karoulia

[Kreikkalainen]

Let's see if youtube links work :).

Here are a few videos from Καρούλια / Karoulia that some folk uploaded in youtube. It's one of the hermits' areas on the Holy Mountain, Athos, the Garden of the Mother of God.

I'm afraid the narration is all in greek, so I understand it mostly appeals to the 4-5 of us who understand it. But I thought it worthwhile to share broadly since I spotted them - those who can tolerate the sound of a foreign language for a bit may nevertheless from the scenery be able to get an idea of the material conditions on the Front Line of the spiritual war.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5y9QyU2rZQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk7d0VLwG4o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRKMnUx2QbM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCgzAis5PLA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDu4w9FfeAE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxsqJmkiXcw

[MariaRegina]

Hey, maybe Philothei could share with us and supply us with a summary of what the good monk or hieromonk says.

[Kreikkalainen]

In short, he is showing pilgrims around hermits' huts, some inhabited some deserted and in ruins. And sharing stories about who lived here or there, how they departed, where they are buried, one or the other adventure such or such went through etc. Apparently his name is Fr Daniil. In the first and second videos there also appears a serbian hermit, apparently Fr Stefan & the pilgrims visit his hut. Fifth and sixth videos are for the most part Fr Daniil speaking, so not much interest in terms of scenery and showing around.

I could also translate, but it's about an hour in total and I have a full-time job :sorry:.

[Philothei]

Thank you Kreik (you do not mind me calling you Kriek...for short?)

I enjoyed taking some time to view them all :) What really impressed me was Osios Neelos who had dug his grave and was sleeping in it... It truly made me think that we do not know when the time will come...

Also it was interesting to knwo that those ascetics at least the one mentioned did not want to be "excavated" as a saint... it was his will not to be "glorified" on earth but to be buried until the judgment... So Father said that they did not have a right to "disturb' him in his tomb...


Also amazing how they all know when they will die... either in their sleep or as a prophecy...


Also when one ascetic was accused as a theft.. A thief came under the pretence of being an ascetic and stole some very valiable books. the Greek state dragged the ascetic to the trial to confirm that he did not sell those valluble books to the thief... In short it describes the ordeal of the ascetic and his "patience" dealing with amost imprisonment... :(...


They live with water they gather by the rain and some bread... They also had a sanctiuary of wild birds :)

[MariaRegina]

Thanks, Philothei.

I have a book from Greece that is translated into English.

It says much the same how that when many monks die, they do not want to be disturbed. In one case, a body of a monk was exhumed and was found to be miraculously preserved. The deceased monk visited the grave digger and encouraged him to rebury the body, and he did so promptly and kept it a secret.

There was the story of a monk who was physically and emotionally abused by his elder but who would not leave his side because of his belief in obedience. After his sick elder died he even prayed for his salvation. Only then was this monk free to seek another elder. The monk soon became an elder and explained that had he left his first elder, he would have caused the damnation of both. He for disobedience, and his elder because the elder needed him. It worked out for the salvation of both men.

Many times in a marriage, there is a similar situation. It is said that we either go to heaven or to hell together, right?

[Philothei]

As much as I would like to say I agree Maria .. when kids are involved we should be considering their salvation too.. So we are better off to let those situations to the spiritutal council of an elder/priest rather than making generalizations. Now if there are no children involved ... I do not know maybe it can hold true but rather have anyone in such a marriage consult their SF... I think it is different if you are in a monastery although to be honest I would not want to see my daughter in a situation like that ... sorry. How would you feel if that peson was your son, Maria? Just curiious...

[MariaRegina]

I just read the story .. but I cannot remember where I read it. It was from a book that was published in Greece.

Yes, I understand if children are involved.

And my priest told us about a true story in Texas where a Greek Orthodox lady was almost killed by her husband who was a doctor. It was made into a movie. He was trying to poison her but was discovered. The church did grant the lady a blessing for a second marriage. Her previous husband was convicted and sent away.

But generally speaking, the church tries to reconcile a couple and encourage them to strive to remain married.