Τhe misfortune of a protestant "hierapostle"

Τhe misfortune of a protestant "hierapostle"

By monk Damascene, Gregoriou Monastery - Mount Athos.

       In August 1994, Kolouezi was turned upside down with advertisements, posters, notice boards and panels that "Christ" is coming to heal the blind, the lame and every sick person in the region. Thousands of dollars were spent in the preparations for the reception of a Pentecostal pastor, who started from South Africa, to spread the healing of the sick in the Congo.
       The same preparation and bright appearance was made in Lumumbasi, the co-capital of Congo, where a large number of sick followed him with anxious hope for their bodily recovery. From what they told me he would deliver the long desired health to those afflicted who went to him, naturally through demonic power, but how sad and tragic! For just one day. The following day they returned to the same beggarly condition and to the same personal torments.
       It happened that the beginning of the preaching and the "healings" of the newly found "messiah" coincided with the start of the entreaties to our Theotokos during the period around the 15^th of August. Father Meletios informed earlier the faithful about the coming of the "messiah" and forbade them to attend even out of curiosity. Only two or three faithful were allowed to attend on order to hear what the pastor said and then inform the person in charge.
       Every afternoon at 3:30 the white "messiah" would call the people in English and two other persons would translate in French and in Swahili with thunderous voices for the audience and healing. At the same time Fr. Meletios in our Church of Saint George, which was about 200 meters from the demonic assembly, ordered an Entreaty to the Theotokos, a sermon and comboskini (prayer rope) with kneeling of all the faithful. All the assemblies struggled on who would overcome. The result was heard in the last day from the same big mouth and "miraculous" Pentecostal. I remember the day was Sunday.
       Here is what he said: "Until now, I have gone to many cities and countries. Everywhere my work was crowned with success. But what I suffered here in Kolouezi, happened to me for the first time. For so many days I could not perform a single healing, not even one! I wonder what happened. There must be some force here in the city, my dear ones, which strangely would not let me "heal" so that you believe in Jesus Christ. I depart very embittered and I shall not be able to come back to your city again".
       The miracle of our Christ and Theotokos was celebrated especially due to the confession of the enemy of the Truth himself. The event was told to our faithful the following Sunday. Everyone was satisfied. They glorified God. They celebrated the marvels of God with hymns and religious songs.

Source:"The activity of sorcery in Africa"
By Monk Damascene Gregoriatou
"Orthodox Kypseli" Publication.