How a monk overcame the demon of acedia

Once, after struggling with acedia in this way, I stood for five or six hours straight as a candle. But it is clear that this greatly angered Satan. Suddenly, while I was praying, I heard some wailing, which resembled that of a woman who cries when her child dies. When I turned around, what did I see? A black and frightening arap was standing outside my cell. For a moment, I was frightened, but immediately God helped me to recover, and I asked him: “Who are you and what business do you have here at this hour?” And he answered me angrily: “I am the demon of acedia. I'm leaving, monk! I'm leaving! You have burned me! I will not get through with you!” And having said this, he immediately disappeared.

My son, I tell you this so that you understand who we are dealing with in monasticism and take the necessary measures.

– Elder, I confess that I am amazed by these things I hear. But where do I get such zeal to sit in prayer for five or six hours like a candle?

– Well, I did not say that you should sit for five or six hours. But do not be surprised, for this is not our merit. Believe me, when grace helps me, I forget that I am standing. And God does not keep grace only for Himself, but gives it to all who have goodwill. If only I were as unscattered as you! Ah, if you knew how much I envy you! Unfortunately, administrative duties take up most of my time. How good it would be if I could sit in seclusion for a few hours, so that my soul would be satisfied with prayer! I advise my monks to stand as long as they can at the beginning of the vigil. I have some who keep their vigil in their cell almost all the time, standing. Others, when they get tired, instead of sitting down, kneel a little and then stand up again. Once, a monk said to me, “Elder, when I stand, I get tired. If I sit down, I doze off. Then I kneel down, but after a while I doze off again. What should I do?” I replied to him: “There is another way to drive away drowsiness. Say the prayer out loud, walking. (…) Satan has a close alliance with the body. When he sees you hurting his friend, he cannot bear it, and therefore, he leaves.”

Use all these means too, my son, and God will help you. Come on, go with Christ's blessing and come back to me so I can find out what you did wrong.

Abbot Haralambies

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