August: Day 23: Teaching 1: Holy Martyr Louppos

August: Day 23: Teaching 1:
Holy Martyr Louppos
 
(On the Relationship Between Masters and Servants)

By Archpriest Grigory Dyachenko

I. The Holy Martyr Louppos, whose memory is celebrated today by the Holy Church, was a servant of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrios. After the death of his master, he soaked his clothes and ring in his blood and performed many miracles with them in Thessaloniki, for which, by order of Maximian, he was beheaded with the sword.

II. The Holy Martyr Louppos, who was a servant of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrios, gives all servants an example of Christian attitude towards their masters.

Christian brethren! In the present time, it is not always possible to see good relationships between masters and servants. The masters complain about the servants, citing their unfaithfulness, laziness, rudeness, and other vices. The servants, in turn, complain about the masters, saying that they do not value their hard work, do not reward them as they should, and are too strict and demanding of their employees. Perhaps these complaints — both from the masters and the servants — are justified. But where do they arise from? What is the main root of them? Their root lies in self-love. Each party seeks its own interests, demanding that others fulfill precisely what they are obligated to perform for them, without paying attention to themselves and their behavior towards those from whom they demand so much. If these aspects were considered, there would likely be fewer mutual grievances between masters and servants.  

a) The master says that he does not have good servants, that he cannot find good people. But have the masters ever asked themselves: are they good to their servants – do they strive to mitigate their rudeness and arrogance with patience, gentleness, and condescension? Do they attempt to eradicate their bad habits with advice, guidance, and admonitions? When a servant is faithful and honest, do they try to appreciate this honesty and reward them for it in some way? Unfortunately, this is not what we see in reality. A significant portion of masters relate to their servants coldly and indifferently. They look upon the servant as a labor force, which is only needed as long as it works properly and brings them profit. If, for some reason, the servant becomes unable to perform their duties – whether due to old age or sudden illness – they hasten to do one thing: to remove them from their presence as quickly as possible. Few employers will make an effort to endure their presence or to call a doctor; visiting them in the hospital is an even rarer occurrence. Meanwhile, how costly this is for the ailing servant! What a high reward it would be for them. The owners do little good for their servants and in other cases. Having many of them, for example, in factories, they could establish a school, a reading room, and conduct spiritual and moral discussions, yet they do none of this, leaving entire masses of people in spiritual darkness. There are, however, exceptions, but they are rare. Many of the servants never attend church, abstain from communion for long periods, and the owners do not even consider admonishing them. But what is most distressing is that many even deliberately distract them from the church and the fulfillment of their Christian duty, fearing neglect of their household; in many households, the servants work and trade even on feasts just as they do on weekdays. Such owners bear a heavy sin upon their souls! The very means to influence anyone is to do as much good as possible for them. Therefore, take care of your servants as you would of yourselves, and your servants will be moved by that, will improve their conduct, and you will be more satisfied with them.

b) On their part, the servants complain about the masters, about their exacting nature and strictness, demanding attention, indulgence, and gentle, affectionate treatment. Let us suppose the servants are right in this case. However, why do they not consider this: are they doing anything to earn that indulgence and attention? Indulgence is granted to those who acknowledge their faults, express regret, ask for forgiveness, and show a willingness to amend their ways. But what if, out of their pride, the servants refuse to express remorse before their masters, do not wish to acknowledge their failings, nor give assurances of improvement? On what grounds can they expect indulgence and forgiveness? Gentle treatment is afforded to those who are themselves gentle and humble. But what if the servants continually speak disrespectfully to their masters, demonstrate disobedience, and continually insult them? Who, after all, is to blame for the unkind relations between the masters and the servants, if not the servants themselves! Servants, accept your role, and it will be well for you, and the masters will be satisfied with you. The servants still complain that their labors and diligence are not appreciated. But first, they should ask themselves: is their diligence towards the masters truly great? Do they rejoice in the master's benefit as in their own? What if they seek and expect attention from the masters, yet they are ready to betray them and do so at every turn? They won’t speak a good word about the masters, nor will they appropriately concern themselves with the benefits to them; they steal their property and show others the way to do so. If a servant desires attention from the master, they must earn it, and they must earn it through loyalty, honesty, and genuine diligence.

III. So, masters and servants, instead of grumbling at one another, it would be better to examine your behavior towards each other: is it Christian behavior? Is the love commanded by Christ the foundation of it? Do not grumble too much about the shortcomings of the servants; you, masters, bear with their weaknesses for the sake of Christ, who suffered for us and took on the form of a servant. And you, servants, do not seek rewards from your masters for your honest labor; remember: there is an all-knowing God who sees every step of your life. Your masters may not appreciate you, but the Lord will value your service and will reward you for everything.

 

Source: A Complete Annual Cycle of Short Teachings, Composed for Each Day of the Year. Translated by John Sanidopoulos.