I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. John 13:15
“The loves of most fools for Christ tend to be somewhat mysterious, but that of Michael of Klops Monastery is exceptionally enigmatic.
As Matins [Midhnight prayer] was being served in Klops Monastery on 23 June 1408. Hieromonk Macarius censed the church and the nearby cells, which included his own. As he approached his cell, he noticed that the door was open, and insight at his desk sat a man dressed as a monastic busily copying the Acts of the Apostles. Not recognizing the man, Macarius hastened to tell the abbot and the other brethren about this mysterious guest.
When they came to the cell, the stranger was still sitting calmly, copying from the Scriptures. When they asked who he was, they were answered only with the same question. The brothers assumed the man to be a simpleminded fool who somehow had managed to sneak into the monastery qnd unlock Macarius’ cell door – though they never learned how he had accomplished either task.
Though perceived as a fool, the stranger was able to chant and read eloquently during the Divine Liturgy and from the lives of the saint during meals. He was given a cell and participated in the life and worship of the monastery, but every attempt to learn who he was and where he came from was unsuccessful. He was strict in fasting and prayer, and he kept nothing in his cell – not even a mat for sleeping.
Observing his virtuous behavior, the monks honored him as a very holy individual; but in order not to allow this honor to lead to pride, the stranger adopted foolish behavior in everything he did. It wasn’t until the famousPrince Constantine Dmitrievich visited the monastery that the monks learned the identity of their holy fool. They asked the stranger to read from the book of Job during mealtime, and Prince Constantine seemed to recognize his voice.
Coming closer to examine the unknown reader, the prince suddenly boweed to the stranger and announced that he was non other than his own kinsman, Michael Maximovich. When asked why he had not revealed his identity, Michael replied, “Ony the Creator knows me and who I am.” Once they learned of his noble blood, the monks began to show greater honor to Michael, but this was something he wished to avoid. Thus he began increasing his struggles in foolishness, setting a great example to his brethren in all monastic work, vigils, and prayer.”
Michael of Klops Monastery (fifteenth century) in Holy Fools: The Lives of Twenty Fools for Christ by Oswin Craton (Chesterton: Ancient Faith Publishing, 2024) 77-81.
The more I study this holy fool, the more he reminds me of Jesus. Notice that Jesus did not come wrapped in royalty but appeared in poverty. He did not announce his identity to command respect and honor. He showed love and pointed people to the way of life.
Jesus was the living Word and Michael was found copying the Word, reading the Word, and loving others as it taught, following the example of Christ. I love how Michael, following the mysterious and enigmatic example of Jesus did not advertise his nobility but demonstrated it. Ponder that.
What if, like Jesus and Michael we don’t give ourselves to advertising our faith but give our energies to demonstrating it? We would likely appear mysterious and enigmatic, as most people advertise what they are doing. His example spoke for itself and inspired others. May we do likewise.
I am flying to Wisconsin today through Sunday to spend time with a spiritual friend, John Stanley. I will live in his guest house and eat from his table. We will share conversations about living in mysterious and enigmatic ways and do a little fly fishing. I do this every June as a spiritual retreat.
Pray with me that we both grow as holy fools as a result.