Orthodox Parables and Stories: St. Spyridon and the snake

Saint Spyridon came from Cyprus and lived in the years of Constantine the Great (306-337) and Constantine's son (337-361). In the early years of his life, he was only a shepherd. Soon, though, he became a shepherd of people, healed various ailments, illuminated the blind, cast out evil spirits, and did many other miracles with the grace of God. When Constantine the Great, became the first Christian King of the Roman state, the miraculous Saint Spyridon was ordained Bishop of Trimithus in Cyprus.

One year, a virtuous and pious farmer faced financial difficulties. His field had not borne fruit and he had no money to buy seed to sow again. He turned to some acquaintances who had previously helped him in various ways, but no one was willing to lend him money. Desperate, he turned to St. Spyridon and told him his problem.

"Let's go to your field together," the saint told him. Arriving there, they saw a snake coming out of its nest. Saint Spyridon leaned over, took it in his arms, and began to pray. The farmer also prayed with him. As soon as the prayer was over, the farmer was surprised to find that the snake had been turned into gold.

"Go and give it for a pawn,"the saint told him. "With the money you'll receive, buy the seed you want. And when you sell your crop for good, let's meet again

So it happened. The farmer gave the golden snake for a pawn, bought seed and that year the field gave him the best crop he had ever had. With the first money he made, he approached his wealthy lender who lent him the money and returned the money. But he, having in his hands the golden value of the snake, which was of priceless value, self-seeking and out of avarice, refused to repay it and take back the loan. Then the farmer who had given him the pledge came in complaining and reported the behavior of the wealthy lender to St. Spyridon.

As soon as the Saint heard it, he went with the farmer to the rich man's house and found there that the rich man was very selfish and cruel. Prior to this situation the saint told the rich man to go together, just to see if the golden snake was really secured in the rich treasury. So they went, and when the rich man opened his treasury, he was surprised and frightened by a furious snake, preparing to attack him.
Pale with fear, he fell at the feet of St. Spyridon, seeking help.

Then the Saint hit the snake fearlessly, grabbed it by the tail and it immediately became gold again !!
Then, after being speaking strictly to the rich man and rebuking him for his greed, he told the farmer:
"Let's go, my dear child, to give it back to the Almighty God, who was compassionate to you and gave it to you" !!

They returned to the field again and the Saint, after placing the golden snake on the earth, turned his gaze to Heaven and said:

"Lord Jesus Christ, since in the days of Moses You transformed Your rod into a serpent, and this transformed gold was a serpent before, now turn it back to its former form, to glorify Your Holy Name, and let this man know the guardianship and care which You have for us, and be assured through action, that the Scriptural saying is true: "Thy Will be done. "

That is what the saint said and miraculously the lifeless gold immediately became a live snake again and returned to its nest. Seeing the miracle the farmer, trembling with fear and surprise, fell with weeping to the ground. And the Saint lifted him up and strengthened him physically and mentally, telling him to rest and give glory only to the Almighty God !!