[A wonderful story about the profound humility of St. Cyril of White Lake, as recounted in The Northern Thebaid: Monastic Saints of the Russian North].
A certain Theodore, attracted by the news of the Saint’s holy life, desired to enter the brotherhood, but after some time the enemy of mankind instilled in him such hatred for St. Cyril that not only could he not look at him, but he could not even listen to his voice. Disconcerted by his thoughts, he came to the strict Elder Ignatius the silent to confess his oppressed state of soul and the fact that, because of his hatred for Cyril, he wished to leave the monastery. Ignatius consoled him somewhat, strengthened him with prayer, and convinced him to stay on trial one year more; but the year passed and his hatred did not abate. Theodore decided to reveal his secret thought to Cyril himself, but upon entering his cell he became ashamed before the Elder’s gray hairs and could not pronounce anything. He wanted to leave the cell, but then the foreseeing Elder, understanding what was hidden in his soul, began himself to speak of hatred such as that which Theodore nourished for him. Torn by conscience, the monk fell to the Elder’s feet and prayed for forgiveness of his sin; but the Saint answered meekly:
Do not sorrow, by brother. All have been in error about me; you alone understand the truth and all my unworthiness, for who am I, sinful and unworthy?
He sent him away in peace, promising that in future such temptation would not befall him, and from that time on Theodore remained in perfect love toward the great Abba.
Source: The Northern Thebaid, pp. 61-62.
