Chapter 79
On the Disclosure of Thoughts and Spiritual Guidance
79.2.1 The mercy of God be with you!
79.3.1 Everything you have said and done regarding those who come to you for counsel is entirely correct. And there is nothing to add to that. It is written: To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.[1] Is it not good to give necessary counsel when you know what is needed? Of course it is good. So we must act accordingly.
79.4.1 At the tonsure there are sponsors. And so they become elders to those being tonsured. It is a great pity that in our monasteries such guidance has not been established as a canonical practice—that there should be eldership and the revelation of thoughts with questioning. This is how the enemy works wickedness: for questioning, counsel, and the revelation of thoughts are terrible to the enemy.[2] Yet although this has not been formally instituted, in practice it exists and is carried out everywhere. When there is a need, those who are in need go right away to those from whom they hope to receive what they’re looking for.
79.5.1 N. A novice should endure, otherwise he’ll get used to wandering about, and nothing good will come of it. I don’t involve myself in monastery affairs. The archimandrite Father conducts affairs according to his own judgment. He is a wise administrator.
79.6.1 May the Lord bless you with every blessing!
79.7.1 For guidance, always keep at hand the book of Barsanuphius and John, the Ladder, and the writings of Abba Dorotheus. Many cases are resolved there... By them you can decide others as well.
79.8.1 Your well-wisher
79.9.1