Do not accept any thoughts of pride suggested by Satan, but constantly criticize yourself, for that evil rascal has defiled us with disgraceful passions, so how can we be proud? We need weeping and a river of tears to wash away our filth and sores.
— Geronda Ephraim of Arizona
“Although struggling to live the Christian life in the world is a godly pursuit, it does not even come close to monasticism in its yield of spiritual wealth and in its closeness to God. ‘A tree is known by its fruit.’ An entire army of monastics has filled Heaven. How many Righteous saints do we have? You can count them on your fingers.”
Geronda Ephraim of Arizona
Counsels from the Holy Mountain (p. 92)