Fsather Damaskinos Katrakoulis remembers:

Father Damaskinos Katrakoulis remembers:

“Sometimes the inexperienced sisters, studying

the exploits of the Saints, felt disappointed,

comparing their experiences with the holy experiences of those. The Grandfather [Father Damaskinos] would advise them with discernment and encourage them with his gracious words. Once, then, a little

sister complained to him:

—Elder, I have no tears in prayer.

And he replied:

—When the fruit is unripe, it has no juice.

 When, however, it ripens, then it has both juice and sweetness and is fragrant, please! So do you too... When

you ripen in spiritual life, you will have both tears

and the fragrance of the Holy Spirit”

.

BIBLIOGRAPHY. ARCHIMANDRITE IOANNIS KOSTOF. THE MELODY OF HAPPINESS. PUBLICATIONS OF THE HOLY MONASTERY OF SAINT JOHN OF DAMASCUS. OROPOS 2025