Feast Day: November 16th
The Life of Saint Gervasios: During the days of Meatfare, Father [Gervasios] used to take the catechetical school children and they would go up to the Hermitage, which is now the Convent of the Prophet Elias. On February 17, 1929, Father and his spiritual children devoted themselves to planting a few trees in the area near the aforementioned Hermitage. Father himself with a few of the children also planted a pine tree after reading a special Prayer… In August of 1960, this pine tree was cut down together with other trees to serve as firewood at the children’s camp of Sychainon. The woodcutter was amazed when he noticed that at the root of the tree a beautiful Cross had miraculously been formed with different colors…. By means of the microscope they confirmed, as it is said, that at its four ends Icons of the Nativity, the Baptism, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection were Miraculously inscribed… Father Gervasios, who was there, took the microphone and said, crying and thanking God: ‘My brethren, this Miracle did not happen for my sake, because I am a sinner. It happened for the sake of the good and sinless children, who also planted this tree.’…
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A Prayer
Saint Gervasios Pray to God for us.
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During the days of Meatfare, Father [Gervasios] used to take the catechetical school children and they would go up to the Hermitage, which is now the Convent of the Prophet Elias. On February 17, 1929, Father and his spiritual children devoted themselves to planting a few trees in the area near the aforementioned Hermitage. Father himself with a few of the children also planted a pine tree after reading a special Prayer. From that time 31 years went by. In August of 1960, this pine tree was cut down together with other trees to serve as firewood at the children’s camp of Sychainon. The woodcutter was amazed when he noticed that at the root of the tree a beautiful Cross had Miraculously been formed with different colours. He immediately reported this to the Metropolitan of the time, Constantine (Platis), who hastened to the scene of the occurrence bringing a few chemists to confirm this phenomenon. The chemists used a few liquids to eradicate the Cross from the tree, but not only did they not achieve this, but the Cross became more and more distinctive. By means of the microscope they confirmed, as it is said, that at its four ends Icons of the Nativity, the Baptism, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection were Miraculously inscribed. After all these certifications they confessed that it was a supernatural phenomenon. The Metropolitan of Patras, convinced now that it was a miracle, gathered the people at the Church of Saint Paraskevi, Sychainon, where the children’s camps were, and after he finished Vespers and a Supplication of thanksgiving he addressed the people and made known to them the facts of the Miracle. Father Gervasios, who was there, took the microphone and said, crying and thanking God: ‘My brethren, this Miracle did not happen for my sake, because I am a sinner. It happened for the sake of the good and sinless children, who also planted this tree.’ What a height of humility! When the people heard the Elder himself confirming the Miracle, they shed tears as they Glorified God, who knows how ‘to glorify those who Glorify Him’.
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A Prayer for the Blessing of a Vasilopita – by Saint Gervasios
Lord Jesus Christ, Our God, the source of true joy and all Blessings, who through Your Holy Apostle Paul You enjoined us “do all things to the Glory of God”, and through him said “for every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving”, and this ancestral inheritance of the “vasilopita”, as a symbol of unity and love we received from our fathers, do Blessed Lord, bless these Gifts and those who offer them, direct them in all good works, and those who receive them, always keep them safe and healthy in Your Name, “that they may be one” to the Glory of Your Holy Name. For You are the Giver of good things and to You we ascribe Glory, together with Your Father who is without beginning and Your All-Holy and good and Life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
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