageously accepted suffering, although she herself was physically weak, but strong in spirit. And she drew this strength to endure, believe and love from the Lord Jesus Christ. With her life she showed an example of deep faith in God and holiness, she testified that saints are not some "fairytale figures" from the distant past, but ordinary people who without complaint carry their cross and remember God in every minute of their lives.{from the memories of a relative, Anna Harasymiv}
“The NKVD agents attacked our convent. They spent a long time breaking down the door. It was night-time; the sisters were terrified. Sister Laurentia ran to the cellar and escaped into the garden through a little window. A cold rain started to fall. When the NKVD broke into the house they immediately noted the open window and ran to look for her. It was dark and with their bayonets, they poked every bush. A few times the bayonet was right in front of Sister’s eyes. Not finding her, the NKVD went away, but Sister was out in the rain until morning. She came to the house exhausted and frozen. After this incident, she got seriously ill, and lay in bed. They took her to prison when she was infirm.”