"The enemy is found entrenched and fully armed at all three points which constitute man..."

The enemy is found entrenched and fully armed at all three points which constitute man: soul, body and environment. He doesn’t miss any opportunity to pressure man and to test his faith. The devil, according to each circumstance, attacks and opposes our decisions. His main goal, however, is to hurt our faith and to humiliate man as a traitor and denier. If he manages to do this, he dampens man’s desire and zeal. Everything takes place for the sake of faith, but, at the same time, faith upholds all things. If faith is shaken, then all things quiver and the front line bends.

- Elder Joseph the Hesychast (1898-1959)