1. Abbot Antony said: I saw the nets of the enemy lying spread out over the earth; and I cried out, "Alas, who shall escape these?" And a voice answered, "Humility."
2. It is told of Blessed Arsenius, that on Saturday evening he turned his back on the setting sun, and, stretching out his arms toward heaven, did not cease to pray till the sun rose before his face in the morning.
3. Abbot Agatho was zealous to fulfil every duty.
If he crossed a ferry, he was the first to take an oar.
If he had a visit from his brethren, his hand was first, after prayer, to set out the table.
For he was full of divine love.
4. The novice of Abbot Sisoi often had to say to him, "Rise, father; let us eat." He used to make answer, "Are you sure we did not eat just now, my son?"
The novice replied, "Quite sure, my father." Then the old man said, "Well, if we did not eat, come, let us eat."
5. A president came to see Abbot Simon; and some clerks, who got to him first, said to him, "Now, father, get ready! Here comes the president for your blessing; he has heard a great deal about you."
"I will get ready," said the abbot. So he took some bread and cheese, and began munching at the door of his cell.