There is no other virtue so great
The man who endures accusations against himself with humility has arrived at perfection. He is marveled at by the holy angels, for there is no other virtue so great and so hard to achieve.
- St. Isaac the Syrian
On the purpose of Christian life
When the mind forgets the purpose of Christian life, then even the clear fulfillment of virtue becomes profitless.
- St. Mark the Ascetic
Do not fear the conflict
Do not fear the conflict, and do not flee from it; where there is no struggle, there is no virtue. Our faith, trust, and love are proved and revealed in adversities, that is, in difficult and grievous outward and inward circumstances, during sickness, sorrow, and privations.
- Saint John of Kronstadt
Flee suffering?
Virtues are connected with suffering. He who flees suffering is sure to be parted from virtue. If you desire virtue, give yourself up to every kind of suffering. For suffering engenders humility. Until we have attained true knowledge, we advance toward humility by means of trials. He who rests on his virtue without suffering has the door of pride open before him
- Saint Isaac the Syrian
