The Journey to Jerusalem explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Good vs. Evil

  The archimandrite uses holy water to subdue the devil, demonstrating the triumph of sanctity over unclean spirits.

• Trickery and Cunning

  The devil attempts to bargain his way out of captivity, but the archimandrite turns the deal to his own miraculous advantage.

Characters to notice

• The Devil

  Unclean spirit caught in holy water; bargains to serve the archimandrite by transporting him to Jerusalem.

• The Priest

  Archimandrite who captures the devil and is transported to Jerusalem and back.

Key passages

• “An archimandrite one day got up for matins; and, whilst laving his hands, saw an unclean spirit in the Holy Water, seized him and crossed him.”

  While preparing for morning prayers, an archimandrite spotted a demon in the holy water, grabbed it, and made the sign of the cross over it.

  Opening action establishes the capture of the devil through holy water and the cross.

• “The devil besought him: 'Let me go, Father, I will do you any service I can; I will, I will!' So the Archimandrite said: 'Will you take me to Jerusalem between High Mass and matins?'”

  The devil begged for release, promising any service, and the archimandrite demanded to be transported to Jerusalem and back between two church services.

  The devil's plea and the archimandrite's condition set up the miraculous journey.

• “The Archimandrite released him, and after matins was transported to Jerusalem, and was back in time for High Mass.”

  The archimandrite freed the devil, and after morning prayers he was whisked to Jerusalem, returning before the main service began.

  The fulfillment of the bargain demonstrates the devil's power and the archimandrite's faith.