Bishop Methodius (Kondratiev) of Kamensk and Kamyshlov.
What is the difference between a layman and a monk? The difference in terms of obedience is very simple: a monk does as he is asked, and a layman does as best he can. And this is a big problem. When you tell laymen to do something, they always try to do as best they can. But you have to do as you are asked. The main goal is the unity of the spiritual father and the obedient, and the rest is a means to this unity. The spiritual father asked you to do something, you did it - and you have contact, unity with the spiritual father, with his thought, you grow together with him in soul. And the rest is a means: cabbage, firewood ... Do as he has asked, and you will receive the most important thing that Christ prayed for before his suffering: That they all may be one, as We are one. That there may be one will. Obedience is the unity of will, when two beings merge in one act. Confessor and obedient, husband and wife, father and children.
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