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Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Elder Hieronymos of Aegina and the Good Turkish Judge


Elder Hieronymos was from Cappadocia and was a renowned spiritual father from his monastery in Aegina. He reposed in 1966.

Shortly before World War I, a Turk visited Fr. Hieronymos' humble hermitage. The Turk told the Elder that his master, a Judge, had sent him to invite the Elder to his house.

The Elder became a little worried. He was not accustomed to receiving invitations to "social receptions" and his mind began to suspect that he might experience some evil or temptation. However, he prayed to God and followed the Turkish servant.

On their arrival at the Judge's large home, the Judge himself welcomed him – with much warmth, as a matter of fact. They sat on a large divan and the judge began the conversation: