Patriarch Kirill Took on Someone Else's Pain as a Child

From “The Happiest Easter of My Life.” documentary, TV Spas, 04/16/2023.

Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev)

Patriarch Kirill:

Dad served as a priest in the Transfiguration Cathedral in the city of Leningrad. And he had a heart attack just before Easter. And the doctors demanded that he stayed at home and missed the service. But the same thing was told to my father by my relatives, my mother, and other relatives who had the opportunity to communicate with us at that time. But the father was adamant and he decided to go to the service. Of course, his performing divine service was out of the question, he simply stood in the temple, in the Altar. We were all very worried about dad. And so I decided to pray for him throughout the night service. And I prayed that the pain from daddy’s heart would transfer to my heart. You can’t imagine - I’m speaking as if confessing - like before the sacred objects, so that everyone understands that this is not a lie. My heart ached so much that I had no strength to stand at the service. But I told myself: “This is not because of your illness, it’s just that you asked the Lord for your father’s pain to pass on to you, so stand and be patient”. I endured this entire service. And when the service ended, and someone came up to dad - as I already said, he did not serve, but stood nearby - and they said: “Father Mikhail, how are you feeling?” - “I feel great.” - “So, nothing bad has happened, you didn’t feel any pain or discomfort?” - “None. The service was great.” And then I realized that the Lord had heard my childish prayer.

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