The monks asked the great Abba Ischyrion: "What have we done?" "We have fulfilled the commandments of God," Ischyrion replied.

"And what will those do who come after us?" "They will do what we do, but only half as much."

"And those after them?" "Before the end of time, they will not keep the monastic rule, but such misfortunes and temptations will befall them that, through their patience during those assaults and temptations, they will prove themselves greater than us and our fathers in the Kingdom of God."

The Prologue of Ohrid, Vol. I
5 February, Reflection