Story
Father Pistus relates to us that he went with six of the solitary monks to Father Sisoes in the region of Clysma, seeking from him a word of profit. He answered them that he was but a simple, unlearned man, yet he would content himself with recounting to them what had taken place before his own eyes when he visited the two fathers Or (Hor) and Athreh.
Father Sisoes spent several days in the company of these two solitaries, Or and Athreh, who lived together. The first was known for his humility and the second for his obedience.
Father Or had been ill for eighteen years. When a small fish was brought to him, Father Athreh wished to prepare it for him; but no sooner had he struck the fish with the knife than Father Or called him. He left it at once in obedience, without saying, "Wait a little, until I have cut up the fish." Father Sisoes asked him from where he had attained such obedience, and he answered that he had learned it from Father Or. Then he said to him, "Wait, and you shall see for yourself."
Athreh cooked part of the fish and then deliberately spoiled it, and he set it before Father Or. The elder ate it and uttered not a word. And when Father Athreh said to him, "Is it good, O elder?" he answered, "It is very delicious." Then he cooked the other part and did not spoil it, and he set it before Father Or. When the elder had eaten it, Athreh said to him, "I spoiled it," and the elder answered him, "Yes, you spoiled it a little."
Thus Father Athreh said to Father Sisoes, "Do you see how my obedience comes from the obedience of the elder Or?"