What are some quotes from Abba John the Short?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

Abba John the Short, known in Coptic as Abba Ioannis Pi-Kolobos, was one of the greatest fathers of the wilderness of Scetis. His life was defined by extreme humility and obedience.

Below are quotes and wisdom attributed to him:

On the Variety of Virtues

Abba Poemen recounted a teaching from Abba John regarding how a monk should approach the spiritual life:

"I would rather have a bit of all the virtues."

This reflects the Alexandrian tradition of balance, suggesting that a Christian should not focus solely on one discipline (like fasting) while neglecting others (like humility or charity), but should strive for a "portion" of every virtue.

On Guarding the Senses

Abba John often spoke about the necessity of inner stillness and protecting the soul from the "winds" of temptation:

"He who sits under a tree and looks at the sky sees the birds flying. If he has a stick in his hand, he can drive them away before they build a nest. It is the same with the thoughts that come into our minds: if we are vigilant, we can drive them away before they take root and become actions."

On Humility and Dependence on God

Regarding the spiritual struggle, he taught:

"I am like a man sitting under a great tree, who sees many wild beasts and snakes coming towards him. When he cannot withstand them any longer, he runs up the tree and is saved. So it is with me; I set myself in my cell and I see the evil thoughts coming against me, and when I have no more strength against them, I take refuge in God by prayer and I am saved from the enemy."

The "Tree of Obedience"

While not a direct quote recorded in words, one of the most famous "living quotes" of Abba John's life was his obedience to his spiritual father, Abba Amoes. When commanded to water a piece of dry wood every day, Abba John did so without question for three years, despite the water being miles away. When it finally bore fruit, his father took the fruit to the brethren and said:

"Take, eat the fruit of obedience."

On the Secret Work of the Heart

He emphasized that the outward appearance of a monk is nothing without the inner labor:

"Humility and the fear of God are above all virtues."

He also taught that one cannot build the roof of a house before laying the foundation; likewise, one cannot reach high spiritual contemplation without first mastering the neighborly love and humility that serve as the foundation of the Christian life.