How to Benefit from the Holy Liturgy - Pope Kirillos Scientific Family

“…Our father Abba Paul of Tammoh...” Abba Paul of
Tammoh was the disciple of Abba Bishoy, and they are
always mentioned together in the church's praises and
prayers. What characterises Abba Paul is his spiritual
struggle in the ascetic life, until the Lord Himself appeared to
him saying, "Enough struggle My beloved Paul," and Abba
Paul lovingly answered, "Let me exhaust my body, my
Master for Your name’s sake, as You exhausted Yourself for
mankind, You the God and Son of God gave Yourself for us,
we the unworthy sinners!" So the Lord consoled him and
strengthened him. “…and Ezekiel his disciple…”, we do
not know much about him, but it is enough for him to be the
disciple of St. Paul of Tammoh, and it is definite that he
resembled his great spiritual father in his spiritual struggle,
humility and obedience which enabled him to live in
submission and obedience for a long time. Try to learn from
the life and spiritual struggle of St. Paul of Tammoh, and the
obedience of Ezekiel his disciple, and ask for their help in
your prayers.
“…My masters the holy Roman fathers Maximus and
Domitius…”, who were the sons of King Valentianus.
Leaving the King's palace, throne and greatness, they became
monks in the desert of Syria. Then they came to Egypt and
became disciples of St. Macarius the Great, the father of the
wilderness of Scetes, and lived their life in strict ascetisicm
until they passed away. We can learn from them to renounce
worldly concerns, such as money, possessions, authority,
leadership, honour and praise, so that we may win rather the
everlasting honour in eternal life with Christ the King of
glory.
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