Orthodox Parables and Stories: Abba Vina and the hippopotamus

 

A huge beast, a hippopotamus, obeyed Saint Vina. On the bank of the river, where Abba Vina lived in solitude, there were fields of local residents. And then someone began to destroy their crops. Concerned farmers came to the saint with a request for help.
Then Abba Vina stood on the bank of the river and said in a low voice:
- In the name of Jesus Christ I command you not to devastate these fields any more!
And then a huge hippopotamus appeared from the water. Looking at the saint, he shook his head, as if in agreement, and swam down the river. They did not see him again in these places.