The elders are elderly monks. Praying all their lives, observing fasting, they can help people solve complex problems in life, cure diseases. Usually they are revered for holiness during their lifetime. Elders were mentioned already in the period of early Christianity. Is it possible to find them in our time?
Instruction manual
1
Assigning the title of an old man is impossible. because this title is sent by God for all suffering and labors. Real elders respect every person who comes and try to help everyone. Although recently, many people have been asking not questions about spiritual life, but rather about everyday life, which is wrong. Household issues should be dealt with by other people.
Genuine elders do not require agreement with all their words, and if there is an imposition of their thoughts, then this is hardly a real old man. They never show their gift to the public, but hide it. Otherwise, it is possible that this is just an ordinary sectarian. There are very few true elders.
2
Modern elders consider:
Father German - Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, Sergiev Posad. Engaged in cleaning demons. He has the gift of insight. Father Kirill Pavlov - Trinity-Sergius Lavra, city of Sergiev Posad. Very old and very famous father, confessor of the patriarchs Pimen and Alexy II, many priests and celebrities. Father Nikolai is the rector of the Intercession-Ennat monastery in Bashkiria. Archimandrite Dionysius - Moscow, Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Pokrovsky. Relatively young father, but possesses the rare power of prayer and the gift of shepherding, Archimandrite Daniil (Sarychev), monk of the Donskoy Monastery (Moscow), father Vlasiy, father Theodosius, etc.
You can find everyone in the monasteries. But some do not accept people, while others have long lines. Therefore, to get an appointment, you can wait a few days.
3
Perhaps the old man for many is an old grandfather with a long gray beard, who walks on a stick and lives far from ordinary people. Maybe you are right. Then you can find such an old man. One of the goals that are pursued when looking for an old man is to help solve a problem. Who can help answer the question? Probably the person who survived this, and also saw what other people are doing in this situation, a person who can share this experience. And he will do it completely sincerely, from the heart. An old man is a kind and wise man. Good, because there is no longer reason for anger. Wise, because I saw a lot in my life. This much does not appear in one day, but accumulates over the years, years of sadness and joy, difficult days and carefree time. It would seem where to find such an old man? He is the only one and does not come to everyone.
4
But look around: grandparents
And who are they for you? Having seen a lot on their way, they are not opposed to tell you about their life, their mistakes. They are wise and usually kind, have gray hair. Well, what are not real elders? Of course, you can look all your life for such a person who fits exactly your description.
5
Just go outside and take a walk in the park. There you can see many grandparents, whose eyes are not empty. In especially old age, many of them are single and do not mind talking to someone. And having talked, you will leave and, perhaps, you will realize that you have found your elder.
An old man is someone you meet by chance, and after a conversation with whom you are unlikely to meet again. And who knows, maybe, having lived their long life, it will be you who will be looked for by other young people. And it is you who will become for someone the same old man.
