Priesthood.

Also monasticism. Ashram life.

Salvation is attained through simplicity and virtue, not through the glories of the priesthood, which demands of us an angelic way of life. Either, then, you should become dispassionate like the angels, in thought and purpose superior to the world and the flesh, climbing the ladder to heaven in this way; or else, aware of your weakness, you should in fear avoid the high rank of the priesthood, terrified of the great fall should you prove unworthy of it. Chooses the form of life followed by the laity, for it brings one no less close to God than priesthood. Moreover, should you fall while pursuing it, through God's mercy and grace you will easily rise again by repenting. St. Theognostos (VIII Century of the C.E. ?), quoted in: (1981). The Philokalia. Vol. II., P.372.

The wisdom of directing a monastery is found in the ability to maintain a harmony of spiritual life and material life. Pennington, Basil. (1978). O Holy Mountain! Journal of a Retreat on Mount Athos. P.134.

In the monastery, refusing to judge one's neighbor is honored as the most indispensable virtue. Pennington, Basil. (1978). O Holy Mountain! Journal of a Retreat on Mount Athos. P.134.

Last updated: 2008/03/09

See the similar subjects: Detachment, Paths to God, Proper Life, Purity, Renunciation, Saints, Service.

Home