Preface to the Flower-Gathering
We do not know whether this divine father Elias, who is also called the Ekdikos (defender), was that Elias of Crete who studied the Words of Gregory the Theologian, or whether he was someone else. And as we know the doer by his deeds, it is clear from these chapters that he was a man who ascended to the height of external wisdom, and even more so of spiritual wisdom, which is the better kind; for every sensible person will feel the power in his words and the abundant glory of his virtues. We also saw them, and marveled at the abundant fruits of moral and spiritual teaching, and truly enjoyed them. The power of words and the glory of virtues, like leaves, cover the fruits and give them unspeakable beauty, which is why they are called goodnesses. From these Words, we have prepared readings for the table of those fathers and offer them for the satisfaction of those who love them [the Words], inviting them to enter this wonderful and fragrant flower garden, planted with many and high shoots of spiritual words and watered with the sweetest streams of wisdom, and we ask them to sit in its shade, so that they too may enjoy not only the streams of active love of wisdom, but also eat to their fill of the fruits of mental contemplation. When you carefully read what is written, you will find the advice and testament of zealous lovers of wisdom, which, like a spring, pours out the dew of instructive words, compiled by the efforts and labors of Elias—the most humble presbyter.