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Saint Paisios of Mount Athos often taught that in the spiritual life, joy and sorrow are closely connected. Spiritual joy is not the same as worldly happiness—it comes from faith, humility, and closeness to God. At the same time, sorrow (when it is spiritual and not despair) can help a person become more humble, repentant, and inwardly purified.
In his teaching, difficulties and trials are not seen as meaningless pain, but as part of a deeper process that can lead to true inner peace and joy.
