CONCERNING ST. GERMANUS HEGUMEN
FOUNDER OF THE MONASTERY OF COSINITRA,
ON THE CONFINES OF THRACE AND MACEDONIA.
PrefaceGermanus, founder of the monastery of Cosinitra (St.)
BY THE AUTHOR D. P.
[1] The memory of St. Germanus the Patriarch of Constantinople, A Life though mutilated from a Greek manuscript whose Acts as far as was allowed we have now collected, moves us to refer to this same day another of the same name, whose birthday we are ignorant of, but whose cult and sanctity proves to us the Life found in a manuscript of the Library of St. Lawrence at Florence (as the title presents) and conversation of our holy Father Germanus, who founded the venerable monastery of Cosinitra. But there was lacking in the manuscript the last part of the Life and perhaps very many miracles after death, the last pages of that codex being torn out; which if anywhere they be found, probably will teach us the certain day and time of the blessed passing from this mortality to the heavenly glory. The author excuses in the beginning, that the things done by this St. Germanus, composed long after the Saint's death. until his own time remained unknown, because of the learned no one to committing them to letters applied his mind. But what persuaded by many and as a debt demanded he took up the argument, this he so treats, that it appears more than one century after the Saint's death to have written; who neither eye-witnesses, nor contemporaries, nor those who from contemporaries had heard alleges as witnesses; but those only narrates, which even after many centuries could through tradition in the memory of posterity be preserved, concerning the origin of the monastery.
[2] In these the only, and that quite vague and uncertain note of time is, when number 21 are said upon Germanus, who for the unpaid whole wage of the workmen by them toward the city bound was being dragged, who began after the Servians received by the Emperor in the year 886 to have fallen Neophytus and Nicholas, from the Constantinopolitan city, by the Roman Emperor of that time to the Triballian sent legates: who paid the debt, and then the legation being performed under the same St. Germanus made monks the greatest part of their faculties to the construction of the monastery to him brought, and therefore to posterity remained by name more known, rather than the Emperor by whom they were sent: whom if to name the author had known, by no means an ambiguous to us would he have given of the time to be known an indication. Now it is to be seen, in what century first there became known to the Constantinopolitans those to whose Prince the legation was sent. This in this manner is elicited. In the year about 886 Basil the Macedonian Emperor, in reward of the Christian faith strenuously propagated to the Russians and Bulgarians, received from God, also that benefit, that the barbarous nations of the Scythians, called Croats and Servians, legates being sent to him, of their own accord themselves subjected; and to those acceding to the Empire were given those provinces, which from them received their name, that Croatia and Servia they were called. But this Servia is contained within the Danube and the mountains contiguous to Bulgaria toward the East: which Bulgaria, the same who taught the former things the Curopalates being witness, under Michael Ducas in the 11th Indiction, and so in the year 1082, that into servitude to reduce the nation of the Servians went out, and those molestations to the Church there then most flourishing it brought, which Theophylact the Archbishop deplores in his epistles, also by Baronius at the said year number 82 and following alleged.
[3] And hitherto indeed only the names of the Servians and of Servia were read which also among the Latins almost alone are used: afterwards by a more usual name to the Greeks called Triballi, but among the Greeks from the beginning of the 12th century are found the same by a more usual name called Triballi, from a more licentious rather affectation of antiquity, than that really those lands they occupied, which according to Ptolemy, Pliny, Strabo the ancient Triballi held in Lower Moesia, since they themselves dwelt in the Upper. The use of this name first betrays itself in Nicetas Choniates in John Comnenus, who from the year 1118 even to 1143 and at its beginning, after the illustrious victory over the Scythian Hamaxobii, also against the Triballi, whom others call Servians, not abstaining from maleficence and treaty-breakers, an expedition declared, and them too in battle victorious to peace compelled. But indeed John Cantacuzenus in his history, from the year 1321 to 1354 carried, very frequent makes mention of the Triballi, of the Servians nowhere; so that in that century first the proper and own name of the nation seems at Constantinople to have grown obsolete, under which meanwhile always it had been called by the Latins. For in the year 1199 to the Great Jupan or Lord of Servia to be recalled from schism wrote Innocent III; and his successor Stephen, in the order of his kingdoms first names Servia, writing to Honorius III in the year 1220 for his coronation. From these moreover I seem able to establish, that not before the ninth century into those parts came St. Germanus, nor even long for that or at least not after the tenth; so that between his death and the written Life two or three centuries conveniently intervened, but it was written when at Constantinople for the Servians were named the Triballi.
[4] The lineage and country of this holy man although they be unknown, a conjecture however can be formed from Asia Minor he went into Palestine, and from Palestine crossing into Europe where in the monastery of St. John the Baptist at the Jordan, of which there was treatment at the Life of St. Mary the Egyptian April 2, a monk he lived until the 30th year of age. Hence being bidden into Europe to cross, the place, to which he ought to put in, is indicated Christopolis, a maritime city of Macedonia, and sometime Episcopal under the Archbishop of Philippi: which with Amphipolis ill to be confounded by some, shows the map of present-day Macedonia, made by Gerard Mercator, where each place is placed from Philippi distant almost an equal interval of sixty Italian miles, Christopolis to the East, in the region of the island of Thasos; Amphipolis inland on the bank of the river Strymon, to the West. From Christopolis bidden to seek the Mount, situated in the region of Popolia, through the bounds of Philippi he crossed even to the mouth of a certain Panax, almost fifty stadia from the town which was called Drama, itself too to the Episcopate of Philippi pertaining, below probably those mountains, which between Philippi and Philippopolis a city of Thrace lie between.
[5] But this Philippopolis I think that I can suppose, by an abbreviated name to be called Popolia, just as Salonica is said for Thessalonica; and so of the Panax otherwise unknown brook the mouths, in Greek ἐκβολαὶ, between Philippi and Philippopolis he built a monastery. will be conceived near the said mountains, there where the river Carissus the maps note, which there takes up the said Panax and thus augmented past Philippi flows by. Certainly from this mount, which first the Saint by an oratory built had occupied, to another equally to Popolia opposite, whose name Maticia, bidden to cross, toward the West declining he advanced his journey, and came to the village nearest to that place Tzernista: which even today in the said map of Mercator is called Sarnis, by an equal interval distant from Philippi and Philippopolis; and from the nearest mount drawn the river Marissa, under the difference of one only letter, here or there perhaps wrongly written, a common name seems to bear. So that the Cosinitra monastery built on that mount, is best constituted on the confine of Thrace and Macedonia; to this however, which to the Roman Patriarchate was subject, rather than to that subjected to the Constantinopolitan, it seems to have pertained, and this to be the cause; why this St. Germanus's name nowhere appears in the Menaea of the Greeks or the Synaxaries, wont to put no Saints of Macedonia, who there in the middle age perhaps more than in Thrace existed; since that to the Roman faith and Church, most constantly adhered, in the time of schisms and heresies, which the Constantinopolitan diocese frequently infamed. But in his monastery of Cosinitra that he was then, when the Life was written, cultivated as a Saint, we seem able for indubitable to establish since in like cases scarcely any more certain indication of public cult can be given, than a life once written that in the Churches it might be read.
LIFE
From a Greek Florentine MS.
By the interpreter Daniel Cardon S.J.
Germanus, founder of the monastery of Cosinitra (St.)
INTERPRETER D. C.
CHAPTER I.
St. Germanus's monastic life in Palestine.
[1] A great incitement to virtue have the lives of the Saints and of God-loving men, Although it is most useful to write the deeds of the Saints, if they by the help of letters and narrations be handed down to posterity. For through them a goad of a certain holy emulation not small is set under the minds of the hearers, and the minds of the same to like labors to be sustained vehemently are kindled and raised. And not this only, but God's too toward our race immense goodness and beneficence, and whatever could most of all allure holy men to His love, by writings of this kind becomes manifest. By which indeed by so many and so great invitations to love God allured the Saints, this whole world, and whatever in it is beautiful or delightful, riches, I say, glory, honor, abundance of all things, nobility, kinsmen, and finally their own flesh of no price to be held thought. With their whole mind namely and whole soul with that first and supreme mind joined, to Him alone they lived; but to themselves no otherwise, than those who reckon themselves wholly crucified to the world: men, before even they departed from this life, among the dead to be reckoned. Of these the conversation and according to the divine will
exact manner of living, to all others indeed, as a brief rule of acting and a crown of actions, is set forth, to those too whose clear is the knowledge in letters, and who notable in piety the volumes of the sacred codices, for the utility especially of such men elaborated, have perused and scrutinized: and also to those who have drawn their doctrine from the instruction and discipline of wise men.
[2] But the admirable and great Father Germanus's things excellently done, great though and most worthy of the memory of men, yet there was no one who would do this concerning St. Germanus: to not a few however until this time obscure and unknown, because of the learned no one to committing them to letters ever applied his mind; me now, although the last of all, them to describe not a little invite, a man on account of many sins for so great a thing to be accomplished inept, and on account of ignorance to so great contests to be narrated little fit. For just as far below illustrious men I see myself to be turned, as often as my in speaking rusticity and in things to be narrated inexpertness more attentively with myself I consider: so before all easily I establish, of great men narrations not rightly by me to be undertaken. But not a few press, persuade, and even compel, and thus as a certain debt that I should not concerning that argument keep silent quite importunely exact, and by the Saint himself's prayers in this attempt aided me to be confidently promise. By their discourses therefore to the matter to be undertaken I have suffered myself to be led, and to so great a contest, not without a mark of notable audacity to be narrated I have prepared myself, as much on the Saint's, as on holy men's prayers solely relying.
[3] For thus with myself I thought, the matter to seem absurd, that merchants to the vast ocean to commit themselves dare, and many seas sail through; this very thing he presumes by the example of merchants pursuing gains, but those who on land trade exercise, the cold, heat and frost, and whatever other things into no small crisis of life are wont to bring, strongly bear; the manifest peril though before their eyes set, on the one hope of gain intent, and for its cause counting for nothing all the rest: but me, to whom neither seas to be swum through, nor clouds, nor mountains beset with snows are to be overcome, this burden of writing unwilling to undertake, which no moderate utility to me will bring; and grave and troublesome myself to show to the public, who to the authority of so great men to yield refuse. Would not therefore by most deserved right someone reprehend me, and most certainly to me madness object, who the penalty to arise from disobedience would not foresee? These things indeed into my mind recalling, and with not to be despised arms, namely this blessed Saint's and of more religious men's prayers, fortifying myself, relying on the intercession of the Saint: so much suddenly of strength to have received I seem to myself; that, although by a just fear from that attempt very far repelled I feel myself, by the help however of the said prayers supported, and full of good hope, into this argument of writing to descend I have determined.
[4] But what is it that in the very threshold of the oration I am compelled to sustain? For about to make a beginning of speaking, what in the first place into the midst I should bring forth I know not. whose countryman he was is unknown: For no one hitherto has there been who certainly knew, what land this man into light brought, or who his parents were. Since therefore unknown to us it is, what in this world birthplace that Saint obtained; it is equitable, that what in the heavenly country place he has obtained, to say we should not omit. Of that one certainly a citizen this is to be called, just as also the Patriarch Abraham; that heavenly I mean Jerusalem, in which whoever now dwell Blessed, strangers and pilgrims were upon the earth, which inhabiting, not so their life they instituted as if with flesh they had been surrounded, it is only known that he was a citizen of heaven but an angelic rather than human manner of living they followed. Of these was Germanus, a man most worthy of admiration, who of those, whom I have said, Saints the life imitating, and all their virtues as most perfectly in himself exhibiting, of the ascetic life an image and a certain most beautiful rule to his posterity was. For a pilgrimage into Palestine being undertaken, and the years of adolescence not yet passed, to the holy places he came, to contemplate them equally and to adore: and into that desert of the Forerunner he proceeded, which the Jordan of all rivers the most holy flows past, and a pilgrim in Palestine that land perpetually fertilizing at once and of its sanctity some part imparting, an ascetery he found; whose dwellers when not unlike to angels a life to lead he had observed; the world and the things which are of the world being bidden farewell, and by the custom of the monks dwelling there wholly captivated, the Moderator of the ascetery suppliantly he approaches, and not without tears poured out abundantly, vehemently he beseeches, that in the number of monks he himself too one might be able to be. Then that venerable Hegumen, the youth's mind to test thoroughly resolving; Wilt thou be able, he said, O youth, so great in living an austerity to follow, there in the monastery at the Jordan to be received he asked as all whom here thou seest monks have embraced? That too before all things I wish thou tell us, whence hither thou hast come, of what parents thou art begotten, and what cause thee, that in Palestine a sojourn thou choose, impels. Then if from those things which thou shalt give in answer not unworthy thee we shall judge, who among the monks be enrolled, forthwith and quicker than a word into this monks' fellowship thee we will receive. But blessed Germanus, his words eagerly as some unhoped-for gain receiving, his country's name, and what parents he had had, and in what manner it was done that to them he came, and to think began about their asceteries; nor those only, but that all too the sweats of holy men and whatever by them strongly was tolerated contests into memory he recalled; and that by these to be weighed intent so great his mind a love and desire entered, of visiting first those most holy places, and of experiencing the spiritual help, which from their religious sight proceeds, and finally in the dwelling there of the former men some ascetery of hiding himself, that to sustain himself any longer he could not, but what he had proposed, in fact he might execute. And all these things, holy Father, of me, he said, into this land the coming are the cause and occasion. But further, I pray, do not delay: do rather and benignly grant, what from thy sanctity suppliantly to obtain I strive.
[5] By these discourses therefore that venerable old man persuaded, his Monks into one calls together; and the inner parts of the temple having entered, and obtained it. the customary over Germanus prayers pronounces: his hair then being shorn, and the monastic habit conferred, to the number of the brethren him, as he had asked, enrolls. But indeed Germanus, after his at length vows and desires by the very work fulfilled to be he perceived, and among the monks to be enrolled merited, not easily would anyone in discourse explain, what and how great continually diligence he applied, that the spirit prone to the desires of the flesh to better things all to pursue he might impel, that his members all which are upon the earth, according to the Apostolic precept he might mortify, that finally with more and graver labors of the ascetic life his days he might spend. Nay even measure thereupon he seemed to exceed, while with fastings long-lasting and quite severe, while with prayers seven times a day, which divine David to us commends, repeated, strenuously exercising himself, while with vigils, sleepings-on-the-ground, knee-bendings, and other exercises of piety, by which in a small time even dominion over all these lower things he obtained, without intermission he is free. But what a singular profit in spirit and glory to Germanus brought, and above the human as it were condition, and above all the other monks lifted him, was his notable humility, which her devotees never not to lift on high is wont, and also his excellent to all to obey and to minister promptitude. For since ashes and a vile little worm himself he reckoned, and to humility especially studying, and even named; the nods of all, as of those far worthier and better than himself, to observe he was wont. In this manner what in our life is contemned and humble, that pure and of all crime devoid soul with the highest zeal embraced.
[7] For thus always with himself he reasoned; Since these holy men so long now in this ascetery to the divine cult have been free, and not a few indeed over our sworn enemy trophies have raised; in what manner I, a little man of no merits, who so long after them to serving God came, equal with them contests generously shall I accomplish? By this consideration incited, more even than his strength suffered, an ascetic himself most diligent to prove; and others, in the stadium of virtue now much advanced, with an intense indeed and never interrupted course he strove to overtake. So great a thing it is to obtain a fruitful disposition, he excellently profits and of all good and honest things studious. For all his rest, all delight in this he reckoned to be placed, that with many labors his flesh he should render lean and juiceless. Nay even easier would it have been to find a man given to voluptuousnesses and delights in those same without voluptuousness to be turned, than this diligent ascetic even in the least from the well-begun to recede. For after of the things to the culture of the mind and spirit pertaining by love once he was wholly struck, by the fire of the same love more daily and more burning, to contain himself any longer he could not, but also to those things which with virtue are joined incessantly he extended himself, and whatever with us are called goods of nothing to be made he thought. to the highest perfection. All therefore the impetus of his desires into that good extending, than which nothing can be more amiable, and it day and night in his thought perpetually turning, of every earthly affection himself as it were devoid he rendered, and there had his mind fixed, whence it by divine splendors illustrated the most beautiful pledge of future goods received; so that before even from this body he migrated, by the light of divinity, which alone in the future age the reward of our labors we await, he himself even then his mind and intellect illustrated. But these things indeed so as I have said had themselves: but we to the proposed argument of speaking let us return.
CHAPTER II.
Germanus from Palestine into Europe sent builds one oratory to the Mother of God, elsewhere another he begins, by the prodigy of a twin Cross animated.
[8] To blessed Germanus therefore in the now-described solitude strenuously exercising himself, Bidden in Europe to build a temple to the Mother of God, and beautiful in his heart disposing ascensions, nay even the perfect state of his mind now having attained (the thirtieth year of age then he was passing) divinely was set before him a vision, by which from that place to depart, and into the parts of the European world to go away he was bidden: where after on one of the mountains of Macedonia a temple from the very foundations he should have built, to God's Parent sacred it to be he should order. And this indeed
was the series of that vision. Which when Germanus not from God to have proceeded, but by an evil genius (just as not once by him it was done, who, since he is a spirit of darkness, into an angel of light however often transforms himself) feigned reckoned; what through it were commanded, to be executed by himself by no means he thought.
[9] To him in this opinion persisting again was set before him the same, which before: for the which beheld by him through quiet had been form of a man, clothed in a white garment, and with much light coruscating, the same a second time he beheld. and by a repeated vision rebuked of his delay, Again therefore appearing the vision his disobedience, and that with such difficulty to those things which to be done it behoved to be accomplished himself he suffered to be led, grievously chastises; nor from inflicting stripes did it abstain, to him again and again deferring and of the execution careless saying; Hast thou not for that thy disobedience worthy penalties for thyself called up? To whom Germanus; But where, he said, of the lands situated is the place, which that I should approach thou commandest? or in what manner shall I approach it, since by what way it is to be approached I plainly am ignorant? especially since so long it is, that, just as from men thence to us from abroad coming I understand, scarcely of a whole year's interval to be traversed it comes? But by what means shall I set about that journey, to whose accomplishing not even an obol into expenses for me suffices? Then the other; Do not, he said, with many and useless cogitations vex thy mind, and being taught the way leading thither, nor anxious at all be or timid; but have faith, and all things thou wilt find easy and ready. For God indeed a way to find knows, where no traces of a way to men appear, if His especially wisdom and power relying on, more closely to Him we be bound. If however the name of the place to know thou hast a mind; Know thee, when the city which they call Christopolis thou shalt have reached, and thence further shalt have begun thy journey, straight to come to the mount, in which a new temple by thee ought to be erected. But more swiftly, what is commanded, accomplish; come on then, nor delays weave.
[10] By the unusual appearance of the vision the holy man not a little terrified, from sleep suddenly is roused; and with his whole body then trembling, and by certain very sharp as it were pains struck, as much for the appearance of the man who had appeared, as for the stripes inflicted on him by the same, with as great haste as he could to his monastery's President he goes, by the counsel of his Abbot and whatever in that nocturnal vision had befallen him to be marvelled at and admired he opens. But he (as he was not only skilled in any useful things aptly for persuasion to be set forth; but also, the prerogative of judging all things rightly being granted to him, whatever in apparitions has difficulty easily to explain) that vision by divine virtue set before him, and Germanus on account of his singular merits worthy to have been held, to whom it should be shown, conjectured. The faculty therefore, when he wished, of setting out he made for Germanus, after he had both with holy prayers him accompanied, and with the best hopes confirmed. Then the most holy man, his Provost's words acquiescing in, and to him and to all under him the monks with the tenderest sense of love bidding farewell, in the sight of all his journey took up; not a little indeed at the excellent man's departure they grieving, he sets out on the journey. and so affected in mind in what manner at so great a fellow-soldier's departure it was right them to be affected (for you yourselves know how grievously and troublesomely the absence of dear ones, not only those, who of a milder and to commiseration more prone nature are endowed, but even the most ferocious are wont to bear) yet also by the fear of the divine judgments, and by the vision, of which most wise Germanus had not been unworthy, the magnitude moved, not by men, nor through men, but by divine wholly inspiration to other things called Germanus not ignorant, easily to that which it was right them to feel their mind they referred.
[11] Going thence therefore Germanus no small grief in his mind began. For how otherwise could it be done? For of the most holy laws, to which by much now time to the profit of his soul notably he had been accustomed, and a certain spiritual maturity had attained, And when he had reached Christopolis, he was being loosed. To the divine nonetheless command obeying, and of future goods full of hope, the journey into Europe with a brisk and rejoicing mind he instituted. A great part of the way by furrowing the far-off seas, and where they failed, by a pedestrian journey he completed, until the office of his feet at length long and much having used, not without immense labor nor less briskness, after a great interval of places traversed by a long pilgrimage, to the city he came of Christopolis, God as the Psalmist says, all the holy man's way directing. The city's name therefore from a certain native having inquired, when by what appellation it was he learned, that shown to him already before through sleep that city was he no longer doubted. by a new vision instructed of the place Which known, not enough then, what he should do, or what to the prosecution of his journey way he should hold, with himself he established. These things when in mind and thought with himself he turned, and to what part he should turn himself he discerned anxious; the same again to him through sleep is set before the vision, and all from his mind doubt takes away, bidding that to that mount he betake himself, which to Popolia from the opposite corresponds: which as soon as he shall have reached, soon to the building of the temple his thought and effort he should turn.
[12] The command being perceived the venerable Father without delay from the city of Christopolis goes out, the day now beginning to grow light: and Philippi passing by, to a certain mount he came; opposite indeed to Popolia, just as through the vision he had been taught, but at the mouth of the Panax constituted, near the town of Drama and almost fifty stadia from a certain town distant, whose name was Drama. Germanus no other to himself a mount for building reckoning to have been shown, diligence continually all applies, that an apt for building the temple and ascetery place he should choose. All therefore that one wandering about and accurately surveying, a cave he found by nature aptly formed: into which having entered, after with his own eyes the place he had looked around, this it to be, which he had been bidden to seek, without doubt with his mind he established. What therefore divinely had been commanded setting about to execute, the oratory within the cave he builds alone: in the space of altogether three years and six months to an end he brought, within the very cave's vault a temple establishing to the most holy Parent of the Word of God sacred; and that he himself one and alone, no companion of his labors and cares of it effected. For since of all helps to making expenses he was destitute, with his own hands all things to the fabric pertaining to prepare compelled, not except of just as many, as I said, years' space an end did he impose on the work.
[13] These by the most holy man's opinion being perfected, when no moderate matter of rejoicing he had gotten, from this that from the divine command rightly all things he had accomplished, whatever through the vision had been set forth to execution to be committed; beyond expectation to other then to build another elsewhere being bidden, again labors to be undergone, before even a little from the work he had rested, to descend he had need. For the same Angel who once and a second time in Palestine, and near Christopolis (when, by what journey to proceed it were, doubted Germanus) to be beheld himself had exhibited; now too suddenly appeared, saying, that not this was the shown by God mount, to which to go away or in which a temple to build he was bidden: but another certain one, whose name was Maticia. This with as great haste as he could let him seek, and a far greater and far more magnificent on it temple let him build. But what the Saint? Did he when the divine command was heard waver, by the magnitude of the exhausted labors deterred? Did he back himself to refer propose, or a space ask of resting for so long while he might gather strength? By no means indeed. But well knowing labors, however many and great, by their own end at length to be concluded; and the same of many and various rewards, after this life to be obtained, hope not doubtful to make; with his highest will the divine command he received, and with great to the indicated mount briskness he proceeded.
[14] Then having entered a village, which in the vernacular idiom they call Tzernista, with a man conspicuous in piety, and in pilgrims receiving a great of his piety part having laid up, he was lodged. By this therefore into his house received and with great hospitality treated, concerning the mount, which I have said, from him he inquired. To whom the other; To rest, he said, venerable Father, for so long indulge (for the day toward night was verging) and on the morrow into that, concerning which thou askest, mount I myself will lead thee. To the householder's discourse the Saint acquiesced, and that night to rest to be taken assigned. the place sought and found, Then the day having risen, and the man already named showing the way, to the mount he proceeded. Which as soon as they had reached, the other into his house and to his own returned. But Germanus, when all the mount's parts altogether for three days by going round he had surveyed, and most diligently all things had scrutinized, the village already before said himself too sought again. And again the same most humane man's house approaching, from one of the rustics an axe and a mattock he demanded, that with this indeed a part of the wood he might cut and an access he might make, but with that the earth digging an apt for the future temple's foundations to be laid place he might prepare: and the iron tools being received, as he could, most swiftly into the same mount himself he carried back.
[15] It was of access indeed most difficult, or to say more truly plainly inaccessible, with his own hands he clears it: and with a very dense wood impeded, only for the sojourn of wild beasts fit. What therefore of labor to be drained out was there not for a man so great difficulties full a command having set about to execute, and the same abroad acting and poor, and no helper of so great a work having, God alone if thou except? Did he despairing go back? and did he ask of Him, who so arduous and difficult things commanded, pardon to be given him, of his insufficiency and want under the pretext? Did he from the face of God, as once the Prophet Jonah, to be fled or into the most remote islands to be sailed for himself to be he establish, and while notwithstanding the difficulty of the matter that someone else of the more powerful and wealthier the most troublesome work might undertake? By no means indeed: but although so hard and arduous a business was commanded, yet to himself he was not lacking, he did not delay, he did not say; Have, I pray, me excused, because both feeble and by no means opulent I am: many expenses that requires: nothing of this kind either said or thought he; but not ignorant all things to be possible to one believing, the begun work he insisted on, the wood he cut, an access into the mount he opened. So great a labor therefore not for a few days the holy man applying to, with the highest difficulty a path from all impediments he cleansed, and into that at length place he came, in which the monastery was to be built. Which when he had learned, soon the earth he began to dig, where the foundations he should lay of the building.
[16] But behold, before much of time or labor by digging he had consumed (wonderful indeed are thy works, O Lord) the effigy of a Cross he found: which with his hands religiously received most tenderly embracing, and to his mouth nearer brought piously kissing, the earth for the foundations to be laid he digs, with this
prayer at length he addressed it; O Cross of my Christ, of all cult and veneration most worthy! O Cross, especially the strength of Emperors, the glory of all Christians, and mine, at this time especially, help! Do thou our in that which we set about work weakness and unworthiness by thy virtue strengthen: do thou by thy great power some way for us open, by which to the desired of great efforts end at length we may attain. For it is not unknown to thee how scanty to me is strength, and how not except of Him alone who on thee was exalted by the fear and desire relying, those things which my faculty far surpass to set about I have not doubted. Now therefore to me, if ever at other times, help imploring, and in no small difficulties constituted, strength and vigor supply. So with tears at once and joy suffused when he had prayed, the earth again he proceeded to dig. Nor long was it, when another again Cross to the digger was offered, which with a like Germanus piety receiving, for joy what he should do scarcely established; the twin Cross's admirable finding, as of those things which thereafter were to come to pass a certain most beautiful beginning and indication, to be received reckoning.
[17] His begun things therefore pursuing, his hopes indeed not vain to be he felt. For from that time very many daily prodigies those Crosses to effect did not cease. If suppliants approached, the blind sight, at which while frequent miracles are wrought, the lame their gait, the dumb speech at once and hearing received; lepers were cleansed, were restored to themselves those by demons beset, the unclean spirits quicker than a word into flight cast. How great finally the Savior of our race, in flesh with us existing, and among mortals a mortal brought up, admirable things accomplished, so great by the invocation of each of those Crosses were performed. Nor wonder, since not less now, than once, while among men He lived, for our nature the savior is solicitous; nor less our salvation cares He who is rich in mercy, and those glorifying Him glorifies, and with many and excellent gifts our labors remunerates. While so therefore are wrought marvels, it cannot be said, how great everywhere of mortals, with various diseases afflicted, a multitude was seen to run up. For no one for the cause of seeking help to those venerable Crosses was present, with whatever finally of infirmity kind he were held, who did not continually, a great concourse begins to be made. the cause of every evil being driven off, safe exist and unhurt. So indeed, after no small interval of time; on our great Father Germanus God looked back, who does wonders; who also with greater thereafter consolation him deigned to fill, making him courage to greater things even than before to be dared.
CHAPTER III.
A monastery is built by St. Germanus: who when it was perfected about to die addresses his own at his last.
[18] And when now for making expenses some faculty was present, Workmen being hired the temple is built more even to the execution of the enjoined work he was kindled. Workmen therefore and craftsmen to the building of the temple he calls. Who when they were present, not before to put hand to the work resolved, than concerning the wage to be paid it were agreed. On that matter Germanus they approach. Who after for the art and labors as wage a hundred silver he promised he would give, with as great effort as they could, the construction of the work they set about. The place for him without delay measured, and the earth dug out, the foundations by art they placed: on which to build then proceeding, God to their labors aspiring, the temple they built, not from one point most elegant. Which indeed since until this time roof-and-walls-sound persists, no moderate of itself admiration affords to all beholding it. then are gathered monks, Nor this only, but a great too of monks there was gathered number, who the sacred in it hymns continually sing, and prayers poured out, God's mercy as much for themselves as for us, of holy prayers' help much needing, to conciliate cease not, nor with any others than with themselves and with God commerce have: by whom this one thing is done, that God the Creator's great deeds in all the hours of the day with praise they celebrate, that to the contemplation of divine things ever they intend, for themselves and for God to be free, by which the human mind especially to be purged, illumined, and perfected is not in doubt: of whom a part is God without ceasing to beseech, and from Him the kingdom of heaven with confidence to demand back: who by no thing, to this world and earth pertaining, by desire or love are touched: by whose sweats and in the ascetic dust contests that solitude God so as it were a spiritual wrestling-school willed to be, that, which sterile before had been and unfruitful, with graces now all and good things should abound spiritual.
[19] O admirable thing! That of wild beasts once a domicile, in which matter wonderfully shines forth the power of Christ, of holy now men is a seat and habitation. That wood once pathless, an easy now to all solicitous concerning their salvation affords access. That dry once and juiceless soil with rivers of spiritual doctrines now most abundant abounds. How immense thy, O Christ, toward men is benevolence! how immense goodness! how incomparable mercy! by which led not only thou inclinest the heavens, and from them descending our nature from a Virgin Mother most holy never more to be dismissed thou assumest; but also among men a life thou leadest, when with publicans and sinners to take food thou disdainest not, every disease and infirmity thou healest, of our souls thou takest away the afflictions; our old man, by the cupidity of the ancient fraud corrupted, thou renewest and heavenly makest; nay even through the sacred doctrine of thy Gospel for the salvation of men thou providest: and thou who by reason of divinity to no passion art obnoxious, for my cause, who of all crimes am guilty, so hard and so bitter at the last thou sufferest, reproaches thou sustainest and buffets, with scourges thou art beaten, and with a thorny crown thou art adorned; for the salvation of men having suffered all dire things. by the filthy soldiers in all things tempted, and as a mock king held, who of all creature, as much of that which under our sight falls, as which the same escapes, true King and Ruler existest: the cross too willing and wishing thou hast taken up, nor to be buried hast thou disdained. Nor those only which I have enumerated all, for my sins' cause, who nothing ever of sin hast admitted, but nor admit canst, hast thou tolerated, that salvation I might obtain, and from the ancient ruin be rescued, as the divine Gregory said; but also even to this time various ways of salvation to prepare for me and to show thou ceasest not, thy holy Apostles, holy Martyrs and Ascetics as leaders to us toward virtue and felicity sending down, that of these pressing the footsteps, of the promises, made to those loving and seeking out thy holy name, we may merit to be partakers. So I beseech be it done.
[20] The temple perfected and to the Virgin Mary duly consecrated, of their labors the agreed wage from the holy man demanded the craftsmen. The promised wage not being able to exhibit Germanus But Germanus, whence in full to them to pay not finding, of the whole sum a certain little part to the men handed over. For ten only silver in his power he had, nor other besides these was there what into the work's price he could pay. Hence their minds vehemently against him he stirred up: who with several first contumelies upon him inveighing, a deceiver him, and under the habit of a monk, since indeed a monk he was not, an excellent they said to be hypocrite. For such is the genius of men addicted to money, that with reverence to follow those things which in highest veneration are to be held they know not. he is overcome by the workmen Whatever others have in price those alone vilipend, provided that that which most they desire, however vile, to obtain be given. With ropes then they bind, not willing indeed, but for want this from them demanding, or, to say more truly, that providing which thereafter was to come to pass. For we are not ignorant by what at length end, what was being done, was concluded; we are not ignorant the ways of divine wisdom easy and unimpeded, and the holy man's firm in God faith and notable hope.
[21] After therefore the men most ferocious and by no commiseration touched the holy man, his hands tied behind his back, and to the city he is dragged: in their power had; not otherwise than of a most foul crime the guilty, to drag the unhappy one they began; and by no fear of God terrified, or the venerable man's countenance revering, that which into the town of Drama leads way they enter, hoping it would be, that when of the better some one St. Germanus in so bitter a state should behold, by some commiseration toward his afflicted fortune he would be moved; and the gold, for whose cause so hardly he was treated, would represent; and so the agreed to them money they would obtain. By this hope's goad therefore incited, from the mount a descent they make, the holy man with chains tightly bound after them dragging. To the foot of the mount as soon as it was come, a certain plain seemed to offer itself, with herbs of divers colors clothed, and in it trees of immense height and by the density of branches notable, which to those wishing there for so long to rest travelers a shade for refreshment and pleasantness could suffice. In this plain certain men in dignity placed, which two Imperial Legates beholding as much from the multitude of servants, of beasts of burden, and of every kind of apparatus was given to gather, under the trees they behold, of those by the shade against the vehement heat of the sun (for it was the summer time) themselves covering. Two these were, of chief among their own dignity, of whom to the one Neophytus, to the other was the name Nicholas, from the Constantinopolitan city by the Roman of that time Emperor to the Triballian sent legates.
[22] At that especially time it is to be esteemed those men having entered the wood for so long there to have stopped not by chance and fortuitously, but by a destined rather of divine providence counsel, that by this occasion both St. Germanus from a so miserable state might be rescued, and they themselves to the most certain way of salvation might be led. Certainly after them, by whom in a cruel manner was vexed the Saint, made nearer, and Germanus himself with great as of mind so of body modesty they saw following; their eyes more attentively cast upon him, the appearance of a man of Angels not unworthy, but much more beautiful his mind, silent they considered. For from the body's habit exterior not difficult to them it could be concerning the internal goods and riches of the mind to determine. Forthwith therefore from the earth they rise up, and with words those harsh men hardly they rebuke. For what at length cause or by what counsel, they said, of all mortals the worst, a man, something as it were divine in countenance breathing, with ropes bound do you drag, nothing either God revering, or by the common among us nature's commiseration moved, by which one another's miseries by whatever we can help and aid we are bidden to relieve? Will you not at once that holy man from his bonds free order to be? will you not of so great a calamity the cause forthwith declare?
[23] At these words a great upon those calumniators at once and the holy man's punishers fear and horror invades, with trembling hands him from the molestation of the bonds swiftly they free: and the cause setting forth, they pay the debt their discourse not yet had they finished, when by men plainly excellent, the most holy and
most innocent man's lot pitying, a hundred forthwith gold pieces were paid. The most wise providence of God, and by what reason, where no hope seems to remain of escaping, an easy to escape way it knows how to open, and also St. Germanus's notable hope, and his mind of the future provident in this place consider. So indeed I reckon, the holy man, of all things which were to come to pass not ignorant, with his highest will and joy to have undertaken his bonds.
[24] But after the workmen, the money received and obtained from St. Germanus pardon of past things, and they become monks under St. Germanus their houses sought again; he himself with the said now often illustrious men in the same place Germanus remained. What need is there to narrate, what to them and with how great alacrity of mind discourses he had? But what other than divine ones? by whose weight and efficacy so the minds of those men were moved, that soon into the number of monks to be received ardently they demanded, nothing more about approaching the Emperor solicitous: so by the suavity of his discourses were overcome the excellent men's minds. Right hands therefore being given to the holy man, the way which into the most happy of all cities leads they took up. This indeed safe and unhurt having entered, and the legation taken up having discharged happily, with great then rewards and honors they were affected. But after some there interval of time being passed, and the domestic affairs as it behoved rightly composed, after a part of their goods into the necessities of the poor, another into their domestics they had bestowed, another finally and this far the better part with themselves they had taken, with great delight of mind to the holy Germanus again they offered themselves. Who them, with his highest will to the society of life admitted, into the manner of monks to be shorn continually he caused; and the monastic a little after habit clothed, to the number of those he enrolled who in that place a life professed ascetic.
[24] Cells then being constructed, vineyards too and orchards not a few being established, who the monastery being equipped not so long a time's interval all these to an end he brought. Of so great things moreover the fame far and wide spread, both what to the most holy man, and what to his monastery pertained, everywhere notably were divulged. Whence through each, so to speak, day, increase took both the monastery itself and what in some way to it could pertain, many the eternal world farewell saying, and having sold what they possessed all the prices of their things to St. Germanus's feet bringing. and daily more increased. And these indeed all things, so, as I have said, done, obtained that issue, which for his monastery's good to desire most of all Germanus could. But now that day and time was at hand, in which that to God he should set out or rather return, and with his hopes at length he should be made master the most holy man, and by so many hardships and labors worn out, was constituted.
[25] Of the migration from this life the day, and whatever the migration are wont to accompany, were at hand. Which known, the monks all subject to him into one he calls together: and upon his bed himself, as he could, about to die he himself at the last addresses his own. raising (for by infirmity he was held, and the last was breathing of life spirit) this to them oration he has. I indeed, dearest Sons, what God's will is, from this life's stadium depart, and glad and brisk to Him whom so greatly I have desired I go away. For I know with Him soon I shall be, and of the eternal kingdom I shall enter the inheritance; for whose cause infinite almost labors and contests, of which you yourselves witnesses can be, since that monastery I founded, strongly to bear I have not doubted. Into this senile age I have come, never not either against visible, or against invisible enemies for fighting opposed. But you peace have among yourselves, and with others too, if you can, all. For in this indeed all will understand, that of the humble and peaceful Christ imitators you are, if peace you shall have toward one another. This world wholly and from the heart deny, nor of any price among you be held whatever of earthly matter by concretion consists. Poverty with willing minds receive: for this the to God devoted ascetic, from grosser things plucked away, more closely to God binds. To elders let obey the younger, and the younger's vices patiently let the elders tolerate; for they sometimes slip, which indeed I deprecate. Let each one to himself and his own things be attentive, and that last day in mind and thought turn, forgetting those things which are past, and to those things which to be done press himself extending, since of incorruptible goods a sincere lover let him exist. All of the Lord and our Savior's knowledge and grace that you may grow be busy, who unto every good work grace to you abundant may suffice, by which you may become worthy of the supreme in the other life grade of honor.
[26] These and many others at the extreme of life's term though constituted, and great having brought forth …