the holy new martyrs of eastern russia - Coptic Orthodox teaching

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rest for a bit and shout out three times in a loud voice: "Matronushka, help
me. I'm in trouble." She'll hear you and will answer.'
"Although all this seemed very strange, rather like magic as it were,
nevertheless, when I went out on my evening walk, I did as my friend had
instructed. A day passed, a week, a month... No one summoned me. In the
meantime, changes were made in the camp administration: someone was
removed, another was appointed. Another half year passed and there came
the day of my release from the camp. When I was issued my documents in the
commandant's office, I asked to be sent in the direction of the town where
Matrona lived, since I had promised before calling out to her that if she
helped me I would remember her in my daily prayers and that upon my
release from camp I would straightway go and thank her.
"Having received my papers, I heard that two fellows, who were also being
released, were travelling to the same town where I was headed. I joined them
and we set off together. As we journeyed, I asked them if perchance they
knew Matronushka.
"'We know her very well; everyone knows her - both in the town and for
miles around. We'd take you to her if you like, but we live in the country, not
in town, and we're anxious to get home. But just do this: when you arrive, ask
the first person you meet where Matronushka lives and they'll show you.'
"On my arrival I did just as my fellow travellers had told me. I asked the
first boy I met.
"'Follow this street,' he said, 'then turn by the post office into the alley.
Matrona lives in the third house.'
"Trembling with excitement, I went up to the house and was about to
knock at the door, but it wasn't locked and opened easily. Standing on the
threshold, I surveyed the nearly empty room in the middle of which stood a
table. Upon it was a fairly large box.
"'May I come in?' I asked rather loudly.
"'Come in, Seryozha,' came a voice from the box.
"Startled by this unexpected reception, I proceeded hesitantly in the
direction of the voice. Looking into the box on the table, I saw a small woman
lying motionless. She was blind and possessed only rudimentary arms and
legs, Her face was remarkably bright and kindly. After greeting her, I asked:
"'How do you know my name?'
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