Gleanings from Orthodox Christian Authors and the Holy Fathers

sorrow

Sorrow works in two ways: it is like water because it quenches all the fire of passion with tears and washes the soul clean of stains, and it is like a fire which gives life by the presence of the Holy Spirit. It kindles, blazes up, and warms the heart, and inflames it with love and desire for God. St. Symeon the New Theologian, The Practical and Theological Chapters