Seek the simplest in all things, in food, clothing, without being ashamed of poverty. For a great part of the world lives in poverty. Do not say, “I am the son of a rich man. It is shameful for me to be in poverty.” Christ, your Heavenly Father, Who gave birth to you in the baptistery, is not in worldly riches. Rather he walked in poverty and had nowhere to lay His head.

The rich exist for the sake of the poor. The poor exist for the salvation of the rich.

This photo captures a Vatopaidi monk in a clearing from Athos’ forests while harvesting dill amongst the wild flowers.