Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden18 Nov 2025

Episode 47: Modes of Combat

Abba Netras thrived in the desert. Life was simple. His soul was at peace.

Then the Church called him to be a bishop in the city. Suddenly his quiet life was over.

How did Bishop Netras respond?

This week, we see that true discernment means recognizing when your old routines no longer serve you—and having the courage to enter new modes of spiritual combat.

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This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit exodus90.com to learn more.

Visit desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.

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We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today!

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