African Saints (from the Prologue of Ohrid)
July 3rd: Isaiah the Recluse (ca. 429) Lived as an ascetic in Sketis, Egypt and Palestine. While mentioned in the writings of Abba Barsanuphius and John, many of his own instructions for monks were destroyed by Muslims.
A Word from the Fathers & Mothers
Prayer and asceticism are in vain for a man who conceals within himself malice toward his neighbor and desire for revenge. “Watch with all your strength that you do not speak one thing with your mouth and have something else in your heart.” Abba Isaiah the Recluse, from the Prologue of Ohrid
“The teacher ought to be a stranger to the desire for domination, vain-glory, and pride. One should not be able to fool him by flattery, nor blind him by gifts, nor conquer him by the stomach, nor dominate him by anger. But, he should be patient, gentle, and humble as far as possible. He must be tested and without partisanship, full of concern, and a lover of souls.” Amma Theodora, from the Sayings of the Desert Fathers
Desert Fathers Dispatch 