Saint Erasmus, a monk of the Caves, was known for his pious work in adorning churches. Having great wealth, he spent all of it on the beautification of the church, covering icons with gold and silver. However, after he became poor, the devil instilled doubts in him about his good deeds, which led him to despair and a careless life.
The Lord, remembering his former virtues, sent him illness. On the eighth day of his sickness, when the monks came to him, he, as if he had never been ill, rose up and confessed his sins. The holy fathers Anthony and Theodosius appeared to him, saying that they had prayed for him, and the Most Holy Theotokos promised him a crown for his labors in adorning the church.
After his repentance, he was tonsured into the schema and on the third day joyfully surrendered his soul to the Lord. His relics rest in the cave of Anthony, and he became an example for all who adorn holy churches, receiving eternal bliss in the Kingdom of Heaven.
