Orthodox Parables and Stories: "A Photo with Elder Gabriel"

There is a wonderful photo of me. Elder Gabriel and I are on it. I really wanted to be photographed with him, but did not dare, I thought to myself how the elder would take a picture with such a sinner like me. If he blesses to be photographed, then I will sit on the floor at the feet of Elder Gabriel, and so we will take a picture. I went to his cell, talked, and I dared to ask:

"Father, forgive me, I really want to be photographed with you. Bless!"

The elder immediately got up, agreed, and with my own hands I put on those shoes that are now exhibited in the museum of the Samtavro monastery. Father ordered me to sit at his head and take a picture like that. We took pictures. I thank the Lord for allowing this: I was captured in a photograph with my beloved priest - Saint Gabriel. How many times did he bless me! And how many people he saves, gives them hope, only God knows.

Once, when he said that he would soon pass away, I began to cry, told him that I could not live without him, that we really need him! He shed a tear and said:

"Do not worry, my Mananiko, I will always be with everyone, my soul will never leave you. Call, and I'll be right there! I will carry your love to the Throne of God!"

He devoted his whole life to this love! With this love he sprinkles us all today! It was only two years ago that I found out what he did when they told him that I was already dying.

"Who said that Manana Khorbaladze is dying and they cannot save her ?! And what am I here for ?! Why is Monk Gabriel here ?! Bring me my mantle, my staff urgently, let's go to Tbilisi!"

Indeed, he came to me - and this was when it was difficult for him to walk, when he himself felt bad. That was how he was! This is how he raised people both spiritually and physically! Me, for example, Manana Khorbaladze, who underwent 29 operations and for whom in 1990 doctors predicted a maximum of three months of life!

Manana Khorbaladze