St. John Jacob of Hozeva: On Not Judging Clergy
A miraculous story from the Sayings of the Desert Fathers
In the book of the Holy Fathers called the Sayings of the Desert Fathers, it is said that Abba Mark the Egyptian did not leave his cell for thirty years. The priest of the Skete would come to serve the Liturgy on certain days. However, seeing the elder’s perfect patience, the devil connived to tempt him with judging others. Thus, the evil one urged a certain demon-possessed brother to go to the elder for a blessing. And arriving at the hermit, before saying anything else, the possessed man shouted at the elder, “Your priest has the stench of sin; you shouldn’t let him come to you anymore!” Yet the God-inspired elder said to him, “Brother, everyone leaves his filth outside, but you brought it to me! Yet, it is written: “Judge not, that ye not be judged” (Matt 7:1). Although the priest is sinful, the Lord will save him, for it is written: “Pray for one another, that ye may be healed” (James 5:16)!
After he said these words, the Holy Elder prayed and cast out the demon from the man and freed him, making him healthy. And the Good God, seeing the elder’s goodness, revealed a miraculous sign to him. And see how he himself bears witness in his own words: “When the priest wanted to begin the Divine Liturgy, I saw an angel of God descend from Heaven and put his hand on the priest’s head. At that moment, the priest became like a pillar of fire. And I, awed by the vision, heard a voice saying to me: ‘Man, why are you amazed by this? For if an earthly king does not allow his noblemen to stand before him with stained clothes (but all are clothed in much glory), then how much more will the divine power purify the Servants of the Holy Gifts when they stand before the heavenly glory?’” Hearing these words, the watchful ascetic Mark devoted himself even more to honoring ordained people, progressing in his ascetic struggles. Behold what amazing gifts those who do not judge clergy receive.
Source:
Sfantul Ioan Iacob de la Neamt—Hozevitul, “Pentru cei cu sufletul nevoias ca mine’: Opere Complete [‘For those with a poor soul like me’: Complete Works] (Doxologia: Iasi, 2010), p. 614-15.