Евлогий, ученик патриарха блаженного Иоанна Милостивого

A certain Eulogius, a disciple of the Patriarch Blessed John the Merciful, a great ascetic, with the rank of presbyter, fasted for two days, and sometimes for a whole week, eating only bread and salt, and was glorified by people. He came to Panethos to Abba Joseph, hoping to see his asceticism even more strict. The elder received him joyfully and offered him everything he had at the meal. Seeing this, the disciples of Eulogius said to the elder: “The presbyter eats nothing but bread and salt,” but Abba Joseph continued to eat in silence. Eulogius spent three days with him and did not hear him and his disciples singing psalmody, did not see them praying, because their feat was secret. Eulogius left with his disciples without receiving any benefit. By God's providence there was fog; They lost their way and came again to the elder’s cell. Standing outside, they heard that psalmody was being sung in the cell. After standing for a long time, they knocked. Abba Joseph received them with love. Because of the heat, the disciples of Abba Eulogius poured water into a cup and gave him a drink. The water was from the river, but mixed with sea water; Such water was always used by those who lived with Abba Joseph. Eulogius could not drink this water, and asked the elder: “What does this mean?” The elder answered: “My brother, somewhat lacking in reason, mistakenly added sea water to the river.” Eulogius fell at the feet of the elder and said to him: “Abba! For the sake of the Lord, reveal to me the secret of your asceticism: because when we were here, you were not engaged in psalmody; and when we accidentally returned to you, we found you engaged in psalmody. Also: your water was good before, but now it turns out to be salty.” The elder answered this: “My son! a small cup of wine and fresh water were provided for the sake of love, and the water that you have now tasted is constantly consumed by the brethren. A monk must always keep his feat in secret - not do anything for show, even down to the smallest trifle.” And Elder Eulogius taught the reasoning of thoughts, cutting off from him all undertakings out of pride and people-pleasing. Eulogius said to the elder: “Your life is exactly according to God.” He received great spiritual benefit, from that time he began to eat the food offered to him, and kept his feat secret 279. You might be interested in: