"We cannot limit ourselves to the active life alone, but should combine it with intellectual occupations, so that with their help we can remorselessly keep the inner state in its right order. We should invariably link contemplation to action and action to contemplation. When the two are joined they quickly enable the soul to advance, cleansing it from evil and strengthening it in good. See the writings of Abba John Kolobos and Abba Poemen (two monks from 5th century Egypt); but the same teaching can also be found in all the ascetic writers."
- St. Theophan the Recluse. "Work, Inner and External." The Art of Prayer: An Orthodox Anthology, Timothy Ware, ed., Faber and Faber, 1966, p. 235.