73. ^[DCt] A sick old man, by name Andrew, who was living in quiet in the Coenobium,

(72.)   Γέρων τις ἀσθενής, ᾿Ανδρέας ὀνόματι, ἡσυχάζων ἐν τῷ-  κοινοβίῳ,

reported to the same Great Old Man some of his secret faults, while at the same time also he gave thanks for the reasons for which he had been counted meet to dwell near such a man; and about his bodily sickness:

 ἀνήγγειλε τῷ αὐτῷ μεγάλῳ Γέροντί τινα τῶν κρυπτῶν  αὑτοῦ σφαλμάτων, ἅμα δὲ καὶ εὐχαριστῶν ὑπὲρ ὧν ἠξιώθη  πλησίον τοῦ τοιούτου οἰκῆσαι καὶ περὶ ἀσθενείας σωματικῆς. 

Answer of Barsanuphius:

  ᾿Απόκρισις Βαρσανουφίου· 

If truly you believ it exact that God has brought you hither, entrust to Him your seal, casting upon Him all your anxiety, and He disposes your affairs as He wills. But if you bear it concerning any sort of matter, whether bodily sickness or passions of the soul, you wilt have to take thought as you know.

  Εἰ ἀληθῶς πιστεύεις ὅτι ἀκριβῶς ὁ Θεὸς ἤνεγκέ σε ὧδε,  πίστευσον αὐτῷ τὴν σφραγίδα σου, ῥίπτων ἐπ’ αὐτὸν πᾶσάν σου τὴν μέριμναν, καὶ αὐτὸς οἰκονομεῖ τὰ κατὰ σὲ ὡς θέλει. Εἰ δὲ διστάζεις περὶ οἱουδήποτε πράγματος ἢ περὶ σωματικῆς ἀσθενείας ἢ περὶ ψυχικῶν παθῶν, ὀφείλεις φροντίσαι ὡς οἶδας. 

For the double mind, when a man leaves all to God, always says if he be a little afflicted, “Perhaps if I had taken thought for my body, I need not have been afflicted thus”. Unto death therefore, from the whole heart, must he who gives himself to God deliver himself to Him. For He knows far better than we what is good for our soul and our body.

῾Η γὰρ διψυχία, ὅταν ὅλα ἀφῇ τις τῷ Θεῷ, ἐὰν θλίβῃ μικρόν, ἀεὶ λέγει· Εἰ τάχα ἐποίησα φροντίδα τοῦ σώματος, οὐκ εἶχον θλιβῆναι οὕτως. ῞Εως θανάτου οὖν ἐξ ὅλης καρδίας ὁ δοὺς ἑαυτὸν τῷ Θεῷ, ὀφείλει παραδοῦναι ἑαυτὸν αὐτῷ, περισσότερον γὰρ ἡμῶν οἶδε τί συμφέρει ἡμῶν τῇ ψυχῇ καὶ τῷ σώματι. 

And as much as He lets you be afflicted in the body, so much lightening He makes of your sins. So God requires nothing of you save thanksgiving and patience and prayer about forgiveness of sins. But see what a proud man I am, that mocked by the demons and thinking to have love according to God I am overcome to say to you, “I bear the half of your burden now: and in the future God is able again to help you”.

Καὶ ὅσα ἀφεῖ σε θλιβῆναι ἐν τῷ σώματι, τοσοῦτον κουφισμὸν ποιεῖ τῶν ἡμαρτημένων σοι. Οὐδὲν οὖν ἀπαιτεῖ σε ὁ Θεὸς εἰ μὴ εὐχαριστίαν καὶ ὑπομονὴν καὶ δέησιν περὶ συγχωρήσεως ἁμαρτημάτων. Βλέπε δὲ οἷός εἰμι ὑπερήφανος, ὅτι χλευαζόμενος ὑπὸ τῶν δαιμόνων καὶ νομίζων ἔχειν ἀγάπην κατὰ  Θεόν, ἡττῶμαι εἰπεῖν σοι· Βαστάζω τὸ ἥμισυ τοῦ φορτίου σου νῦν καὶ ἐπὶ τὸ ἔμπροσθεν ὁ Θεὸς πάλιν ἔχει βοηθῆσαι.

I have spoken as beside myself: for I know that I am weak and incapable and bare of every good work. But yet my shamelessness does not let me despair. For I have a Master compassionate, merciful and kind, and stretching out His hand to the sinner unto his last breath. Cleave unto Him, and He in every matter does “beyond what we ask or think”. To Him is the glory unto the ages. Amen. Forgive me, my brother, and pray for me.

 ῾Ως  παραφρονῶν ἐλάλησα. Οἶδα γὰρ ἐμαυτὸν ἀσθενῆ καὶ ἀδύνατον καὶ γυμνὸν ἀπὸ παντὸς ἔργου ἀγαθοῦ, ἀλλ’ ὅμως ἡ ἀναισχυντία μου οὐκ ἀφεῖ με ἀπελπίσαι. ῎Εχω γὰρ Δεσπότην  εὔσπλαγχνον, ἐλεήμονα καὶ φιλάνθρωπον, καὶ ἐκτείνοντα χεῖρα ἁμαρτωλῷ ἕως ὑστέρας ἀναπνοῆς. Αὐτῷ κολλήθητι, καὶ αὐτὸς περὶ παντὸς πράγματος ποιεῖ ὑπὲρ ὃ αἰτούμεθα ἢ νοοῦμεν. Αὐτῷ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας. ᾿Αμήν. Συγχώρησον ἀδελφὲ καὶ εὖξαι ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ. 

74. ^[DCt]. When he heard this from him,

(73.)   Ταῦτα ἀκούσας παρ’ αὐτοῦ

that “I bear the half of your burden”, he was grieved that he did not promise him the remission completely, and besought him a second time with suppliance and entreaty, that he might grant him this complete through Christ:

ὅτι Τὸ ἥμισυ βαστάζω τοῦ φορ-  τίου σου, λυπηθεὶς ὅτι μὴ τελείως ἐπηγγείλατο αὐτῷ τὴν  ἄφεσιν, ἐκ δευτέρου παρεκάλεσεν ἱκετεύων αὐτὸν καὶ δυσωπῶν  ὥστε τελείαν αὐτῷ ταύτην παρασχεῖν διὰ τοῦ Χριστοῦ. 

Answer of Barsanuphius:

  ᾿Απόκρισις Βαρσανουφίου· 

I wonder at your love, brother, how you dost not consider the facts of the love that is according to God. In the first place, God knows how I hold myself as earth and ashes, being nothing at all. But if I say something beyond my measure to anyone, or beyond my power, moved by the love of Christ I speak, knowing, as I have said, that I am nothing, and an unprofitable servant. Since then you did not understand what I said to you, that I bear the half of your sins - I made you my partner. For I did not say to you, “I bear the third”, and leave you bearing more than me and weighed down. And again to banish self-love I said what I said, and did not say to you the two thirds, displaying myself as mightier than thou; for that manner were vain-glory.

Θαυμάζω σου τὴν ἀγάπην, ἀδελφέ, πῶς οὐ κατανοεῖς τὰ  πράγματα τῆς κατὰ Θεὸν ἀγάπης. ᾿Εν πρώτῃ μὲν τάξει ὁ Θεὸς οἶδε πῶς ἐμαυτὸν ἔχω «γῆν καὶ σποδόν», καὶ μηδὲν ὄντα ὅλως. ᾿Αλλ’ εἴ τι ὑπὲρ τὰ μέτρα μου λαλῶ τινι ἢ ὑπὲρ τὴν ἐμὴν δύναμιν, κινούμενος ὑπὸ τῆς τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἀγάπης λαλῶ,  γινώσκων ὡς εἶπον ἐμαυτὸν μηδὲν ὄντα καὶ ἀχρεῖον δοῦλον. ᾿Επειδὴ οὖν οὐκ ἐνόησας τί εἶπόν σοι ὅτι βαστάζω τὸ ἥμισυ τῶν σῶν ἁμαρτιῶν, συγκοινωνὸν ἐποίησά σε. Οὐ γὰρ εἶπόν σοι τὸ τρίτον βαστάζω καὶ ἀφῆκά σε περισσότερόν μου βαστάζοντα καὶ βαρούμενον. Καὶ πάλιν ἐξορίζων τὴν φιλαυτίαν  εἶπον ὃ εἶπον, καὶ οὐκ εἶπόν σοι τὸ δίμοιρον, δεικνύων ἑαυτὸν  δυνατώτερόν σου, κενοδοξία γὰρ ἦν ὁ τρόπος.

And I did not say, “I bear the whole”; for this belongs to the perfect, who have become brothers of Christ who laid down His own life for us, and loved those who loved us, in perfect love to do this. And again I would have been making you alien from the spiritual work if I had not spoken thus. So then I am not vain-glorious, ascribing to myself the whole. Nor do I grudge you, when I make you partner in the good conversion. If we are brothers, let us share equally our Father’s substance, and there is no injustice found between us. But if you desire to cast the whole upon me, for the sake of obedience I accept this also. Forgive me that much love brings me to talking nonsense. Yet may it be to you for gladness in Christ Jesus our Lord, to whom is the glory unto the ages. Amen.

Καὶ οὐκ εἶπον τὸ ὅλον βαστάζω. Τῶν γὰρ τελείων ἐστὶ τοῦτο τῶν γενομένων ἀδελφῶν τοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ θήσαντος ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν τὴν ἑαυτοῦ ψυχήν, καὶ ἀγαπήσαντος τοὺς ἀγαπήσαντας ἡμᾶς ἐν τελείᾳ  ἀγάπῃ ποιεῖν τοῦτο. Καὶ πάλιν ἀλλότριόν σε ἐποίουν τῆς πνευματικῆς ἐργασίας, εἰ μὴ οὕτως εἶπον. Οὐ κενοδοξῶ οὖν ἐπιγράφων ἐμαυτῷ τὸ πᾶν, οὐδὲ φθονῶ σοι, συγκοινωνόν σε ποιήσας τῆς καλῆς ἐπιστροφῆς. Εἰ ἀδελφοί ἐσμεν, τὴν τοῦ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν οὐσίαν ἐξίσου μερίσωμεν καὶ οὐχ εὑρίσκεται ἐν  τῷ μέσῳ ἀδικία. Εἰ δὲ θέλεις ἐπ’ ἐμὲ τὸ πᾶν ῥίψαι, διὰ τὴν ὑπακοήν, καὶ τοῦτο καταδέχομαι. Συγχώρησον ὅτι ἡ πολλὴ ἀγάπη εἰς φλυαρίαν με φέρει. ῞Ομως ἔστω σοι εἰς εὐφροσύνην ἐν Χριστῷ ᾿Ιησοῦ τῷ Κυρίῳ ἡμῶν, ᾧ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας. ᾿Αμήν. 

75. ^[DCt] Request of the same to the same Great Old Man,

74.)   Αἴτησις τοῦ αὐτοῦ πρὸς τὸν αὐτὸν μέγαν Γέροντα

that he might pray for him because of the sickness that lay upon him:

ὥστε  εὔξασθαι ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ διὰ τὴν ὑποκειμένην αὐτῷ ἀσθένειαν. 

Answer of Barsanuphius:

  ᾿Απόκρισις Βαρσανουφίου· 

The scripture says, “We went through fire and water, and you brought out unto refreshment.”  Those who want to please God must pass through a few affections. How shall we call the holy martyrs blessed for the sufferings that they endured for God’s sake, if we cannot bear a fever? Say to the afflicted soul, “Is not a fever good for you rather than hell?” Let us not be despondent in sickness; for the Apostle said, “When I am weak, then am I strong.” See that “God tries the hearts and reins.” Let us endure, let us bear, let us become disciples of the Apostle when he says, “Patient in tribulation.”

  ῾Η Γραφὴ λέγει· «Διήλθωμεν διὰ πυρὸς καὶ ὕδατος καὶ  ἐξήγαγες ἡμᾶς εἰς ἀναψυχήν.» Δεῖ τοὺς θέλοντας ἀρέσαι Θεῷ  διελθεῖν διὰ ὀλίγων θλίψεων. Πῶς τοὺς ἁγίους Μάρτυρας μακαρίσομεν διὰ τὰ παθήματα ἃ διὰ τὸν Θεὸν ὑπέμειναν, εἰ πυρετὸν οὐ δυνάμεθα βαστάξαι; Εἰπὲ τῇ ψυχῇ τῇ θλιβομένῃ· Οὐ συμφέρει σοι πυρετὸς περισσότερον τῆς γεέννης; Μὴ ὀλι-  γωρήσωμεν ἐν τῇ ἀσθενείᾳ, ὅτι ὁ ᾿Απόστολος εἶπεν· «῞Οτε  ἀσθενῶ, τότε δυνατός εἰμι.» Βλέπετε ὅτι «Καρδίας καὶ νεφροὺς ἐτάζει ὁ Θεός.» ῾Υπομείνωμεν, βαστάξωμεν, μαθηταὶ γενώμεθα τοῦ λέγοντος· «᾿Εν τῇ θλίψει ὑπομένοντες.»

Let us give thanks to God in all things, that the saying be not fulfilled on us also, “He will confess unto you when you doest good unto him.” And if you receive bodily attention, and for your testing hast found a little affliction, why dost you not remember Job when he says, “If we have received the good things at the hand of the Lord, shall we not endure the evil?” See that those who in all things desire comfort will be hearing, “Ye in your lifetime received your good things.”

Εὐχαριστήσωμεν τῷ Θεῷ ἐν πᾶσιν, ἵνα μὴ καὶ ἡμᾶς πληρωθῇ τὸ «᾿Εξομολογήσεταί σοι ὅταν ἀγαθύνῃς αὐτῷ.» Καὶ εἰ εἶχες  σαρκικὴν θεραπείαν καὶ πρὸς δοκιμὴν εὗρες μικρὰν θλῖψιν, τί οὐ μνημονεύεις τοῦ ᾿Ιὼβ λέγοντος· «Εἰ τὰ ἀγαθὰ ἐκ χειρὸς Κυρίου ἐδεξάμεθα, τὰ κακὰ οὐχ ὑποίσομεν;» Βλέπε ὅτι οἱ κατὰ πάντα θέλοντες τὴν ἀνάπαυσιν, ἀκοῦσαι ἔχουσιν· «᾿Απελάβετε τὰ ἀγαθὰ ὑμῶν ἐν τῇ ζωῇ ὑμῶν.»

Let us not slacken. We have a merciful God, who knows our weakness better than we do. And if testing us He brings sickness upon us, we have the Apostle offering us the poultice when he says, “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able, but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

Μὴ  χαυνωθῶμεν. ᾿Ελεήμονα Θεὸν ἔχομεν περισσότερον ἡμῶν γινώσκοντα τὴν ἡμῶν ἀσθένειαν, καὶ εἰ πειράζων ἡμᾶς φέρει ἐφ’ ἡμᾶς τὴν ἀσθένειαν, ἀλλ’ ἔχομεν τὸν ᾿Απόστολον παρέχοντα ἡμῖν τὸ μάλαγμα λέγοντα· «Πιστὸς ὁ Θεός, ὃς οὐκ ἐάσει ὑμᾶς πειρασθῆναι ὑπὲρ ὃ δύνασθε, ἀλλὰ ποιήσει σὺν  τῷ πειρασμῷ καὶ τὴν ἔκβασιν, πρὸς τὸ δύνασθαι ὑμᾶς ἐπενεγκεῖν.»

 The Lord will strengthen both the sick man and those who tend him, and your two works shall be to the glory of God. Look to the end of your patience, grow not despondent, grow not weary. For God is near, saying “I will not leave you nor forsake you.” Believe me, brothers, as vain-glory has got the mastery over me: never in sickness did I lay myself down nor leave my handiwork-and great sicknesses have come to me. And of late vain-glory has been crafty, now that I have entered into her cell, and does not let sickness come to me. And I am grieved, desiring patience, and I know not on what to practice it. No affliction comes to me, and I pine when I hear, “He that endures unto the end, the same shall be saved.” But pray that I may remain holding the hope of salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord, to whom is the glory. Amen.

  ῾Ο Κύριος ἐνδυναμώσει καὶ τὸν ἀσθενοῦντα καὶ τοὺς ὑπηρετοῦντας, καὶ ἔσονται αἱ δύο ὑμῶν ἐργασίαι εἰς δόξαν Θεοῦ. Εἰς τέλος προσέχετε τῆς ὑπομονῆς, μὴ ὀλιγωρήσητε, μὴ ἐκκακήσητε. ᾿Εγγὺς γάρ ἐστιν ὁ Θεὸς λέγων·  «Οὐ μή σε ἀνῶ οὐδ’ οὐ μή σε ἐγκαταλίπω.» Πιστεύσατέ μοι ἀδελφοί, ὡς κατεκυρίευσέ μου ἡ κενοδοξία. Οὐδέποτε ἀσθενήσας ἐτίθουν ἐμαυτὸν οὐδὲ ἤφιον τὸ ἐργόχειρόν μου καὶ μεγάλαι ἦλθόν μοι ἀσθένειαι. Καὶ ἄρτι ἐτεχνάσατο ἡ κενοδοξία, ὁπότε εἰσῆλθον εἰς τὸ κελλίον αὐτῆς καὶ οὐκ ἀφεῖ ἀσ-  θένειάν μοι ἐλθεῖν. Καὶ λυποῦμαι θέλων τὴν ὑπομονὴν καὶ τί ὑπομείνω οὐκ οἶδα. Οὐκ ἔρχεταί μοι θλῖψις, καὶ τήκομαι ἀκούων· «῾Ο ὑπομείνας εἰς τέλος, οὗτος σωθήσεται.» ᾿Αλλ’ εὔξασθε ἵνα μείνω κρατῶν τὴν ἐλπίδα τῆς σωτηρίας τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ ᾿Ιησοῦ τῷ Κυρίῳ ἡμῶν. 

76. ^[DCt] The same old man continuing in his sickness,

(75.)   ῾Ο αὐτὸς γέρων ἔτι ἀρρωστῶν,

besought the same Great Old Man to pray for him, that he might receive help from God:

παρεκάλεσε τὸν αὐτὸν μέγαν  Γέροντα ὑπερεύξασθαι αὐτοῦ, ἵνα τύχῃ τῆς παρὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ  βοηθείας. 

Answer of Barsanuphius:

  ᾿Απόκρισις Βαρσανουφίου· 

Having God, fear not, but “cast all your anxiety upon Him,” and He will take care of you. Know you not that “If our earthly house of this tabernacle be dissolved we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” Believe without doubting, and He helps you. For He is ever merciful. To Him is the glory. Pray you for my infirmity, for love’s sake.

  ῎Εχων τὸν Θεόν, μὴ φοβηθῇς, ἀλλ’ «ὅλην τὴν μέριμνάν σου  ἐπίρριψον ἐπ’ αὐτόν», καὶ αὐτός σου φροντίζει. Οὐκ οἶδας ὅτι «᾿Εὰν ἡ ἐπίγειος ἡμῶν τοῦ σκήνους οἰκία καταλυθῇ, οἰκοδομὴν ἐκ Θεοῦ ἔχομεν οἰκίαν ἀχειροποίητον αἰώνιον ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς;» ᾿Αδιστάκτως πίστευσον καὶ βοηθεῖ σοι ὁ Θεός, ἐλεήμων γὰρ ὑπάρχει. Αὐτῷ ἡ δόξα. Εὔξασθε ὑπὲρ τῆς ἐμῆς  ἀσθενείας διὰ τὴν ἀγάπην.

76. ^[DCt] The same old man living with a certain brother,

(76.)   ῾Ο αὐτὸς γέρων συνοικῶν τινι

and both of them falling sick, asked the Other Old Man to pray for him:

ἀδελφῷ, ἀσθενησάντων ἀμ-  φοτέρων, ᾔτησε τὸν ἄλλον Γέροντα εὔξασθαι ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν. 

Answer of John:

  ᾿Απόκρισις ᾿Ιωάννου· 

The Lord said, “In your patience possess you your souls.” And the Apostle following in his footsteps said, “For you have need of patience.” And the Prophet, “I waited patiently for the Lord, and He gave heed to me.” And again our sweet Master God said, “He that endures unto the end, the same shall be saved” Abide both of you in patience, giving thanks and seeing the holy power of God coming to you from on high. For all these things are for your proving. Be vigilant in the sayings you receive from us. “Try me, O Lord, and prove me.” Pray you for me, I beseech you, for the Love that is according to God.

  ῾Ο Κύριος εἶπεν· «᾿Εν τῇ ὑπομονῇ ὑμῶν κτήσασθε τὰς ψυχὰς  ὑμῶν.» Καὶ ὁ ᾿Απόστολος ἐξακολουθῶν αὐτῷ εἶπεν·  «῾Υπομονῆς γὰρ ἔχετε χρείαν.» Καὶ ὁ προφήτης· «῾Υπομένων ὑπέμεινα τὸν Κύριον καὶ προσέσχε μοι.» ῾Ο γλυκὺς δὲ πάλιν Δεσπότης ἡμῶν Θεὸς εἶπεν· «῾Ο ὑπομείνας εἰς τέλος, οὗτος σωθήσεται.» ᾿Αμφότεροι, μείνατε ἐν τῇ ὑπομονῇ, εὐχαριστοῦντες καὶ βλέποντες τὴν ἁγίαν αὐτοῦ δύναμιν ἐξ ὕψους  γινομένην ὑμῖν. Πρὸς δοκιμασίαν γὰρ ὑμῶν εἰσι ταῦτα πάντα. Γρηγορεῖτε ἐν τοῖς παρ’ ἡμῶν λεγομένοις· «Δοκίμασόν με Κύριε καὶ πείρασόν με.» Εὔξασθε ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ, παρακαλῶ διὰ τὴν κατὰ Θεὸν ἀγάπην.

78. [77.] ^[DCt] Question of the same to the same Great Old Man:

(78.) [77.]  ᾿Ερώτησις τοῦ αὐτοῦ πρὸς τὸν αὐτὸν μέγαν Γέροντα· 

 Since my thought tells me that I cannot be saved, pray for me, merciful father, and tell me what I shall do being prevented from fasting:

᾿Επειδὴ ὁ  λογισμὸς λέγει μοι ὅτι οὐ δύναμαι σωθῆναι, εὖξαι ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ,  Πάτερ ἐλέημον, καὶ εἰπέ μοι τί ποιήσω, ἐμποδιζόμενος  νηστεῦσαι. 

Answer of Barsanuphius:

  ᾿Απόκρισις Βαρσανουφίου· 

The God of heaven and earth grant you and unworthy me to find mercy in that hour, and to stand with boldness before His fearful and glorious judgment-seat. Beloved brother, having such a merciful God, cast not yourself into despair: for this is the great joy of the devil.

῾Ο Θεὸς τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ τῆς γῆς δώῃ σοι κἀμοὶ τῷ ἀναξίῳ  εὑρεῖν ἔλεος ἐν τῇ ὥρᾳ ἐκείνῃ, καὶ σταθῆναι μετὰ παρρησίας ἐπὶ τοῦ φοβεροῦ καὶ ἐνδόξου βήματος αὐτοῦ. ᾿Αγαπητὲ ἀδελφέ, ἔχων τοιοῦτον Θεὸν ἐλεήμονα, μὴ βάλῃς σεαυτὸν εἰς ἀπόγνωσιν, αὕτη γάρ ἐστιν ἡ μεγάλη χαρὰ τοῦ διαβόλου.

Be you then confident in the Lord, that none who endures unto his end in this place is cast out of the fold of the sheep of Christ our God.

῎Εσο  οὖν πεποιθὼς ἐπὶ Κύριον ὅτι οὐδεὶς ὑπομένων ἕως τέλους αὐτοῦ ἐν τῷ τόπῳ τούτῳ, ἐκβάλλεται ἐκ τῆς μάνδρας τῶν προβάτων Χριστοῦ, τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν.

For there are some in it who have much freedom of speech with God: and they are shameless in praying this of Him, that those who abide with them in this blessed place may not be separated from them, but that as they abide together “in the place which God has chosen for Himself for His Name to be invoked therein,” so they shall be together also in that which is to come. Fear not then, most worthy. For if I am weak and the least, and have thus been assured that you hast been numbered and enrolled with the blessed flock of Christ, how much more have the fathers who are saints of God, and worthy of Him, been assured of this “Wait then on the Lord, and hope in Him.”

Εἰσὶ γάρ τινες ἐν αὐτῷ ἔχοντες πολλὴν παρρησίαν πρὸς τὸν Θεόν. Καὶ τοῦτο ἀχρωμοῦσι δεόμενοι αὐτοῦ ἵνα μὴ ἀποχωρισθῶσιν ἀπ’ αὐτῶν οἱ συμμένοντες  αὐτοῖς ἐν τῷ εὐλογημένῳ τόπῳ τούτῳ, ἀλλ’ ἵνα καθὼς ὅμου μένωσιν «εἰς τὸ τόπον ὃν ἐξελέξατο ἑαυτῷ ὁ Θεὸς ἐπικληθῆναι τὸ ὄνομα αὑτοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ», οὕτως ἔσονται ὁμοῦ καὶ ἐν τῷ μέλλοντι. Μὴ οὖν φοβηθῇς τιμιώτατε. Εἰ γὰρ ἀσθενής εἰμι καὶ ἐλάχιστος, καὶ οὕτως ἐπληροφορήθην ὅτι συνηριθμήθης καὶ  συνεγράφης τῇ εὐλογημένῃ ποίμνῃ τοῦ Χριστοῦ. Πόσῳ μᾶλλον οἱ ἅγιοι τοῦ Θεοῦ Πατέρες καὶ ἄξιοι αὐτοῦ, ἐπληροφορήθησαν περὶ τούτου; ῾Υπόμεινον οὖν τὸν Κύριον καὶ ἔλπισον ἐπ’ αὐτόν.

And in regard to sensible fasting, be not grieved: for it is nothing without the spiritual. “For not those things which enter in” without indulgence “into a man defile the man, but those things which come out d” from him. And again, God has given discrimination as helmsman for the monk. Discriminate then, beloved: from whom does God require almsgiving, from the poor or from the rich? For, it says, “Cease not to do good to the needy as your hand finds occasion.” God does not, then, require asceticism from those who are sick in body, but from those who are able and healthy in body.

  Καὶ περὶ τῆς νηστείας τῆς αἰσθητῆς, μὴ λυπηθῇς, οὐδὲν γάρ  ἐστιν ἄνευ τῆς πνευματικῆς. Οὐ γὰρ τὰ εἰσπορευόμενα ἐκτὸς ἡδονῆς εἰς τὸν ἄνθρωπον κοινοῖ τὸν ἄνθρωπον, ἀλλὰ τὰ ἐκπορευόμενα ἐξ αὐτοῦ. Καὶ πάλιν τὴν διάκρισιν ἔδωκεν ὁ Θεὸς κυβερνήτην τῷ μοναχῷ. Διάκρινον οὖν ἀγαπητέ, παρὰ τίνος ἀπαιτεῖ ὁ Θεὸς ἐλεημοσύνην, παρὰ τοῦ πένητος ἢ τοῦ πλου-  σίου; Οὕτως γὰρ λέγει· «Μὴ παύσῃ εὖ ποιῶν ἐνδεῆ, καθὼς ἂν εὑρίσκῃ ἡ χείρ σου.»  Παρὰ τῶν οὖν ἀσθενούντων τῷ σώματι οὐκ ἀπαιτεῖ ὁ Θεὸς ἄσκησιν, ἀλλὰ παρὰ τῶν δυναμένων καὶ ὑγιαινόντων τῷ σώματι.

Condescend then to your body a little, and it is no sin. For God does not require this of you: for He knows the sickness He has sent you. In everything therefore give thanks to Him. For this thanksgiving intercedes with God for a man’s incapacity. “Put off “ then “the old man with the lusts thereof, and put on the new, which after God is created,”

Συγκατάβηθι οὖν τῷ σώματι μικρὸν καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν ἁμαρτία. Οὐ γὰρ ἀπαιτεῖ τοῦτο  παρὰ σοῦ ὁ Θεός, οἶδε γὰρ ἣν ἔπεμψέ σοι ἀσθένειαν. ᾿Εν παντὶ οὖν εὐχαρίστησον αὐτῷ, ὅτι ἡ εὐχαριστία πρεσβεύει ὑπὲρ τῆς ἀδυναμίας τοῦ ἀνθρώπου πρὸς τὸν Θεόν. ῎Εκδυσαι οὖν τὸν παλαιὸν ἄνθρωπον σὺν ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις, καὶ ἔνδυσαι τὸν νέον τὸν κατὰ Θεὸν κτισθέντα.

and rejoice exulting in the Lord, making merry continually with His saints. Who shall imagine, who can search out the ineffable joy of the saints, the inexpressible gladness, the light unimaginable, how as they are here He reveals to them His wonderful, glorious mysteries, the glory and refreshment that await them, and alters their mind from this world, and always they are seeing themselves in heaven with Christ and the angels?

Καὶ χαίροις ἐν Κυρίῳ ἀγαλλιώμενος, μετὰ τῶν ἁγίων αὐτοῦ εὐφραινόμενος διὰ παντός! Τίς εἰκάσει, τίς δύναται ἐξιχνιάσαι τὴν χαρὰν τῶν ἁγίων τὴν ἀνεκλάλητον, τὴν ἀνέκφραστον εὐφροσύνην, τὸ φῶς τὸ ἀνείκαστον; Πῶς, ὥς εἰσιν ἐνταῦθα, ἀποκαλύπτει αὐτοῖς τὰ μυστήρια αὑτοῦ τὰ θαυμαστά, τὰ ἔνδοξα, τὴν μένουσαν αὐτοῖς  δόξαν καὶ ἀνάπαυσιν, καὶ ἀλλοιοῖ τὸν νοῦν αὐτῶν ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου τούτου, καὶ πάντοτε βλέπουσιν ἑαυτοὺς ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ μετὰ τοῦ Χριστοῦ καὶ τῶν ἀγγέλων;

Hunger afflicts them not, nor thirst, nor any other earthly thing: for they have been set free from all the imputations and passions and sins that are in this life. And I say otherwise the Scriptural word, “Where their treasure is, there is their mind also”. He who has attained to these things knows what he is hearing. And what have I to do, who have done nothing good? But I do not despair. For God is able to range us with those who are going to find mercy in Christ Jesus our Lord, with Whom to the Father with the Holy Spirit is the glory unto the ages. Amen.

  Οὐ πεῖνα θλίβει αὐτούς, οὐ δίψα, οὐκ ἄλλο γήϊνον πρᾶγμα. ᾿Ηλευθερώθησαν γὰρ ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν ἐν τῷ βίῳ ἐγκλημάτων καὶ παθῶν καὶ ἁμαρτιῶν.  Καὶ ἄλλως λέγω τὸν γραφικὸν λόγον· «῞Οπου ὁ θησαυρὸς αὐτῶν, ἐκεῖ καὶ ὁ νοῦς αὐτῶν ἐστι.» ῾Ο φθάσας ταῦτα, οἶδε τί ἀκούει. Καὶ τί ἔχω ποιῆσαι ὁ μηδὲν ἀγαθὸν ποιήσας; ᾿Αλλ’ οὐκ ἀπελπίζω, δυνατὸς γάρ ἐστιν ὁ Θεὸς τάξαι ἡμᾶς μετὰ τῶν μελλόντων εὑρεῖν ἔλεος, ἐν Χριστῷ ᾿Ιησοῦ τῷ Κυρίῳ ἡμῶν.  Μεθ’ οὗ τῷ Πατρὶ σὺν ἁγίῳ Πνεύματί ἐστιν ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας. ᾿Αμήν.

May the Lord harken to His true servants, and send you swiftly His great mercy, and grant me to understand to “come unto the knowledge of truth h.” Pray for me, and greet your brother and fellow-minister, entreating him to do the same for my paltriness.

  ῾Ο Κύριος εἰσακούσει τῶν γνησίων αὐτοῦ δούλων, καὶ πέμψει ὑμῖν διὰ τάχους τὸ μέγα αὑτοῦ ἔλεος, κἀμοὶ δώῃ συνιέναι «ἐλθεῖν εἰς ἐπίγνωσιν ἀληθείας.» Εὖξαι ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ  καὶ ἄσπασαι τὸν συλλειτουργόν σου ἀδελφόν, παρακαλῶν αὐτὸν τὸ αὐτὸ ποιεῖν ὑπὲρ τῆς ἐμῆς βραχύτητος.

79. ^[DCt] Question of the same to the same Great Old Man:

(78.)   ᾿Ερώτησις τοῦ αὐτοῦ πρὸς τὸν αὐτὸν μέγαν Γέροντα· 

- Since I have severe rheumatism in my feet and hands, and am cautious lest it be of the demons, tell me, father, if it is so. And what shall I do, that I am altogether in distress at not being able to fast, and that I am compelled to take food very many times? And what is it that I see in dream wild beasts? I entreat you, master, for the Lord’s sake, to send me a little blessing from your holy food and water, that by them I may receive comfort:

  ᾿Επειδὴ τοὺς πόδας καὶ τὰς χεῖρας ῥευματίζομαι σφοδρῶς,  καὶ εὐλαβοῦμαι μήπως ἐκ τῶν δαιμόνων ἐστίν. Εἰπέ μοι Πάτερ  εἰ οὕτως ἔχει, καὶ τί ποιήσω ὅτι θλίβομαι πάνυ ὡς μὴ  δυνάμενος νηστεῦσαι καὶ ὅτι ἀναγκάζομαι πλειστάκις λαβεῖν  τροφήν. Τί δέ ἐστι, καὶ ὃ βλέπω κατ’ ὄναρ ἄγρια θηρία;  Παρακαλῶ, δέσποτα, διὰ τὸν Κύριον, πέμψαι μοι μικρὰν εὐ-  λογίαν ἐκ τῆς ἁγίας τροφῆς σου καὶ τοῦ ὕδατος, ἵνα δι’ αὐτῶν  λάβω παράκλησιν. 

Answer of Barsanuphius:

  ᾿Απόκρισις Βαρσανουφίου· 

Be not grieved, my beloved. For it is not of the demons as you think: but it is a flux, a chastening of God for our bettering, in our giving thanks to God. Was not Job a true friend of God? And what did he not endure, thanking and blessing God? And the end of his patience brought him to glory unimaginable. Well then, do you also endure a little, and you see the glory of God.

  Μὴ λυπηθῇς, ἀγαπητέ μου, οὐ γὰρ τῶν δαιμόνων ἐστίν, ὡς  νομίζεις, ἀλλὰ ῥεῦμά ἐστι παιδείας Θεοῦ ἡμῖν πρὸς βελτίωσιν ἐν τῷ ἡμᾶς εὐχαριστεῖν τῷ Θεῷ. Οὐκ ἦν φίλος γνήσιος ᾿Ιὼβ τοῦ Θεοῦ; Καὶ τί οὐχ ὑπέμεινεν εὐχαριστῶν καὶ εὐλογῶν τὸν Θεόν; Καὶ τὸ τέλος τῆς ὑπομονῆς εἰς δόξαν ἀνείκαστον αὐτὸν  ἤγαγε. Τοίνυν καὶ σὺ ὑπόμεινον ὀλίγον καὶ «βλέπεις τὴν δόξαν τοῦ Θεοῦ.»

But in regard to fasting, be not grieved. For as I have already told you, God does not make demands of any man beyond his power. For what is fasting but a chastening for the body, to enslave the healthy body and make it weak on account of the passions? For he says, “When I am weak, then am I strong.”And sickness is more than chastening, and is reckoned in stead of polity or even above it to him who bears it with patience and gives thanks to God: and he reaps fruit of salvation from this patience. In stead then of making the body weak through fasting it is weak of itself. Give thanks that you hast been released from the toil of polity If then you eat ten times a day, be not grieved, you art not condemned: for it is not due to operation of demons, nor slackness of thought, but comes to us for testing and profit of soul.

  Περὶ δὲ τῆς νηστείας μὴ λυπηθῇς, ὡς γὰρ ἤδη εἶπόν σοι, οὐκ ἀπαιτεῖ ὁ Θεός τινα ὑπὲρ τὴν δύναμιν. Τί γάρ ἐστι νηστεία, ἀλλ’ ἢ παιδεία τῷ σώματι, ἵνα δουλαγωγήσῃ τὸ ὑγιὲς  σῶμα καὶ ἀσθενοποιήσῃ διὰ τὰ πάθη. Φησὶ γάρ· «῞Οταν ἀσθενῶ, τότε δυνατός εἰμι.» ῾Η δὲ ἀσθένεια περισσοτέρα παιδείας ἐστί, καὶ ἀντὶ πολιτείας ἢ καὶ περισσότερον λογίζεται τῷ μεθ’ ὑπομονῆς ὑπομένοντι καὶ εὐχαριστοῦντι τῷ Θεῷ, καὶ  καρπὸν σωτηρίας τρυγᾷ ἐκ τῆς ὑπομονῆς ταύτης. ᾿Αντὶ τοῦ  οὖν ἀσθενοποιῆσαι διὰ τῆς νηστείας, τὸ σῶμα ἀφ’ ἑαυτοῦ ἀσθενεῖ. Εὐχαρίστησον ὅτι ἀπηλλάγης κόπου πολιτείας. ᾿Εὰν οὖν φάγῃς δέκατον, μὴ λυπηθῇς, οὐ κατακρίνῃ. Οὐδὲ γὰρ κατ’ ἐνέργειαν δαιμόνων ἐστὶν οὔτε κατὰ χαυνότητα λογισμοῦ, ἀλλὰ πρὸς δοκιμὴν ἡμῖν γίνεται καὶ ὠφέλειαν ψυχῆς. 

But as for the dreams of wild beasts, they are images conjured up by demons desiring to lead you astray by these, to believe that your suffering is from them, the demons. But “the Lord brings them to nothing by the word of His mouth” at the prayers of the saints. Amen. And be not grieved: “for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives” But I believe that in regard to this bodily suffering also God will be doing with you as His mercy wills. The Lord enable you and strengthen you to bear it. Amen. I have sent you a little water from the vessel of our blessed father Euthymius. And I have sent you also a little blessing of my own food, that you may bless my food. Pray for me, dearest.

  Περὶ δὲ τῶν ἐνυπνίων τῶν ἀγρίων θηρίων, φαντάσματά εἰσι δαιμόνων, θέλοντές σε πλανῆσαι διὰ τούτων πιστεῦσαι ὅτι τὸ πάθος σου ἐξ αὐτῶν τῶν δαιμόνων ἐστίν. ᾿Αλλὰ καταργεῖ αὐτοὺς ὁ Κύριος τῷ ῥήματι τοῦ στόματος αὑτοῦ, εὐχαῖς ἁγίων. ᾿Αμήν. Καὶ μὴ λυπηθῇς, «ὃν γὰρ ἀγαπᾷ Κύριος παι-  δεύει, μαστιγοῖ δὲ πάντα υἱὸν ὃν παραδέχεται.» Πιστεύω δὲ ὅτι καὶ περὶ τούτου τοῦ σωματικοῦ πάθους, ἔχει ὁ Θεὸς ποιῆσαι μετὰ σοῦ ὡς θέλει τὸ ἔλεος αὐτοῦ. ῾Ο Κύριος ἐνδυναμώσει σε καὶ ἐνισχύσει τοῦ ὑπενεγκεῖν. ᾿Αμήν. Μικρὸν ὕδωρ ἔπεμψά σοι ἐκ τοῦ βαυκαλίου τοῦ ὁσίου Πατρὸς ἡμῶν μακα-  ρίτου Εὐθυμίου. ῎Επεμψα δὲ καὶ μικρὰν εὐλογίαν τῆς ἐμῆς τροφῆς, ἵνα εὐλογήσῃς μου τὴν τροφήν. Εὖξαι ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ ποθεινότατε.

80. ^[DCt] Question of the same to the Other Old Man:

(79.)   ᾿Ερώτησις τοῦ αὐτοῦ πρὸς τὸν ἄλλον Γέροντα

Pray, father, for my most grievous sickness: and declare to me about diet, whether it does not perhaps cause scandal that I partake of food readily and continuously; and about psalmody how I ought to pass: for I have not strength to sing psalms. Plant me, master, and water me, and make clear to me what our holy father said, “The Lord works His mercy with you”, whether he spoke about my death.

· Εὖξαι Πάτερ  ὑπὲρ τῆς βαρυτάτης μου ἀσθενείας καὶ δήλωσόν μοι περὶ τῆς  διαίτης μήτι ἄρα γίνεται εἰς σκάνδαλον τὸ ταχέως με καὶ  συνεχῶς λαμβάνειν. Καὶ περὶ τῆς ψαλμῳδίας, πῶς ὀφείλω   παρελθεῖν; Οὐκ ἰσχύω γὰρ ψᾶλαι. Φύτευσόν με, δέσποτα, καὶ  πότισόν με καὶ φανέρωσόν μοι ὃ εἶπεν ὁ ἅγιος Πατὴρ ἡμῶν  ὅτι Κύριος ποιεῖ τὸ ἔλεος αὑτοῦ μετὰ σοῦ. Εἰ περὶ θανάτου  μοι εἶπεν. 

Answer of John:

  ᾿Απόκρισις ᾿Ιωάννου· 

Though I kept silence, I did so because I had no word nor any good thing. But why dost you ask bread of him who eats carobs ? But this I tell you, that though I be nothing I congratulate you at what our blessed father wrote to you. See then, he imparts to you the solid food of spiritual bread. Why dost you need my more watery milk, which brings distaste? The Scripture has not forbidden, nor have the fathers, condescension to the body made not by way of indulgence, but with discrimination. Therefore when, as he has already said to you, you eat and drink neither in wantonness nor by way of indulgence, food and drink bring not condemnation to you nor scandal to any. For about these the Lord said that “they do not defile the man.”

  Εἰ καὶ ἐσιώπησα, μὴ ἔχων λόγον μήτε τίποτε ἀγαθὸν  ἐσιώπησα Τί δὲ ἀπαιτεῖς ἄρτον παρὰ τοῦ κεράτια ἐσθίοντος; Τοῦτο δὲ λέγω σοι ὅτι, κἂν οὐδέν εἰμι, συγχαίρω σοι εἰς ἃ ἔγραψέ σοι ὁ εὐλογημένος ἡμῶν Πατήρ. ᾿Ιδοὺ οὖν ψωμίζει σε τὴν στερεὰν τροφὴν τοῦ πνευματικοῦ ἄρτου. Τί δέῃ τοῦ ὑδαρεστάτου μου γάλακτος τοῦ τὴν ἀηδίαν ποιοῦντος; Οὐκ ἐκώ-  λυσεν ἡ Γραφὴ οὐδὲ οἱ Πατέρες τὴν πρὸς τὸ σῶμα συγκατάβασιν, τὴν οὐ κατὰ ἡδονήν, ἀλλὰ μετὰ διακρίσεως γινομένην. ῾Οπότε οὖν καθὼς ἤδη εἶπέ σοι ὅτι οὔτε κατὰ ἀσωτίαν οὔτε κατὰ ἡδονὴν ἐσθίεις καὶ πίνεις, οὐ γίνονταί σοι εἰς κατάκρισιν οὔτε εἰς σκάνδαλόν τινων. Περὶ τούτων γὰρ εἶπεν ὁ  Κύριος ὅτι οὐ κοινοῦσι τὸν ἄνθρωπον.

But in regard to psalmody or liturgy, be not distressed. For God requires it not of you because of your sickness. He who gives heed to himself afflicts himself in a polity for the Lords’ sake and his own salvation. you hast therefore the affliction of the sickness in place of the affliction of the polity.

  Περὶ δὲ τῆς ψαλμῳδίας ἢ τῆς λειτουργίας, μὴ θλιβῇς, οὐ γὰρ ἀπαιτεῖ σε ὁ Θεὸς διὰ τὴν ἀσθένειαν. ῾Ο προσέχων ἑαυτῷ θλίβει ἑαυτὸν εἰς πολιτείαν διὰ τὸν Κύριον καὶ τὴν ἰδίαν σωτηρίαν. ῎Εχεις οὖν τὴν θλῖψιν τῆς ἀσθενείας ἀντὶ τῆς  θλίψεως τῆς πολιτείας.

But about the sickness also grow not weary: the Lord does not forsake you, but disposes it as He knows for the best, that you be not afflicted above your power. But about death at present the Old Man did not speak, but about the mercy which God is going to work with your love. I beseech you therefore to bear as he told you, and you see with truth the glory of God.

Καὶ περὶ τῆς ἀσθενείας δέ, μὴ ὀλιγωρήσῃς. Οὐκ ἐγκαταλιμπάνει ὁ Κύριος, ἀλλ’ οἰκονομεῖ αὐτὴν ὡς οἶδε πρὸς τὸ συμφέρον, ἵνα μὴ θλιβῇς ὑπὲρ τὴν δύναμιν. Περὶ δὲ τοῦ θανάτου οὐκ εἶπε τέως ὁ Γέρων, ἀλλὰ περὶ τοῦ ἐλέους οὗ μέλλει ὁ Θεὸς ποιεῖν μετὰ τῆς ἀγάπης σου.  Παρακαλῶ οὖν σε ὑπενεγκεῖν καθὼς εἶπέ σοι, καὶ βλέπεις μετὰ ἀληθείας τὴν δόξαν τοῦ Θεοῦ.   

But in regard to the planting, if altogether “he that plants and waters a” is nothing, and you hast ascribed the two to me, in place of me who am nothing you hast “God who gives the increase” and protects you and does with you according to His mercy. Having then fruition of His goodness, “play the man” in Him “and be strong.” and pray for me, that on me also His mercy may be done.

Περὶ δὲ τῆς φυτεύσεως, εἰ ὅλως ὁ φυτεύων καὶ ποτίζων οὐδέν  ἐστι—καὶ τὰ δύο εἰς ἐμὲ ὑπέγραψας—ἔχεις, ἀντὶ ἐμοῦ τοῦ μηδενὸς ὄντος, τὸν αὐξάνοντα καὶ σκεπάζοντα καὶ ποιοῦντα  μετὰ σοῦ κατὰ τὸ ἔλεος αὑτοῦ. ᾿Απολαύων οὖν τῆς αὐτοῦ ἀγαθότητος, ἀνδρίζου ἐν αὐτῷ καὶ ἴσχυε. Καὶ εὖξαι ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ, ἵνα καὶ εἰς ἐμὲ γένηται τὸ ἔλεος αὐτοῦ.

81. ^[DCt] The same old man, labouring in sickness, again asked the same Old Man to pray for him:

(80.)   ῾Ο αὐτὸς γέρων κάμνων ἐν τῇ ἀσθενείᾳ, πάλιν ἠρώτησε τὸν  αὐτὸν Γέροντα εὔξασθαι ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ. 

Answer of John:

 ᾿Απόκρισις ᾿Ιωάννου· 

Your sickness is to prove you. Endure it thankfully, and speedily God has mercy on you. I greet you in the Lord, beseeching you to pray for me.

  Πρὸς δοκιμήν ἐστιν ἡ ἀσθένειά σου. ῾Υπόμεινον εὐχαρίστως,  καὶ διὰ τάχους ἐλεῆσαι ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ. ᾿Ασπάζομαι ὑμᾶς ἐν  Κυρίῳ, παρακαλῶν εὔξασθαι ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ.

82. ^[DCt] The same again asked the Great Old Man the same:

(81.)   ῾Ο αὐτὸς πάλιν τὸν μέγαν Γέροντα τὰ αὐτὰ ᾔτησε. 

Answer of Barsanuphius:

  ᾿Απόκρισις Βαρσανουφίου· 

Behold, brother John has said that speedily God has mercy on him; and I who am least, what have I to say? I am happy to-day, and believe that God is sending him today relief at the prayers of His saints. Pray you for me, beloved.

  ᾿Ιδοὺ μὲν ὁ ἀδελφὸς ᾿Ιωάννου εἶπεν ὅτι διὰ τάχους ἐλεεῖ  αὐτὸν ὁ Θεός. Κἀγὼ ὁ ἐλάχιστος τί ἔχω εἰπεῖν; ῾Ηδέως ἔχω καὶ σήμερον, καὶ πιστεύω ὅτι ὁ Θεὸς πέμπει αὐτῷ ἄνεσιν σή-  μερον, εὐχαῖς τῶν ἁγίων αὑτοῦ. Εὔξασθε ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ ἀγαπητοί.

83. ^[DCt] After this answer, suddenly on that very day he came to health: and he sent to give thanks to the Old Man and announce the mercies of God; that had come through him:

(82.)   Μετὰ τὴν ἀπόκρισιν ταύτην, παραχρῆμα, ἐν αὐτῇ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ  ὑγίανε. Καὶ ἔπεμψεν εὐχαριστῶν τῷ Γέροντι, καὶ ἀνακηρύττων  τὰ ἐλέη τοῦ Θεοῦ τὰ δι’ αὐτοῦ γινόμενα. 

Answer of Barsanuphius:

  ᾿Απόκρισις Βαρσανουφίου· 

Our Lord Jesus Christ said to His disciples and apostles, making them joyful, “Rejoice not that the devils are subject unto you in my Name, but that your names are written in heaven.” Likewise then if we also shout and leap for joy about help coming to our body in the name of the God and champion of our souls, Jesus Christ, what would happen about the complete cleansing from all the passions, coming to our souls in His fearful and glorious Name? How many voices, tongues, mouths, hearts and thoughts will be able to repay Him the fitting doxology? I reckon that it is not found even among the bodiless. For the divine is inapprehensible. To Him is the glory and the authority and the power unto the ages. Amen.

  ῾Ο Κύριος ἡμῶν ᾿Ιησοῦς Χριστὸς εἶπε τοῖς ἑαυτοῦ μαθηταῖς  καὶ ᾿Αποστόλοις χαροποιῶν αὐτούς· «Μὴ χαίρετε ὅτι τὰ δαιμόνια ὑποτάσσονται ὑμῖν ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου, ἀλλ’ ὅτι τὰ ὀνόματα ὑμῶν γεγραμμένα ἐστὶν ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς.» Οὕτως οὖν καὶ ἡμεῖς εἰ περὶ βοηθείας τῆς τῷ σώματι γενομένης ἐν ὀνόματι τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ προστάτου τῶν ψυχῶν ἡμῶν ᾿Ιησοῦ  Χριστοῦ, βοῶμεν σκιρτῶντες, τί ἂν γένηται περὶ τῆς ὁλοτελοῦς καθάρσεως τῆς ἀπὸ ὅλων τῶν παθῶν τῇ ψυχῇ ἡμῶν γενομένης τῷ φοβερῷ καὶ ἐνδόξῳ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ; Πόσαι φωναί, γλῶσσαι, στόματα, καρδίαι καὶ ἐνθυμήσεις δυνήσονται ἀνταποδοῦναι αὐτῷ τὴν πρέπουσαν δοξολογίαν; Λογίζομαι δὲ ὅτι οὐδὲ ἐν  τοῖς ἀσωμάτοις εὑρίσκεται, ἀκατάληπτον γάρ ἐστι τὸ θεῖον. Αὐτῷ ἡ δόξα καὶ ἡ ἐξουσία καὶ ἡ δύναμις εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας. ᾿Αμήν.

84. ^[DCt] A brother said to this old man,

(83.)   Τούτῳ τῷ γέροντι εἶπέ τις ἀδελφός·

 “Behold, at the prayers of the saints you hast been renewed, old man”. And he answered and said, “As often as you hast said this word to me, even four times I have marked that demons wear down my body.” And the Other Old Man was asked about this, and answered:

᾿Ιδοὺ εὐχαῖς ἁγίων ἀνε-  καινίσθης, γέρων. Καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν ὅτι ὁσάκις εἶπές μοι  τὸν λόγον τοῦτον, κἂν τέταρτον, ἐσημειωσάμην ὅτι συντρί-  βουσιν οἱ δαίμονες τὸ σῶμά μου. Καὶ ἠρωτήθη ὁ ἄλλος Γέρων  περὶ τούτου. 

Answer of John

  ᾿Απόκρισις ᾿Ιωάννου· 

This matter has envy and lack of faith; envy, in that the demons are not happy that a man should be benefited; and lack of faith, that seeing the sickness he should doubt in his heart.

  Τὸ πρᾶγμα τοῦτο φθόνον ἔχει καὶ ἀπιστίαν. Φθόνον μέν, ὅτι  οὐχ ἡδέως ἔχουσιν οἱ δαίμονες ἵνα εὐεργετηθῇ ἄνθρωπος. ᾿Απιστίαν δέ, ἵνα βλέπων τὴν ἀσθένειαν διστάσῃ τῇ καρδίᾳ.

84. ^[DCt] Question of the same to the same Old Man:

(84.)   ᾿Ερώτησις τοῦ αὐτοῦ πρὸς τὸν αὐτὸν μέγαν Γέροντα·

How, tell me, father? That we have the lack of faith, or that the demons bring us to lack of faith?

Πῶς;  Εἰπέ, Πάτερ, ὅτι ἡμεῖς ἔχομεν τὴν ἀπιστίαν ἢ ὅτι οἱ δαίμονες  φέρουσιν ἡμᾶς εἰς ἀπιστίαν. 

Answer of John:

 ᾿Απόκρισις ᾿Ιωάννου· 

The demons of their envy sow the lack of faith. If then we accept it, we become accessories and partakers with them.

  Οἱ δαίμονες ἀπὸ τοῦ φθόνου σπείρουσι τὴν ἀπιστίαν. ᾿Εὰν  οὖν δεξώμεθα, ὑπουργοὶ καὶ συμμέτοχοι αὐτῶν γινόμεθα.

85. ^[DCt] Question of the same to the same Old Man:

(85.)   ᾿Ερώτησις τοῦ αὐτοῦ πρὸς τὸν αὐτὸν μέγαν Γέροντα·

Father, when I am relieved of my sickness, how ought I to pass each day?

 ῞Οταν  Πάτερ κουφίζωμαι τῆς ἀρρωστίας, πῶς δεῖ παρέρχεσθαι τὸ καθ’  ἡμέραν; 

Answer of John:

  ᾿Απόκρισις ᾿Ιωάννου· 

“Rejoice in the Lord: again I say, rejoice”. you hast gladdened me now with your question, rather hast gladdened God and His angels. But as to what you did write about, the Lord said, “Those things ought you to have done, and not to have left these undone.” you ought to sing psalms a little, to repeat by heart a little, to search and watch your thoughts a little. For he who has many foods in his breakfast is greedy to eat much. But he who feeds daily from a single food, not only is not greedy for it, but even perhaps in time finds a distaste for it. So also here. But it belongs to the perfect to accustom themselves to partake every day of the same cooked food without distaste.

  Χαίροις ἐν Κυρίῳ, πάλιν λέγω, χαίροις. Ηὔφρανάς με ἄρτι  ἐν τῇ ἐρωτήσει, μᾶλλον δὲ τὸν Θεὸν καὶ τοὺς ἀγγέλους αὐτοῦ. Περὶ δὲ ὧν ἔγραψας εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· «῎Εδει κακεῖνα ποιῆσαι καὶ ταῦτα μὴ ἀφιέναι.» Ψάλλειν μικρόν, ἀποστηθίζειν μικρόν, ἐρευνᾶν καὶ τηρεῖν τοὺς λογισμοὺς μικρὸν ὀφείλεις. ῾Ο γὰρ ἔχων πολλὰ ἐδέσματα ἐν τῷ ἀριστᾶν, πολλὰ λιμβεύ-  εται φαγεῖν. ῾Ο δὲ ἀπὸ ἑνὸς ἐδέσματος τρώγων καθ’ ἡμέραν, οὐ μόνον ὅτι οὐ λιμβεύεται, ἀλλὰ καὶ τάχα ἐν καιρῷ ἀηδί-  ζεται ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ. Οὕτως οὖν καὶ ἐνταῦθα. Τῶν τελείων οὖν ἐστι τὸ συνειθίσαι μεταλαβεῖν καθ’ ἑκάστην ἀπὸ τοῦ αὐτοῦ ἑψητοῦ καὶ μὴ ἀηδισθῆναι.

In regard then to psalmody and repeating by heart, commit not yourself, but do whatever the Lord empowers you to do: and hinder not reading and prayer.

Περὶ οὖν τῆς ψαλμῳδίας καὶ τοῦ  ἀποστηθίζειν, μὴ ἐνδώσῃς σεαυτόν, ἀλλ’ εἴ τι ἐνδυναμοῖ σε ὁ Κύριος ποίησον. Καὶ τὸ ἀναγινώσκειν καὶ προσεύχεσθαι, μὴ κωλύσῃς

A little so, and a little so, you spend the day giving pleasure to God. For our perfect fathers did not have any limit of a rule. For they had the whole day for rule,

μικρὸν οὕτως μικρὸν οὕτως ἀναλίσκεις τὴν ἡμέραν ἀρέσκων Θεῷ. Οἱ γὰρ τέλειοι Πατέρες ἡμῶν κανόνος ὅρον οὐκ εἶχον, ὅλην γὰρ τὴν ἡμέραν κανόνα εἶχον

[1] singing psalms a little,

[2] repeating by heart a little,

[3] searching their thoughts a little,

[4] giving a little time for food,

μικρὸν ψάλλοντες,

μικρὸν ἀποστηθίζοντες,

μικρὸν ἐρευνῶντες τοὺς λογισμούς,

μικρὸν σχολάζοντες περὶ τῆς τροφῆς,

and this after the fear of God.

καὶ τοῦτο κατὰ φόβον Θεοῦ.

For it says, “All things whatsoever you do, do to the glory of God.” The Lord Jesus guard us from all evil. Amen.

Φησὶ γάρ· «Πάντα ὅσα ἂν ποιῆτε, εἰς δόξαν Θεοῦ ποιεῖτε.» ῾Ο Κύριος ᾿Ιησοῦς φυλάξει ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ παντὸς κακοῦ. ᾿Αμήν. 

86. ^[DCt] Question of the same to the same Old Man:

(86.)   ᾿Ερώτησις τοῦ αὐτοῦ πρὸς τὸν αὐτὸν Γέροντα·

How must one search one’s thoughts? And how does one flee captivity?

Πῶς δεῖ  ἐρευνᾶν τοὺς λογισμοὺς καὶ πῶς φεύγει τις τὴν αἰχμαλωσίαν; 

The answer of John:

  ᾿Απόκρισις ᾿Ιωάννου· 

The searching of the thoughts is in this wise, that when a thought comes, you give heed to what it gives birth. I tell you an example. you think that someone has insulted you, and your thought troubles you to tell him. Then tell your ‘thought, “If I tell him, I vex him, and he is grieved against me. So then, I bear it a little, and it passes.” But if the thought is not towards a man, but it is in one’s self that one thinks the evil, so must one search the thought and say, “Where does the thought of evil lead?” And the thought that is from God tells you, “The thought of evil leads to hell,” and it ceases from you. And to all your thoughts do likewise. But immediately when the thought enters, search it and cut it short.

  Τὸ ἐρευνᾶν τοὺς λογισμούς, οὕτως ἔχει ἵνα, ὅταν ἔρχηται  ὁ λογισμός, προσχῇς τί γεννᾶ. ῾Υπόδειγμα δὲ λέγω σοι· Λόγισαι   ὅτι ὕβρισέ σέ τις καὶ ὀχλεῖ σοι ὁ λογισμὸς εἰπεῖν αὐτῷ. Εἰπὲ οὖν τῷ λογισμῷ· ᾿Εὰν εἴπω αὐτῷ, ταράσσω αὐτόν, καὶ λυπεῖται κατ’ ἐμοῦ. ῞Ωστε οὖν βαστάζω μικρὸν καὶ παρέρχεται. ᾿Εὰν δὲ ὁ λογισμὸς οὐ πρὸς ἄνθρωπον ᾖ, ἀλλ’ ἐν ἑαυτῷ λογίζεταί τις τὸ κακόν, οὕτως ὀφείλει ἐρευνᾶν τὸν λογισμὸν  καὶ εἰπεῖν· Ποῦ ἀποφέρει τὸ λογίσασθαι τὸ κακόν; Καὶ λέγει σοι ὁ τοῦ Θεοῦ λογισμός· Εἰς τὴν γέενναν ἀποφέρει τὸ λογίσασθαι τὸ κακόν, καὶ παύεται ἀπὸ σοῦ. Καὶ εἰς ὅλους τοὺς λογισμούς, τὸ ὅμοιον ποίει· Εὐθὺς δέ, ὅτε ἐμβαίνει ὁ λογισμός, ἐρεύνησον καὶ κόψον αὐτόν. 

But in regard to captivity, much vigilance is needed, that, as the Fathers said, if it takes your mind to fornication, you bring it to hallowing; if to gluttony that you bring it to asceticism; if to hate, to love; and so in like matters.  Grieve not, for you are going to find the mercy, according to the promises that you have.  “For whether we live, we live unto the Lord, and whether we die, we die unto the Lord” (1 Thes 5:17)

  Περὶ δὲ τῆς αἰχμαλωσίας, πολλῆς νήψεως δέεται, ἵνα, ὡς εἶπον οἱ Πατέρες, ἐὰν λάβῃ τὸν νοῦν σου εἰς πορνείαν, φέρῃς αὐτὸν εἰς ἁγιασμόν, ἐὰν δὲ εἰς γαστριμαργίαν, εἰς τὴν ἄσκησιν φέρῃς αὐτόν, ἐὰν εἰς μῖσος, εἰς τὴν ἀγάπην φέρῃς αὐτόν. Καὶ οὕτως τὰ ὅμοια. Μὴ λυπηθῇς, μέλλων εὑρεῖν τὸ ἔλεος κατὰ  τὰς ἐπαγγελίας ἃς ἔχεις. «᾿Εάν τε γὰρ ζῶμεν, τῷ Κυρίῳ ζῶμεν, καὶ ἐὰν ἀποθνῄσκωμεν, τῷ Κυρίῳ ἀποθνῄσκομεν.»

[ On unceasing prayer ]

87. ^[JCv] Question from the same person to the same Great Old Man:

(87.)   ᾿Ερώτησις τοῦ αὐτοῦ πρὸς τὸν αὐτὸν μέγαν Γέροντα·

Tell me, father, about unceasing prayer, and in what measure it is to be found, and whether I am obliged to have a rule.

Εἰπέ  μοι Πάτερ, τὸ ἀδιαλείπτως προσεύχεσθαι ἐν ποίῳ μέτρῳ ἐστὶ  καὶ εἰ ὀφείλω ἔχειν κανόνα. 

Response by Barsanuphius

  ᾿Απόκρισις Βαρσανουφίου· 

 Rejoice in the Lord, brother; rejoice in the Lord, beloved; rejoice in the Lord, fellow heir. Unceasing prayer (cf. 1 Thess 5.17) is in accordance with the measure of dispassion. Then, the coming of the Spirit is known, and teaches us everything. If it teaches us everything, then it also teaches us about prayer. For the Apostle says: “We do not know how to pray as we should. But the Spirit itself intercedes for us with ineffable groanings” (Rom 8.26)

  Χαίροις ἐν Κυρίῳ, ἀδελφέ, χαίροις ἐν Κυρίῳ, ἀγαπητέ,  χαίροις ἐν Κυρίῳ, συγκληρονόμε. Τὸ ἀδιαλείπτως προσεύ- χεσθαι ἐν τῷ μέτρῳ ἐστὶ τῆς ἀπαθείας. Καὶ τότε γινώσκεται ἡ ἔλευσις τοῦ Πνεύματος καὶ διδάσκει αὐτῷ πάντα. Εἰ τὰ πάντα, οὐκοῦν καὶ περὶ τῆς εὐχῆς. ῾Ο ᾿Απόστολος γὰρ λέγει τὸ «Τί προσευξόμεθα καθὸ δεῖ οὐκ οἴδαμεν, ἀλλ’ αὐτὸ τὸ  Πνεῦμα ὑπερεντυγχάνει ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν στεναγμοῖς ἀλαλήτοις.»

Therefore, what should I now say to you about the buildings of Rome, when you have not yet been there? A person living in silence, especially one that is bedridden, has no rule. Therefore, be rather like a person who eats and drinks as much as he pleases. Thus, when you happen to be reading, and you see compunction in your heart, read as much as you can. Do the same when you recite the Psalms. Hold on to thanksgiving and the prayer: “Lord have mercy,” as much as you can. And do not be afraid. “For the gifts of God are without repentance” (Rom 11.29).

Τί οὖν εἴπω σοι ἄρτι περὶ τῶν οἰκοδομημάτων ῾Ρώμης, ὁπότε ἀκμὴν ἐκεῖ οὐκ ἐγένου;   ῎Ανθρωπος ἡσυχάζων μάλιστα κλινήρης, κανόνα οὐκ ἔχει. ᾿Αλλὰ γενοῦ ὡς ἄνθρωπος τρώγων καὶ πίνων ἐφ’ ὅσον ἡδύ-  νεται. Οὕτως ὅταν ἔρχηταί σοι ἀναγνῶναι καὶ βλέπῃς κατά- νυξιν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου, ἀνάγνωθι ὅσον δύνασαι. Καὶ τὸ ψάλλειν οὕτως. Τὴν εὐχαριστίαν δὲ καὶ τὸ «Κύριε, ἐλέησον» κράτει κατὰ τὴν δύναμίν σου, καὶ μὴ φοβηθῇς. «᾿Αμεταμέλητα γὰρ τὰ χαρίσματα τοῦ Θεοῦ.» 

 125

[Barsanuphius is challenged to appear - and he does]

125. ^[JCv] Since the Great Old Man would meet with no one,

^(125.)   Τοῦ Γέροντος μηδενὶ συντυγχάνοντος,

 Therefore, the Old Man responded in a letter and with a prophecy, whose outcome we came to know through experience. For he told him that he would appear to him, revealing also the way and the reason for this appearance: “on account of the unbelievers in Judea” (Rom 15.31). After some time, when the same brother fell into the temptation of disbelief and said that there was no one in the cell of the Old Man, but the Abbot only simulated his presence, the Old Man invited this brother and others who were there, and washed the feet of them all. I, too, the sinner, was worthy of being washed. Consequently, the brother became sober and, recalling this response, confessed to us the same disbelief, as well as the Old Man’s prophecy. And we all gave glory to God.

 ᾿Απεκρίθη  οὖν αὐτῷ ὁ Γέρων διὰ γραμμάτων καὶ μετὰ προρρήσεων, ὧν  τὴν ἔκβασιν αὐτῇ τῇ πείρᾳ ἔγνωμεν ἡμεῖς. Εἶπε γὰρ ὀφθή-  σεσθαι αὐτῷ καὶ ποίῳ τρόπῳ καὶ τίνος χάριν· «῞Ενεκεν τοῦ  ῥυσθῆναι ἀπὸ τῶν ἀπειθούντων ἐν τῇ ᾿Ιουδαίᾳ.» Μετὰ χρόνον  γὰρ τοῦ αὐτοῦ ἀδελφοῦ ἐμπεσόντος εἰς πειρασμὸν δυσπιστίας  καὶ λέγοντος μὴ εἶναι ὅλως ἐν τῷ κελλίῳ τὸν Γέροντα, πλάτ-  τεσθαι δὲ τὸν ἀββᾶν τὴν αὐτοῦ παρουσίαν, καλέσας ὁ Γέρων  τὸν αὐτὸν ἀδελφὸν καὶ τοὺς εὑρεθέντας ἐν τῷ τόπῳ, ἔνιψε  πάντων τοὺς πόδας. Κἀγὼ δὲ ὁ ἁμαρτωλὸς ἠξιώθην τοῦ  νίμβατος. Καὶ οὕτως ἀνανήψας ὁ ἀδελφός, καὶ ταύτης τῆς  ἀποκρίσεως ἀναμνησθείς, ἐξωμολογήσατο ἡμῖν τὴν ἰδίαν  ἀπιστίαν, καὶ τὴν πρόρρησιν τοῦ Γέροντος. Καὶ πάντες ἐδοξά-  σαμεν τὸν Θεόν.

Now, the response of Barsanuphius is as follows.

῎Εχει δὲ ἡ ἀπόκρισις Βαρσανουφίου οὕτως· 

Brother, no one “knows what is truly human, except the human spirit that is within” (1 Cor 2.11). Each person knows what is inside one’s home and what is contained in one’s purse. And, accordingly, one spends also for the nourishment of others. Moreover, we have a command from the Master not to build a tower unless we first consider the expense (cf. Lk 14.28).

  ᾿Αδελφέ, οὐδεὶς «οἶδε τὰ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, εἰ μὴ τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ  ἀνθρώπου τὸ ἐν αὐτῷ.» ῞Εκαστος οἶδε τί ἔχει ἐν τῇ αὑτοῦ οἰκίᾳ καὶ τί κέκτηται ἐν τῷ βαλαντίῳ. Καὶ πρὸς αὐτὸ ἀνα-  λίσκει καὶ εἰς ἄλλων διατροφήν. Καὶ πρόσταξιν ἔχομεν δεσποτικὴν μὴ οἰκοδομεῖν πύργον, ἐὰν μὴ πρῶτον ψηφίσωμεν τὰς δαπάνας.

You have considered me among the saints, who are wealthy in spirit, and you have given me gladness with your knowledge, and indeed especially with your deeds. I am searching out their lives, and I am finding that their excess in good deeds corresponds to the excess of my evil deeds. They would indeed accept to meet with others, taking boldness in their actions; whereas, I do not accept to meet with others, and still tremble knowing my actions and fearing the one who says: “You, then, that teach others, will you not teach yourself?” (Rom 2.21) I am struggling to listen to the one who reproaches me and says: “Hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye” (Mt 7.5), and so forth. I am laboring to take out this log but am unable to. However, I do not despair and I hope to achieve this.

᾿Εψήφισάς μοι τοὺς ἁγίους τοὺς πλουτήσαντας κατὰ πνεῦμα, καὶ εὔφρανάς με ἐν τῇ σῇ γνώσει, ἐὰν δὲ μᾶλλον καὶ  ἐν τοῖς ἔργοις. ᾿Ερευνῶ δὲ δι’ ἑαυτοὺς καὶ εὑρίσκω ὅτι κατὰ  τὴν ὑπερβολὴν τῶν καλῶν αὐτῶν πράξεων, τοσοῦτον κἀγὼ ἔχω ἐν ταῖς κακαῖς μου πράξεσι. Κἀκεῖνοι θαρροῦντες ἐποίουν, ἐγὼ δὲ καὶ ἐκτὸς τοῦ ποιῆσαι, τρέμω γινώσκων τὰ πεπραγμένα μου καὶ φοβοῦμαι τὸν λέγοντα ὅτι «῾Ο διδάσκων ἕτερον, σεαυτὸν οὐ διδάσκεις!» Πυκτεύω δὲ ἀκοῦσαι τοῦ ὀνειδίζοντος καὶ λέ-  γοντός μοι· «῾Υποκριτά, ἔκβαλε πρῶτον τὴν δοκὸν ἐκ τοῦ ὀφθαλμοῦ σου» καὶ τὰ ἑξῆς. Κοπιῶ δὲ ἐκβαλεῖν καὶ οὐκ ἰσχύω. Οὐκ ἀπογινώσκω δὲ ἀλλ’ ἐλπίζω ἐπιτυχεῖν.

Tell me the truth, brother; if someone should tell a pauper: “Certain people gave a generous donation; you, too, should give the same,” could the pauper do this? Or is the pauper prevented by his own poverty? What else can I say? That those who are really thirsty and discover a source of refreshing water, are not curious about the source of the well itself, whether it comes from rainwater or river water.

Εἰπέ μοι τὸ ὄντως ἀδελφέ, ἐάν τις εἴπῃ τινὶ πτωχῷ ὅτι ῎Ανθρωποί τινες ὑπατίαν ἔδωκαν, δὸς καὶ σύ, δύναται τοῦτο ποιῆσαι; ῍Η κωλύεται ὑπὸ  τῆς ἰδίας ἀπορίας; Τί δὲ πρὸς τοῦτο; ῞Οτι πολλοὶ διψῶντες καὶ εὑρίσκοντες τὴν τοῦ ὕδατος ἀπόλαυσιν οὐ περιεργάζονται περὶ τοῦ φρέατος ἢ τοῦ ὑετοῦ ἢ τοῦ ποταμοῦ πόθεν ἔρχονται.

Others who are truly enjoying the brightness of the sun will not question whether it is near or far, whether it is material or not. The same applies to the other elements too. What about the fact that, when questioned on the subject of God, the fathers responded: “Seek the Lord, but do not seek where he dwells.”“

Καὶ πολλοὶ ἀπολαύσουσι τῆς τοῦ ἡλίου φαιδρότητος καὶ οὐκ ἐπιζήτουσιν εἰ μακρός ἐστιν ἢ κοντὸς τὴν ἡλικίαν ἢ  ἀναίσθητος ἢ αἰσθητικός. Καὶ περὶ ἄλλων στοιχείων ὡσαύτως. Τί δὲ ὅτι καὶ περὶ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἔγραψαν οἱ Πατέρες ἐρωτηθέντεςὅτι «Ζήτει τὸν Κύριον καὶ μὴ ζητήσῃς ποῦ οἰκεῖ;»

What about you now? You abandoned your necessary task, which is dealing with your sins, and have sought to see me, who am an odorous worm, nothing but “earth and ashes” (Gen 18.27 & job 42.6). Nevertheless, I too am foolish, and so I gladly sent you a response, being deceived and thinking that I am something, neglecting the words: “If those who are nothing think they are something, they are deceiving themselves” (Gal 6-3). Yes, certainly, I was deceived in this and spoke unworthily. Nevertheless, you should work like a good and obedient worker, no longer requesting this from me.

Τί δὲ πρὸςσὲ τὸν ἀφήσαντα τὴν ἐπιζητουμένην σπουδὴν τὴν περὶ τῶνἁμαρτιῶν καὶ ἐπιποθοῦντά με ἰδεῖν, σκώληκα ὄζοντα, καὶ «γῆν καὶ σποδόν»; ῞Ομως κἀγὼ ἄφρων ὤν, χαίρων ἔπεμψά σοι τὴνἀπόκρισιν, πλανώμενος προσέχων ἐμαυτὸν εἶναί τι, καὶ εἰςλήθην ἔβαλον τὸ γεγραμμένον ὅτι «῾Ο δοκῶν εἶναί τι μηδὲνὤν, ἑαυτὸν ἐξαπατᾷ.» Ναί, ναί, ἐπλανήθην εἰς τοῦτο καὶ ἐλάλησα μὴ ὢν ἄξιος. Σὺ ὅμως ὡς καλὸς ἐργάτης καὶ ὑπήκοος  ἔργασαι, καὶ μὴ ἐπιζητήσῃς τοῦτο παρ’ ἐμοῦ

For I too wish to see you, to embrace you and everyone else with the love that is according to God. At the right time, with God’s assurance, I shall personally hurry to embrace everyone’s feet, for the sake of receiving their intercession and prayer in order to be delivered “from the disbelievers in Judea” (Rom 15.31).

ἐπιποθοῦντός σε ἰδεῖν καὶ περιλαβέσθαι σε καὶ πάντας ἀπὸ τῆς κατὰ Θεὸν ἀγάπης. Καιρῷ δέ, ἐὰν πληροφορήσῃ με ὁ Θεός, ἀπ’ ἐμαυτοῦ ἐπιρρίπτω καὶ καταφιλῶ πάντων ὑμῶν τὰ πέλματα, ἱκεσίας καὶ εὐχῆς χάριν τοῦ ῥυσθῆναι «ἀπὸ τῶν ἀπειθούντων ἐν τῇ   ᾿Ιουδαίᾳ.»

Let us not waste our little time in distractions, brother, but let us acquire mourning filled with tears, so that we may be blessed with those who mourn. Let us visit the poor and the meek, so that we may become their co-heirs. Let us seek peace with all, so that we may be found to be with the children of God. Let us endure insult and scorn, so that our reward may be increased in heaven (cf. Mt 5.3-12). And let us strive to reach his sight through good deeds, “so that people may see our good deeds and glorify our Father who is in heaven” (Mt 5.16). To him be the glory. Amen.

  Μὴ ἐν μετεωρισμῷ ἀδελφέ, ἐκδαπανήσωμεν ἡμῶν τὰς μικρὰς ἡμέρας, ἀλλὰ κτησώμεθα τὸ πένθος τὸ μεμεστωμένον τῶν δακρύων, ἵνα μακαρισθῶμεν μετὰ τῶν πενθούντων. Καὶ ἀδολεσχήσωμεν εἰς τοὺς πτωχοὺς καὶ πρᾳεῖς, ἵνα συγκληρονόμοι  γενώμεθα αὐτῶν. Καὶ διώξωμεν τὴν εἰρήνην μετὰ πάντων, ἵνα εὑρεθῶμεν μετὰ τῶν υἱῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ. Καὶ βαστάζωμεν ὀνειδισμὸν καὶ ὕβριν, ἵνα πληθυνθῇ ὁ μισθὸς ἡμῶν ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς. Καὶ σπουδάσωμεν ἐν ἔργοις ἀγαθοῖς ὀφθῆναι αὐτῷ, «ὅπως ἴδωσιν οἱ ἄνθρωποι τὰ καλὰ ἡμῶν ἔργα καὶ δοξάσωσι  τὸν Πατέρα ἡμῶν τὸν ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς.» Αὐτῷ ἡ δόξα. ᾿Αμήν.

Brother, I am not writing these things to you in order to correct you; for I regard myself as a debtor with so many penalties. Rather, I fall down before the loving-kind God with unceasing supplications, that he might grant both to me and to you the forgiveness of sins, through the prayers of the saints. Amen.

  ᾿Αδελφέ, οὐχ ὡς κατορθώσας ἔγραψά σοι ταῦτα, καὶ γὰρ χρεώστην ἐν πολλοῖς ὀφλήμασι ἐμαυτὸν βλέπω. ᾿Αλλὰ ἀδιαλείπτως προσπίπτω δεόμενος τοῦ φιλανθρώπου Θεοῦ χαρίσασθαι ἐμοί τε καί σοι ἄφεσιν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν, εὐχαῖς τῶν  ἁγίων. ᾿Αμήν.

143

143. A Question from the same person to the same elder

  143 ᾿Ερώτησις τοῦ αὐτοῦ πρὸς τὸν αὐτὸν Γέροντα·

“SINCE in the lives of the fathers it is written that one [abba] said one hundred prayer, another a different number: should we also in praying have a certain quota, or not?

᾿Επειδὴ ἐν  τοῖς Βίοις τῶν Γερόντων γέγραπται ὅτι ὃς μὲν ἐποίει εὐχὰς  ἑκατόν, ὃς δὲ τόσας, ὀφείλομεν καὶ ἡμεῖς εὐχόμενοι ἔχειν  μέτρον ἢ οὔ;

    And how should we say the prayer: in an extended fashion; or by saying Our Father who art in heaven, and then sitting down to manual labor?

Καὶ πῶς δεῖ ποιεῖσθαι τὰς εὐχάς, ἐκτεταμένας ἢ  λέγειν τὸ «Πάτερ ἡμῶν ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς» καὶ καθίσαι εἰς  τὸ ἐργόχειρον;

    Again, what [prayers] are fitting to offer while working?

  Πάλιν ἐν τῷ ἐργάζεσθαι τί δεῖ ποιεῖν;

    Similarly, in regard to Vespers and Vigils; how should one who lives alone conduct himself?

  ῾Ομοίως  περὶ τῶν ἑσπερινῶν καὶ τῶν νυκτερινῶν, πῶς ὀφείλει διάγειν  ὁ κατὰ μόνας;

    And should one perform the [fixed canonical] hours and sing Odes or hymns?”

Καὶ εἰ δεῖ ποιεῖν τὰς ὥρας καὶ λέγειν τὰς ᾠδὰς  ἢ ὕμνους; 

The Answer of John:

 ᾿Απόκρισις ᾿Ιωάννου

“THE [fixed canonical] hours and odes are ecclesiastical traditions, and the are good from the perspective of the unity of the whole people.  Similarly in communities for the sake of unity among many wills. 

   Αἱ ὧραι καὶ αἱ ᾠδαὶ ἐκκλησιαστικαί εἰσι παραδόσεις καὶ  καλαὶ διὰ τὴν συμφωνίαν παντὸς τοῦ λαοῦ. Καὶ εἰς τὰ κοι- νόβια τὸ αὐτὸ διὰ τὴν συμφωνίαν τοῦ πλήθους.

However, [the monks] of Skete neither say [the fixed canonical] hours nor do they say odes:

Οἱ δὲ  Σκητιῶται οὔτε ὥρας ἔχουσιν οὔτε ᾠδὰς λέγουσιν,

instead, in solitude they

[1] perform manual labor,

[2] meditate [memorize/recite]

[3] and pray at brief intervals.

ἀλλὰ κατὰ μόνας

ἐργόχειρον

καὶ μελέτην

καὶ κατ’ ὀλίγον εὐχήν.

So when you stand in prayer, you should [:]

[1] ask to be redeemed and freed from the old man; (cf. Eph. 4:22; Col. 3:9)

[2] or you should pray the Our Father Who art in heaven,

[3] or you should do both together: (cf. Letter 176)

Στήκων  δὲ εἰς εὐχὴν ὀφείλεις

παρακαλέσαι λυτρωθῆναι καὶ ἐλευθερωθῆναι ἐκ τοῦ παλαιοῦ ἀνθρώπου

ἢ λέγειν τὸ «Πάτερ ἡμῶν ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς»

 ἢ τὰ ἀμφότερα

then sit down to manual labor.

καὶ καθίσαι εἰς τὸ ἐργόχειρον.  

WITH regard to extending the prayer: if you stand (in prayer) or “pray without ceasing” according to the Apostle, then you do not need to extend the prayer when you arise.  For your inmost self [nous] is at prayer all day long.

   ᾿Επὶ δὲ τοῦ ἐκτεῖναι τὴν εὐχὴν ὅταν στήκῃ ἢ ἀδιαλείπτως  εὔχεται κατὰ τὸν ᾿Απόστολον, οὐ χρὴ ἐκτεῖναι ὅταν ἐγείρηται. ᾿Εν ὅλῃ γὰρ ἡμέρᾳ ὁ νοῦς αὐτοῦ εἰς τὴν εὐχήν ἐστιν.

WHEN you sit down to manual labor, then you should memorize or say psalms.

᾿Εὰν δὲ καθέζηται εἰς τὸ ἐργόχειρον, χρὴ ἀποστηθίζειν ἢ λέγειν ψαλμούς,

[1] At the end of each psalm you should pray while seated, “O God, have mercy on me, the wretched [one]!”(cf. Ps 50:1)

ἐπὶ τέλει δὲ ἑκάστου ψαλμοῦ, εὔχεσθαι καθήμενον ὅτι ῏Ω Θεός, ἐλέησόν με, τὸν ταλαίπωρον.

[2] When you are assailed by thoughts, then add “O God, you see my affliction, come to my aid!” (cf. Ps 69:6.).

Εἰ δὲ καὶ ὀχλεῖται  λογισμοῖς ἐπιλέγειν· ῏Ω Θεός, σὺ ὁρᾷς τὴν θλῖψίν μου, βοήθησόν μοι.

WHEN you have made three rows of the mat,

[1] then stand for prayer,

[2] and when you prostrate [bend the knee]

[3] and when you likewise arise again to pray,

say the same prayer.

῾Ως οὖν ἐργάζῃ τρεῖς στίχους εἰς τὸ δικτύδιον,

ἔγειραι εἰς τὴν εὐχήν.

Καὶ κλίνας γόνυ ὁμοίως

καὶ ἱστάμενος,

ποίει τὴν εἰρημένην εὐχήν.   

[The Two Monastic Daily Offices]

With regard to Vespers, those of Skete say twelve psalms; then at the end of each they say the “Alleluia” doxology and offer one prayer.

Περὶ δὲ ἑσπερινῶν, δώδεκα ψαλμοὺς λέγουσιν οἱ Σκητιῶται,  καθ’ ἕκαστον τέλος ἀντὶ δοξολογίας ἀλληλούϊα λέγοντες καὶ ποιοῦντες μίαν εὐχήν.

It is the same at night: twelve psalms, then after the psalms they sit down to manual labor.

῾Ομοίως δὲ καὶ τὴν νύκτα, δώδεκα ψαλμοὺς καὶ μετὰ τοὺς ψαλμοὺς καθέζονται εἰς τὸ ἐργόχειρον.

If anyone wishes[:]

[1] he may memorize;

[2] or another, if he wishes may examine his own [tempting-]thoughts;

[3] or [examine] the Lives of the Fathers.

Καὶ εἴ τις θέλει,

ἀποστηθίζει,

εἴ τις δὲ θέλει, τοὺς ἑαυτοῦ λογισμοὺς ἐρευνᾷ

καὶ τοὺς Βίους τῶν Πατέρων.

One who reads says five or eight pages and performs manual labor.

῞Οτε δὲ ἀνα-  γινώσκει, πέντε ἢ ὀκτὼ φύλλα λέγει καὶ τὸ ἐργόχειρον.

One who chants psalms or memorizes must chant psalms with the lips as long as no one is near him, and he should take care that no one notices what he is doing”.

 ῞Οταν  δὲ ψάλλῃ ἢ ἀποστηθίζῃ, διὰ τῶν χειλέων ὀφείλει ψάλλειν, εἰ οὐκ ἔστι πλησίον αὐτοῦ ἄλλος, καὶ θέλει παρατηρῆσαι ἵνα μηδεὶς μάθῃ τί ποιεῖ.