“All of this [spiritual blessings] was the fruit of our holy Geronda’s prayers, teaching, and wise discipline. It was because of his tears that he shed for us. He himself admitted it. When they asked him, ‘Geronda, why are you fasting so strictly after being so exhausted?’ He answered, ‘Because, my child, I want to struggle so that our good God will give his grace to all of you.'”
(Elder Joseph the Hesychast)

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