Many don’t know this, but St. Herman actually suffered from cancer.

Many don’t know this, but St. Herman actually suffered from cancer.

While at the St. Sergius Lavra, there appeared an abscess under his chin. The swelling grew rapidly, and disfigured his face. It became difficult for him to swallow, and the odour was unbearable. In this critical condition Father Herman awaited death. He did not appeal to a physician of this world but locking his cell, he fell down before an icon of the Theotokos.

With fervent tears he prayed, asking of her that he might be healed. He prayed the whole nigh until he fell asleep from sheer exhaustion on the floor.

Upon waking in the morning, he found to his great surprise that he was fully healed.