ST. SILOUAN THE ATHONITE (SEPT. 24TH)

A Contemporary Byzantine Style Icon of St. Silouan by Uncut Mountain Church Supply

Edited by Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West) 

St. Silouan the Athonite was born Simeon Ivanovich Antonov in 1866 in the Russian village of Shovsk, to a humble family of devout peasants. From a young age, Simeon exhibited a natural piety, and his heart longed for God. Though he lived a simple rural life, he was drawn to prayer, but his early years were marked by a struggle with worldly passions. Like many young men of his time, he was caught up in the vigor of youth, but in his twenties, a profound experience turned his heart decisively towards the path of holiness.

The turning point came when, after an episode of sinful indulgence, Simeon had a dream in which he saw a serpent slithering down his throat. Deeply shaken by this terrifying vision, he sought repentance and the mercy of God. Shortly after this, he enlisted in the Imperial Army, but he never lost his desire for monastic life. After completing his service, Simeon left Russia in 1892 to become a monk at the famed Monastery of St. Panteleimon on Mount Athos, the "Holy Mountain."

Upon entering the monastery, he took the name Silouan, in honor of St. Silvanus, an early Christian martyr. His spiritual life on Athos was characterized by intense asceticism, prolonged periods of prayer, and unceasing love for his brethren. His yearning for God deepened when, after a period of intense inner struggle, Christ Himself appeared to him in a vision, filling his soul with divine grace. The memory of this encounter remained vivid in St. Silouan’s heart throughout his life, and it became the cornerstone of his spiritual journey.

Despite this extraordinary experience, St. Silouan suffered greatly from spiritual desolation and demonic temptations. He often felt the absence of God, which plunged him into profound anguish. Yet, it was in this suffering that he learned the virtue of humility. It is said that he heard a voice from God saying, “Keep your mind in hell, and despair not.” This paradoxical counsel became his guiding principle, teaching him that the path to salvation was found in the depth of humility and trust in God’s mercy, even in the midst of torment.

St. Silouan’s asceticism was marked by an exceptional love for humanity. He wept not only for his own sins but for the sins of the entire world. His deep compassion extended even to those far from the faith. He prayed fervently for all mankind, especially those who did not know God, desiring that all would come to know the love of Christ. His heart was enlarged with a love that reflected the boundless mercy of God, and he often said, "The greater the love, the greater the suffering."

Though he lived in relative obscurity on Mount Athos, St. Silouan’s wisdom was recognized by his fellow monks. His teachings emphasized the importance of the Holy Spirit and the necessity of maintaining inner peace through prayer, even in the face of inner turmoil. His humble yet profound writings, recorded by his spiritual son, Archimandrite Sophrony, would later inspire Christians around the world. 

St. Silouan reposed in the Lord on September 24, 1938, after a lifetime of spiritual struggle and prayer. He left behind a legacy of profound spiritual insight, teaching that true Christian life is inseparable from love, humility, and prayer for all. His writings, particularly on the spiritual warfare and the love of enemies, continue to influence Eastern and Western Christians alike, calling them to a deeper life in Christ.

COLLECT 

O ALMIGHTY GOD, who didst raise up thy servant St. Silouan to the heights of humility and unceasing prayer: Grant us grace, we beseech thee, to keep our minds in thy holy presence, even in times of trial, and to trust in thy boundless mercy; that following his example, we may love our enemies, pray for the world, and find in Thee our eternal rest; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.