Regarding Amma Isidora: “Never did she insult any one nor grumble nor talk either little or much, although she was cuffed and insulted…”

Abba Barsanuphius lived in a community of monks in the Gaza area of Palestine. He lived during the first half of the sixth century, near the tail end of the Desert Fathers and Mothers.

"...interior peace brings forth all the virtues, preserves the monk from the burning darts of the enemy, and does not allow him to be wounded by them."

Abba Poemen said, ‘Many become powerful, but few eminent.’  He also said, ‘Men speak to perfection but they do precious little about it.’ 

Amma Sarah is one of the many elusive mothers and fathers of which little is written, but what is recorded is tantalizing. The few quotes that have been preserved show a woman that is humble, insightful, and quick-witted.

“He looked just like an angel. He was about ninety years old and had a snowy white beard down to his chest. And his face was so radiant that the sight of him alone filled one with awe.”

"Abba Sisoes used to say that the way that leads to humility is abstinence, unceasing prayer to God, and the struggle to be lower than every man."

​"Within the heart are unfathomable depths. It is but a small vessel and yet dragons and lions are there, and poisonous creatures and all the treasures of wickedness; rough uneven paths are there, and gaping chasms."

Throughout Christian history, story of saints and martyrs have often been subject to embellishment. I have always maintained that if the true stories are recorded and handed down, they will have far more impact than any fabricated tale, regardless of how incredible the story.

“O God, Creator of heaven and earth, cast on me an eye of pity: deliver me from my miseries: teach me the true way of pleasing you, and it shall be the whole employment, and most earnest study of my life to serve you, and to do your will.”

Paul the Simple was a simple man. History tell us that he joined himself to Abba Anthony at the age of sixty after learning of his wife’s affair.

Abba Anthony, the “Father of the Monks,” was born of wealthy parentage around 251 AD. Around the age of eighteen, his parents had both died, when he heard the words of Christ in the Gospel of Matthew, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possession and give the money to the poor…then come, follow me.”