Once, a woman asked St. Porphyrios why he was happy, even though his health had been seriously endangered. To this, he responded:
"Read the Holy Scriptures, go to
Church, have a father confessor, partake of the Holy Mysteries--in one word,
become a good Christian--and then, you will find the joy that you are seeking.
You see that I am sick now, but I am joyful. Thus you, when you come a bit
closer to Christ, will find joy in your life."