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Life of St. Ana Seamon - DVD
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| Ana Seamon was raised in her fathers palace as a royal child. When she reached seven years old the king brought her a priest and assigned him to teach her the fear of God. He began reading to her the news of the saints, fathers, anchorites, monks, hermits, and the wonders they made. From then on she longed to share the inheritance with those saintly fathers and she continued reading unceasingly the saints news. She kept away from the royal childrens traditions; their clothes, their food, and their drink. She secretly wore under her clothes a dress made of coarse wool. She denied herself all pleasant food without anyone knowing. She wanted to escape at night to some of the monasteries but she couldnt because she feared her father. She became confused and kept crying day and night. Then she raised her eyes towards heaven and said, "Lord you know the secrets of the heart. Ease for me O Lord the road that I should take to please You." She kept praying unceasingly and donated whatever came to her from her fathers palace such as food, etc. Also the fruits, all the goods and riches, while she ate only dry bread and salt. The Lord appreciated her sincere will and her desire to do Gods will with all her heart. At that point her mother passed away to the eternity and also did her father. There was great sadness because he reigned over seven states. All the leaders, presidents, and soldiers had a meeting in the kings palace and discussed enthroning the kings daughter, Anasimon, immediately and placing her in charge over her late fathers kingdom before the kingdom should disassemble. So, all the dignitaries of the city, the priests, bishops, Archbishops, and all the leaders in the city gathered to force her against her will. The Pope anointed her and placed the crown on her head. The people screamed loudly and sang with loud voices, "Alleluia! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." There was happiness and gladness as never seen before and she looked extremely elegant and beautiful. When she sat on the throne all the authorities obeyed and submitted to her all the great castles and forts. Then she released all the war captives and prisoners in her kingdom. She donated and consecrated many properties to the monasteries, the poor, widows, and orphans. She continued her habit of praying, fasting, watchfulness and vigil. She led that way of life for one year until one night while she was alone she said to herself; "Anasimon, Jesus the Master gave you all your hearts desires and you reached all your goals, and what can you benefit from being here in this vanishing world with its many obstacles? If you want the everlasting heavenly kingdom, it must be now. The Master Jesus granted you time, power and freedom to do whatever you want. No one can control you, so dont let the world with all of its ornamentation and fleeting luxuries tempt you to leave the comfort of the heavenly kingdom. Didnt you hear what is written in His Holy Gospel that Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me doesnt deserve me. ?" She got up right away and fulfilled this plan and expropriated the royal crown and said, " My Lord Jesus Christ for the sake of Your great love Im leaving the kingdom which I inherited from my parents and grandparents." She wore the old clothes of one of her kitchen maids, covered her head and walked barefooted. She knelt down besides her bedroom three times bidding farewell saying, "The Lord be with you until His will is fulfilled." Then she looked at her pretty palace and bid farewell saying, "I leave it to Jesus care." Then she came to the door of the palace, opened it and knelt down three times kissing the ground and said; "Lord open the door of Your mercy to my face because You know oh Lord my nature for I am a woman and a weak vessel, so dont leave me alone. Be with me my Helper, protect me, because I know no one else but You." She took her Bible and a pamphlet on monasticism news. Then she blessed herself with the sign of the Holy cross and departed from her palace toward the wilderness leaving Constantinople. May the prayers of this great saint be with us and Glory be to God forever. Amen. |
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