Авва Евпрений

1. Abba Euprenius said: “The name carnal denotes everything material. He who loves substance loves stumbling and tribulation. If we happen to lose something material, we must accept the loss with joy and confess that it has delivered us from care” 289. 2. The brother asked Abba Euprenius for guidance on how to live? The elder answered: “Eat grass, dress in grass, sleep on grass; the heart of a covetous iron" 290. 3. He said: “Saint David prayed at all times (unceasingly) (Ps. 33:2): prayed at midnight, before dawn, prayed at dawn, prayed in the morning, at noon and in the evening. That’s why he said: “During the day of the week we praised Thee” (Ps. 119:164) 291. 4. He said: “Let poverty in your food, fear of God, crying and humility abide with you” 292. 5. He said: “Knowing that God is faithful and omnipotent, believe in Him, and you will be a partaker of His benefits. If you become discouraged and remain inactive, then you do not believe. We all believe that God is omnipotent - we believe that everything is possible for Him; but show your faith in Him by deeds, and He will work miracles in you” 293. 6. The brother asked Abba Euprenius: “How does the fear of God come into the soul?” The elder answered: “If a person humbles himself, is not covetous, if he abstains from condemnation, then the fear of God will come to him” 294 . 7. Once Abba Euprenius was robbed: he helped the thieves take out of the cell what was in it. The thieves took everything out, and taking what they had taken out, they left. Only the elder’s staff remained in the cell. The elder, seeing this, was saddened. Taking the rod, he went after the thieves and gave them the rod; but they did not want to accept him on suspicion of some intent against them in the elder’s action. The elder, having met some people walking along the same road, begged them to take the rod and hand it over to the thieves 295. Alphabetical Patericon and Memorable Tales. You might be interested in: