Very Important to listen

Listen to a similar story about Saint Paisios. Father Paisios had left the monasteries of Mount Athos and went to the town where he made a promise to God. He said that if God saved him from trouble, he would come and repair the broken house of the Mother of God. He worked hard in that town, often attacked and accused of lying and immoral behavior, but he dedicated himself to asceticism despite the temptations from the devil.

One encounter involved a woman who came to him with offerings of candles and incense. Father Paisios, sensing her hypocrisy, harshly told her to leave and not come back until she stopped her sinful ways. The woman left weeping. However, God intervened, and after a short time, the temptation left her. She then purified her heart and realized she had never faced such carnal temptation before. In a fit of desperation, she took an axe, intending to harm herself to escape the temptation's grip. Instead, she ended up limping and climbing a mountain where she hoped wild animals would come to eat her, thinking that would end her struggle.

At that moment, she fainted and questioned why she faced such trials. The Holy Spirit within her prompted her to reflect on her own actions. The voice pointed out the difference between true ascetics like Saint Paisios and people with ulterior motives. 

Many years later, a scandal arose when a journalist sought to interview the saint. The journalist reported seeing a monk behaving poorly, who claimed he only knew Father Paisios, who treated him with kindness even in his drunken state. 

Another humorous encounter involved an older monk who wanted to share water with the reporter but had a fine glass that fell into a cistern. The old monk told him to jump in and retrieve it. This act of humility and humor was part of the saint's everyday life.

In the years leading to his death, Saint Paisios showed great compassion and grace. He comforted those around him, including those who struggled with sin and indulgence. These moments highlighted the genuine love and mercy of the saints. Even today, people continue to find the spirit of the holy mountain alive, illustrating the enduring legacy of these true servants of God.