Elders are elderly monks. Praying all their lives, observing fasts, they can help people solve difficult problems in life, heal diseases. Usually they are revered for holiness during their lifetime. Elders are mentioned already in the period of early Christianity. Is it possible to find them in our time?
Instructions
Step 1
It is impossible to assimilate the title of an elder. since this title is sent by God for all suffering and work. Real elders respect every person who comes and try to help everyone. Although lately, many people are not asking questions about spiritual life, but rather about everyday life, which is wrong. Other people should deal with issues of a domestic nature.
Genuine elders do not require agreement with all their words, and if their thoughts are being imposed, then this is hardly a real old man. They never show their gift to the public, but hide it. Otherwise, it is possible that this is just an ordinary sectarian. There are very few real elders.
Step 2
Modern elders are considered:
Father German - Trinity-Sergius Lavra, Sergiev Posad. Engaged in cleansing demons. Possesses the gift of perspicacity. Father Kirill Pavlov - Trinity-Sergius Lavra, Sergiev Posad. A very old and very famous priest, confessor of the patriarchs Pimen and Alexy II, many priests and celebrities. Father Nikolai is the abbot of the Intercession-Ennatsky Monastery in Bashkiria. Archimandrite Dionysius - Moscow, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Pokrovskoye. A relatively young priest, but possesses a rare power of prayer and the gift of shepherding, Archimandrite Daniel (Sarychev), monk of the Donskoy Monastery (Moscow), Father Vlasiy, Father Theodosius, etc.
You can find all of them in monasteries. But some do not accept people, while others have long queues. Therefore, to get an appointment, you can wait several days.
Step 3
Perhaps an old man for many is an old grandfather with a long gray beard, who walks on a stick and lives far from ordinary people. Maybe you are right. Then you can find such an old man. One of the goals that they pursue when looking for an elder is to help resolve the issue. Who can help answer the question? Probably a person who experienced this, and also saw what other people are doing in this situation, a person who can share this experience. And he will do it completely sincerely, from the heart. An elder is a kind and wise person. Kind, because there is no longer any reason to be angry. Wise, because I've seen a lot in my life. This much does not appear in one day, but accumulates over the years, years of sadness and joy, difficult days and carefree times. It would seem, where to find such an old man? He is the only one and does not come to everyone.
Step 4
But look around: grandmothers and grandfathers … And who are they to you? Having seen a lot on their way, they do not mind telling you about their life, their mistakes. They are wise and usually kind and have gray hair. Well, what are they not real elders? Of course, you can spend your whole life looking for such a person who fits exactly your description.
Step 5
Just go outside and take a walk in the park. There you can see many grandparents, whose eyes are never empty. In especially old age, many of them are lonely and do not mind talking to someone. And after talking, you will leave and, perhaps, realize that you have found exactly your elder.
An elder is someone you meet by chance, and after a conversation with whom you are unlikely to meet again. And who knows, maybe, having lived their long life, other young people will be looking for you. And it is you who will become that old man for someone.
