The following was written by Fr. Dionysios Tatsis, in his 2004 book Διδαχές Γερόντων [Teachings of the Elders]. In light of the fires in Evia, and especially the fire that engulfed the Monastery of the Venerable David this past week, it is particularly interesting to read.
When I went to the monastery [of the Venerable David in Evia], Elder Iakovos Tsalikes [+ 1991] was talking about how, due to old fires, the surrounding mountains were naked and only a few pine trees and fir trees existed. So as I was going about my various duties, I had seeds and pine cones in my pocket and I sowed them all over the area. I also prayed that the forest be protected, especially from fires, which are caused by the envy of the devil, who puts his agents there to destroy the forests.
