My child, be silent, humble, obedient till death; be ready to sacrifice yourself by cutting off your will, even if it seems like a real martyrdom—this is what self-denial means. When you keep all this advice, fear nothing—no evil—neither from the demons, nor from men, for whoever keeps the divine commandments is kept by God from every evil. Do not be abrupt when you answer; no matter how they criticize you, say, “Bless.”
subm. no. 13
paragraphs: 4-8 from pages 194-195
From the book
Councels from the Holy mountain
Selected from the letters and homilies of Elder Efraim of Arizona
Selection of passages from the book by Silviu Podariu
