By the late Metropolitan Kosmas of Aetolia and Acarnania
Forgive me, I do not wish to speak about my personal moments. But since I was asked to mention some of my personal experiences from my contact with Saint Paisios, I will simply recount a few events, solely for the benefit of us all....
As a young priest I approached the Sacred Cell of the Honorable Cross of Kapsala on Mount Athos, where Fr. Paisios was practicing asceticism before settling at Panagouda. With much fear I went to meet him, but also to lay before him my problems. Within myself I had formed an image of an imposing monk who would impress us and instruct us.
When we entered the cell and Saint Paisios received us, we encountered not an imposing monk, but a simple, humble, modest, though neatly kept, yet poorly dressed monk, who shone with the grace of God, radiated love, and whose words were seasoned and Spirit-bearing. He received us with his spiritual embrace wide open and gave us rest.
