Often enough, Christians believe
that a Saint is always a Saint. We, mistakably, believe that Saints were never
tempted or did not live a secular life, with problems and temptations. However,
this is further from the truth. There are many routes one man or woman can take
in order to become a Saint, reach the objective we all have, i.e. theosis and
communion with God. A brilliant example of this is St. James the Ascetic – also
known as the fallen ascetic - , who is celebrated today (28th
January) by the Orthodox Church. The following story, taken from the Synaxarion
of Nicodemos the Hagiorite, emphasises the grace and love of God and shows that
anyone can truly become a Saint.

“James was a reputable ascetic,
but he defiled a girl who was brought to him for healing, and following this
rape, he killed her and her brother, and threw their bodies in a ravine, in
order to try to cover his crime. When he realised the extent of his sin, he was
so overwhelmed by it that he thought he was beyond salvation, and was ready to
give up his struggle, when a more experienced ascetic reminded him that nobody
is beyond salvation. Following that, he lived in a grave, praying for the grace
and the forgiveness of God. Years later, when the country was hit by a
prolonged draught, God revealed to the bishop of the neighbouring city that it
would rain again only if James prayed for it. The bishop and the people found
James in his grave of repentance, and asked him to pray. When he did, the
drought was broken. Instead of taking this as a sign of sanctity, James merely
took it as a sign of encouragement, and doubled his efforts, until he gave up
his soul to the hands of God.
This is a story of sin and
repentance, and as his vita says, God allowed James to fall to grave sins, so
that many virtuous who think it would be difficult for them to fall, would be
cautioned by his example. By the same token, many sinners who think that they
are beyond forgiveness and salvation, would also be inspired by his return to
grace”
.