OBEDIENT SWALLOWS

In hagiography there are a lot of examples of how words told with belief could be understood even by wild beasts and birds. Once St. Acacius, diocesan of Militene who lived in the early Vth century spoke a sermon in the church. And under a ceiling of the church some swallows strove building their nests. They chirped loudly and scurried about above the prelate, hindering people from listening to his sermon. Then St. Acacius addressed birds:

- Lovely swallows! In the name of the Creator, I ask you, do not impede me preaching!

And, to great amazement of all people in the church the silence fell in a moment. Obedient swallows left the church. They returned to their nests only when St. Acacius finished his sermon.