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You write that you were honored to receive the holy image, and for this you ask for my forgiveness: I have no complaint against you for this; but I see your inconstancy: after vowing not to ask anyone about this, you became a criminal of this. I am not writing to say that I am grieving that you did not receive it from me, but to show your inconstancy, and I would not agree to this, except in the event of a visible death. But now there is nothing left to do, and (according to the proverb): “When you pick up a tug, don’t say that it’s not strong”; we must remember that this image is: an abyss of humility and a pillar of patience, according to the word of the holy fathers; One must also place oneself in such a dispensation. And they had no right to betray you to me; for this tradition comes from the abbot for obedience: “Receive, father and brother,” and so on, but what power do they have over me - to oblige me to answer for the souls of others? And I don’t accept this. I do not deny writing to you and answering in bewilderment: but in such severity, I do not dare accept responsibility for my soul. You think that you have complete obedience and trust to me, but instead of how much I wrote to you, so as not to get into squabbles about the estate and to be satisfied with what they will give you; but you did everything according to your own will, and as a result you lost your physical health and did not improve your mental health; Yes, this is not the end yet: you will still be seducing and searching for your property, but is this consistent with your current title? Yes, and I cannot instruct you as I should; for it happened more than once that when I wrote something that was not for you, you were offended at me. Just accepting an image will not help at all, without deeds befitting it: selflessness, humility, patience, love, etc. Not only rules are required from us, but correction of life. Read the books of St. fathers: St. John Climacus, St. Dorothea. St. Ephraim, etc.; Everywhere you will find that without patience, without love and humility you cannot be saved; and when you humble yourself and endure whatever comes your way, you will be saved; - I truly wish that the Lord will direct your path to salvation, and for this I pray for His goodness; I remain multigr. hierome Macarius. June 2, 1851. You might be interested in: