St. John finds lost money

Testimony about Fr. Seraphim

Orthodox Word Magazine 1983

Letter to Editor 

    While living at the St. Herman of Alaska Monastery, in February, 1982, I accompanied Hieromonk Seraphim of thrice-blessed memory to Redding , Calif., where he gave a lecture at the St. Herman of Alaska Winter Pilgrimage and celegrated the Diving Liturgy the following day on the feast of the Meeting of the Lord at the Surety-of-Sinners Mission Parish.

    Shortly after Liturgy on the day of the Feast, Father Seraphim sent me together with several brothers to buy supplies and groceries for the monastery, entrusting me with $150.  Having brought a full shopping cart to the checkstand, I suddenly realized that I didn't have the money.  I was shocked, felt terrible that I had lost the money, and proceeded to blame and reproach everyone and everything else vocally and mentally.  We phoned the church and Father Seraphim told us to return.  When we had parked in the driveway, I started walking towards the church and met Father Seraphim alone halfway, and he said, "You have it right there," pointing to my chest.  "Archbishop John told me.  You didn't think of praying to him, did you?"  

    With self-assurance I felt my chest and with simultaneous joy and shame I found the money in a pocket which I thought I had certainly searched, and startled, I replied that, indeed, I hadn't prayed to Vladika John.  Father Seraphim them comforted me, explaining that after we had finished speaking on the phone, he had gone immediately to church on the left side of which there is a large portrait of Archibshop John together with his mitre and several other portraits and relics associated with his life and person and there he had asked Vladika John to help us find the money.  Archbishop John informed him that I had the money right in my pocket (under my very nose!).  

    Thus, through the intercession of God's righteous ones, a sure trial and temptation were transformed into a revelation of the mystery of holiness and grace.

Br. G.

source:  Orthodox Word magazine #111 July-Aug 1983

https://app.box.com/s/7wlvv5ntxyqtejac1jrwjhwm5pwh5s44