Our pursuit is not simply of knowledge, but that of holiness. This pursuit of wisdom and knowledge that leads to the sanctified life in Christ is no small task, the holy. For this reason, St Paul the Apostle went into Arabia and Damascus for three years (Gal 1:17), St Antony was called to the Inner Mountain (Life of Antony, 49), and St. Simeon atop the pillar. For this sake St. Athanasius followed him and then returned to the city to defend. For this purpose St Cyril of Alexandria would research, write, defend and declare the mysteries from Sacred Scripture. 

Evagrius of Pontus warned us when studying such blessed saints, “Do not merely speak with pleasure about the deeds of the fathers, but demand of yourself also the accomplishment of the same and great labors.” Indeed, our task is not simply to lecture about, listen to, or recall their accomplishments in the spiritual life and the holy study of God, but to join and emulate them. 

This calling of ours should not be neglected—either that of study, or that of holiness. Let the Holy Spirit guide us along this journey to find Him, understand His ways, and rejoice in what He has bequeathed us with. 

Our beloved saints lived a simple life searching for God in all places, in all activities, and for His glory in every way. In our world today, which becomes increasingly complicated and confusing, we need to return to this simple study of God, a journey that lifts one to the high calling of the faithful. 

This journey starts to examine one’s life closely as if in a mirror (Life of Antony, 7). And continuously reveals mysteries to those who seek with all their heart (Deu 4:29), revealing to the humble and meek, those who persevere against obstacles, day by day, hour by hour the counsel of the hearts (1 Cor 4:5).

Those faithful who neither grow weary in doing good (2 Thess 3:13) nor are discouraged in their souls (Heb 12:3), but had persevered with patience and labored for the sake of the Lord (Rev 2:3) and so shall reap in due season.

Our sincere desire that you have the Spirit of God in you, with all vigilance, understanding, and excellent wisdom (Dan 5:14). For you are our joy and crown (Phil 4:1), our glory and joy (1 Thess 2:20), and we hope to send you forward on your journey in a manner worthy of God (3 Jn 1:6).

For without objection or controversy, great indeed is the Mystery of Godliness (1 Tim 3:16).  

We will continue to ask of our Loving Lord: 

We that You teach us (Job 42:4). For we have heard You but soon we shall see (Job 42:5). We shall see what no eye has seen, nor ear heard. Reveal Your face, and we shall be saved (Psa 79:4).

You have tested me and known my heart, examined me and known my paths (Psa 138:23). Grant us a watchful mind, a humble thought, a virtuous conduct, and pure life (Absolution Prayer of Veil).

We eagerly follow after You with all our hearts and seek Your face (Dan 3:41). We desire to conform to the words of Your every commandment (4 Kgs 23:3). You brought us down to the deep, like a horse through the desert (Isa 63:13), and the Spirit guided us through the plain (Isa 63:14). You lead us with Your right hand in glory as sheep (Psa 76:21), with signs and wonders and great power (Baruch 2:11). And so, we shall fall before the exalted throne of glory as our sanctuary (Jer 17:8). For You are our hope (Jer 17:3) that is an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that does not fade away (1 Pet 1:4).