Transfiguration Week/Dormition Fast: Asceticism as The Way

Fr. Vladimir Berzonsky says:

The complete ascetic is given a mystical awareness of the world as the gift of perseverance. It’s like climbing a high mountain – Diamondhead, Everest, or especially Mt. Sinai…. The mystical encounter is the ultimate recompense and incentive for those who eagerly conquer the passions of the flesh and the temptations of this world. This is the secret that true believing Christians are eager to share with all who care to have a part of the ultimate meaning of life.