Orthodox Parables and Stories: The Monk and the Dragon

A negligent brother at the time of death saw a terrible dragon, to whom he was given to eat.

"Following his brother, a very troubled monk named Theodore entered my monastery more out of necessity than of his own free will. It was hard for him if someone said anything about his salvation, because he not only could not do good, but did not want to hear about it. Theodore testified by his oath, anger and mockery that he never wanted a holy monastic life. 

During the pandemic, which exterminated a significant part of the inhabitants of the city, he fell ill and was already approaching death. With the last gasp of Theodore, the brethren came together to accompany his exodus with prayer. His body began to freeze in the extremities, and in his chest alone, the warmth of life was preserved. The more clearly the brothers saw his end, the more earnestly they prayed for him. Suddenly, he cried out with a loud voice, interrupting their prayer: “Go away, go away, I am given to the dragon to eat, but he cannot devour me because of your presence."

He has already swallowed my head, give him the opportunity so that he does not torment me, but does what he wants with me. If I was given to him to eat, then why am I slowing down because of you? ” Then the brothers began to reassure him: “What are you saying, brother? Make the sign of the holy cross upon yourself. ” With a great cry, he replied: “I want to cross myself, but the dragon scales prevent me.” Hearing about this, the brethren prostrated themselves on the ground with tears and began to pray more earnestly for his deliverance. Suddenly the patient became better, and he exclaimed: “Thanks be to God! The dragon, who intended to devour me, fled. Driven by your prayers, he could not stand here. Pray only for my sins, because I am ready to repent and completely abandon worldly life. ” Thus, the person who, as was said, was already getting colder, was saved for life in order to turn to God with all his heart. After that, changing his thoughts, he struggled for a long time with a contrition of the heart, and then only his soul was released from the body.

(St. Gregory the Great. Interviews on the life of Italian fathers)