This short video went viral in Russia a few years ago. The monks of the Optina Kozelsk Monastery have adopted ten stray cats, which in exchange for monastic hospitality keep vermin away. Every morning, Father Sergei walks the borders of the monastery property with candle and blessing cross, sending up prayers of gratitude and asking for protection and safety. But as we see here, the cats seem to enjoy participating in this tradition of monastic life.
A group of American middle-school students watched the video and afterwords mused along with their teacher: "Do you think the cats know they are receiving Father Sergei's blessing? Does Father Sergei have food with him? Or maybe the cats know he feeds them at the end of the procession and we don't get to see? Maybe he gives them warm milk?" Doesn't matter really, whatever the reason, be delighted!
P.S. The video is best enjoyed full screen with the happy music turned up a bit.
