From: rich <richarra@gmail.com>

June 5th - St. Dorotheus of Gaza, Abbot
6th Century

In his youth he had zealously studied secular science. "When I sought
worldly knowledge," wrote the abba, "it was very difficult at first.
When I would come to take a book, I was like a man about to touch a
wild beast. When I forced myself to study, then God helped me, and
diligence became such a habit that I did not know what I ate, what I
drank, whether I had slept, nor whether I was warm or not. I was
oblivious to all this while reading. I could not be dragged away by my
friends for meals, nor would I even talk with them while I was
absorbed in reading. When the philosopher let us go, I went home and
washed, and ate whatever was prepared for me. After Vespers, I lit a
lamp and continued reading until midnight." So absorbed was Abba
Dorotheus in his studies at that time.

He devoted himself to monastic activity with an even greater zeal.
Upon entering the monastery, he says in his tenth Instruction, he
decided that his study of virtue ought to be more fervent than his
occupation with secular science had been.

One of the first obediences of Abba Dorotheus was to greet and to see
to pilgrims arriving at the monastery. It gave him opportunity to
converse with people from various different positions in life, bearing
all sorts of burdens and tribulations, and contending against manifold temptations. With the means of a certain brother St Dorotheus built an infirmary, in which also he served. The holy abba himself described
his obedience, "At the time I had only just recovered from a serious
illness. Travellers would arrive in the evening, and I spent the
evening with them. Then camel drivers would come, and I saw to their
needs. It often happened that once I had fallen asleep, other things
arose requiring my attention. Then it would be time for Vigil." St
Dorotheus asked one of the brethren to wake him up for for Vigil, and
another to prevent him from dozing during the service. "Believe me,"
said the holy abba, "I revered and honored them as though my salvation
depended upon them."

For ten years Abba Dorotheus was cell-attendant for St John the
Prophet (Feb. 6). He was happy to serve the Elder in this obedience,
even kissing the door to his cell with the same feeling as another
might bow down before the holy Cross. Distressed that he was not
fulfilling the word of St Paul that one must enter the Kingdom of
Heaven through many tribulations (Acts 14:22), Abba Dorotheus revealed
this thought to the Elder. St John replied, "Do not be sad, and do not
allow this to distress you. You are in obedience to the Fathers, and
this is a fitting delight to the carefree and calm." Besides the
Fathers at the monastery of Abba Seridus, St Dorotheus visited and
listened to the counsels of other great ascetics of his time, among
whom was Abba Zosima.

After the death of St John the Prophet, when Abba Barsanuphius took
upon himself complete silence, St Dorotheus left the monastery of Abba
Seridus and founded another monastery, the monks of which he guided
until his own death.

Abba Dorotheus wrote 21 Discourses, several Letters, and 87 Questions
with written Answers by Sts Barsanuphius the Great and John the
Prophet. In manuscript form are 30 Talks on Asceticism, and written
counsels of Abba Zosima. The works of Abba Dorotheus are imbued with a
deep spiritual wisdom, distinguished by a clear and insightful style,
but with a plain and comprehensible expression. The Discourses deal
with the inner Christian life, gradually rising up in measure of
growth in Christ. The saint resorted often to the advice of the great hierarchs, Sts Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and Gregory of
Nyssa. Obedience and humility, the combining of deep love for God with
love for neighbor, are virtues without which spiritual life is
impossible. This thought pervades all the writings of Abba Dorotheus.

In his writings the personal experience of Abba Dorotheus is felt
everywhere. His disciple, St Dositheus (February 19), says of him,
"Towards the brethren laboring with him he responded with modesty,
with humility, and was gracious without arrogance or audacity. He was good-natured and direct, he would engage in a dispute, but always
preserved the principle of respect, of good will, and that which is
sweeter than honey, oneness of soul, the mother of all virtues."

The Discourses of Abba Dorotheus are preliminary books for entering
upon the path of spiritual action. The simple advice, how to proceed
in this or that instance, together with a most subtle analysis of
thoughts and stirrings of soul provide guidance for anyone who
resolves to read the works of Abba Dorotheus. Monks who begin to read
this book, will never part from it throughout their life.

The works of Abba Dorotheus are to be found in every monastery library
and are constantly reprinted. In Russia, his soul-profiting
Instruction, together with the Replies of the Monks Barsanuphius the
Great and John the Prophet, were extensively copied, together with The
Ladder of Divine Ascent of St John Climacus and the works of St
Ephraim the Syrian. St Cyril of White Lake (June 9), despite his many
duties as igumen, with his own hand transcribed the Discourses of Abba Dorotheus, as he did also the Ladder of Divine Ascent.
The Discourses of Abba Dorotheus pertain not only to monks, but this
book should be read by anyone who aspires to fulfill the commands of
Christ.


Saint Quote:
Let us stand fast in what is right and prepare our souls for trial. .
.. . Let us be neither dogs that do not bark nor silent onlookers nor
paid servants who run away before the wolf.
--Saint Boniface

Bible Quote:
What shall I render to the Lord
for all his bounty to me?
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the Lord (Ps. 116:12-13) RSVCE


<><><><>
PRAYER IN TIME OF SUFFERING

Behold me, my beloved Jesus,
weighed down under the burden of my trials and sufferings,
I cast myself at Your feet,
that You may renew my strength and my courage,
while I rest here in Your Presence.
Permit me to lay down my cross in Your Sacred Heart,
for only Your infinite goodness can sustain me;
only Your love can help me bear my cross;
only Your powerful hand can lighten its weight.
O Divine King, Jesus,
whose heart is so compassionate to the afflicted,
I wish to live in You;
suffer and die in You.
During my life be to me my model and my support;
At the hour of my death,
be my hope and my refuge.

Amen.
--- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2
* Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4)