What did Saint Porphyrios say about generous financial offerings to Monasteries, when they come from rich, falsely enthusiastic people or from antichrists ?

 

The monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior was built with much effort, sweat, and great struggle, because this is what Saint Porphyrios wanted.

Although a great deal of money had to be found, the Saint nevertheless refused the money offered by some wealthy people. With distinction, he accepted money only from those he wanted. 

One day he was visited by a freemason who was thrilled by their conversation and wanted to offer a significant sum for the Monastery; but the Saint politely refused, despite the fact that he was in great need of it.

One day he told me: "This Monastery belongs to Christ and Christ does not want His Monastery to be like this..., with such money. This money, which is not legal, drives away the Grace of God.

The Saint wanted the Monastery to be built with great effort and with the participation of many people who would gladly offer manual labor and the sweat of their brow, so that everyone could receive a blessing from God.

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From the book THE ALL-WISE HOLY PORPHYRIOS – TESTIMONY

Publication and distribution of the book: Agios Paulites Holy Cell of Saints Theodoros. Mount Athos, tel. 23770 23244.