Orthodox Parables and Stories: "The first place in Heaven is for those who sacrifice their lives for their neighbor!

This amazing event took place in the waters of the Saronic Gulf at the end of the 20th century. It was narrated by one of the most distinguished students of St. Porphyrios, who was to become a nun.

In one of the coastal suburbs of Attica, a women's swimming competitions took place. 

An exceptional girl, Anna, who was a swimming champion, a relative and a friend of the Saint's student, would also take part. Another friend of Anna's, who also had a great performance in this sport, also took part in the races. 

It should be noted that Anna, in addition to her excellent performance in swimming, had a very cultured soul.

She was godly, noble, generous. Everyone loved her! On the day of the race, a large crowd had gathered at the designated place. Among them are the parents of the two girls. When the races started and the athletes swam deep into the sea, Anna was significantly ahead. Her friend was swimming behind her.


Suddenly from the side of her eye, Anna could see the girl  disappearing under water, who had a cramp. She immediately leaves the race and swims towards her. Unfortunately, the lifeguards did not immediately notice the incident. When Anna approached, her friend had lost her strength. In fact, in her attempt to save herself, she grabbed Anna by the neck and they both sank. When they finally heard the news from the shore and hurried near them, they found both dead! 

It is easy to imagine the grief the parents went through, but also the whole world, especially for Anna, this heroine of love. 

Not only has she excelled in swimming, but also excelled in the great sport of self-sacrifice, for the salvation of her neighbor! She had applied the divine words of the Lord.

The Academy of Athens awarded Anna's heroic deed, giving the award to her mother. She was shocked and heartbroken.

Then the spiritual daughter of Saint Porphyrios intervened decisively. She comforted her, strengthened her in faith, and with her fervent prayer to God, the suffering woman was calmed, enlightened, and reached the point of glorifying God, for the heroic daughter He had given her. 

Anna, this holy soul, seeing how St Porphyrios's spiritual daugher helped her mother (how she saw this only God knows), wanted to thank her. An amazing thing happend:

"It was noon," said the nun. "Suddenly the door to my room opens and Anna shining as a bright light and with a sweet smile walks in!" 
At first I was shaken, but immediately divine joy and rejoicing flooded me. I was speechless looking at her. Then her voice was heard peacefully and sweetly. 
She told me:
"I got permission from the Lord to come, to thank you for helping my mother. Tell her that we did not suffer. In that difficult moment, our Lord, our Christ, appeared. Smiling divinely, he told us: 
"If you want, I'll send you back to earthly life. What do you want, to go back or come with Me?" 
And we chose to go with Him! No one can see His Divine beauty and love and prefer something else, my sister. "
Then she added with even more love: "For the good you did to me, I will tell you a secret of Heaven. Many good and virtuous people come here. Priests, priestsmonks, and heads of families believe that they will take first place in Heaven. But the first place belongs to those who sacrifice their lives for others! To those who imitate Christ in sacrifice! He said this and it became real, leaving me an indescribable joy and emotion. "

"The first place in Heaven is for those who sacrifice their lives for their neighbor!"