Spiritual Combat

LET THE ATHLETE OF CHRIST, who desires to compete in this true and spiritual contest against vainglory, hasten to overcome this multiform and varied beast by all lawful means, so as to be able to escape from this manifold evil that confronts him on every side, lest he be found guilty of a great sacrilegious crime– convicted as one who labored for the favor of men under the pretense of serving God, preferring the praise [...]

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 [...]