Orthodox Parables and Stories: Finding the Gold Piece

 

It is not known how many children St. Spyridon had, but legends have brought us the name of one of his daughters - Irina. An unusual story is also connected with her.

Brought up by her father in faith and piety, the girl decided to devote herself completely to God and people. She did not marry and gave herself completely to the ministry. There was enough work to do - to feed the hungry, to cover the poor, to sit with the sick, and to comfort the sad. And at night, when she had a free moment, Irina prayed or read the Holy Scriptures. But one day the news spread through the village - the girl died. Apparently, her soul was so pure that the Lord decided to grant her Eternity at a young age.

One of Irina's duties was to keep the belongings of those Christians who were traveling. On the day of the girl's death it was discovered that she had not had time to add to the lists a gold object that a townswoman had given her for safekeeping. It was the only value of the woman, and the woman, having learned about Irina's death, decided to take it away. But since the thing was not listed anywhere, it was impossible to find it. The owner fell into despondency. However, St. Spyridon, seeing the sadness of the woman, solved the problem in an unusual way.

After praying, he came to the bedside of the deceased and said:

"Irina, my dear, tell me, where did you put the thing about which this woman is so sad?"

The girl who had just been lying dead opened her eyes, looked at her father with a meaningful look, and said:

"I hid the jewelry in our house. " And after telling him where to look for the missing jewelry, she closed her eyes again and gave up her soul.