Never Relax Your Discipline

They said of Ammoi that though he was ill in bed for several years, he never relaxed his discipline and never went to the store cupboard at the back of his cell to see what was in it. Many people brought him presents because he was ill. But, even when his disciple, John, went in and out, he shut his eyes so as not to see what he was doing. He knew what it means to be a faithful monk.

God is Everywhere

Daniel and Ammoi once went on a journey together. Ammoi said, "Do you think we might rest for awhile in a cell, abba?"

Daniel said to him, "Who can separate us from God? God is in the cell, he is also outside in the world."

What do you think of me?

At first Ammoi said to Aesius, "What do you think of me?"

Aesius said, "You are like an angel, abba."

Later on, Ammoi asked again, "What do you think of me?"

Aesius replied, "You are like Satan, for even if you speak a good word, it is like a sword to me."

For the Soul's Good

They say of Ammoi that when he went to church, he did not let his disciple walk beside him, but made him follow a long way behind. If the disciple came near to ask him something, he gave him a brief answer and sent him back at once, saying, "I'm afraid that while we are talking for the soul's good, some irrelevant words will be spoken; that is why I don't let you walk by my side."

~~Icon of a monk by Ann Lang