Christ is for Saint Paisios, as for all Saints, the true joy that never ends but continually increases and grows. “Only near Christ does one find genuine, authentic joy, because only Christ provides true happiness and comfort.

Where there is Christ, there is genuine joy and heavenly gladness. Those who are far from Christ do not have genuine happiness. They may dream: “I will build this, I will do that, I will go here, I will go there,” they may enjoy honors or indulge in entertainment and rejoice, but the joy they feel cannot fill their souls.

This joy is material, worldly joy, but earthly pleasures do not fill the soul, and a person remains with an emptiness in his heart.