Philokalia Ministries

The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXIX, Part VIII

May 1, 2025
A study of extreme ascetic practices and the strange lengths early fathers took to pursue God. Conversations about dining, fasting, and avoiding occasions of sin. Reflections on formation, clerical discipline, and protecting youth from spiritual harm. Practical guidance on prayer rhythms, removing attachments, and cultivating a thirst for God.
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INSIGHT

Meal Fellowship Creates Spiritual Intimacy

  • Sharing meals creates intimacy that must be guarded in monastic settings to prevent inward attachments and temptation.
  • Father David explains monks avoided eating with women; the Eucharist replaces such intimacy by nourishing the soul with Christ.
ADVICE

Avoid Overeating To Preserve Ascetic Discipline

  • Avoid satiation of bodily appetites because overindulgence in food weakens fasting and makes one vulnerable to other passions.
  • Father David warns monks who love food instead of fasting will lose control and become sluggish in prayer and watchfulness.
INSIGHT

Avoid Near Occasions That Stall Progress

  • Near occasions of sin can prevent spiritual progress even if one resists them; presence of temptation often stalls growth.
  • Father David notes living with a boy may avoid sin yet still block a monk's progress by creating attachment.
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