Venerable Longin the Gatekeeper

(16/29 October)

Our holy father Longin was known for his great obedience and saint life. As he diligently guarded the gates of the monastery, so he heeded the movements of his heart. Because of his attentiveness, neither any enemy entered the gates of the holy monastery nor vain thought or passion gained entrance to his heart. He constantly turned his spiritual eyes from the earthly gate to the heavenly gate of the Kingdom of God, striving to enter it. In order to enter heaven, it is necessary to acquire close union with the Lord, Who said, I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved (Jn. 10, 9). St Longin had truly acquired this Divine communion. God’s grace revealed various spiritual gifts in him. He had a prophetic gift to see the deeds and thoughts of people entering and leaving the monastery. He encouraged good deeds and increased a zeal for Virtues in virtuous people. At the same time, he exposed sinners and led them to repentance telling them of the God’s Judgement. He reposed in the Lord in quite an old age.