Our venerable father Euphrosynus was born to humble parents, yet he surpassed many nobles through his virtues. While many, despite their high birth, lack any virtues and consequently fall into the depths of hell, often those of lowly origins but with charitable humility ascend to God’s paradise. Thus, this venerable Euphrosynus was seen in a vision in heaven, where he resided due to his holy life.
In the monastery, Euphrosynus served the brethren in the kitchen, treating them not merely as people but as God, with great humility and obedience. He labored day and night in service, never neglecting prayer and fasting. His patience was immeasurable, as he endured many hardships, insults, mockery, and frequent reprimands. While tending the earthly fire in the kitchen, he was ignited by the spiritual flame of God’s love, and his heart burned for the Lord. As he prepared meals for the brethren, his virtuous life prepared a feast for himself in the Kingdom of God, so that he might be satisfied there with those of whom it is said, “Blessed is he who eats bread in the Kingdom of God” (Luke 14:15). He served the Lord in secret, so that he might be rewarded publicly, as indeed happened. For the Lord demonstrated in the following way how He would reward His servant Euphrosynus.
A certain priest living in the same monastery as Euphrosynus constantly prayed to the Lord to show him in a tangible way the future blessings prepared for those who love Him. One night, he had a vision: he saw himself standing in paradise, filled with fear and joy as he beheld the indescribable beauty of heaven. There, he noticed the cook of his monastery, Euphrosynus, walking through paradise. Approaching him, the priest asked, “Brother Euphrosynus, what is this? Is this paradise?” Euphrosynus replied, “Yes, father, this is paradise.” The priest further inquired, “How did you come to be here?” Euphrosynus responded, “By the great mercy of God, I have been brought here to live, for this is the dwelling place of God’s chosen ones.” The priest then asked, “Do you have any authority over these beauties?” Euphrosynus answered, “As much as I can, I give from what you see.” The priest said, “Can you give me something from that?” Euphrosynus replied, “By the grace of my God, take what you wish.” The priest then pointed to some apples and requested them. Euphrosynus plucked three apples and placed them in the priest’s handkerchief, saying, “Take what you asked for and enjoy.”
At that moment, the bell rang for morning prayers. The priest awoke, and upon gathering himself, he thought that what he had seen was merely a dream. However, when he reached for the handkerchief, he found the apples that Euphrosynus had given him in the vision, and he felt their indescribable fragrance, which astonished him greatly. Rising from his bed and placing the apples on it, he went to church and saw Euphrosynus standing at the morning service. Approaching him, the priest implored him to tell him where he had been that night. Euphrosynus replied, “Forgive me, father, for I was where you saw me.” The priest responded, “That is why I swore you to reveal the works of God, so that you would not hide the truth.”
Then, the humble Euphrosynus said, “You, father, have prayed to the Lord to show you the rewards of His chosen ones; and the Lord graciously chose to reveal this to your holiness through me, a worthless and unworthy servant. Behold, you see me in the very paradise of my God.” The priest asked, “And what did you, father, give me in paradise when I requested something from you?” Euphrosynus answered, “I gave you three fragrant apples, which you placed on your bed in your cell. But forgive me, father, for I am a worm and not a man.”
After the morning service, the priest gathered the brethren and, showing them the three heavenly apples, recounted his vision in detail. They all experienced the indescribable fragrance and spiritual sweetness from those apples and were astonished by what the priest had shared. They hurried to the kitchen to venerate the servant of God, Euphrosynus, but he was nowhere to be found; having left the church, he hid himself, fleeing from human glory, and they could not find him. As for where he hid, it is unnecessary to inquire deeply, for when heaven was opened to him, where could he hide? The brethren divided the apples among themselves, sharing them as a blessing, especially for healing; for all who tasted them were healed of their ailments. They received great benefit from such a gift from the holy Euphrosynus, and recording this wonderful vision not only on paper but also in their hearts, they endeavored toward great feats and sought to please God. May the prayers of Saint Euphrosynus grant us also a place in paradise! Amen.
photo credit orthodoxwiki.org
