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**GypeFeeshyTes** · 10-29-2007, 04:33 PM

Hmm... honestly my dear sister in Christ, Effie, I went to the grave of Geronda Paisios and did not see anything bad with the monastery... I am not trying to deny the things you expereinced, or doubt them, but maybe these things are temptations dear Effie to discourage you in your spiritual path. I know because I have experienced them myself, but of course in other settings. It is wonderful though of you not to allow such things to impact your faith and love for God. And thank God first for giving you grace not to be affected and for protecting you. As a Father has said God allows these things to happen in the Church so we do not put our hopes and trust in anyone, but solely on God. Also the fact that someone is related closely, or distantly, like I, with Geronda Paisios does not make them by default saints, or even good. I am sure if you meet me you will run away from the stench of my sins. We as Orthodox do not believe in the infallibility of people.

All you say is true Nina and one of my (many) faults is the fact that I want nuns and priests to be people I can respect, forgetting that, as you say, none of us is infallible.

I usually use my husband as a sort of sounding board because he is so calm and thoughtful and also deeply religious. The fact is that he had the same impression of this monastery. Too much money, a lack of warmth, etc.

We visited last year and as I said we intend to visit again, because Elder Paisios is buried there. We both love his books and the books about him.

Effie

10-29-2007, 04:33 PM	#26
GypeFeeshyTes Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 594 Senior Member	Hmm... honestly my dear sister in Christ, Effie, I went to the grave of Geronda Paisios and did not see anything bad with the monastery... I am not trying to deny the things you expereinced, or doubt them, but maybe these things are temptations dear Effie to discourage you in your spiritual path. I know because I have experienced them myself, but of course in other settings. It is wonderful though of you not to allow such things to impact your faith and love for God. And thank God first for giving you grace not to be affected and for protecting you. As a Father has said God allows these things to happen in the Church so we do not put our hopes and trust in anyone, but solely on God. Also the fact that someone is related closely, or distantly, like I, with Geronda Paisios does not make them by default saints, or even good. I am sure if you meet me you will run away from the stench of my sins. We as Orthodox do not believe in the infallibility of people. All you say is true Nina and one of my (many) faults is the fact that I want nuns and priests to be people I can respect, forgetting that, as you say, none of us is infallible. I usually use my husband as a sort of sounding board because he is so calm and thoughtful and also deeply religious. The fact is that he had the same impression of this monastery. Too much money, a lack of warmth, etc. We visited last year and as I said we intend to visit again, because Elder Paisios is buried there. We both love his books and the books about him. Effie
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