A silent hermit, through his own life has taught us about seeking God. St Isaac of Syria said about the meaning of silence: “If we will put to balance the acts we did on earth and silence, we will see that they are equal. Don’t compare those who make wonders with those who spend their life in silence, filled with knowledge. You need to love more the silence than the deeds of those who are hungry in the world, than turning people towards God. It’s better to unchain yourself from the cuffs of sin than saving slaves from slavery.”

St John Climacus said “Silence is the mother of prayer, turning from the spiritual slavery, success in good deeds and a constant climb to heaven. Jesus Christ himself, in order to show us the use and need of a silent life, from time to time he let aside public sermon and went to silent places, so that he find peace and pray.”

(Translated from Părintele Arsenie Boca, Lupta duhovniceasca cu lumea, trupul şi diavolul, ediție revizuită, Editura Agaton, Făgăraș, 2009, p. 84)