James

Venerable James, who was deceived and worshipped the Antichrist, is remembered in the Paterikon as an example of the danger of pride and of the hope of repentance. No one knows where or when he lived.

He had so much love for Christ and so little regard for the things of this world that he sold all his possessions and gave the money to the poor. Unfortunately pride overcame him, and he said to himself: "Who knows better than I what is needed for my salvation?" Following his own will, he lived in solitude, undertaking difficult struggles without seeking the advice of wiser ascetics. Because of his pride he fell away from the grace of God and Satan was able to enter his soul. One day he was visited by a demon in the form of an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), who told him that Christ was pleased with his labours and would come that night to reward him: he should clean his cell, light the lamps and burn incense. Blinded by delusion, James believed without testing. At midnight, when the Antichrist appeared, James opened his door and fell down in worship. The devil struck him on the head and vanished. Only then did the monk understand. At dawn he went to an elder to tell him what had happened and to ask how he could atone for his sin. Before he could say a word, the elder said: "You must leave this place, because you have been deceived by Satan." James wept bitterly.

The elder sent him to a cenobitic monastery to acquire humility, the foundation of all virtues. There he kept all the rules and persevered in his obedience in the refectory. For seven more years he sat in his cell doing handwork and keeping his prayer rule. After a time he was restored to the grace of God, acquired the gift of discernment, walked the straight and narrow path and became a great wonderworker. After living the rest of his life in righteousness and humility, he reposed in peace.

He is commemorated on 13 June.