During the fight, at the time of the struggle, the demons shoot arrows powerfully and wound us. They try to convince the soul that it is impossible for the passions to subside, so that the struggler slackens, loses his fortitude, and gives up.
But the struggler must realize the deceit of the demons and be patient and brave, saying, “Life or death —it is better to die for God rather than live with negligence and remorse.” If he resists with this kind of knowledge and bravery, the dragon of the abyss, who devours the whole world with his cunning, departs until an opportune time —not that he is afraid, but he departs so that he will not cause the struggler to win crowns, for he sees the zeal of God surrounding him.
Translated by Dr. Nick Stergiou
The deceit of the demons
