Venerable Agapius

The Venerable Agapius was the disciple of a silent elder who laboured in the monastery of Vatopedi. He was seized by Turks who had landed on the shore of holy Athos and was taken to Magnesia. For twelve years Agapius was in captivity, but he did not lose hope of release and fervently begged the Mother of God for help. Once the All-holy Virgin appeared to him, encouraged him and promised that he would return to his elder. Miraculously freed from his fetters, Agapius made his way to the elder, and the latter, to test his obedience, ordered his spiritual son to go back. The Venerable Agapius obeyed his elder without a word, went back and told his master everything. Amazed at such conduct and character, the master not only set Agapius free, but himself, with his two sons, followed him to the Holy Mountain, was tonsured a monk, and spent the remaining days of his life in the service of God.