The Elder, Out of Love, Took Upon Himself the Infirmities of Those Who Came

Elder Mikhail (Pitkevitch) (1877-1962)

From the book "By the God-Created Caves”, from the story about Elder Mikhail (Pitkevich).

In his other notes, Father Kensorin, especially emphasizing the elder’s love for the reclusive life, writes:

“His constant proverb was: “Love everyone and run away from everyone.” He was in constant seclusion for several years (about eleven) performing the Divine Liturgy daily; only the cell attendant brought prosphora and so-called “warmth” (wine mixed with warm water) to the seclusion, and he alone celebrated the Divine Liturgy there. Hieromonk Michael was also distinguished by his love and humility. Of course, he loved everyone who came. I used to observe how, after certain visitors, he lay sick; there was even a case that he lay sick for several days. He gave his grace to that person, and took upon himself all the weaknesses of the person who came, overcoming with his feat of love the weakness that this person coming to him must overcome."

Source

The Elder Helped a Man to Make His Confession

From a conversation with Elder Mikhail (Pitkevitch).

Elder Mikhail (Pitkevitch) (1877-1962)

The elder said, ‘An elderly lady came to visit me once with her daughter. She told me that her son, a good and religious man by nature, an often churchgoer, nevertheless attends services without taking Holy Communion for years. This way her son used to attend the church caused his mother to worry. She asked me to lead her son on the right path. I agreed to make an attempt to do so. Soon this man visited me. I found him a pleasant and sincere person. I asked him about his education, work, way of his life, etc. He described everything in detail and was frank with me. ‘Why don’t you go to the Holy Communion?’  I asked my visitor, ‘you are already of middle age, you live in unsettling times, and suddenly death may well come to you.’ ‘You are absolutely right, Father’, my guest replied, ‘but I fear to confess because I am not used to do this.’ ‘My friend, you don’t have to make your confession now,’ I told him. ‘I just heard one of the fullest confessions of my life. Get on your knees, and I will pray above you for absolution.’ He did so, and I absolved his sins. Now he is a well-known religious man.

Source

Cruel Death Because of Secret Sin

Elder Mikhail (Pitkevitch) (1877-1962)

Hieroschemamonk Mikhail (Pitkevich). "Conversations with S.N.Bolshakov. Second Conversation"

I heard most incredible stories about some people who were repenting their sins. Therefore, I am fully confident that love and compassion can convert the worst sinner into a very pious person; that a human wreck in extreme condition, even at the edge of suicide can be converted into a good man or woman, or even become a saint. Unbelievable but true – there is a multitude of people who are spending their lives in the gloomy shade of a secret sin or crime without having enough courage to confess them to a fellow-man as they do not want to lose his respect. I was called once to hear the confession of a dying monk who was greatly venerated by everyone for his spotless life. His agony was long and painful. He experienced a great fear. Of course, I understood the situation at once. The passing away monk was concealing a sin, unrevealed at the confession. I asked him straightforward, what it was. He committed it thirty years ago but never could confess until he lay on his deathbed. He rested in peace.

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