Hieroschemamonk
St. Joseph of Optina (Litovkin)
Ivan Efimovich Litovkin
(November 2, 1837, the village of Gorodishche, Kharkov province – May 9, 1911, Optina Hermitage). He acquired the fullness of spiritual gifts from the Lord, and many experienced his gift of insight and healing. He didn't have long conversations with anyone, being able to express the most important things in a few words.
Discernment
As a ray of the sun cannot penetrate fog, so the speech of a person who, although educated, has not mastered his passions cannot affect the soul.
But he who has vanquished the passions and acquired spiritual understanding finds access to every heart, even without formal education.
Original quote
Quotes from Russian saints
