An Edifying Quote.......

[DavidHawthorne]

I was doing my morning readings the other day and came across a quotation that reminded me of an area in which I have often fallen short. It involves a sinful behavior which I find I am least aware of in myself when I also happen to be most guilty of it- so it was a real blessing to have it brought to my attention. The quote was in Johanna Manley's The Bible for Orthodox, p.708:
"One of the elders used to say: in the beginning when we got together we used to talk about something that was good for our souls...But now we get together and spend our time in criticizing...And we drag one another down into the abyss." The Paradise of the Fathers

[尼古拉前执事]

On the same note, here's one by Saint Basil the Great, "Fasting means controlling the power of fire and closing the mouths of lions."

[DavidHawthorne]

I have not heard that quote before- thank you for sharing it!