“Habit is a powerful agent, and by degrees is changed into nature itself; so that some call it a second nature.”

True patience and tranquility is neither gained nor retained without profound humility of heart.

Abba John said to his brother, 'Even if we are entirely despised in the eyes of men, let us rejoice that we are honored in the sight of God.'

Amma Olympias was a “...partner of the divine Word, a consort of every true humility, a companion and servant of the holy, catholic and apostolic Church of God.”

"Since the day I was called a monk, no lie has come out of my mouth."

“By an invincible patience he bore all afflictions and rebukes without a word of complaint; he sincerely looked upon himself as the outcast of the world; and he spoke to all with the most engaging sweetness and charity.”

“If you are a theologian, you will pray truly. And if you pray truly, you are a theologian.”

“I have looked so closely into my heart that I cannot find there any single good action. I know my sins and they are more than the sand upon the sea-shore."

"Prayer is union with God, and one who loves prayer soon becomes the son of God.”

“The marriage which men contract is a perishable thing, but let us choose for ourselves the marriage which perishes not, and the marriage feast which never ends.”