On the upbringing of children and godchildren by good Christians
God, our merciful and heavenly Father!
Have mercy on our children (names) and our godchildren (names), for whom we humbly pray to You and whom we commit to Your care and protection.
Give them strong faith, teach them to revere You, and make them worthy to love You, our Creator and Savior.
Guide them, O God, on the path of truth and goodness, so that they do everything for the glory of Your name.
Teach them to live piously and virtuously, to be good Christians and useful people.
Give them health of mind and body and success in their labors.
Deliver them from the cunning machinations of the devil, from numerous temptations, from bad passions and from all kinds of wicked and disorderly people.
For the sake of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, through the prayers of His Most Pure Mother and all the saints, bring them to the quiet harbor of Your eternal Kingdom, so that they, with all the righteous, always thank You with Your only begotten Son and Your life-giving Spirit.
Amen.

Prayer for children and for godchildren, Archim. John (Krestyankina)
Sweetest Jesus! God of my heart! You gave me children according to the flesh, they are Yours according to your soul. You have redeemed both my soul and theirs with Your priceless Blood. For the sake of Your Divine Blood, I beg You, my sweetest Savior, by Your grace touch the hearts of my children (names) and my godchildren (names), protect them with Your Divine fear, keep them from bad inclinations and habits, direct them to the bright path of life, truth and of good. Decorate their lives with everything good and saving, arrange their fate as you yourself want and save their souls with their own destinies! Lord God of our fathers! Give my children (names) and godchildren (names) a right heart to keep Your commandments, Your revelations and Your statutes. And do it all! Amen.
Prayer to God the Father
Holy Father, Eternal God! I pray to you for my child (name), whose goodness is given to me. You gave him life, revived him with an immortal soul, protected him with holy baptism, so that he could live in accordance with Your will and inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Keep him in Thy grace until the end of his life. Help me with Your grace, so that I can educate him for the glory of Your name and for the benefit of others, give me the necessary means, patience and strength for this. Lord, enlighten him with the light of Thy wisdom, may he love Thee with all his soul and with all his mind. Plant fear and aversion from all iniquity in his heart, so that he will be blameless in his ways. Lord, adorn his soul with chastity, long-suffering and all honesty, so that all slander, lies and flattery will be disgusting to him. Sprinkle it with the dew of Thy grace, may it succeed in virtue and holiness, and may it grow in Thy love and the love of pious people. May the Guardian Angel always abide with him and keep his youth from vain thoughts, from the charms and temptations of this world, and from all the slanders of the evil one. And if he sins against You, do not turn Your face away from him, but be merciful to him, arouse contrition in his heart and, according to the multitude of Your mercies, cleanse his sins. Do not deprive him of your earthly blessings, but send him everything he needs in time for the acquisition of blessed eternity. Save him from all misfortune, misfortune and illness, and overshadow his belly all the days. Good God, I still pray to You: give me joy and joy about my child and make me stand at Your terrible judgment and say with shameless boldness: behold and my child, if thou hast given me, Lord. Yes, together with him glorifying Thy inexpressible mercy, I exalt Thy most holy name, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer for children, to the Lord Jesus
Sweetest Jesus, God of my heart! You gave me children according to the flesh, they are Yours according to the soul; You have redeemed both my soul and theirs with Your priceless blood. For the sake of Your Divine blood, I beg You, my sweetest Savior: by Your grace, touch the hearts of my children (names) and my godchildren (names), protect them with Your Divine fear, keep them from bad inclinations and habits, direct them to the bright path of truth and goodness, adorn their life to all the good and saving, arrange their fate, as if you yourself are good, and save their souls, weigh them with fate.

Prayer for children, St. Ambrose of Optina
Lord, You are One in all weight, You can do everything and want to be saved by everyone and come to the understanding of Truth. Enlighten my child (name) with the knowledge of Thy truth and Thy will of the Holy Ones, strengthen him to walk according to Thy commandments and have mercy on me a sinner, with the prayers of Thy Most Pure Mother, the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary and Thy saints (all holy families are listed), as if you were glorified with Your Beginning Son and with Your Most Holy and Good and Life-Giving Spirit, now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer for children to the Most Holy Theotokos
O Most Holy Lady Virgin Mother of God, save and save under Your shelter my children (names), all the youths, maidens and babies, baptized and nameless and carried in the womb of their mother. Cover them with the robe of Your motherhood, keep them in the fear of God and in obedience to your parents, implore my Lord and Your Son, may He grant them useful things for their salvation. I entrust them to Your Motherly care, as You are the Divine Protection of Your servants.

Prayer for children to the Guardian Angel
Holy Guardian Angel of my child (name), cover him with your cover from the arrows of the demon, from the eyes of the seducer and keep his heart in angelic purity. Amen.

Yesterday he was very rich and happy. He lived in one of the big and beautiful cities, had a beautiful three-room apartment, a car of the latest brand. His family - wife, daughter and son - were happy and led a luxurious lifestyle.

The house was often full of guests, and therefore life seemed to him a continuous holiday. I wanted to believe that this would go on forever and happiness would be limitless.

But meanwhile, his heart, which never knew need and grief, was very callous. Abundance contributed to the development of arrogance and pride in him. And if the door of his house was open for all his friends, then it was closed for the dearest person on earth who gave him life - his mother.

Two years ago, he successfully defended his dissertation and became a doctor of physical and mathematical sciences. The wife also occupied a good position in society, and the day was not far off when the daughter and son were to take their rightful place in life. Thus, the future of his family seemed to be secured.

But suddenly this wonderful future, which was shrouded in a pink veil of dreams and plans, was suddenly pushed back by an invisible hand and covered with a black mourning veil of suspense, sorrow and heartache...

Ivan Maksimovich, gritting his teeth painfully, was lying in a hospital bed. After a road accident, the realization came to him that, having lost two legs and his right arm, he became a cripple. At that moment, he wanted one thing - to die, but he continued to live, or rather, to exist. Tears rolled down his cheeks. Then a tall and slender nurse Galya entered the ward. Having handed out thermometers to the sick, Galya went up to Ivan Maksimovich's bedside and asked affectionately:

Ivan Maksimovich, why are you crying?

Yes, Galina, I remembered a cheerful past and thought about a gloomy future.

Yes, don't despair! No matter how hard life seems, there is always a way out. So will you. You will find your place in life again. After all, thank God, your head is safe and sound. There are many wonderful thoughts and ideas in it that will still bring good to society.

Perhaps this is true, Galya, thank you for your kind words. But, unfortunately, you will never understand my condition. You can't restore my body: neither legs nor arms. Now I need a force that would bring life back to the body. But that's not all. I need a strength that would renew my soul, give me back hope and faith. Not! You don't understand this.

Everyone in the room was silent. Galya did not know what to answer him. Ivan Maksimovich was the first to break the silence:

Galya, wife and children did not come yesterday?

They came. But you were asleep at that time, and they did not wake you up.

Wake me up if they come today. Or let them wait until I wake up.

Galya left the ward, sat down at the desk and for a long time could not free herself from sad thoughts...

Yesterday Ivan Maksimovich's wife came to the surgeon. At this time, Galina also entered his office on business and unwittingly became a witness to their conversation. Even today she clearly hears the words that were slowly, with tears, spoken by Ivan Maksimovich's wife:

Andrei Mikhailovich, understand me. I can't take it home because I work from morning to evening. Nobody is home all day long. And then, I don't know what to do with it. He makes me feel disgusted... During the six months that he has been with you, I have thought everything over and decided to divorce him. Yes, and the children are against the fact that he, being in such a state, lived with us. He will be a heavy burden for us...

It is a pity, of course, that your love was only enough for the prosperous days of your life together and that it ended at the first test of life. I feel sorry for him. If you leave him, he may die.

It would be the best way out for all of us. Although it is unlikely that you will understand me and, probably, even judge me. But otherwise I can't.

So what are we to do anyway? How do you tell him about your decision?

For now, don't say anything to him. Let him stay in the hospital for another month. You know, doctor, Ivan Maksimovich has an old mother. She lives alone and, having learned about the tragedy, she will surely devote the last days of her life to her son: she will help him, show care, love and affection. I don't think she will refuse. After all, she is his mother.

Well, go ahead and decide, just don't forget that living life is not a field to cross. No matter how things turn against you.

The surgeon said goodbye to her very coldly, and when the door closed behind the visitor, turning to Galya, he continued:

Galina, you are on duty during the day, so make sure that his heartless relatives do not pass to him without your permission.

I understood you, - Galya answered and went out with a heavy stone on her heart ...

It was difficult for her now to recall the words spoken by Ivan Maksimovich. "Olga and the children came yesterday?" - he asked. She replied that they had come, but, fearing to hurt him, she could not say what purpose they had come for.

And then what else did he say? "Wake me up if they come today. Or let them wait until I wake up."

How terrible, because they will probably never come to him again, - Galina thought.

She abruptly got up from her seat and went to the doctor. The surgeon, sitting at the table, was immersed in his gloomy thoughts. He had many different problems with patients, but there was no such case as with Ivan Maksimovich in his practice. He didn't know what to do. When Galina appeared, the surgeon raised his head and mechanically said:

Galya sat down. They were silent. It seemed to them that they were thinking about the same thing, but both did not know where to start the conversation. Suddenly Galya asked:

Andrey Mikhailovich, what shall we do with Ivan Maksimovich? Let him stay with us for another month.

And then?

Then we'll tell his mother.

The conversation was interrupted, as they were called to the patient.

The days of Ivan Maksimovich were sad and gray. Week later. Galina, sorting through the mail, put aside the letter addressed to Ivan Maksimovich. Then she distributed letters to the sick and, already leaving the fifth ward, she heard the voice of Ivan Maksimovich:

Galina, mine didn't come?

No. But they called and asked me to tell you that the children had a session, and Olga Mikhailovna went on a business trip and asked you not to worry. She said she would write you a letter.

Will wait.

Galina took the deferred letter and went to the surgeon. They read it together and were indignant, but they were powerless to do anything. We decided to remain silent for now. Galya was already leaving when the surgeon called out to her:

Galina, stay after your shift and talk to Ivan Maksimovich about his mother. Ask about their relationship and where she lives.

And so, having handed over the shift, Galina took the stroller and entered the ward.

Ivan Maksimovich, it's already spring outside, everything is blooming and fragrant. Now we will take a little walk and look at the blossoming trees together.

Galina, go home. You're tired for the day, there's nothing to mess with me.

I live with my mother, I don't have a family yet. There is no hurry, and my vocation is to help people. Today I want to please you. Your daughter cannot walk with you, she is very busy, so I will take her place and give you this pleasure.

When she rolled the stroller around the hospital yard, Ivan Maksimovich smiled when he saw the life that had awakened in nature. He also wanted to live, and he looked with gratitude at Galina, who sat down on a bench. Somehow, unnoticed by them, a conversation began.

Ivan Maksimovich, tell us about your childhood, about your parents, - Galya asked.

Is it interesting for you?

Highly. I love listening to the life stories of my patients. The stories are always different, but they all enrich me spiritually.

Ivan Maksimovich was silent for a while, and then began to tell.

Confession

My father died when I was six years old. Mom never remarried. She dedicated her whole life to me. During the day she worked as a secretary-typist, and in the evening, so that I did not need anything, she washed linen for a hairdresser's. Despite her busy schedule, she made sure to find time for me. I have always been clean and well fed.

Twice a week we walked with her in the park. She told me interesting stories. What she wanted more than anything was for me to become a human being, a real human being, as she kept telling me.

She believed in God and went to worship once a week. She often spoke to me about Him and about Jesus Christ, Who saved mankind at Calvary. As a child, I loved listening to these stories.

Do you, Ivan Maksimovich, remember at least one of these stories about Jesus Christ?

I remember. Apparently, what is instilled from childhood remains for life.

Tell me something.

You see, I'm afraid to make an inaccuracy, I won't be able to tell you the way my mother would have done. As a child, I loved hearing stories about the life of Jesus. Basically, I grew up listening to my mom's stories. And when I finished the ten-year program with a gold medal, my mother was glad to tears. She kept repeating: "My labors are not in vain. Learn, son, then, I will do everything in my power to make you become a real person."

On the day when I defended my diploma after graduating from the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics, my mother was waiting for me in the park, sitting on a bench. I left the university with my fiancée Olya, a third-year teacher at the Pedagogical Institute. We walked joyfully, holding hands, and Olya chirped like a bird. I didn't even notice my mother walking towards me. When she was near, I exclaimed:

I'm very happy for you, son!

Mom and this is Olya!

Hello, Olenka, my name is Anna Mikhailovna, - said my mother and was very embarrassed, giving her her hand.

Saying goodbye to us, my mother said:

I will go. And you, Olya, come to visit us. I'll be happy.

Mom left. And Olya and I, holding hands like little children, and laughing with happiness, walked for a long time. Tired, we sat down on a bench, and suddenly Olya said:

For some reason I'm afraid of your mother. I was taken aback by her sharp gaze.

You have misunderstood it. Trust me, you will love her.

I don't know if I love it. There is only one mother in the world - dear!

I felt somehow uncomfortable because on such a joyful day our conversation with Olya acquired an unpleasant connotation. And I turned the conversation to another topic.

Already in the evening, when I was leaving, saying goodbye, Olya said:

Forget our conversation. It's just that a feeling of jealousy for your mother spoke up in me.

I was walking home and was glad that Olya had changed her mind about my mother.

Meanwhile, my mother was waiting for me at home. On the table, covered with a festive tablecloth, was a magnificent pie. My mother and I drank tea with our favorite jam and talked for a long time on various topics. There was a feeling of peace, kindness, warmth and comfort.

A year later, I married Olya. Before getting married, I asked my mother a question about whether she likes Olya. She answered:

You live with her. It seems to me that she is spoiled and proud and that it will be hard for you with her.

Mommy, she's good, very good, - I answered, - you just don't know her. Stay with us and you will be convinced.

So be it, son, - she said with a sigh. - God bless you.

If He exists, He will bless, - I said, laughing.

Don't laugh, son, at God. By this you offend me greatly.

I'm sorry mom, I won't do it again. Immediately after the marriage, there was an unpleasant conversation with Olya. I didn't recognize her. She just screamed: "I don't need your mother! If you bring her, I'll leave right away!" I remained silent and hoped that everything would work out. I was tormented by my conscience - what will I tell my mother? After all, she is waiting for an invitation to live together. Recently, I got an apartment in which they gave my mother a living space, because she rented her room to the housing and communal services. She thinks everything is ready for her move. My head ached from the thought of what to say to my mother.

A week later, I started talking with Olya again. But she did not want to hear about her mother moving to us. Knowing that my mother was waiting for us to pick her up, I went to her. When I opened the door, I saw that the things were already packed. And my mother greeted me with joy with the words: "Have you arrived? Are we moving today?" I didn't know what to say to her in response. Embarrassed, he could hardly squeeze out: "Olya is against your moving to us. I don't know what to do. Change the apartment again? What do you advise?" Mom's face changed for a moment, but then she said cheerfully:

Live happily! I, son, will not disturb you. I'll find an apartment for myself, and let this one be yours.

Thank you mom! You are the best mother in the world. I will pay for your apartment instead of you.

What are you, son! I have enough money! I receive a pension and still work. Don't worry!

I sat down on a stool. It seemed to me that I had come home and would not go anywhere else. I wanted to stay at home. Mom came up to me, stroked my hair and invited me to drink tea. We drank tea, and my mother asked me about my work, about my plans. I told everything in detail. It was already late when I was about to leave. Mom came up to me and kissed my forehead. Tears rolled down from her eyes.

Mom, are you crying?

No, son, it just seemed to me that you were small, helpless, and, you know, I wanted to remind you of my cherished dream: no matter how high you rise in your life, remain human. May the Lord bless you.

Mom, it's like you're saying goodbye to me.

What are you, son, go, otherwise Olya will worry. Hand on her My regards.

I kissed my mother and left. Olya did not sleep, she was waiting for me. Before I had time to call, she opened the door and asked:

Mom said hello to you.

Mom gave up the room in our favor and will look for an apartment. She wants us to live happily.

Well done your mother. I knew that Anna Mikhailovna was a person with a kind heart.

Olya cheered up, but my heart became very heavy. It was as if from afar I heard the voice of my mother: "My cherished dream, son, is that you remain a person at any height." And I thought, "I'm already a petty person!"

One evening I came home, and Olya said:

There is a letter from your mother. Anna Mikhailovna moved to the town of N. to her sister. They live together and feel good.

I was amazed. Mom left, why? Again, my heart felt somehow bad. She probably left because of me, so as not to remind me of her loneliness.

We have a daughter. I informed my mother about this by telegram. She congratulated us, and a week later she sent gifts for the baby.

Then a son was born. I informed my mother about this, and we again received congratulations and gifts for our son.

Once Olya met me with a dissatisfied face and said from the doorway:

Letter from your mother. He goes to see his grandchildren without even asking permission. My mother is also coming, I don't know if it will be good if they are together. What do you say? Shall we send a telegram to delay her?

Let yours be delayed, she often visits us, but mine has not been for five years and has not even seen her grandchildren. Olya, be a man! I blurted out.

Okay, - pouting her lips, she replied.

The next day I went to meet my mother.

She got out of the car beaming and, seeing me, was even more delighted. I ran up to her and she hugged me and wept softly. Then, straightening up, she said: "Let's go!" We drove home in my new car. On the threshold of the house we were met by children. The son asked:

Who is it, daddy?

This is your grandmother Anya.

Our? Why don't we know her? - said Igor.

Grandmother came up, hugged her grandchildren, and an hour later they were already friends.

Olga came late. I greeted you coldly. Cooked dinner, invited. Mom, sitting at the table, asked us about work, about our affairs. I answered. Olga was silent.

Grandma, stay with us! - said Igor.

Stay, stay! Oksana echoed him.

Thanks for the invitation. I also invite you to my place together with dad and mom, come. And I, children, leave tomorrow. I'm in transit. I thought: I’ll stop by, at least get to know my grandchildren.

We'll come, we'll come, but you don't leave!

On the second day, my mother got ready to go. I approached her and with a pleading voice asked:

Mommy, stay just a few more days.

I can't son. I'm in transit. Then, another time.

I took her to the station. Mom kissed me and said:

Son, at least occasionally write to me. I began to grow old and began to miss you especially.

Well, mommy, - I promised, - I will write.

We said goodbye, and for some time I occasionally wrote short letters to her. Then he plunged into work and four years later told his mother that her son was a doctor of physical and mathematical sciences.

Instead of a return telegram, mother herself arrived. She entered the apartment, very worried about something. When I saw her, I exclaimed:

Mom, is that you?

She smelled of something dear, very expensive. I ran up to her and hugged her tightly and kissed her.

Yes son, it's me.

Only you didn’t arrive at the right time, Anna Mikhailovna, - Olya put in.

No, no, just in time! I objected.

We have important guests tonight and we don't want your presence to ruin our evening. You can't hide the fact that you are a believer. It will be embarrassing for us.

Don't worry Olya, I'll be leaving soon. Today I came to congratulate my son and tell about what I saw in a dream. The dream disturbed my heart, and I hastened to you.

Mom entered the room, modestly sat on a chair, and at first quietly, and then raising her voice more and more, began to tell.

Ivan Maksimovich, tell your mother's dream, - Galya asked.

It's time for you, Galina, to go home, and you are busy with me.

I'm very curious to know what she dreamed about. Tell me, please!

Okay, if that's what you want.

Here is what my mother had to say that evening:

The day before the telegram, I had a terrible dream. Angels announced the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. I happily ran to meet him. I saw the radiant Christ on the snow-white clouds with a sickle in his hand and shouted: "Here is He, our God, let us rejoice and rejoice at His coming!" And suddenly I saw with horror: you are not next to me. I started calling: "Vanya! Vanya!" The picture of the coming of Christ was replaced by another one: our sinful world was on fire. People were burning in a large fiery lake, into which our land has turned. Among those that were burning, I saw you. I shouted with pain in my heart: "Son, save yourself!" You replied: "Too late." Then he began to curse me with terrible words: “Why did you work day and night? Gave me a carefree life in childhood and youth? Helped me to rise to a height and thereby provided a lake of fire! responsible for my death." In the morning, when I got up, I had a firm decision to immediately go to you and tell you about the plan of salvation, call you to repentance.

This is just what we needed! Olya was indignant.

Olya, I beg you, look for a way of salvation. Until it's not too late! Mom answered.

This will never happen! Olya screamed proudly.

At that moment, I felt sorry for my mother. I hugged her and said:

Mom, this is just a dream, and please don't try to disturb my soul. I have no desire to talk about it. Go to the evening with Aunt Sonya, spend the night, and tomorrow come back to us.

Mom exclaimed:

Why are you kids worrying about me! I wanted to tell you about the great plan of salvation, the redemption of man, but if you do not want to listen, then I will leave right away. Congratulations, son, on your achievement. Be a real person! Here's my present for you! She gave me a beautiful pen with a golden nib.

I kissed her and whispered softly in her ear:

Thank you for everything mom.

Olya ran up, kissed her too, and said:

Thank you, Anna Mikhailovna, for everything, be happy! Goodbye!

Mom immediately began to fuss, got ready and quickly left. I wanted to take her to the stairs, but Olya slammed the door in front of me. I pounced on Olya:

You always treat your mother so badly! If you love me, then why do you hate the person who is dear to me so much?

I got angry, but kept quiet in order to prevent a quarrel from flaring up. I ran to the window. Mom, hunched over, walked along the sidewalk. I thought she was crying. At that moment, Olya came up and said ingratiatingly:

Don't think anything bad. I'm sorry. If she had arrived even a day later, this would not have happened! There are so many things to do today, and she with her dream.

And then, laughing merrily, Olya asked:

Let's go, Vanechka, for orders, time is running out.

I woke up, as if from a nightmare, and followed my wife to bring orders from the store - the guests were about to come.

Gradually everything was forgotten. Days, weeks, months, years passed...

We plunged into life, into business. I got used to the family the way I had it. I was glad that I have a smart, beautiful wife and well-bred children.

Ten years have passed since that time. Once a year I wrote New Year's greetings and received a response from my mother. And now, having become a cripple, I often think about her. I really need her, I would like to confess to her and ask for forgiveness for all the past. She is my mother! Her touch would make me feel better, and, as in childhood, I would find peace. Galya! You now know what my life was like. And now before you lies a man with an insignificant and petty soul.

Galina was silent. She was amazed by what she heard. Now she understood the behavior of his wife, his children. Then she said quietly:

Ivan Maksimovich, you need to meet with your mother. Give me the address, I'll write to her if you can't do it yourself.

Galya, tell the truth, and only the truth: did my wife abandon me?

It became quiet, quiet, so quiet that the cricket that sang in the distance could be heard ...

Galya replied:

She sent you a letter.

Take me to the ward and bring the letter. Galya hesitated.

Don't be afraid, Galya! I prepared for any blow of life knowing my wife. Everything bad that is written in her letter, I read from her behavior even earlier. I felt that I had no family, no home, that I was alone. Nothing will happen to me, and if I decide to write to my mother, I will write it myself, of course, with your help.

Galya took him to the ward, took the letter and brought it to him. Leaving, she said:

Ivan Maksimovich, be courageous and get ready for an unexpected and cruel blow of fate!

I prepared for everything. I will try to be like my mother in this. She was not broken by the blows of fate, although she received them from the most beloved person on earth - her son.

Good night, - said Galina and quietly closed the door of the ward behind her. At first she wanted to go home, but then she decided to stay overnight in the hospital department in case her help was needed.

The night has passed. In the morning, Galya went into the ward. Ivan Maksimovich slept peacefully. The letter was on his chest. Galya took the letter and put it in an envelope.

What happened this night?

Ivan Maksimovich read the letter. Then another, and another, and so on several times. He could not believe that Olga and the children had left him at the most difficult time of his life. Heart ached. He wanted to scream in pain. That's all over. He was left alone, unneeded. “Did Olga really never love me? Did she really need only my position in society and my fortune? To live twenty-five years together and leave with the most difficult test! True, I am already fifty years old and I am a cripple, and she is forty-five. She is still beautiful ... And the children? Eh, children, children..."

So he thought at night and again took the letter and reread it:

“Vanya! I am writing this letter to you and crying, but I can’t do anything with myself. You will condemn me, but I can’t do otherwise. You are very similar in character to your mother, she is patient, strong in spirit and always endured all insults in silence "I changed my apartment and I'm leaving with the children for the city of M. I think that we need to get a divorce, and I hope that there will be no obstacles on your part. It will be better. I know that it will be hard for you to endure it, but not Forget that you have a mother. She loves you, and in difficult days you will not be alone, she will not leave you. Forgive us all. Do not curse me. Do not be discouraged. The irreparable happened. Forgive me, Vanya!

Olya and children.

He thought: Olya and the children. Here it is, the last message that I had a family. No children and no Olya. All my life she turned me against my mother. I was the most ungrateful son in this world. The day came when my children turned away from me, just as I turned away from my mother. As they say, what you sow, you will reap. And now Olya writes: "You have a mother, she loves you!" Olya, Olya, how dare you think of my mother? And I, blinded by love for you, allowed to offend this dearest and dearest creature to me - my poor mother! Yes... I only have my mom left, you're right about that. The mother who raised me in difficult conditions. She did everything to make me grow honest man protecting me from bad influences. She taught me from the very beginning early years to worship God, Who alone can hear and help in all difficulties. What I had, everything I owned - in everything I was indebted to my mother. And how did I repay her? It's been ten years since I've seen her. Ten years! For ten years we have only exchanged telegrams...

Ivan Maksimovich pushed his wife's letter aside and firmly decided to write to his mother, sincerely repent and ask her to come to him. His heart became calm. And after a few minutes he fell asleep. Woke up just in time for dinner. I called, and a few minutes later Galya came in.

Galya, I'm sorry I bothered you. I wanted to ask you to write a letter to your mother.

Good. I'll stay after work and help you.

In the evening, Galya came in with a notebook and a pen in her hands. She cheerfully said:

I am at your service. Dictate.

I decided to write a short letter. Write:

"My dear mother!

I beg you, forgive me, if you can still forgive. I am very lonely. I'm in the hospital. I am a cripple, abandoned by everyone. I'm not asking you to take me with you. Not! I have no right to this. I want to ask your forgiveness for all the suffering I have caused you. Mom, I need you, I really need you. In the saddest, most difficult hours of his life, your son needs you. In you, the closest and dearest person to me.

Once again, I'm sorry. Your son Vanya.

Galina wrote the address on the envelope and left. Sitting down at the table, she continued the letter, but then resolutely crossed out what she had written, and, having dressed, went to the post office.

Mother

There was not a day that she did not think about her son and grandchildren. She constantly prayed for their salvation, despite the fact that there was no news. Knowing that she was unloved by her daughter-in-law, she did not want to bother them with her letters.

Ten years have passed, she received warm and affectionate congratulatory words from her son only on New Year. Her soul often ached, but none of those around her knew her deep sorrow. She endured everything with love and patience. When it was unbearably hard for her, for consolation she read about the sufferings of Christ and was touched by her heart. She believed that this was her cross, and she carried it with patience, without grumbling. She often cried and prayed for the salvation of her son and his family. She was afraid of the callousness that reigned in their hearts. There were days when she got tired and succumbed to despondency. Knees trembled, hands dropped. But because she loved the Lord, she desired to have Him as her Counsellor. In sorrow and loneliness, she found comfort in Jesus Christ, the best, faithful Friend.

She admitted her mistake in raising her son, but firmly believed that God would forgive ignorance and correct what she had missed.

Despite the callousness of her son, his mother loved him passionately and wished salvation from sin for his entire family. She did not doubt the love of Jesus and therefore never complained, but only thanked the Heavenly Father.

She was loved by those around her. She was very kind. Forgetting her own difficulties and experiences, she used every opportunity to do good to people.

A few months ago, she lost her peace of mind, she was constantly disturbed by thoughts about the well-being of her son. It often seemed to her that something terrible had happened to her son and that he was calling her. She had already several times intended to go to him, but did not dare.

And finally, a letter from my son, written in someone else's handwriting. She reads it, but does not understand anything. Reads again and slowly sinks into a chair. The words reach her consciousness: "I am very lonely, I am a cripple, abandoned by everyone ... Mom, I need you!"

She rises from her chair and walks resolutely to the closet. He dresses quickly, collects the necessary things, takes money. Suddenly he stops abruptly and clearly remembers the words he read yesterday: "Don't we have reason to be grateful every minute, even when difficulties come our way?" She bows her knees and asks God's blessing on this difficult path for her.

Having received consolation, she firmly believes that there is no such grief, such sadness, for which the Lord would not have provided a healing remedy. She is ready to go to her son...

A bent and gray-haired mother, alarmed by the unknown, rises up the hospital stairs. There is no trace of displeasure or grumbling on her face. She is adorned with motherly love. Rising, she asks the patient, who met her in the corridor:

What department is this?

Who are you, mother?

to Petrov.

Is your son?

The patient ran down the corridor, and immediately a pretty young nurse appeared in front of her.

Hello Anna Mikhailovna!

Hello.

Galya led her to the vestibule and, having seated her, ran to the post. Exactly ten minutes later she appeared, saying:

Come with me!

They entered an empty room. Galya offered to sit down. She sat next to herself. Anna Mikhaylovna looked at her questioningly.

Anna Mikhailovna, - began Galya, - all six months I had to look after Ivan Maksimovich. According to him, I know that you are a strong-willed woman, and therefore I will tell you everything as it is. Your son is crippled.

Does he not have a hand?

Yes, he does not have his right hand, he lost it in a terrible accident.

Disfigured?

He doesn't have...maybe not all at once? Let's go have some tea. You are out of the way.

Speak, daughter. I prepared for everything, and the Lord will help me!

He has no legs. He was discouraged. He needs you, mother. He told me everything. He very sincerely repents and wants only one thing: to receive forgiveness from you.

What are you, daughter! Why is he beating himself up like that? I don't resent him. He was very busy and never had free time.

Anna Mikhailovna, I know everything. One evening, when I took him for a walk in a wheelchair, he told me the story of his life. The surgeon instructed me to find out about you. It was at that moment when his wife abandoned him, turning against him and the children. Here is her letter.

My poor son!

Mother read. There was grief on her face. Tears flowed down the cheeks. After reading it, she said:

I'm not surprised. Olya has always been proud, proud and callous. She really could not bear such a blow of fate. Sorry for the children, sorry for Vanya. Take me, daughter, to my son, and thank you very much for everything. May the Lord Who art in heaven bless you for your good heart.

Galya led Anna Mikhailovna along a long corridor to the fifth ward.

The door quietly opened. Ivan Maksimovich lay with his eyes closed. Galya came up and, touching his arm, said quietly:

Ivan Maksimovich, they came to you.

He opened his eyes and saw his mother, gray-haired from grief and time, in front of him. She stood straight and said softly:

Hello son!

He exclaimed joyfully, like a small child:

She clung to him, hugged him, kissed him on the forehead, cheeks and quietly said: "My son! My son!" Then she sat down on a chair. For a while they were silent. She stroked his black hair. The son raised his brown eyes full of tears to her, and his lips whispered: "Mom, forgive me!"

Son, don't worry. I have no grudge against you and Olya.

Mom, don't talk about her. I don't have anyone in my life. I'm lonely.

How is it not? I have. I need you the way you are. I'll wait for the surgeon and we'll go home.

Shall we go home? It seems to me that I am small, small and that you will take my hand now and lead me.

Yes, son, you are always small for me. I bought myself small house and a garden. There are many flowers in the yard. You will enjoy being at home. You and I will live together, and neither you nor I will be alone. I will be happy that you are next to me, and I will try to understand your emotional experiences and share them with you. Your plans, interests will be mine. We will live under the same roof! It will be a great happiness for me!

Mom, you are as kind as before. You haven't changed in anything, you just got older. In your presence and I become kinder. I am at peace and good with you! Mommy, I want to go home!

Anna Mikhailovna discussed everything with the surgeon and with Galya. The surgeon promised to take them in an ambulance. Saying goodbye to the sick and the surgeon, it seemed to Ivan Maksimovich that he had left a part of his life here ... Later, Galina came up to everyone. He thanked her for her attention, kindness and wished her all the best, and she asked him:

Ivan Maksimovich, promise that you will write letters to me as if you were your own daughter. Write about everything, and you too, Anna Mikhailovna. I will be very happy!

Okay, Galya, I promise to write to you. When it becomes boring to read my letters, write frankly: "Do not write anymore."

Agree. I wish you a good journey.

The ambulance drove slowly out of the hospital yard. The surgeon and Galya stood until the car disappeared. The doctor breathed a sigh of relief.

I'm glad it all ended so well.

You know, I would really like to keep in touch with this man and know everything about his life. I grew up without a father and became attached to him like a father.

Living is harder than dying. How much can you feel sorry for yourself? Do not try to warm yourself, but others with Compassion!" I did not know that at that moment was insidious, As if hearing my thoughts, Mother prayed, with a crucified heart Shielding me from trouble.

Houses

Ivan Maksimovich was lying on a sofa in a cozy room, the windows were open. Mom went to see him with a doctor. The doctor examined him, measured something for a long time. A week later, Ivan Maksimovich was already rolling around the house and yard in a light stroller on his own. The mother took up her son: she taught him to write with his left hand; like a little one, she encouraged and instructed. He lived quietly and peacefully. And that was the most important thing. He had never loved his mother as much as now.

One day his mother reminded him:

Vanya, write a letter to Galya, she's waiting. She is a good girl.

Okay, Mom, I'll write. But I don't know anything about her. The patients, however, said that she grew up without a father. It was noticeable. After all, she became attached to me, like a daughter.

Ivan Maksimovich began to write letter after letter. Galya's answers brought him joy.

From letters and we learn about his life at home.

"Hello, Galya! I am fulfilling my promise and writing to you about my life. A month has passed, I lived as if in a dream. It seemed to me that I was a little boy, beloved by my mother, who did not need anything. But suddenly an epiphany came because I am a cripple, and I felt the most miserable of all. I was in despair and wanted to commit suicide. My mother had gone to the country. I got up early in the morning with the only decision: to end my life. To this end, I examined a large kitchen knife for a long time, and how once at that moment, neither earlier nor later, a young man entered with a kind smile and immediately asked: "You are examining the knife, is it sharp enough?"

"Yes," I answered unfriendly, "it is sharp enough that the unfortunate cripple commits suicide and does not prevent anyone else from living in this world."

"Drop the knife, otherwise, I'm afraid that under such circumstances our acquaintance may not take place."

I dutifully laid down the knife. A bad mood left me in the presence of this young handsome man, and I, holding out my hand with curiosity, introduced myself: "Ivan Maksimovich."

And I suddenly, I don’t know why, but I so passionately wanted him to stay with us.

The stranger continued: "Is Anna Mikhailovna at home?"

"She is not there. She is in the village. She will arrive tomorrow evening."

"Let me stay with you until she arrives."

"Though forever," I blurted out happily.

"Forever and ever?" he asked with a kind smile. "Maybe forever," he finished.

I continued: "Yes, sit down, please. Tell me who you are and where you came from?"

He sat down on a chair near the window and began to tell: “I have known your mother for a long time. We are members of the same church. I was twenty years old when I knew Jesus Christ and made a covenant with Him. My family consisted of two people: my mother and I Mom was paralyzed, for this reason I did not marry and devoted my life to her.I was afraid that if I get married, then my mother might be a burden to my wife and then she would have to lose the most precious thing in this world that she has - her son. "I gave her all my free time, took care of her and never regretted it. A week ago I buried her in the hope of meeting her at the first resurrection of the righteous. Now I have sold the house and decided to go to Anna Mikhailovna, thinking that she she is also lonely, just like I am now. Previously, Anna Mikhailovna often came to us, and the three of us had a very good time. When I went into your house and saw you in such a state, I thought that God had sent me to this house at the right time. Are you her son? You look a lot like her." "Son," I replied.

We sat in silence for a while, then Misha continued: "Ivan Maksimovich, trouble can happen in everyone's life. You need to be strong and show strength of mind."

“You say that everyone can have a misfortune? But no one has such a misfortune as I have. I am a cripple, you understand, a cripple, abandoned by everyone: wife, children,” I exclaimed bitterly for the first time after I was left by them .

“Yes, yes! Maybe I won’t fully understand your misfortune. I won’t be able to console you either, but still, for some reason, you were left to live by that Almighty Lord of heaven and earth, in Whom all the days of our life are numbered. Not Are you left in order to leave what was not good in your past life, to repent and find the path of forgiveness, peace and rest for the soul? eternal life where everything will be restored and you will live forever?"

"Restored? What, will the arm and legs grow? Don't make me laugh, Mishenka," I said ironically. "Yes. There will be an arm, there will be legs. And you will be young and healthy."

He bent down, took out a Bible from his briefcase and began to read: “The desert and the dry land will rejoice, and the uninhabited country will rejoice and bloom like a narcissus; they shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the feeble hands, and strengthen the trembling knees; say to the timid in soul, Be steadfast, fear not; behold, your God will come vengeance, the recompense of God; He will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind and the ears will be opened. the deaf will be opened, then the lame will spring up like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb will sing, for the waters will break forth in the desert and in the steppe - streams, and the phantom of the waters will turn into a lake, and the thirsty earth into fountains of waters, into the dwelling of jackals, where they rest, there will be a place for reeds and reeds, and there will be a high road, and the way along it will be called the path of the holy: the unclean will not walk on it, but it will be for them alone, those who walk this way, even inexperienced, will not go astray. There will be no lion there. , and the ravenous beast will not climb on it; he will not be found there, but the redeemed will walk. And those redeemed by the Lord will return, they will come to Zion with a joyful exclamation; and eternal joy will be over their heads; they will find joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing will be removed" (Isaiah 35).

Galya, I specifically copied this text from the Bible verbatim for you so that you could share my joy with me - a way out was found for me. Maybe you will feel funny now, but I sincerely believed these words, and they brought me great comfort. My heart felt light and happy. This, Galya, is because I have gained hope for the future. Now it doesn't seem so dark and bleak to me.

I got a little distracted and did not describe my conversation with Misha to the end. I continue. After thinking about what I read, I, turning to Misha, suggested: "Mishenka, stay with us. I will be your elder brother!" "I will stay, brother. Together we will share both grief and joy. Give me your hand as a sign that we are brothers."

We shook hands.

The next day my mother arrived. She was somehow pleasantly transformed when she saw Misha. They hugged like mother and son. Upon learning that he was left alone, she began to persuade him to stay with us. He immediately told her that we had already agreed on this. She was very glad. I tried to guess what made her happy? Maybe the fact that now with me it will be easier for her? Or maybe attachment to Misha, like a son? But it is not important. I was glad that Misha stayed with us. Misha went out into the corridor and brought his suitcase. Mom was bustling about in the kitchen preparing dinner, and I was rereading Isaiah 35. Remember, Galya, for the first time I read the Bible. I read and saw myself in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ healthy again, but at the same time completely different from who I was on earth: immortal and holy. You must be laughing, Galya? I'm not holding a grudge. You may not understand my feelings.

Before dinner, Misha gave his mother a jacket with filial tenderness. "Here's a blouse for you," he said. "It's warm, woolen, wear it. Keep your sore joints warm. Wear it out, I'll buy another."

Mom put it on and, kissing Misha gratefully, said: "Mishenka, you remember everything, even that my bones are aching. And the blouse is just lovely. I have long dreamed of such a thing. Thank you, son."

Galya, I felt ashamed. I have never given my mother anything in my life. I didn't know my mom had bone pain all the time. I received a good lesson from Misha, but there was no hostility in my soul towards him. A realization of my baseness and bitter repentance occurred in me. I called my mother over. She came up and I said to her: "Mommy, forgive me, a worthless son. Forgive me, forgive me again!" "What are you, son, I've never been offended by you. I forgave you a long time ago." "I'm sorry mom that you didn't really have a son and that I wasn't the person you wanted me to be."

Everyone shed tears, then Misha, smiling, said: "Let's have dinner."

Galya, if you saw Misha, then you would feel the same way about this person as I do. He is a very sincere person.

Misha got a job as a paramedic. Now we have our own family doctor. I meet him every day from work and I am glad that I have a brother. I shudder at the thought that the hour will come when Misha, having married, will leave us. I told him about it. He laughingly replied: "I will marry only when I find such a kind girl who will agree to live with us!"

In my next letters I will write to you about Jesus. After all, you wanted to know about Him, but then, in the hospital, I did not tell you.

Galya, write, how do you live? How is your mom's health? Was it interesting for you to read my letter?

Goodbye. I wish you all the best in life. I will forever be grateful for your kindness. I'm waiting for your reply. Sincerely, Ivan Maksimovich.

"Dear Ivan Maksimovich! I inform you that I have a great grief - I buried my mother. I am now completely alone. I am very glad that you have not forgotten me. I am also glad that you have a kind younger brother, accept me in my small family. I am very lonely. I read with interest what you wrote about Jesus. I have been looking for Him for a long time, but no one can tell me in detail about Him. Recently I was in church, but even there I did not find satisfaction for my soul "How is Anna Mikhailovna's health? Say hello to your wonderful mother and Misha. With respect to you, your daughter Galya."

“Dear daughter Galya! I am sending you a photo. Our whole little family is on it, only you are not with us. In the evening we talked about you coming to visit us in the summer during your vacation. If you decide, we will be happy to meet.

Galya, I found Jesus and accepted Him as my personal Savior and Friend. I would very much like Him to become your Friend as well. I'm very happy.

We live, Galya, at a time when the usual foundations are crumbling, morality is being trampled. I myself have lost all trust in people, you know that. I have no more close friends. Everyone left me. I was extremely disappointed. And it was at this critical moment of my life that I found people in this world who owe their brotherly friendship to Jesus Christ. They helped me find the best Friend in my life - Jesus Christ. He gave His life for people and opened the gates of paradise for us. He is friends with us not because of profit, but out of love.

"The Lord appeared to me from afar and said, I have loved you with an everlasting love, and therefore I have extended favor to you" (Jer. 31:3).

When man sinned, Christ approached Adam and Eve as a friend to show them the way to eternal life. He is the best Friend, for He sealed His friendship with His Own Blood.

"There is no greater love than if a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13).

Jesus Christ wants to be the friend of all people, without partiality. The world loves the one who is most useful, but if there is little benefit from this, then friendship often recedes into the background. But I have found such a Friend Who will never leave me - He is faithful. What a pleasure to have such a friend! Jesus is the embodiment of supreme love, complete trust and peace. Thanks to His generosity and Divine forgiveness, He awakened in me a longing for the good, the holy. I, being in fellowship with Him, was subdued by His power of good. Now I have made a covenant with Him. Was received into His Church.

Jesus wants to be your Friend too, dear Galya. He wants to be everywhere and under all circumstances with us. And we need His friendship and constant love, His fellowship with us, His tenderness and peace.

Close friends always grant each other's wishes. Having accepted Jesus as a friend, we must also fulfill His commandments. "You are My friends if you do what I command you" (John 15:14).

Galya! His path is an easy one. When we start walking towards Him, we don't have to give up anything valuable in life. We only need to give up what is called sin and vice, which leads to death and causes shame. Sincere friendship with Him helps us become like Him. Constantly being in prayerful communion with Him, the Most Holy One, we also become holy. By using His love, we also learn to love. Through constant fellowship with Him, we attain eternal life.

Galya, we so want you to know Jesus. I am sending you the address of the meetings of our Church with you. Go. I believe that you will find Jesus there and make friends with Him. Greetings from mom and Misha. With respect to you, Ivan Maksimovich.

"Dear daughter Galya! We are so glad that you attended the meeting and that you liked it there. We believe that you will become our sister in the Lord. Today I read interesting passages about Jesus from the Bible and decided to write about it to you. Here they are:

"Those who turned their eyes to Him, they were enlightened, and their faces will not be put to shame" (Ps. 33:6).

Our world was created by Christ. Through His Son, the Father created heavenly beings.

"For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers - all things were created by Him and for Him" ​​(Col. 1:16).

Angels - the ministering spirits of God, surrounded by radiant light, descend from the face of God, surrounded by glory, do His will with lightning speed, and the Son, the anointed of God, "being the radiance of glory and His hypostasis, Who holds everything with the word of His power - their Lord. Throne of glory, exalted from the beginning, was the place of His illumination" ("Patriarchs and Prophets").

Jesus, the Savior of the world, came to save mankind. “Jesus came clothed with simplicity, humility, so that we could be an example and become our Savior. And if he came clothed in royal robes, could he then teach us meekness and simplicity? what would be the hope of the poor, the common people, if He would come and live among the people as a King?" ("The Desire of Ages").

Jesus is a good friend of mankind.

"In every soul Jesus saw a man to whom an invitation should be addressed to take part in the marriage of the Lamb. He lived among people as a good friend, thus taking possession of their hearts. He sought them at crossroads, in houses, on boats and in synagogues, on the shore of the lake and among the wedding guests. Not only from the pulpit can one work to win hearts "(" The Desire of Ages ").

Only Jesus can cleanse the heart.

"No man is able to get rid of the evil customs that own his heart. Only Jesus alone can purify the heart. But He does not want to enter there by force, as once in ancient times he entered the temple. He says:" Behold, I stand at the door and I knock" ("The Desire of Ages").

Christ is the bright hope of the nations.

History testimonial:

"During the reign of Herod Antipas, Jesus lived, a wise man, if only He can be called a man. He worked miracles, was the Teacher of people who thirst for the truth. He was followed by Jews, Greeks. He was Christ. When Pilate, at the request of the noblest, sentenced Him to be crucified ", then those who loved Him did not leave Him. After death, He appeared alive on the third day. This fulfilled the prediction of the holy prophets about His great deeds. The sect of Christians, called by His name, has not disappeared to this day "(Josephus Flavius, European historian of the 1st century, Antiquities of the Jews, ch. 18).

Ernest Renan's testimony from The Life of Jesus Christ:

"During the reign of Augustus Tiberius, a great event took place: a Personality appeared Who, by His strength, initiative and love, created a new, magnificent religion."

"Rest in Your Majesty, Noble Founder. Your work is finished. Your Divinity stands firm. Do not be afraid that any mistake will destroy Your work, for which You have put a lot of work. Millennia will pass, but the Universe will always stand by You. You - the banner of our disputes, around which a heated battle rages, is a thousand times more alive and loved after death than during life on earth. make no difference. You are the perfect conqueror of death. Whatever the future brings us, there will be no one higher than Jesus. His veneration will always remain young. His story of descending to earth to the sufferings of Calvary and heavy death for others will endlessly cause tears. "

Indeed, Jesus is the banner of controversy and desperate struggle. During all the years that have passed until this day, the Nazarene preacher, more than anyone else, has many of the most notorious opponents, but also a considerable number of devoted defenders who were ready not only to believe in Him, but also to die for His name.

Dear Galya! If you liked these excerpts, then I will send more in the next letter. Greetings from all of us. Sincerely, Ivan Maksimovich.

"Dear Ivan Maksimovich! I'm very busy. Write! I'll be very glad. Hello to all my family. Sincerely, Galya."

"My dear relatives in Christ! I inform you of great joy: on the tenth of May I was baptized. Now I am completely your sister and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. I really want to see you all. I have been on vacation since the fifteenth. Wait for me soon. Be protected by God."

Ivan Maksimovich wept with joy. The day came for which he prayed for so long and much to the Heavenly Father, the day when Galya accepted Jesus as her personal Savior.

It seemed to him that his life was not in vain on this earth. He was very glad that he had gained another soul for the Lord. He wanted to shout for joy, to sing, to glorify God. Evening in little house three people thanked the Almighty God for the mercy shown to Galya. Galya became for them from that moment even closer and dearer.

Galya knocks at the house of the former family of Ivan Maksimovich

Before going to Ivan Maksimovich, Galya decided to go to his former family. She knocked on the door. The door was opened by a tall, gray-haired, middle-aged man. Seeing the young girl, he asked:

Who do you need?

Andreev.

Come in.

Galya entered the apartment. A stately woman came out to meet her, beautiful woman. Galya recognized Ivan Maksimovich's ex-wife in her.

Hello, do you recognize me?

No, I have never seen you. However, go ahead.

They entered a richly furnished room. Galya was asked to sit down.

I am the nurse who looked after Ivan Maksimovich. But I'm not here on his behalf. The fact is that I will soon go to visit him and I thought that maybe you or his children want to write something to him, and I will pass it on to him.

Oh no. We have lost contact with him for a long time, and we do not want to restore it. We live together and, as you can see, well. I thought you were his wife.

I am his wife? Yes you? I became his daughter, because he had no one to share his grief with. He needed comfort, support, and I decided to correspond with him. I am aware of all the events in his life. This is a wonderful person, with a broad, kind soul. You all remained in his heart, and I thought that you were not indifferent to him either. He would be pleased to receive news from you and your children for such a long time. But apparently I was wrong. I'm sorry to trouble you.

What is your name? the man asked.

Galina, we will now collect a transfer for him, money. You will deliver everything to this cripple.

Yes you! Ivan Maksimovich is not a beggar, in need of money and gear. He needs attention, the participation of his own children. Don't you understand this?

I forgot him, I now have a wonderful husband, and the children, - she nodded her head at a young beautiful daughter, - a father who replaced her own. I would ask you not to overshadow and no longer disturb the peace in our friendly family.

Yes, I did not want to disturb the peace in your family. I just wanted to bring Ivan Maksimovich warm, friendly words from you. I wanted to warm the heart of a suffering person with words. He doesn't need any financial help. He is secured. His mother takes care of him, a young man who has become his brother lives with him. He saved him from committing suicide on a day of great disappointment and showed him the way out. Ivan Maksimovich became a believer, like his mother.

Yes? Has he become a believer now? Horrible! Do you hear, Nicholas? Ivan became a believer! - exclaimed ex-wife Ivan Maksimovich.

The most disgusting thing ever! - drawled her daughter with a squeamish grimace and left the room.

But what should he do? After all, this, apparently, is the only consolation that he has left in his life, - the man said judiciously.

Galina, you will probably judge us, and especially me. I got married, this is my husband. We have lived happily to this day. I thought that Ivan died long ago, and suddenly you came. No, they didn’t come, but unexpectedly invaded our family with such unpleasant news about the past for us. I ask: do not remind him of us and do not give him our address. It will be better this way. Forgive me, Galya, but I could not do otherwise. And I did it for the well-being of my children.

From these words Galya breathed cold. Every word was spoken ruthlessly and calculatedly.

Galya got up and said goodbye:

Forgive me for intruding on your new family. I thought that you, and especially your children, would be pleased to hear about Ivan Maksimovich. I thought that his daughter and son would come with me and visit their father, who still loves them. After all, even before he lived only for his family, for his wife and children. However, I was sadly mistaken. I have never seen such ingratitude in my life. I don’t want to curse you, but I want to warn you that as you did to the cripple, so it will be with you, because as you want people to do to you, do to them. Your apartment seemed to me a cold, damp hole. I leave you, and may that living and kind God, to whom Ivan Maksimovich prays, have mercy on all of you and give you the opportunity to realize the terrible mistake that you are making, the sin in your life and the lives of your children.

Galya cried.

Get out, get out of here, Galya! Don't upset us! Our life is still ahead. A life of great labor and happiness.

God help them see! Goodbye! - threw on the go Galya.

She left and the door slammed shut behind her. She walked along the street, and it seemed to her that the sun did not shine as brightly as before, that the clouds covered the city and that the wrath of God was about to break out to bring justice to this cold dwelling. Galya felt pain in her heart and sat down on a bench in the park. She sat like that for an hour. Tears rolled down her cheeks. After crying, she calmed down, got up and went to the station to go to her beloved friends. Suddenly, she made up her mind to go to them not on vacation, but forever.

Small house

Preparations are underway in the little house. Waiting for a welcome guest. All are festively dressed. Finally, the long-awaited day has come. Galya went with Misha into a clean, cozy courtyard.

The joy of meeting and long conversations seemed to have no end.

In the evening they all sat together, and Galya talked about her conversion. She thanked Ivan Maksimovich for the wonderful letters, for the warm words, for the truth about Christ.

The truth about Christ touched my heart,” she said. - Thanks to your letters, dad, I met Jesus, fell in love with Him, and He became my best friend. I was greatly impressed by your conversion and the fact that you have found peace and tranquility in your soul. The most dear topic for me in your letters was the topic of Christ. When you sent me the address of the prayer house, I went there and heard the words about Jesus. I loved Him and accepted Him as my personal Savior.

I am very grateful to God that He found me and brought me to His Church. I am very grateful to you, daddy, for your work on my salvation. Now I have a dad and you have a daughter. If possible, I will stay with you. I will find a room for myself, I will work and take care of you. We will all be very good together. I'm so glad we got each other!

Galya began to look for an apartment and a job.

One evening, when she came home, Ivan Maksimovich turned to her:

Galya, don't look for an apartment.

But I'm not comfortable living with you. Although I myself see that you really need it, because Anna Mikhailovna has become old and sick, but I cannot do otherwise. After work, I will come to you to clean, cook and wash, and I will spend the night in my apartment. I think that it will be better and more convenient.

Misha timidly turned to Galya:

Galya, I fell in love with you, and if you agree to marry me, then the issue of your stay will be resolved.

A week later, Galya gave a positive answer. They merried. Now their whole family is together.

Peace and quiet reigned in the small cozy house. About this house, all the neighbors said: "This little house is full of wealth, peace and happiness." And they asked themselves: why? And they answered themselves: they were strangers to each other, but they were united by the love of Christ. That is why they are happy. Happy and that cripple. After all, Galya treats him like his own daughter. And her children call him grandfather. Ivan Maksimovich is happy, children's laughter, singing and affectionate words are heard in their garden.

Misha bowed and kissed Ivan Maksimovich, then Galya and the children kissed him.

Ivan Maksimovich was silent for a while, and then calmly whispered: “Dear Jesus! I am coming to You. And I believe that You will calm me down for a short time, and on the day of Your first resurrection of the dead You will resurrect and change me. I believe that I will see You face to face as my dear Savior, Amen!"

He closed his eyes, took a last breath, and died. All his neighbors and close friends in Christ saw him off on his last journey. Misha and Galya were the last to leave the cemetery.

In their little house long years peace, tranquility and joy continued to reign, the blessings of Heaven rested on him.

Here is my belated postscript,
a letter into the darkness of non-existence.
Short address: Eternity, MAME.
Return address: SON, Earth.
I mentally write at night
my silent confession,
the whole chronicle of your sadness
in projection on my life.
How the heart secretly dipped
into the swamp of vulgarity and lies,
strained joy trying
silence a sick conscience.
My choice is sinful freedom.
But, in fact, I became a slave,
to be not like everyone was shy
and was at enmity with your Christ.
He was mine when I was a child
but the court actively rejected
my religion is a legacy,
and I did not resist.
I remember bold impulses
blame the cruelty of the Creator,
and the word is nasty for the first time
stuck to my lips.
My pagan temples -
brothel, bottle, drugs...
Circles in the hopelessness of hell
the soul descended in revelry.
And silently blackened after me
your sleepless eyes longing.
You believed already beyond faith
and waited against all odds.
Oh who said hell is posthumous
will be awarded to those who lived badly,
and is there any greater horror,
than the one that I then drank?
The real hell is in this life,
my world, from where God is expelled,
he is permissiveness trizna
and heavy, conscience quitrent.
He is a vacuum of bitter suffocation,
emptiness limit...
Christ saving our souls
endured agony for half a day,
and you wandered for decades
in my unthinkable hell
through the flame of pain, the flame of sadness,
in sullen despondency, as in smoke.
And in the arms of tired faith
you brought me to the light
you endured, handed over nerves,
it didn't seem to make sense.
But by the power of your prayer
grace touched me
with which all the forces of hell
were powerless to control.
Mom's grave ... The feat of life is accomplished, -
fell asleep in death
Sister of the Holy Mercy
in the struggle between good and evil.
To all the mothers who are on their knees
bring sons to God
may the Lord give without measure of faith
in an unequal battle for children.
May Heaven heal their wounds
bring joy to their hearts...
See you mom!
See you there.

Epilogue

What happened to the former family of Ivan Maksimovich? Here is what Galya had to say:

I once again visited the family of Ivan Maksimovich. His ex-wife became blind while conducting experiments in a chemical laboratory, and she was handed over to a nursing home. The daughter had a crippled son. The son of Ivan Maksimovich died during an industrial accident. The second husband of Olga Mikhailovna died.

All this happened after Galya first visited them.

Surprisingly, the words were fulfilled in their lives: "Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap" (Gal. 6:7).

"From the fruit of his mouth a man shall taste good, but the soul of transgressors is evil" (Prov. 13:2).

And Galya, Michael and their children received the blessing of Heaven. With hope and faith they go to the higher city - the new Jerusalem. On the wall in the living room, in the most prominent place, hangs a portrait of Ivan Maksimovich. The eyes of a smart and kind person look at me. Galina, as if reading my thoughts, said: "He was a smart, kind, affectionate father and grandfather. We will carry the memory of him in our hearts through life and eternity."

Leaving this house, I took with me the image of these wonderful people who believe in Christ, and their genuine, sincere feat of faith and expectation of the soon return to earth of their Savior - Jesus Christ.

PRAYER OF THE MOTHER
Vladimir Krupin

"A mother's prayer will get it from the bottom of the sea" - this proverb, of course, is known to everyone. But how many people believe that this proverb was not said for the red word, but absolutely true, and for many centuries it has been confirmed by countless examples.
Father Pavel, a monk, told me an incident that happened to him recently. He told it as if everything was as it should be. This case struck me, and I will retell it, I think that it is surprising not only for me.
On the street, a woman approached Father Pavel and asked him to go to her son. Confess. She named the address.
“But I was in a hurry,” Father Pavel said, “and I didn’t have time that day. Yes, I confess, I forgot the address. And a day later, early in the morning, she met me again, very excited, and urgently asked, directly begged me to go to her son. For some reason, I didn’t even ask why she didn’t go with me. I went up the stairs and called. The man opened. Very untidy, young, it is clear at once that he drinks heavily. He looked at me impudently, I was in vestments. I said hello, I say: your mother asked me to come to you. He jumped up: "It's okay to lie, my mother died five years ago." And on the wall is her photograph among others. I point to the photo, I say: "It was this woman who asked to visit you." He is with such a challenge: "So you came from the other world for me?" - "No," I say, for now, from this. But what I tell you
I’ll tell you to do it: tomorrow morning, come to the temple.” - “And if I don’t come?” - “You will come: your mother asks. It is a sin - parent words do not perform."
And he came. And in confession he was shaking with sobs, he said that he had kicked his mother out of the house. She lived among strangers and soon died. He even found out later, he didn’t even bury her.
- And in the evening I met his mother for the last time. She was very joyful. Her kerchief was white, and before that it was dark. She was very grateful and said that her son was forgiven, because he repented and confessed, and that she had already seen him. Here I myself, in the morning, went to his address. Neighbors said that yesterday he died, they took him to the morgue.
Here is the story of Father Paul. But I, a sinner, think: it means that the mother was given to see her son from the place where she was after her earthly death, which means that she was given to know the time of her son's death. This means that even there her prayers were so fervent that she was given the opportunity to incarnate and ask the priest to confess and give communion to the unfortunate servant of God. After all, it's so terrible - to die without repentance, without communion.
And most importantly: it means that she loved him, loved her son, even such a drunken one who expelled his own mother. It means that she was not angry, she was sorry, and, already knowing more than all of us about the fate of sinners, she did everything so that this fate would bypass her son. She got him from the bottom of the sinful. It is she, and only she, by the power of her love and prayer.

Complete collection and description: Krupin's mother's prayer is a story for the spiritual life of a believer.

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Krupin Vladimir "Mother's Prayer"

“But I was in a hurry,” Father Pavel said, “and I didn’t have time that day. Yes, I confess, I forgot the address. And a day later, early in the morning, she met me again, very excited, and urgently asked, directly begged me to go to her son. For some reason, I didn’t even ask why she didn’t go with me. I went up the stairs and called. The man opened. Very untidy, young, it is clear at once that he drinks heavily. He looked at me impudently: I was in vestments. I said hello, I say: your mother asked me to come to you. He jumped up: "It's okay to lie, my mother died five years ago." And on the wall is her photograph among others. I point to the photo, I say: “It was this woman who asked to visit you.” He with such a challenge: “So you came from the other world for me?” - “No,” I say, “so far from this. And here is what I tell you, you do:

Come to church tomorrow morning." “And if I don’t come?” - “Come: mother asks. It is a sin not to fulfill parental words.

“And in the evening I met his mother for the last time. She was very joyful. Her kerchief was white, and before that it was dark. She was very grateful and said that her son was forgiven, because he repented and confessed, and that she had already seen him. Here I myself, in the morning, went to his address. Neighbors said that yesterday he died, they took him to the morgue.

Here is the story of Father Paul. But I, a sinner, think: it means that the mother was given to see her son from the place where she was after her earthly death, it means that she was

given to know the time of his son's death. This means that even there her prayers were so fervent that she was given the opportunity to incarnate and ask the priest to confess and give communion to the unfortunate servant of God. After all, it's so terrible - to die without repentance, without communion. And most importantly: it means that she loved him, loved her son, even such a drunken one who expelled his own mother. It means that she was not angry, she was sorry, and, already knowing more than all of us about the fate of sinners, she did everything so that this fate would bypass her son. She got him from the bottom of the sinful. It is she, and only she, by the power of her love and prayer.

Krupin's mother's prayer story

“A mother's prayer will get it from the bottom of the sea” - of course, everyone knows this proverb. But how many people believe that this proverb was not said for the red word, but absolutely true, and for many centuries it has been confirmed by countless examples.

Father Pavel, a monk, told me an incident that happened to him recently. He told it as if everything was as it should be. This case struck me, and I will retell it, I think that it is surprising not only for me.

On the street, a woman approached Father Pavel and asked him to go to her son. Confess. She named the address.

And I was in a hurry, - said Father Pavel, - and that day I did not have time. Yes, I confess, I forgot the address. And a day later, early in the morning, she met me again, very excited, and urgently asked, directly begged me to go to her son. For some reason, I didn’t even ask why she didn’t go with me. I went up the stairs and called. The man opened. Very untidy, young, it is clear at once that he drinks heavily. He looked at me impudently, I was in vestments. I said hello, I say: your mother asked me to come to you. He jumped up: "It's okay to lie, my mother died five years ago." And on the wall is her photograph among others. I point to the photo, I say: “It was this woman who asked to visit you.” He is with such a challenge: “So you came from the other world for me?” - “No,” I say, so far from this. And here is what I tell you

I’ll tell you to do it: come to the temple tomorrow morning.” - “And if I don’t come?” - “Come: mother asks. It is a sin not to fulfill parental words.

And he came. And in confession he was shaking with sobs, he said that he had kicked his mother out of the house. She lived among strangers and soon died. He even found out later, he didn’t even bury her.

That evening I met his mother for the last time. She was very joyful. Her kerchief was white, and before that it was dark. She was very grateful and said that her son was forgiven, because he repented and confessed, and that she had already seen him. Here I myself, in the morning, went to his address. Neighbors said that yesterday he died, they took him to the morgue.

Here is the story of Father Paul. But I, a sinner, think: it means that the mother was given to see her son from the place where she was after her earthly death, which means that she was given to know the time of her son's death. This means that even there her prayers were so fervent that she was given the opportunity to incarnate and ask the priest to confess and give communion to the unfortunate servant of God. After all, it's so terrible - to die without repentance, without communion.

And most importantly: it means that she loved him, loved her son, even such a drunken one who expelled his own mother. It means that she was not angry, she was sorry, and, already knowing more than all of us about the fate of sinners, she did everything so that this fate would bypass her son. She got him from the bottom of the sinful. It is she, and only she, by the power of her love and prayer.

Stories by Vladimir Nikolaevich Krupin

KRUPIN Vladimir Nikolaevich was born on September 7, 1941 in the village of Kilmez, Kirov Region. In 1974, he published the first book "Grains", for which he was accepted into the Writers' Union, after which he left for creative work.

Author of the stories “Velikoretskaya font”, “Living water”, “In all Ivanovo”, “Coachman's story”, “Glory to God for everything”, “One of these days or earlier”, etc. His latest works are closely connected with the life of the Church: "Orthodox ABC", "Russian Saints", "Children's church calendar"," Consecration of the Throne "," Fishers of Men.

The works of Vladimir Krupin invariably arouse the interest of readers. The writer organically combines the problems of "secular" life with Orthodox ethics. His heroes are people who seek, suffer, and find it difficult to comprehend their destiny. The writer is convinced that the path to a full, harmonious existence runs through love, kindness and the acquisition of true faith. Each of the characters comes to this in their own, sometimes very tortuous and bizarre way.

In Serezha's class, many children did not have fathers. That is, they were alive, but lived separately. Who was in prison, who went somewhere and did not leave an address. Serezhin's father came once a month and brought gifts. He will get a toy, they will play checkers, and he will soon leave. He won't even drink tea. Mom and grandmother were sitting in the kitchen at that time. AT recent times father began to give Serezha money. Grandmother grumbled: “Look how cleverly he settled down: he pays off his son.”

But Serezha loved his father. And my mother, it was felt, also loved him, although she never asked to stay. She did not take her father's money from Seryozha. And what did he need: they bought him ice cream anyway.

Let's take the money to the church, - Seryozha suggested. She and her mother loved to go to church.

Come on, my mom agreed. - And it's time for you, finally, to confession.

What are his sins? Grandma intervened. - Where are you taking him?

Let's go, all together, grandma! Serezha said.

I have lived a century and I will live somehow, - my grandmother answered. - I honestly worked, did not steal, did not drink wine, did not smoke - what kind of confession do I need?

Mom just sighed. In the evening, in addition to evening prayers, he and Serezha read an akathist to the Guardian Angel, and in the morning they got up early, did not eat or drink anything, and went to church.

And what to say to the father? Serezha was worried.

Whatever he asks, then speak. You yourself know what is wrong. You argue with your grandmother.

She's more of a wrangler than me! - Seryozha exclaimed. - She swears so much in vain!

You’re already judging, ”my mother said. - Even if the grandmother is wrong, you can not blame. She is old man. You will live to her age, it remains to be seen what you will be.

They bought candles in the church and went to the right aisle, where confession soon began. At first, Father Victor read a common prayer and strictly asked whether they were treated by psychics, whether visiting guest performers, various sectarians went to sermons. Then he recited the prayer again, saying from time to time: "Name your names." And Seryozha, together with everyone, hurriedly, in order to be in time, said: "Sergey."

In front of Serezha stood a girl of his age, maybe a little older. In her hands she held a piece of paper from a notebook, on which it was written in large size: "My sins."

Of course, it was not good to peep, but Seryozha involuntarily read, reassuring himself that it was like an exchange of experience. It was written on a piece of paper: “I was too lazy to go to Kindergarten behind my brother. Lazy to wash dishes. Lazy to learn lessons. I drank some milk on Friday.

Seryozha read it and sighed. No, he had worse sins. I ran away from the lessons with the guys to the cinema. The movie was adult and indecent. And the dishes? Seryozha is not that lazy, but he is playing for time. He knows that his grandmother forces him, and then she will wash him. And yesterday they sent him to the store, and he said that he had to learn lessons, and he himself chatted for an hour on the phone with Yulia, all the teachers were laughed at.

Well, Serezha's mother went to the father. It is obvious that she is crying. The priest covers her bowed head with an stole, baptizes her from above and lets go. Seryozha gathered his courage, crossed himself and went up to the priest. When he asked about the sins, Serezha suddenly burst out by itself:

Father, how can we pray that dad will live with us all the time?

Pray, dear child, pray with your heart. The Lord will give according to faith and prayers.

And for a long time the father spoke with Seryozha.

And then there was communion. And these solemn words “The servant of God Sergius takes communion. »

And at this time the choir sang: "Take the body of Christ, taste the source of the immortal." Seryozha took communion, kissed the cup, and with crossed arms went up to the table, where an affectionate old woman gave him a tiny silver dipper with sweet water and soft prosphora.

At home, a joyful Seryozha burst into his grandmother's room and shouted:

Grandmother! You would know how many sins I have! And you spoke! Do not trust? Let's go, let's go together next time.

In the evening, my dad called. And Seryozha talked to him for a long time. And at the end he said:

Dad, it's not interesting to talk on the phone. Come on, no phone. Daddy, I don't need money and I don't need toys. You just come. Will you come?

No, you just come, - said Seryozha.

In the evening Serezha prayed for a long time.

“A mother’s prayer will get it from the bottom of the sea” - of course, everyone knows this proverb. But how many people believe that this proverb was not said for the sake of a red word, but is absolutely true, and has been confirmed by countless examples over many centuries?

Father Pavel, a monk, told me an incident that happened to him recently. He told it as if everything was as it should be. This case struck me, and I will retell it, I think that it is surprising not only for me.

On the street, a woman approached Father Pavel and asked him to go to her son. Confess. She named the address.

And I was in a hurry, - said Father Pavel, - and that day I did not have time. Yes, I confess, I forgot the address. And a day later, early in the morning, she met me again, very excited, and urgently asked, directly begged me to go to her son. For some reason, I didn’t even ask why she didn’t go with me. I went up the stairs and called. The man opened. Very untidy, young, it is clear at once that he drinks heavily. He looked at me impudently: I was in vestments. I said hello, I say: your mother asked me to come to you. He jumped up: "It's okay to lie, my mother died five years ago." And on the wall is her photograph among others. I point to the photo, I say: “It was this woman who asked to visit you.” He with such a challenge: “So you came from the other world for me?” - “No,” I say, “so far from this. But what I tell you, you do: tomorrow morning come to the temple. - "And if I don't come?" - “Come: mother asks. It is a sin not to fulfill parental words.

And he came. And in confession he was shaking with sobs, he said that he had kicked his mother out of the house. She lived among strangers and soon died. He even found out later, did not even bury.

That evening I met his mother for the last time. She was very joyful. Her kerchief was white, and before that it was dark. She was very grateful and said that her son was forgiven, because he repented and confessed, and that she had already seen him. Here I myself went to his address in the morning. Neighbors said that yesterday he died, they took him to the morgue.

Here is the story of Father Paul. But I, a sinner, think: it means that the mother was given to see her son from the place where she was after her earthly death, which means that she was given to know the time of her son's death. This means that even there her prayers were so fervent that she was given the opportunity to incarnate and ask the priest to confess and give communion to the unfortunate servant of God. After all, it's so terrible - to die without repentance, without communion. And most importantly: it means that she loved him, loved her son, even such a drunken one who expelled his own mother. It means that she was not angry, she was sorry, and, already knowing more than all of us about the fate of sinners, she did everything so that this fate would bypass her son. She got him from the bottom of the sinful. It is she, and only she, by the power of her love and prayer.

Times have passed, time has passed

“Times have passed, deadlines have remained,” this is how Grandma Lisa says.

She began to speak like this when she noticed that there was more oil in her "annual" lamp. That is, not more oil, but it began to be enough for a longer time. Previously, the lampada was filled at Easter, and it burned until the next Easter, exactly a year. And now the same amount of oil is being poured, and the lamp is burning until the Ascension, that is, even more than a month. What is the conclusion from this? From this, the grandmother deduces that times have shortened, accelerated, everything begins to rush towards the end of the world.

In this, her grandson Seryozha agrees with her grandmother, as well as her grandmother's "antediluvian", as she says, familiar, old father Rostislav. He no longer serves, lives nearby and slowly, with a stick, comes to visit.

They sit with their grandmother for many hours of tea and remember the past life. Seryozha sits quietly and listens to the old people - and comes to the conclusion that life used to be hard, but good, now life has become easier, but harder. How so? But like this.

Before, sister, - says the priest, - you serve the Liturgy and you don’t know if the servants of the Antichrist will let you finish the service. But, on the other hand, you know that Christ is in all your parishioners. And now you serve, you serve, and then you see your own parishioners at some diabolical gathering.

Sin on them, - reassures grandmother Liza. - You and I don’t need to hold on to the earth, we look at the sky with fear.

The whole earth will burn, the whole earth will burn, - says the priest, and with difficulty rises. - And take me, servant of God Sergius, to the monastery of Father Victor.

Seryozha is happy about this. Father Victor's abode is a big apartment in a big house. But whatever the apartment, it is, of course, small for the father's family. There are so many people in it that Seryozha could never count them. Even children, not to mention adults. Father Viktor's wife, mother Zoya, calls the family a camp, and father Rostislav calls the collective farm.

Father Rostislav often stops, but does not sit down on the oncoming benches: then it is hard to get up. He stands, leans on a stick with one hand, slowly runs the other from top to bottom over his light gray beard. He looks kindly at Seryozha.

Come to my grave. Sit down and pray. You will be a father, you will serve a memorial service, otherwise you will visit.

In the house of Victor's father, as in "Mogomora's garden". This is the expression of mother Zoe. They have over ten children. Everything is there: Vanya, and Masha, and Grisha, and Vladimir, and Ekaterina, and Nadezhda, and Vasily, and Nina. you can't remember everyone. Noise, shouting, skirmishes.

Mother complains to Father Rostislav how she gets it.

Pray, says Father Rostislav. - Great work - great reward.

When should I pray, when? - exclaims the mother. - Father Victor is hopelessly in the temple or on the trebs, walks around the old women, spoiled them, they could crawl to the temple.

Mother, do not sin, do not sin! Father Rostislav hastily interrupts. - Your husband, married to you, is a very big worker. And to pray to God is always the time and place. You don't leave the stove, do you?

And pray! And do you peel potatoes?

Here you go. You press the knife, turn the potato and say: “Lord, have mercy,” “Lord, have mercy,” “Lord, have mercy.”

Here they, attracted by a quarrel, go to figure out what's wrong. Of course, the children did not share the toy.

Lies - no one needs it, - says an old grandmother, father's mother. - And as one took it, the other needs it.

Father Rostislav patiently explains to the children surrounding him:

Force, of course, can be taken away. But for every power there is another power. On a pistol - a gun, on a gun - a machine gun, on a machine gun - a machine gun, on a machine gun - a cannon. But it's not power, it's stupidity. And there is strength - strength to all forces. Which? This is humility. You want to play, but you hold on, endure, give in. Humble yourself. And you will win with patience. Now let's check. Nina, did you fight? For what toy? Ah, because of this machine. With whom? What is your name? Vasya? Take it, pull it, pull it. So. Who is stronger? Vasya. Who has humility?

Vaska, Vaska! Nina screams.

Here it is, the female character, - says Father Rostislav. - To be you, Nina, the regent.

Having bowed to Father Victor, Seryozha and Father Rostislav go out into the street. Seryozha finds a candy in his pocket, and Father Rostislav finds a gingerbread.

Serezha sees off the priest and returns to Grandma Liza.

She knits socks for him. She knits, strings endless loops on knitting needles and whispers at the same time: “Lord, have mercy,” “Lord, have mercy,” “Lord, have mercy.”

In the seventh grade, a new student Zhenya Kasatkin came to us. She and her mother lived in the village and came to the village to cure Zhenya. But his illness - a congenital heart disease - was incurable, and he died of it the following year, in May.

Round fives were in Zhenya's diary, only there was a dash in physical education, and although he did not study for two or three weeks due to illness, he still knew any lesson better than ours. It was so good for me, I sat at the same desk with him. We became friends. Our friendship was uneven - he could not keep up with us, but in everything else he was ahead. Fountain pens were then a rarity, he was the first to invent a homemade one. He took a thin, thin wire, wound it on a needle and attached the resulting spring to the bottom of the feather. If there were more of these springs, then the pen would pick up so much ink at once that it would write a whole lesson. He gave me such an eternal pen as well. And I asked:

What is the name of your illness?

He said. I wrote on the blotting paper: "Ham of the heart." It seemed so witty to me that I did not notice his resentment.

Spring came. When the water in the stream outside the outskirts entered the banks, we began to go to it to prick the barbels. Barbels - small fish - lived under pebbles. Once I called Zhenya. He rejoiced. His mother was not at home, and Zhenya, looking at me, went barefoot. The earth had already warmed up, but the water in the stream was very cold, the stream ran from a coniferous forest, and at the bottom, especially under the cliffs, there was still rough ice. The fork was one for two.

In order to show off my dexterity to Zhenya, I climbed first. It took a lot of patience to approach, without frightening, from behind. The barbels stood with their heads against the current. As luck would have it, nothing worked out for me, stupid haste interfered.

Zhenya went ahead, tracked down the mustachioed and carefully stabbed him on a fork, plump, almost the size of a finger. And I climbed ashore and ran to warm my feet. Zhenya did much better, he walked and walked on the icy water, carefully lifting flat stones. The bank was filling up.

The sun went down, it got cold. I even froze on the shore, but what was it like for him, walking knee-deep in water. Finally, he got out on the beach.

Run, I advised. - Get warm.

But how could he run - with a sick heart? I would rub his legs. Yes, in the end, at least to tell his mother that he was cold, but he did not order to tell where we were, he gave all the mustaches to me. I was shivering from the cold, but I was very pleased that I did not fall behind me, even better.

He was admitted to the hospital again.

Since he often lay there, I did not even think that this time because of our fishing.

We ran to the meadows for wild onions and ran into the hospital on the way. Zhenya stood at the window, we shouted whether to bring him wild onions. He wrote on a piece of paper and put it against the glass: “Thank you. I have everything".

Swimming has already begun! - we shouted. - On the Popovskoye lake.

He smiled and nodded his head. We fell off the window sill and rushed off. From the gate I looked back - he was standing in the window in a white shirt and looked after me.

Since it’s impossible, we didn’t bring him wild onions. The next day they went to eat siverikha - pine porridge, another day later to burn grass on Red Mountain, then they ran again for wild onions, but it was already stale.

On the fourth day, at the first break, the teacher entered the classroom and said:

Get dressed, there will be no lessons. Kasatkin died.

And everyone looked at my desk. They collected money. Not much, but the teacher added. Without a queue, we bought rolls at the school buffet, put them in two briefcases and went.

In the house, in the hallway, there was a coffin. Zhenya's mother, seeing us, wailed. Another woman, as it turned out, the mother's sister, began to explain to the teacher that they had not done an autopsy - and it was so clear that he had suffered.

Blinded by the transition from a sunny day to darkness, and even the windows were curtained, we crowded around the coffin.

Stay, my dears, - said the mother, - I don’t know anyone, Zhenechka told all about you, stay with him, dears. Do not be afraid.

I don't remember his face. Only a white veil and paper flowers. The mother's sister took these flowers from the shrine and laid them along the board. Now I understand that Zhenya was handsome. Dark hair, a high forehead, thin fingers on the hands, then reddened in the icy water. His voice was quiet, accustomed to pain.

He read this little book, but he didn’t finish it, I’ll put it on the path with him.

And she put in the coffin, to Zhenya's left hand, a book, but I don't remember which one, although we tried to read the title.

When we were about to leave, Zhenya's mother took out a homemade eternal pen from his briefcase and asked us all to write our names.

I will go to church to commemorate Zhenya, and I will write you all down for health. Live, dear, for my Zhenechka.

They approached the table and wrote on a sheet of notebook German. There were enough pens for everyone. Written by the teacher. One name, no patronymic.

Zhenya Kasatkin was buried the next day. There was sun again. There were puddles closer to the cemetery, but still we did not put the coffin on the cart, we carried it in our arms, on long embroidered towels. They changed on the go and tried not to stop - the mother's sister followed this - stopping with the dead was a bad omen. Our teacher and another led Zhenya's mother by the arms.

And when they began to lower the coffin on the same towels, then Kolka and I, who was one of all the boys crying - he was older than us, an eternal repeater, and Zhenya was studying with him - Kolka and I jumped into the grave and took the coffin: Kolya in headboard, I'm at my feet.

Then everyone came up and threw a handful of wet earth.

And, having already returned to the village, we could not disperse in any way, we came to the school and stood with the whole class on the sports ground. A wide bench stretched along the fence, there was still ice under it. Some of the guys started kicking this ice. The rest too.

But I still found strangers. I didn't know what they were called though. An old man was walking through our village and asked to spend the night with us. We let everyone in. Yes, almost everyone was strange then. Grandmother asked him where to lay his bed, it was evening. But he said that he would lie down in the hayloft, stay until the morning, and in the morning, so as not to wake anyone, he would leave. Then he called us and said: "Do you want to tell a fairy tale." And we were great hunters to listen, how much did they get. Sat down.

“I was passing through the cemetery,” he said, “and they showed me the grave of a nun. She was cursed by people, but forgiven by God. And everything about her was revealed only after her death. She was from a decent family. One Daughter. And just to be a girl, the mother died. Buried. My father was very sad and decided to go to the monastery. And he said to his daughter: you are a grown-up girl, prominent, they are already looking at you, choose for yourself good man according to your heart and get married. And she suddenly says to him: "I'll go with you." But there was no convent close, and she did not want to go to a convent, she loved her father. And so she asked that he backed down. He dressed her as a young man, brought her to the monastery, made a contribution and asked to be accepted with her son. He, he was old, was accepted immediately, but they don’t take his son - why ruin youth, let them, they say, go into the world and live like everyone else. Monasticism is hard work. But she begged, and they accepted her, only the obedience was made very difficult - to clean the cesspools. She said she was Marina, that her name was Marin. And carried obedience with joy. She was well literate, studied services, read hours. The abbot of this monastery, Marina, fell in love very much. The father did not live long, they buried him.

Time has passed, the rector says: I will take you to the exam at the Lavra, and there they will test your knowledge and give you a parish. You will be a priest. But she refused and asked to become a monk forever. And she was tonsured on Michaelmas day with the name of Michael. And this monk was already preparing for silence, when trouble came out.

This monastery had its own farm - plantings, a vegetable garden, and the monks worked there. Ten versts. And sometimes they spent the night there at the inn, so as not to go far. And the abbot, apparently, kept Michael for services. But others began to grumble, they say, they work, but he does not. And Michael himself asked to go to work. But they were familiar, they did their lesson and left, but Mikhail (Marina, that is) did not have time and decided to stay himself so that he could finish it later. And it was in this yard that he spent the night.

And the owner of the yard had a marriageable daughter. And it was on this day that he walked past the soldiers, was late and asked to spend the night. He liked this daughter, and he persuaded her to sin, and then threatened that he would kill him if he spoke to him, and if something happened, then let him point to the monk.

And so it happened. The daughter became pregnant, it became noticeable. My father almost killed me. She said that a monk had raped her. She soon gave birth. The father took her child (a boy was born) and brought it to the monastery. There he came to the abbot and laid at his feet and pointed to Michael. The abbot became angry and immediately ordered Mikhail to take the child and leave the monastery. The monk said nothing, bowed, picked up the child from the floor and left. Where will he go?

So he lived near the gate for three years and was busy with the child. And before that he was sorry that the monks themselves went to bow to the abbot and asked him to forgive. But he did not forgive.

And that soldier returned and began to ask the owner's daughter to marry him. She, of course, gladly. Send for your son. But the monk does not give up the child, and he himself does not go from him, he is used to it. Then the soldier ordered his wife to throw herself at the abbot's feet and tell him that there was no fault of the monk, that the child was from the soldier. The abbot punished her for slander, and forgave the monk. So the child was taken away. The child grew up and ran to see him.

The soldier treated his wife badly, beat her, and even did not find peace with his father-in-law. He took over the yard, buried his father-in-law, drove his wife and child out. And this wife herself went to the monastery and tried to see the monk, she liked him so much. I tried to intercept and persuaded you to leave the monastery, they say, the child considers you to be his father. The monk did not agree, then she said: they say, come on, God will forgive for love, let's see each other secretly. But the monk did not agree to this either. And then she did what - she again went to the abbot, again threw herself at her feet and again said that the child was from a monk, that he promised her a lot of money if she persuaded the soldier to take the sin upon himself. And - before that she was blinded - kissed the cross on that.

The monk was called, they ask. And he, according to his rank, cannot swear and says: everything is up to you. And again they kicked him out, and again he remained, as it were, with his son. And he brought him out into the people, and taught him, and himself (herself), whether life is easy, fell ill and died.

The monks asked the abbot to bury him in the monastery. But he ordered to be carried to the worldly cemetery. And now - when they began to wash, they look: the whole body is completely withered, female. Then everything opened up. The abbot himself took the funeral service. And when the coffin was lowered into the grave, a thunderstorm struck. And lightning hit the inn and smashed it.”

Here is such a story. Where and when it was, neither I nor my mother know. She also added that in the morning we guys ran to the wanderer, but he was no longer there. Only gingerbread and sugar lay in a clean rag, a gift.

So he had food. And at that time it was not easy, but he didn’t eat it, he gave it to the guys, ”my mother said.

And I kept thinking about the time when this Marina-Marin was left alone at the gates of the monastery with a tiny child. How and with what she fed him, how she warmed him with her warmth. No, apparently, it's too early for me, I have not risen to the understanding of such stories. So my whole role here is to convey what I heard. So we will pass until we understand something.

Orthodox magazine "Transfiguration".

We are grateful to everyone for their support!

Without God, a nation is a crowd,

Either blind or stupid

Ile, what is even more terrible -

And let anyone ascend the throne,

speaking in a high voice,

The crowd will remain the crowd

Until you turn to God!

". it is important to remember that the modern information environment closely follows any news related to the Church. And here I would like to say not only about journalists - I would like to say in general about people who represent the Church in the eyes of the laity, in the eyes of secular society. We must turn Special attention on the way of life, on the words that we utter, on how we behave, because through the assessment of this or that representative of the Church, most often a clergyman, people form ideas about the whole Church. This, of course, is a misconception, but today, according to the law of the genre, it turns out that it is precisely some errors, irregularities in the actions or words of clergymen that are instantly replicated and create a false, but attractive for many picture, by which people determine their attitude towards Churches."

Patriarch Kirill at the closing of the 5th International Festival of Orthodox Media "Faith and Word"

“Freedom has created such oppression as was experienced only during the Tatar period. And - most importantly - the lie has so entangled the whole of Russia that you do not see a light in anything. The press behaves in such a way that it deserves a rod, not to say - a guillotine. Deception, impudence, madness - everything was mixed up in a suffocating chaos. Russia has disappeared somewhere: at least I hardly see her. If it were not for the belief that all these are the judgments of the Lord, it would be difficult to survive this great test. I feel that there is no solid ground anywhere, everywhere there are volcanoes, except for the Cornerstone - our Lord Jesus Christ. In Him I place all my hope.” Man must learn mercy most of all, for it is this that makes him a man. Many praise the man for mercy(Prov. 20, 6). He who does not have mercy ceases to be a man. It makes wise. And why are you surprised that mercy serves hallmark humanity? It is a sign of the Divine. Be merciful says the Lord as your Father is merciful(Luke 6:36). So, let us learn to be merciful, both for these reasons, and especially for the fact that we ourselves have a great need for mercy. And let us not honor with life the time spent without mercy.

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