The Vision of St. Paisios the Great of St. Constantine the Great

This icon of Saint Paisios the Great depicts a vision he had of Saint Constantine the Great, his contemporary who passed away before him. Below are the words which Saint Constantine spoke to this great ascetic.

"I am Constantine the Great...
I descended from heaven to reveal to you
the glory which monks receive
in heaven, and the closeness and boldness
they have towards Christ...
I blame myself and I condemn myself,
for not having been granted this great rank of the Monastics...
I am unable to bear the loss, which I experienced...

I do not have the same boldness as the Monastics,
nor equal honor towards them...."