Elder Gabriel lived alone his strict monastic life in a small house which was the extension of a cave, very close to the Cell of Saint Ephraim of Katounakia.
He was often visited by Elder Ephraim, to perform priestly duties.
Once, when together with Papa-Nikephoros he was celebrating the Mystery of the Prayer Oil [Holy Unction], Elder Ephraim heard a voice from the icon of the Archangels saying to him:
"We are waiting for you, when will you come to us!"
The Elder was delighted by the feeling of grace.
When he later reported this to Elder Joseph the Hesychast, he heard the following interpretation of the event:
"Not that the icon spoke, my child, but grace is formed like this."
Source: Excerpt from the book Γέροντας Εφραίμ Κατουνακιώτης, published by the Sacred Hesychastirion of Saint Ephraim, Katounakia, Mount Athos.
He was often visited by Elder Ephraim, to perform priestly duties.
Once, when together with Papa-Nikephoros he was celebrating the Mystery of the Prayer Oil [Holy Unction], Elder Ephraim heard a voice from the icon of the Archangels saying to him:
"We are waiting for you, when will you come to us!"
The Elder was delighted by the feeling of grace.
When he later reported this to Elder Joseph the Hesychast, he heard the following interpretation of the event:
"Not that the icon spoke, my child, but grace is formed like this."
Source: Excerpt from the book Γέροντας Εφραίμ Κατουνακιώτης, published by the Sacred Hesychastirion of Saint Ephraim, Katounakia, Mount Athos.
