Thirst that saves

Elder Archimandrite Philotheos (Zervakos) of Paros († 1980), revered in Greece for his righteous life, was seriously ill for three months before his death. At this time, for him, the minutes of Divine Communion were especially blessed. Despite bodily exhaustion, the elder prepared for communion for hours. When the priest with the Holy Gifts appeared at the door of the cell, Father Philotheus raised his weak hands and exclaimed with all his heart:
- Come in, my God, come in!
The elder received the Holy Mysteries with such ardent desire, reverence and repentance, as if it were the first and last communion in his life. After the communion, he said:
- Thank you, my God, thank you!
Each time, Father Philotheos communed with invariably strong desire and a warmth of heart. After accepting the Holy Gifts, his appearance changed. Heavenly light filled the old man, and his face shone so that those around him could not look at him. Raising his hands, the righteous man said:
“Take me, my God, take it!”
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ is for us the gracious food that gives life to our soul. Look at the children, said St. John Chrysostom, “with what desire do they strive for the mother’s breast, with what zeal do their lips grasp the chest? With the same zeal, let us come to this Meal, to this spiritual chest, perhaps even more eagerly. Grasp, like children, for the mother’s shirt, for the grace of the Spirit. And may we have one sorrow - not to partake of this Food ”