On the Progressive Holiness of the Saints

Elder Paisios the Athonite 1924-1994

Saints, of course, have human holiness and not the divine perfection, which Christ has. Therefore, we should not be scandalized if we see some minor imperfection among the Saints’ many virtues. Neither should we take as an example an imperfection they had at the outset of their spiritual journey, thereby justifying our weaknesses. At the beginning of their spiritual education, God trained them by withdrawing His grace for a time, that they might come to know their human weakness, be humbled and receive Divine Grace redoubled, and so that we would have them as examples. (Epistles p. 147: A Small Blessing of a Few “Nuts”: Holiness)