TESTING THE PROPHETIC SERIES

The Monk Valens

In the 5th century, a man named Palladius wrote the story of Valens, a monastic from Palestine. Valens was a well regarded monastic whose fervor for discipline had won him favor in the church. The story of is Valens’ is of his slow descent into pride.

While Valens is weaving a basket at night, he lost the needle with which he was working. A light appeared to him that enabled him to find his missing item. This experience served as the doorway for pride to work its devastating effects. He began to see himself as more highly favored by God than the others around him.

A little while later, Macarius the Great sent a gift of fruit that had been given to him to the dwelling place of the surrounding brothers. When the one who was distributing the fruit arrived at the abode of Valens, Valens chastised him with a message to give back to Macarius:

Macarius was concerned for the spiritual well-being of Valens, but Valens paid no heed to Macarius’ entreaties to humble himself. The final straw came when Valens had a vision of what he assumed was Christ:

The delusion of pride was complete. Valens considered himself the superior to everyone in his community and refused to fellowship with his brothers. He went so far as to deny the need for the sacrament of communion, announcing to the fathers his intention to forgo the Eucharist. 

What did those who carried responsibility for the soul of Valens do? They bound him with chains and interceded for him for one year:

The chains of pride were chastened by the chains of iron and Valens was humbled. He was restored as a respected member of the monastic community.