Τhe obedient person bears the fruit of meekness, for the Elder will cut off his will, rebuke him, and criticize him, and when the disciple is obedient, he acquires precious meekness. In a word, a good disciple acquires all the virtues when he is blindly obedient.
If, however, he objects, quarrels, disobeys, is proud, etc., then he seriously injures his soul, for he grieves God, Who humbled Himself, whereas he, an earthly and wretched man, is proud.
Elder Ephraim of Arizona
Elder Ephraim of Arizona
