The Journey to Jerusalem
by Alexander Afanasyev
The Journey to Jerusalem An archimandrite one day got up for matins; and, whilst laving his hands, saw an unclean spirit in the Holy Water, seized him and crossed him. The devil besought him: “Let me go, Father, I will do you any service I can; I will, I will!” So the Archimandrite said: “Will you take me to Jerusalem between High Mass and matins?” The Archimandrite released him, and after matins was transported to Jerusalem, and was back in time for High Mass. Then inquiries were set going how this might be, and every one was astonished how he could get to Jerusalem and back so fast. They asked him about it, and he told them the story.
Moral of the Story
Faith and holiness can overcome evil and achieve the impossible.
Characters
The Archimandrite ★ protagonist
None explicitly mentioned, but implied to be a man of the cloth.
Attire: Clerical vestments appropriate for an archimandrite, likely including a cassock, rason, and klobuk.
Pious, commanding, curious, pragmatic.
The Unclean Spirit ⚔ antagonist
None explicitly mentioned, but implied to be a small, dark, and unpleasant entity, fitting the description of a minor devil.
Attire: None, as it is an 'unclean spirit' and not described as wearing clothes.
Deceitful, subservient when caught, powerful.
Locations
Archimandrite's Quarters/Monastery
The archimandrite's personal space within a monastery, where he performs his morning ablutions.
Mood: Sacred, routine, initially peaceful, then suddenly supernatural.
The archimandrite encounters and captures the unclean spirit.
Jerusalem
The holy city, a distant and revered destination.
Mood: Holy, miraculous, awe-inspiring.
The archimandrite is miraculously transported here and back.
Monastery Church/Chapel
The main place of worship within the monastery where matins and High Mass are held.
Mood: Sacred, communal, astonished.
The archimandrite attends matins, is transported, and returns for High Mass, causing astonishment.
Story DNA
Moral
Faith and holiness can overcome evil and achieve the impossible.
Plot Summary
An archimandrite preparing for matins discovers and captures an unclean spirit in his holy water. The devil, begging for release, promises to serve him. The archimandrite challenges the devil to transport him to Jerusalem and back between morning services. Upon his return, everyone is astonished by his impossible journey, and he reveals the devil's forced assistance.
Themes
Emotional Arc
curiosity to astonishment
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This story reflects common Christian folk beliefs about the power of holy objects and clergy over evil spirits, and the significance of pilgrimage to holy sites like Jerusalem.
Plot Beats (10)
- An archimandrite wakes for matins.
- While washing his hands, he sees an unclean spirit in the Holy Water.
- He seizes the spirit and crosses it.
- The devil begs for release, promising to serve him.
- The archimandrite challenges the devil to transport him to Jerusalem and back between High Mass and matins.
- The archimandrite releases the devil.
- After matins, the archimandrite is transported to Jerusalem.
- He returns in time for High Mass.
- People inquire how he managed such a swift journey.
- He tells them the story of the devil's forced service.
