Saint Maximus Kavsokalyvites

A life of faith

Maximus entered monastic life as a young man and received guidance from several elders before settling on Mount Athos. His received life emphasizes devotion to the Theotokos and sustained practice of the Jesus Prayer. For a time he moved between temporary shelters, concealing his ascetic work behind behavior others considered foolish. Gregory of Sinai later urged him to stop wandering and establish a permanent dwelling so that other people could benefit from his experience. Maximus accepted that counsel and became available as a spiritual guide. His commemoration remembers both a desire for hidden prayer and a willingness to change his practice after receiving advice.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

Be willing to reconsider a practice when trusted counsel shows another person's need. Maximus's response to Gregory links hidden prayer with the humility to accept correction.

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