One time, St. Nikodimos, on a feast day...

…was walking toward the Great Lavra (on Mt. Athos). On his way he came across a kellion where he spent the night. At midnight, he saw a geronda* and his accompanying monks entering the church. He secretly went in also, and there he saw the elder and his subordinate monks uttering the Jesus Prayer,** sometimes in a kneeling position, sometimes standing up. And at the time of the Holy Communion, he saw all their faces shining only a little less dimly than the sun.

from An Athonite Gerontikon

• “a monk distinguished for his saintliness, long experience in the spiritual life, and special gift for guiding the souls of others,” Elder Paisios, Athonite Fathers and Athonite Matters, 1993.

** “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”