July 6 is the feast of the St. Sisoes, the Desert Father (d. 429). This icon recalls the time he saw the broken tomb and bones of Alexander the Great.
This is what is written on the icon:
Sisoes, the great among ascetics, stood before the tomb of Alexander, Emperor of Greeks, who at one time had shone with glory; and horrified by the inexorable passing of time and the vanity of this transient world, ‘Lo!’ he cried aloud, ‘Beholding thee, O Grave, I fear the judgment of God and I weep, for the common destiny of all mankind comes to mind! O Death, who can escape thee?
I hope everyone knows this marvelous poem, which has so many applications.
Many people came to Abba Sisoes for help in their spiritual struggles. Though he was strict with himself, he was compassionate toward sinners. Once visitors asked Abba Sisoes how long a person should do penance, who has sinned voluntarily.
They asked, “For a year?”
Abba Sisoes replied, “That is a hard saying.”
“How about six months?”
Sisoes said, “Oh, that is a long time.”
“For forty days?”
“That’s a long time, too.”
“Well, if he sins and it’s time for the agape feast, should he just join everyone else at the table?”
Abba Sisoes said, “He needs to do penance for a few days. But I trust in God that, if such a man does penance with his whole heart, God will receive him in as little as three days.”
The best-known story abt Sisoes is one that takes place at his bedside.
When Sisoes was at the end of his long life of labors, as the Fathers were gathered about him, his face began to shine like the sun.
He said to them, “Look, Abba Anthony is coming.”
A little later he said, “Look, the choir of the Prophets is coming.”
His face shone yet more bright, and he said, “Look, the choir of the Apostles is coming.”
The light of his countenance increased, and he seemed to be talking with someone. The Fathers asked him who he was speaking with, and he said, “The angels are coming to fetch me, and I am asking for more time to repent.”
Suddenly his face became as bright as the sun, and all those around him were filled with fear.
Abba Sisoes said, “Look, the Lord is coming, and He says, ‘Bring Me the vessel from the desert.”
He gave up his soul into the hands of God, and there was a flash as of lightning, and a sweet fragrance filled the room.
