Venerable Zachary the Faster

(24 March/6 April)

During the abbacy of blessed Nikon, two men of Kiev, Serge and John, who had witnessed the miracle of the great light over the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, made a spiritual vow of brotherhood between themselves before the icon. When John fell ill and was approaching death, he entrusted his son Zachary to Serge and gave him one thousand silver coins and a hundred gold coins to be given to Zachary when he came of age. When Zachary reached the age of fifteen, he asked for his inheritance. Serge replied that his father had given away all his possessions to the poor and that there was nothing left for him. Zachary then asked for a half or, at least, a third part of the inheritance his father had left. Serge, however, reproached him and refused to give him any money. The youth said, ‘If you have taken nothing of my father’s possessions, then go and swear to me in the Cave church before the wonderworking icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, where you concluded a union of brotherly love with my father.’

Serge came to the church and standing before the icon of Theotokos, he declared with an oath that he took neither a thousand silver coins nor a hundred gold coins. When he approached the icon to kiss it, he was unable to do so. As he left the church, he suddenly began to cry out, ’The Holy Fathers Anthony and Theodosius, do not let this merciless angel destroy me; pray to the Most Holy Theotokos to deliver me from this multitude of demons who are taking over me. Let them take the silver and gold.’

Everyone present fell into fear. Men were sent with instructions and they brought a sealed box containing twice as much of the coins. Zachary took the treasure and gave it over to the abbot John, and told him to use it as he would, while he himself received a monastic tonsure.

This Holy Father gained such power over demons that they feared his very name.