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Orthodox Texts

"And they continued steadfastly in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:42)

"So I entered the place where I usually prayed ... At once I was so greatly moved to tears and loving desire for God that I would be unable to describe in words the joy and delight I felt then. I fell prostrate on the ground ... a great light was shining on me. It seized hold of my whole mind and soul. I was struck with amazement at the unexpected marvel. I was in ecstasy ... The light scattered whatever mist there was in my soul, and cast out every earthly care. It drove out from me all physical denseness and bodily heaviness ... A great spiritual joy was poured into my soul, in an indescribable fashion ... a sweetness surpassing every taste of visible objects ... so all of my mind and my soul was concentrated on the ineffable joy of that light." (St. Symeonthe New Theologian describing mystical prayer.)

"I am very well. Very happy. I live in a large cell, alone, in a place like Paradise ... a village near the sea. The Fathers live in small communities of two, or three, or alone. They make incense or prayer ropes, carve crosses, paint icons or go fishing in their boats. I have been here two years, and they have been the happiest years of my life. An old Father taught me how to make wine. You will try it when you come." (From an account by a modern hermit living on Mount Athos in Greece.)

"Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle." (2 Thessalonians 2:15)

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