Orthodox Parables and Stories: Mother of a Priest

The following letter was written the day after the ordination of a young clergyman by his mother, and is addressed to a childhood friend.

“My dear friend, 
Blessed and glorified is the name of God! I am the mother of a priest.

I had written to you thirty years ago, when God gave me this child. I remember I was crazy for joy. Full of happiness. I felt him live near me, his arms outstretched and I touched him in his crib, as if to make sure I really owned it

Oh, how the difference between that joy and that which floods my soul today with a new feeling! I am the mother of a priest today!

These hands that I have been kissing my little baby for thirty years, these hands are dedicated, these fingers touched God!

This intellect that received from me the light and in which I showed the purpose of life, developed and watered by the truth, went far beyond my own with study and is now dedicated.

This body that I nursed, preserved, which made me spend whole nights pouring so many tears, when the disease claimed it, this body grew and is now devoted. Servant of the soul of a priest.

This body will be subjected to mystic labors, to lift the sinners, to teach the lost persons, to lead to the Lord every creature who asks for it.

This heart, oh, this pure heart, which only wanted to touch the heart of his mother, the heart that trembled at every touch of the earth, is now dedicated. The love she extracts from it is called charity.

Oh, I know my child. I know what treasures he has inside him. This self-centeredness will be a rampart against the world of sin. But when God sends him a restored, troubled, or desperate soul, how much will he know to use the words of those who report and make known the treasure of divine mercy!

Yes, my child will do good. It will be like the divine heart, all compassion and love for all.

Truly, I am the mother of a priest!

How will I describe to you yesterday's celebration of the Holy Mystery of ordination!

I was there. In front. I watched my child stand up, bow his head, kneel in front of the Holy Altar, stand up contrite after the Bishop's hands touched his head.

I listened and cried out the words: "Mrs. Harris, the sick healer and the missing one, replaces him ...". I heard his name. I heard, I heard, I heard the wings of angels wishing to come there.

Oh, my child priest! I am unable to describe to you the feelings of that moment. It was the ecstasy of a Christian mother.

I said: Thank you, my Christ. Thank you. Until now it was mine. I made every effort to educate his soul. Now it is no longer mine, it is exclusively Yours.

Yours, Lord. Save him from all evil and sin. He is the salt of the earth, guarded against moral decay. My Lord, I love You and I love him. Fill him with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I respect and reverence him, He is Your Sacred One!

Inexpressible peace had flooded my soul. My eyes were filled with tears, tears of joy, love and gratitude. I've had many good days in my life.

But this was, without a doubt, the most beautiful thing, and earthly thoughts no longer had any place in it.er. But I can't go on with the letter, my tears are soaking the paper, they are tears of happiness. "

"TOLMI" vol. 36, journal of I. Arch. Athens

Source: Treasure of Knowledge and Worship - Spiritual Treasures