Orthodox Parables and Stories: "Today You Will Open the Temple!"

Here's a wonderful story that happened in Samarkand...

George, a teacher by profession, sang in the choir at the St. George's Church in Samarkand. He also told a striking story, which happened during the years of Khrushchev's power during the service of Archimandrite Seraphim (Saturov). This priest, who was born in Perm, was repressed and served 10 years, he was already an old man was sick, barely able to walk. With his warmth,  he attracted a lot of young people to the temple. Many began to be baptized. When the kegebashniki saw that the youth went to the temple, they quickly found a reason to close the temple.

Father was forbidden to serve. There was no service in the temple, but secretly it was carried out at night, two or three people gathered and he served.

It's been two years since the temple was closed. The temple's feast of St. George the Victorious was approaching. All parishioners were lamenting that there would be no service on this day. And the authorities have already determined thata good kindergarten will be here with seven apartments, and the temple room is spacious,for sauna, bakery, dining room, a large area, a well, two oaks. It became clear to everyone that the temple will soon end.

But on the eve of May 6, something came up. At that time Father was preparing for the feast in his cell, reading the canons, and Mother Julia, his cell attendent, an exiled nun, was sweeping in the church yard. Suddenly she saw the gates of the church fence open, and two riding officers on white horses enter. One was older than the other. The first one looked so majestic, handsome, clever.  He jumps off the horse and, addressing a nun by her name, gives her the reins:

"Mother Julia, hold the horse's reins. I am going to Father Seraphim."

She fell to her knees, all in awe.

- Oh, dear, your horse is strong, I will not hold it!" and raised her arms as if she were giving up on him.

Then the officer gave the reins to his aide and, without asking anything, went straight to Father Seraphim's cell. He saw him kneeling before the icons and told him overwhelmingly:

"Father Seraphim, get ready for service, the temple will be opened today!"

Father rebuffed: "What kind of officer are you, where did he come from?" And his words are such strong, heroic words. And the voice is beautiful, powerful - pure baritone, and the word is power, just like an order! And suddenly the priest realized that it was Great Martyr George himself. He looked out the window, both riders deftly took off on horses and rode, only sparks from under their hooves could be seen! And they went after Father Seraphim directly to the executive committee of the city of Samarkand.

Great Martyr George left his adjutant at the entrance with the horses, and he entered the executive committee, bypassing the policemen. They only met him with eyes, but not a word to him, did not ask who and where. George Pobedonosets - right on the second floor, past the secretary, who also became numb. Without asking anyone anything, he opens the door to the office of the chairman of the executive committee and, calling him by his name, says:

"Ttoday the church of Great Martyr George will be opened! Otherwise you will be punished without pardon."

The chairman of the executive committee was frightened by the appearance of an unprecedented officer and his words: "Otherwise you will be punished without pardon!" And he turns around and leaves. The chairman wanted to ask him a question: "Who are you, where are you from?" But he couldn't come to his senses from the extraordinary power of an order given by a stranger. He looked out the windo and he was already in the saddle with an unusual ease  and only sparks from under the hooves could be seen.

In fear, the official picks up the phone, calls the Ombudsman for Religious Affairs:

" Urgently send the messenger to the temple of the Great Martyr George! To immediately open the temple! And write the order after."

There was no time even to write the order such a fear took him! The Commissioner immediately sent his assistant to the temple. After 15 minutes, he was with Father Seraphim.:

"Open the temple, serve freely!"

The next day, the chairman of the executive committee arrived by car to Father Seraphim:

“Is there any boss over you?”

- But what about? There is.

- Can I see his photo?

Father brings him a photograph of  Bishop Tashkent with his mitre.

“No, not that one! Do you have anyone even higher? I metyour boss yesterday, like an officer. With such authority, he ordered that the temple be opened urgently, otherwise, he says, I will be punished without pardon! It’s immediately obvious that he was your  boss."

Tears flowed from the priest, he could not utter words. He just brought out the old icon of the Great Martyr George riding a white horse.

The chairman of the executive committee looked at the icon.

"That's him !!! I met him yesterday!" and also wept.