Psenthaisius

Abba Psenthaisius, Abba Surus, and Abba Psoius said, “When we heard the words of our Father Abba Pachomius, we were greatly benefited and stirred to zeal for good works. But when we saw that even while he was silent his conduct itself was a word, we marveled and said to one another, ‘We used to think that all the saints were made that way by God from their mother’s womb—holy and unchangeable, without freedom of choice—and that sinners could not live piously because they too had been created that way. But now we see the goodness of God clearly in this Father of ours: though born of pagan parents, he has become so devout toward God and adorned with all God’s commandments. Therefore all of us too can follow him, just as he follows the saints. This is exactly what Scripture says: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” Let us therefore die with this man and live with him, because he leads us rightly to God.’”