THE GOOD NEWS THAT THERE IS NO DEATH: The miracle of Elder Nicholas Guryanov. A few hours after the death of the elder, during the preparation of his holy body, a wonderful miracle occurred. For those who witnessed it, there had already been many healings and miracles from the ascetic, and this event became a natural continuation of his holy life. When the fathers brought the elder the Cross and the Gospel to place them in his hands, he carefully and reverently lifted his right hand, stretched it, and took the Cross himself, just as he had always held it during his lifetime. (The priest holding the Cross always watched carefully to ensure that his fingers did not cover the crucified Saviour.) And now, from eternity, he has sent a message that there is no death, but rather Eternal Life in Christ. The elder opened his left hand, and the gathered fathers placed the Holy Gospel in it. Then, slightly lifting his left shoulder, they quietly placed his fingers upon it because the Gospel was heavy, bound in a silver casing. And in this event, which was miraculous to the world, Father Nicholas resembled his "beloved brother," friend, fellow traveler, and prayer partner with whom he had "wept over Russia"—Father Seraphim of Sarov. When the miracle worker's spiritual father, Father Hilarion, wanted to place the absolution prayer in his hand, the paper crumpled on its own and was accepted into his grasp.