ECCENTRIC RUSSIAN MONK.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3190, 8 April 1911, Page 8

ECCENTRIC RUSSIAN MONK.

OATH OF STARVATION

Tlie interest of all Russia is riveted on the eccentric monk Iliodore, who firs obtained 1 notoriety in expounding ultraConservative views, criticising his .superiors lay and spiritual, and reviling members of the Administration-, The Most Holy Synod resolved to transfer him from the city of Tsaritsm to a monastery in the diocese of Tula. He refuses to submit-. Iliodore has solemnly sworn an oath before tlie- altar to starve himself raither than quit Tsaritsyn. Already for five days he has remained in the church before the altar, fasting and praying. Tlie members, of the numerous -congregation . watching him have sworn to do- likewise. Prayers chants and moans commingle in tho church day and night, and thousands of pious people have had Jtheir minds unhinged. Telegrams are being sent all over Russia about Iliodore, who has made a fantastic will. The Holy Synod is iconcertintg measures at the present moment to- induce him to. quit Tsariltsin.

The monk Iliodore’s resolution to perish by hunger is causing indescribable excitement throughout the Orthodox world. All dhe Conservative associations in the Russian Empire have espoused his cause and sent telegrams to the Czar, beseeching him to alkhv Uiodore to remain at Tsaritsin. The mon-

astery church- Is crowded to overflowing wilth frenzied men and women abstaining from food and sleep, and pass-ing-days and- night® in .prayer. The ecclesiastical authorities are at their wits’ end."'' ’ "