22. Evergetis - Dumbarton Oaks

ELEVENTH CENTURY
that is to live and conduct yourselves virtuously and breathe in nothing else, if possible, than the
word of salvation and everything that is for the edification and benefit of your soul, furthermore to
banish from you the source of all evils, I mean the love of money and the love of power, and the
filching and secret acquisition of the monastery’s possessions or in any other way at all to set aside
and store up anything whatsoever which the superior has not approved nor the rule given to you
has allowed, not only that but as a result of carelessness or some other act of disregard to allow
something belonging to the monastery to disappear. For that is the same as the former case, even
if it seems to be somewhat different, and brings the same liability in the presence of God. You
must root out familiarity as much as possible and, that I may be brief, banish everything that does
not lead to salvation.
So, my children and brothers, let us in no way prefer the things that harm, and pass by those
that bring salvation; for nothing of what has been handed on to you is impossible or hard to
accomplish. But if one of these [instructions] were to be thought of as such, perhaps by some of
those who are weaker, yet let us strive, let us persevere, let us endure, let us bear it nobly, let us
force ourselves a little. For we did not abandon the world for indulgence and luxury, but for
exertion and to strive as much as we could to gain the good things that were promised. Therefore
let us force ourselves, let us force ourselves, as has been said; “for the kingdom of heaven has
suffered violence, and men of violence take it by force” (Matt. 11:12). 37 No one has ever gained a
triumph by being careless, no one has triumphed over his enemy by sleeping and dreaming. Crowns
and triumphs belong to those who run well, toil, strive, persevere in the labors of battles. “Through
many tribulations,” the Lord says, “we must enter the kingdom of heaven” (Acts 14:22). So then
I beseech you all to “lead a life worthy of your calling” (Eph. 4:1), “present your bodies holy to the
Lord” (cf. Rom. 12:1), “love one another” (John 15:12), “run well the race that is set before you”
(cf. Heb. 12:1). Whatsoever is good, whatsoever is beloved of God, consider these things (cf. Phil.
4:8). Do not fail to do the things “you have heard and learned” (Phil. 4:9). My brothers, “the
appointed time has grown very short” (I Cor. 7:29). Remember your souls and our insignificance,
do not forget us in your prayers. [p. 91]
43. Concerning the reading of the typikon at the beginning of each month.
I instruct you to read the present typikon at the beginning of each month during your meal-times,
to remind you of your instructions and for the benefit of your souls. For in that way you will be
convinced about your own salvation, if you have kept well what you received from your fathers
and are paying back to me in the Lord my wages for rearing you with this spiritual upbringing and
instruction. “The God of peace who called us to his eternal glory” (Heb. 13:20–21), through his
great and unspeakable goodness confirm and strengthen you in his holy will through his onlybegotten
Son Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the All-holy Life-giving Spirit, to whom
belong all glory, honor, worship, and majesty now and always and for ever and ever, Amen. Glory
to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
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