“Although he was very strict with himself when he heard a monk say “Spiritual Father I can’t do my prayer rule,” he found alternative solutions for the monk. You can’t do 150 prostrations? Do 100 – but I can’t even do that many. – Well then add to your prayer rule another four lots of 300 prayer ropes with the sign of the cross instead of the prostrations. – I still have difficulty, Elder. – Well then leave it and I will do it for you until you are strengthened. Only don’t leave obedience and the services. Usually this method worked with many and the good thing was that most times he won. The brothers sense of honor was eventually pierced with the thought, “My spiritual father, an old man, is doing the prostrations for me. I should be ashamed.”
Elder Haralambos
~Elder Haralambos Dionysiastis