Eccentric Russian Monk

Horowhenua Chronicle, 5 April 1911, Page 4

Eccentric Russian Monk

OATH OF STARVATION. The of nil Russia is riretted on fho eccentric monk THodorfc. who fjr-;i obtained notoriety by expounding ultra-Conservative views, criticising hi' superiors. lav and spiritual. and ppbli'-ly reviling members of the Administration. Tlie Most Holy Synod ro-n]rod to transfer him from fhe city of Tsaritism to a monastery in the diocese of Tula. Ho refuses to submit. Tlidoro has solel mnlv sworn nn oath before the altar to starve himself to death rather than quit Tsnritsin. Already for fire days hp has remained in the church before the altar, fasting and praying. The members of the numerous congregation watching him have sworn to do likewise. Prayers, chants, and moans commingle in the church day and night. and thousands of pious people hare had their minds unhinged. Telegrams are being sent all over Russia about Tliordore. who has made a fantastic will. The Holy Synod is concerting measures at the. present moment to induce liim to auit Tsaritsin. The monk Tliodore's resolution to perish by hunger is causing indescribable excitement throughout the Orthodox world. All the Conservative associations in the Russian Empire liave espoused his cause and sent telegrams to the Czar, beseeching him to allow Th'edore to remain at Tsartsin. ■ The monastery church is crowded to overflowing with frenzied men and women abstaining from food "and sleep, a,nd passing davs and nighfc in praver. The ecclesiastical , authorities at their wits' ends.