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Rev. Longinus, Gatekeeper of the Caves (XIII-XIV centuries)

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Saint Father Longinus was renowned for his great obedience and holiness of life. Diligently guarding the monastery gates, he paid careful attention to the movements of his heart. Through his vigilance, no enemy entered the holy monastery, nor did any vain thought or passion enter his heart. From earthly gates, he directed his inner gaze toward the Heavenly gates, the Kingdom of God, contemplating how to enter it. To enter Heaven, it is essential to attain the most profound union with the Lord, Who said, “I am the door; if anyone enters by Me, he will be saved” (John 10:9). This Divine communion with Christ was present in Saint Longinus.

The grace of God within him was revealed through various gifts and spiritual acts. The venerable father possessed the gift of insight; with his spiritual vision, he perceived the deeds and thoughts of those entering and leaving the holy monastery. By encouraging the virtuous in their good endeavours, he inspired zeal for a righteous life.

By exposing sinners in their sins and warning them of God’s judgment for lack of repentance, he led them to contrition. In deep old age, he departed to the Lord.

In the annotations to the 1638 map of the Distant Caves, we read: “The relics of St. Monk Longinus lie here.” In 1661 and 1703, he is mentioned as “Logvin,” and on a later map, presumably from 1744, as “St. Logvin, Gatekeeper of the Caves.”

A manuscript account published by Bishop Modest states, “Saint Longinus, a father of great holiness and obedience, was a gatekeeper at the monastery. He also received from the Lord the gift of seeing into human thoughts: who entered and left the monastery with what intentions.

The memory of Saint Longinus is celebrated separately on October 29 (October 16 in the old style), on the feast day of Saint Longinus the Centurion.