On Forgiveness of Wrongs

 

A certain Christian went to seek counsel from Abba Silouan.

“Father, I have a mortal enemy,” he confessed. “The wrongs this man has done me are innumerable. Some time ago, he fraudulently obtained a large portion of my land. Wherever he goes, he slanders me and speaks ill of both me and my family. He has made my life unbearable. Lately, he has even been plotting against my life. Just a few days ago, I learned that he had attempted to poison me. I can endure it no longer. I am determined to bring him to justice.”

“Do as you wish,” Abba Silouan replied indifferently.

“Do you not think, Father, that if he is punished—and severely, as he deserves—his soul will be saved?” asked the man, who had now begun to show concern for the spiritual welfare of his enemy.

“Do whatever brings you peace,” the Venerable Father continued to say in the same tone.

“Then I shall go straight to the judge,” said the Christian, rising to leave.

“Do not be in such haste,” the Venerable Father said calmly. “Let us first pray that God may grant success to your undertaking.” He began to recite the “Our Father.”

“And forgive us our debts, as we also do not forgive our debtors,” the Venerable Father was heard saying aloud when he reached this verse.

“That is not right, Abba. That is not how the Lord’s Prayer goes,” the Christian hastened to correct him.

“But that is indeed how it stands,” the Elder replied with perfect composure. “Since you have resolved to bring your brother before the judge, Silouan can offer no other prayer for you.”

 

Greek source: Ἔπαλξις Ὀρθοδοξίας, published by the Holy Metropolis of the G.O.C. of Larissa and Platamon, Issue 19, July-September 2026, p. 30.