+ St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite

"Know that for God, nothing is easier than to help you overcome the enemy - whether they are few or many, old and strong, or new and weak. Only, with Him, everything comes in its proper time and order.

Therefore, even if a soul is burdened with sins, defiled by every vice imaginable, even if it has done everything in its power to abandon sin and return to the path of righteousness, and yet has completely failed - falling ever deeper into sin - let it not despair.

The most important thing is not to weaken in hope in God, not to turn away from Him or abandon one's spiritual struggle. Let such a soul continue to fight - with itself and with its enemies. For know this; in this invisible warfare, only he is not defeated who continues to fight and place his hope in God."

+ St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite