THIS IS the opinion of the Fathers from days long past unto today: A man devoted to God should avoid women and bishops in every way. Once so familiar, neither will allow him to devote further attention to the quiet of his cell nor to adhere with pure eyes to contemplation of the divine through the pondering of sacred things. // Towit: Flee from the flesh and the world which binds you to the praise and attention of others.
St. John Cassian, The Institutes, XI, 18.