The task of modern Cross bearers

In times past, when heresies prevailed, many chose death through martyrdom and various tortures. Now, when we through the grace of Christ live in a time of profound and perfect peace, we learn for sure that cross and death consist in nothing else that the complete mortification of self-will. He who pursues his own will, however slightly will never be able to observe the precepts of Christ the Saviour.
St Symeon the New Theologian