The Elder also reacted against all factional and sep­aratist tendencies within the Church. He viewed this as the amputation and division of the united body of Christ. He wanted the improvement of Christian com­munity life to come from the sanctification of persons, embodied in the Church, not cut off from it, whether obvious or not. He pointed out to us that in His prayer (John 17) just before His sacrifice on the cross Christ fervently called upon his heavenly father for the unity of Christians, with the link of His own love, within His unbreakable Church.

It was midday on Great Thursday 1979· I was alone that day, on purpose, to think about the meaning of that great day. At some point, I remembered Fr. Porphyrios. My gaze turned to the telephone and a strong desire to speak with him formed within me. Where would I find him on such a day? Perhaps he came into my mind him­self, like a secret invitation? I had discovered the tele­phone number of the apartment he was staying at, hidden away from the masses, while recovering from some prob­lems with his health. I crossed myself and dialled the number. Immediately, on the other end of he line the clear, gentle voice of the Elder was heard. It was God’s will that we should talk. Then a spiritually moving rite of mystery took place that lasted for over an hour. I wel­comed his words like the thirsty earth welcomes rain. I tried to understand him as much as I could. I also men­tioned my own thoughts and reminded him of things he had said in the past, connecting them with what I was now saying. It was a lively conversation that was relaxing for me, and, it seemed, for the Elder too. Because at some point he said, “Well, bless you, kid! You remember a lot, but don’t write it down, don’t talk about it. I don’t know what happens to me when it comes to you. I become very talkative and I don’t want to stop. You draw me and I pull you in. We are both alike.”

His words moved me, especially the last phrase, which surprised me. How was I like the Elder? How could night be like day? How could lukewarm water that gets cold be like hot water that boils? However, the Elder did not make worldly compliments. Whatever he said was true. Later, I found a logical answer to my questions, with the thought that he perhaps meant our innate char­acter. Of course, that did not mean that we were not as far apart as heaven and earth with regard to utilizing our innate characteristics.

The Elder had reached the maturity of holiness. Whereas, when I stood next to him I was like an “aged infant”, responsible for my spiritual infancy. For that rea­son, his remark troubled me more than it made me glad. The Elder was the servant who received “five talents” and “traded with them and made another five talents.” I was the servant who received “one talent” and “went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money” (see Matt. 25: 14-30).

The Elder talked to me about many other things in that unforgettable telephone conversation. I especially remember the words he offered me with a slight grum­ble, yet with warm love towards Christ, “I’m sick in bed. I really wanted to go to Church on such an important day like today, so that I could hear the service of Christ’s Passion. I especially wanted to hear the Gospel according to St. John where Christ prays to His Father, “that they may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You” (Jn. 17:21). If we all lived that unity of Christ with His Father there would be no discord or division within the Church.

Instead, we would all be one, brothers and sisters in Christ.

From the book: With Elder Porphyrios: A spiritual child remembers

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Πληροφορίες γιὰ τοὺς τίτλους τῶν Ἐκδόσεων τοῦ Ἱεροῦ Ἡσυχαστηρίου μπορεῖτε νὰ βρεῖτε ἐδῶ