Encyclical

 1 HolyAndGreatLent1999|   Orthodox tradition.~Orthodox asceticism, as experienced by our holy
 2 HolyAndGreatLent1999|      our ultimate deification. Asceticism is the way towards deification.
 3 HolyAndGreatLent1999|       our salvation depends on asceticism as such, and not from the
 4 HolyAndGreatLent1999|       from salvation.~Orthodox asceticism also constitutes an expression
 5 HolyAndGreatLent1999|     joy.~Furthermore, Orthodox asceticism is subject to the Canons
 6 HolyAndGreatLent1999|       sacred warfare.~Orthodox asceticism does not constitute contempt
 7 HolyAndGreatLent1999|     such false teachings about asceticism. The hymns of the Triodion
 8 HolyAndGreatLent1999|     the Triodion teach us that asceticism is a "beginning of compunction
 9 HolyAndGreatLent1999|     body". ~Moreover, Orthodox asceticism has an eschatological character.
10 HolyAndGreatLent1999|       character. The labour of asceticism is mingled with the foretaste
11 HolyAndGreatLent1999| purpose and result of Orthodox asceticism is complete obedience to
12 HolyAndGreatLent1999|    natural phenomena. Orthodox asceticism aims at healing the above
13 HolyAndGreatLent1999|      to the wicked demons. All asceticism then that harbours vainglory
14 HolyAndGreatLent1999|       fruit of sacred Orthodox asceticism is also the crown of virtues,
15 HolyAndGreatLent1999|      of the law. Every form of asceticism is essentially the result
16 HolyAndGreatLent1999|      It is clear that Orthodox asceticism has no connection or relationship
17 HolyAndGreatLent1999|      forms of eastern mystical asceticism or western psychosomatic
18 Christmas1998       |        of each of us is one of asceticism and struggle, one of navigating
19 Pascha1998          |    those who bear the cross of asceticism and follow the monastic