“Naturally, we monks and nuns leave this world and abandon relatives and friends in order to enter the large family of Adam – God’s family. But for the laity, who live in society, it is important that they maintain relationships with relatives and friends who live a spiritual life so that they will be helped. The Christian who is struggling in the world is helped when he has relationships with spiritual people. No matter how spiritually one lives, one needs – especially in our present time – good fellowship with others. Contact with spiritual people is most beneficial – even more so than spiritual study – because the joy of  this spiritual relationship provides a great impetus to one who struggles spiritually.”

–  ‘Spiritual Awakening’