Yesterday I learned that Geronda Isidoros o tuflos (the blind), a holy monk from Philotheiou who I wrote about in both The Scent of Holiness and The Sweetness of Grace, reposed in the Lord on November 27, 2022. Words fail me to express the charismatic grace he possessed and communicated to everyone who came into contact with him.
Once, upon returning to Thessaloniki after having visited with him at a monastery not far from the city, a friend commented on my demeanor. She said she could see in my face how bright I was, how encouraged and filled with joy. That was the effect he had on everyone. He communicated joy like a fire communicates heat. His unending faith in his spiritual father, Geronda Ephraim of Arizona, was so intense that he literally worked miracles in his elder’s name. He was proof that loving Christ and loving your spiritual father leads you to a sanctified life and attracts the grace of God. He was an indwelling of the Holy Spirit and his love for Christ manifested as tireless love for his neighbour. His joy and laughter were infectious. His faith was admirable. His love was all-consuming. He was what each earnest Christian is seeking to become: a small ‘Christ’ in a dark world.
And now, I believe we can say with certainty, he is numbered among the righteous, has found boldness before the Throne of God, and will be a quick-to-hear intercessor on our behalf.
Pray for him and pray to him! He is a saint! (He also prophesied that my father would be baptised – and he was! You can read about it HERE.)
GERONDA, DON’T FORGET TO PRAY FOR US DOWN HERE!!!
Amen!