pachorn~an ko~nonla - Alin Suciu

Take refuge
in God
Forgive your
brother
Mt 18:22.
Cf. Mt 535.
AE 5:41.
Pachomian Koinonia III
The Instructions of Saint Pachomiw
58. If you ever have a disagreement with a her, because I made you suffer'. Your tears
brother who has caused you to suffer by a wo
; a great joy comes from the tears, peace
or if your heart wounds a brother by saying, '
s into place between you, and the Spirit of
does not deserve that', or if the enemy hints to you
d for his part shouts with joy, Blessed the
of someone that, 'He does not deserve that praise' cemakers,for they shall be calledsons of God. M~. 5:s.
if you agree with this suggestion and thought o
en the enemy hears the sound of this voice
the devil, if the warfare of your thoughts in- ng out he is made ashamed, God is glorified,
creases, if you are in dispute with your brother,
and you are the object of a great blessing.
knowing that, There is no balm in Gilead or doc- 60. Now then, my brother, let us do battle ament tat ion
tor in your company, without delay take shelter against ourselves, for darkness falls on different
in solitude with the conscience of God, weep
sides. The churches are filled with quarrellers
alone with Christ, and the Spirit of Jesus will
and wrathful people; monastic communities have
speak to you through your thoughts. He will con-
become ambitious; pride reigns: there is no one
vince you of the fullness of the commandment.
left who is dedicated to his neighbor; on the con-
For what need is there of your struggling alone, trary, Every man has crushed his neighbor. We ~i 7:~.
making yourself like a beast, as if this venom were
are plunged into suffering. There is neither prophin
you?
nor gnostic. No one wins over another, for
59. Remember that you, too, have fallen of
ardness of heart abounds. Those who underten.
Have you not beard Christ say, Forgive your and keep silence, for the times are evil. Each cf. A~ 5:12.
brother seventy times seven?' Have you not often
one is his own lord. They are contemptuous men
wept while praying, Forgive me thegreat numbe
taking unseemly actions.
of my sins?÷ Now then, if you insist on the little
your brother owes you, the Spirit will immediate-
61. Now then, my brother, be at peace with
your brother. Pray for me, too, for I can do noth-
Be at peace ~ith
your brother
ly set judgement and the fear of chastisement
ing, but I am tormented by my desires. As for
before your eyes. Remember also that the saints
you, be watchful in everything, toil, do the work
deserved to be mocked; remember that Chr of a preacher, be steadfast in trial. Stay in the cf. e ~m 4:5.
was mocked, insulted, and crucified because
combat of the monastic life right to the end, with
you. Then he immediately fills your heart wi
humility, mildness, and trepidation at the words
mercy and fear, and you fall on your face weep-
you will hear, keeping your virginity, avoiding
ing and saying, 'Forgive me, my Lord, for I have
lack of moderation, and those wretched strange
made your image suffer'. Immediately in the con-
words; abiding not without the writings of the
solation of repentance you get right to your feet saints, but firm in faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. cf. I P 5 9.
and run to your brother with an open heart, a
happy face, a joyous mouth, radiating peace.
And smiling at your brother you say, 'Forgive me,
gh whom glory to him, to his good Father,
d to the Holy Spirit for ever and ever1 Amenl