A visitor came to the Koutloumousiou Monastery one day and asked how he could meet Elder Paisios. Upon learning that the man was coming from Athens, the monk, who was at the door asked him in turn if he knew Elder Porphyrios. The visitor answered yes and then the monk asked: "So why did you bother to come here, since God is there with Father Porphyrios?"
"Father," he replied "I went to Elder Porphyrios and when I entered his cell I saw him lying and sick in his bed. I told him that I had a problem and that I had come to consult him to tell me what to do. The the elder did this: In his cell he had a parrot, flying from furniture to furniture. He made a move with his hand and ordered the bird to enter his cage. Indeed the parrot went and watched us from there. Elder Porphyrios then turned to me and said in a somewhat harsh tone: "Did you see my little child? The parrot, when I told him to get in the cage obeyed and went in. But you have no intention of obeying whatever I tell you, so I can't tell you anything at all."
But instead of humbling himself, he thought he would find a way out of his trouble, not having the desire to obey, going from one enlightened holy elder to the other.
But all the efforts and expenses were in vain!
God does not respond to our will, but to our sincere humility.
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