Friday 8 March 2013

The Warrior Monk - Life of Fr. Benyamin the Hermit





His tears were his spiritual passion, gushing and passionate, and he was affected greatly by the pain of others as he was one body with them. The monk would close the door of his cell to open to the door of his heart to the world (The Church is the body of Christ).

When Fr. Benyamin heard that the Father who was serving him was ill, he wept for him and began asking each of the monks about him until he recovered.

He was very committed to his spiritual rule and tasks (for prayer, etc.),and when he wanted to add something new to his rule like prayer, he would begin little by little (even if it’s only 5 or 10 minutes in the day). He would regularly observe this exercise until it was established and he was consistent in it. Then he would add to it gradually during a long period, and this shows his great concern with carrying out his spiritual rule without haste, and also shows how he prioritized his time.


Those who were with him during his last illness, said that he prayed in his sleep. His lips moved in prayer even in his extreme weakness, he did not reduce from his prayer rule.

Fr. Elisha El-Baramosy who stayed with him during his last days until his departure, said that he used to ask him to start praying from the Agpeya so that he can join him in the psalms, the litanies and the rest prayers of the Agpeya.

When one of the Fathers asked him about the mealtime, he answered him saying that the monk must pray the Ninth Hour first and then he can eat afterwards, if he chooses to do so. This is how he was very serious…and keen.

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