Silouan of Egypt

Holy Venerable Silouan of Egypt was a disciple of Saint Pachomius the Great, who came from the world of actors, and he became an example of repentance and of salvation born of patience and love.

His story opens with an observation: there should be no limit to caution in punishing offences, for indulgence and long-⁠suffering have brought many to a saving change, if time for repentance was given and love kept watch over them. Silouan belonged to the trade of the comedians and had a sensitive nature. The fame of the monastic ascetics made him wish to share their life, and he came to Pachomius, the father of the community, asking to be received as a disciple. Pachomius set before the ardent young man the difficulties of the road, but seeing his zeal he received him into the monastery. For a time he fulfilled his new duties with great zeal, then the zeal cooled, and old habits, held down for a while, revived. Inattention, jokes unsuited to a monk, mockery and idle talk distracted the others, and, become a laughing-⁠stock, Silouan caused scandal in a strict and recollected life. Pachomius tried several times to rouse in him the fitting disposition; the young man would mend for a short time and then slip back.

At last the elder brethren insisted that Silouan be sent away, and Pachomius, after pointing out before all the fault in his life, told him he must leave. Then the dominant spiritual desire awoke in the young man's soul: he fell in despair at the feet of Pachomius and begged not to be driven out, promising to amend his life. It was hard to believe promises that had failed several times, but one of the best disciples of Pachomius, Petronius, could not bear the sight of the brother crushed with repentance; from merciful love he vouched for the young man and by his pleading kept him in the monastery in his care. Love was not mistaken: Silouan was changed. The awareness of guilt so deeply entered his soul that he did not dare lift his eyes to the brethren; instead of chatter he almost fell silent and bowed so low that he did not dare pluck a blade of grass without leave. Tears of compunction did not leave him, and his zeal did not weaken. Late in the day, weary, he sat on the floor of his cell and still plaited mats. "How can I not weep," he would say, "when the holy monks serve me, while I ought to kiss the very dust they tread? I, a comedian received among the ascetics, knew the truth and grew so slack that I was almost driven out. I fear the earth will open and swallow me. I see the measureless extent of my sins and am ready to give my life only to receive forgiveness." Seeing such sincere repentance, Pachomius acknowledged it and bore witness to it before all. Eight years later, when Silouan died, it was revealed to Pachomius in a vision how a multitude of heavenly powers met his soul and presented it to the Lord, as a chosen offering and the fruit of the victory of love over sin.

The saint is commemorated on 13 March, a movable date, in the Synaxis of All Venerable Fathers Who Shone in Ascesis, in the new style.