Cloaked in Faith and Humility: The Life of St Gabriel the Fool for Christ
Runtime: 64 minutes
Director: Efstratios Papageorgiou.
Narrator: Ioannis Seraskeris.
This documentary presents the life story of the Russian Orthodox saint and monk known as the Holy Confessor Gabriel (Goderdzi Urgebadze). Born in 1929 in Soviet Georgia, during the oppressive Stalinist era, to atheist parents in a regime that actively suppressed religion, young Goderdzi developed a remarkable sense of the divine. Despite the atheistic environment, he first heard about Christ when he witnessed two neighbours quarreling and one of them said to the other “You have crucified me like Christ.” Mystified by the mention of Christ and his crucifixion, Goderdzi enquired about this and a church warden advised him to read the Gospel. Under miraculous circumstances he got a New Testament from a stranger and within a few years learned it by heart. Against his mother’s discouragement, Goderdzi rebelled, running away to join a monastery and became a wanderer. Eventually, his mother followed suit, embracing monastic life. At the age of 26, he became a monk named Gabriel, inspired by the Greek saint associated with a miraculous icon of the Mother of God. In 1962, defying the atheist government, Gabriel single-handedly built a church in Tbilisi, salvaging sacred objects discarded during persecution. Openly defying authorities, he burned a portrait of Lenin and endured imprisonment, torture, and was declared a psychopath. Despite being banned from religious ceremonies, Gabriel practiced extreme austerities, living in a broken hen pen and going barefoot in winter. His mother joined him in the monastery, and he passed away in 1995. The documentary includes eyewitness accounts of his miracles, showcasing a life marked by unwavering faith and defiance against oppression.
The Reluctant Saint (1962) (Runtime: 105 minutes)
Director: Edward Dmytryk
Cast: Maximilian Schell, Ricardo Montalbán, Lea Padovani, Akim Tamiroff, Harold Goldblatt.
This film portrays the life of Joseph of Cupertino, a legendary saint of the Franciscan order and patron saint of aviators, astronauts, the mentally handicapped, and students. The movie blends humor and compassion in recounting Giuseppe’s life story. Born Giuseppe Desa in Cupertino during the 17th century, he faced challenges due to his simplicity and dull wit. Subject to practical jokes and cruelty, his mother tried various avenues for him, but it was his uncle, a Franciscan monk, who brought him to their friary. Giuseppe found solace tending to the animal farm there. Bishop Durso, impressed by Giuseppe’s humility, ordered him to train for priesthood. Despite struggles in his studies, Giuseppe miraculously passed his examinations, leading to his ordination. His life took a mystical turn when, during a quarrel, he displayed the power of levitation, marking the beginning of miracles. As word spread, Giuseppe’s levitation during Mass brought both popularity and trouble. Skepticism arose, and Father Raspi accused him of demonic possession. Despite an inconclusive investigation by the bishop, a dramatic climax during an exorcism revealed the true nature of Giuseppe’s miraculous abilities.
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