Once, the most devout Elder Joasaph...

…(of Mt. Athos) offered Abrahamian hospitality to some lay. Unfortunately, even though they had a very pleasant time, they were scandalized, because it seemed to them that the monks lived an easy life. Whereas, in fact, he himself lived very monastically. Since it was difficult for the laymen to understand this, Elder Joasaph thought it would be a good idea to take them round the huts of Kapsala, so that they might benefit in another way, since they didn’t have good thoughts.

After they visited a few of the ascetics and the laymen were startled, he took them to the hermitage of Elder Tryphon. When they saw the elder in such complete ascetic abandonment, they were amazed! The humble Elder Joasaph said to the visitors, “I, myself, who am acquainted with people, have neither the joy of Elder Tryphon, nor the companionship he shares with wild animals and the birds of the air. To convince you of this, I will call them first.”

He called for the birds to gather, but nothing happened. Soon afterwards, Elder Tryphon appeared with a pitcher to offer them some water. Father Joasaph said to him, “What sort of place is this Elder Tryphon? There is not a single bird here!”

The elder replied in all his simplicity, “What do you mean, no birds?” He gave a call and the place was filled with various birds fluttering all around him. Some perched on his shoulders and others on his cap! The visitors marveled and left spiritually benefited, glorifying God.