The Life and Deeds of the Ever-Remembered Despot Stefan

the beginning he was the pattern. And to this lover of God, at forty years of age, it was granted to draw near (to God), for he was equal to the angels. And verily, for 40 years Moses wrought signs and wonders in the land of Egypt and in the wilderness after the pattern of the Creator and His servants - their path is one and the same from the beginning.

.д. And to this Despot (Stefan), who shone forth in our days, it was granted to draw near to forty years of rule, for he was great and was a seal unto Christians. Even the hour of his death was directed by Him who directs all things, for He appointed his death at such a time (of which it may be said): "Behold, fear and great sorrow have taken hold of the whole world. All is ended and all is gone." And I counted 13 cycles, besides the 84 that remained (and that were) years of sorrow, and the 13 revolutions (or rounds) were completed after the year 532, in the 19th year of his (Stefan's) reign (the year 1408).

.е. Thus all this came to an end, and (all) was impoverished, and we were bereft (of him) after 38 years of his (Stefan's) reign. Had the Lord, in His great mercy, not left us a seed, we should have been as Sodom or as Gomorrah.⁵ For then (there was) great famine, frequent earthquakes and pestilences, invasions of (various) peoples by sea and by land, sudden wars, and in the

whole world there was no (place) where (there was not) fear of Thee, O Master. In that year 6935 (1427)

when Thou shalt do Thy most glorious (deeds), the mountains shall tremble before Thee and shall melt as wax melteth before the fire.⁶ And Thy works shall be made known before (Thine) adversaries, and Thou art become wondrous, O God, in the remembrance of Thy saints. And now too Thou hast shown forth Thy might among Thy people, not suffering the nations to destroy Thine inheritance utterly; and now preserve those who have not bowed (their) knees before Baal⁷ and before the weaknesses of (human) nature, but out of weakness have (risen up) strengthened; those who were valiant in battles, who believe in Him who wins wars with a mighty hand; those who chose rather to suffer with the people of God than to taste the passing sweetness of sin; (that they may be like those) who were crucified for the flock that bears the name of Christ.

.s. For verily, many suffered for the sake of piety, as it was (in ancient times) with the elders, who remained steadfast (in the faith).

.z. May your love of God forgive me for speaking of these sorrowful things, both spiritual and earthly. I have recalled the primordial times, and for the remembrance of the most pious (Despot) I would wish, if it be possible, to recall all the valiant (battles that he fought) in the Lord, even if not in order. For it is not possible for the unskilled to sail the open sea. Moreover, it is customary that from those who lament and receive a reward without merit (this) will draw forth unstoppable rivers of tears. (And I), having found the illustrious /Despot/ as a kind of ship, sailing alongside it, am lifted up (myself) toward those like him.

.н. He (Despot Stefan) was in valor and faith like Joshua the son of Nun,⁸ and in the way he

Moses, saying: Because I drew him out of the water".