Elder Ambrose Lazaris said the following:
"When, my child, you see wild beasts in the wild, make the sign of the cross over them and talk to them.
Don't leave immediately, but don't disturb them either.
The bear, let's say, if you don't disturb it, it doesn't disturb you.
I once slept next to a bear and we prayed together.
Man, however, disturbs you with words, kills you with his tongue and eyes.
Today he has become worse than the animal.
Therefore, prayer and repentance are needed."
Source: From the book Γέρων Αμβρόσιος Λάζαρης, Ο πνευματικός της Μονής Δαδίου, Ο επιστήθιος φίλος του αγίου Πορφυρίου, Translation by John Sanidopoulos.
"When, my child, you see wild beasts in the wild, make the sign of the cross over them and talk to them.
Don't leave immediately, but don't disturb them either.
The bear, let's say, if you don't disturb it, it doesn't disturb you.
I once slept next to a bear and we prayed together.
Man, however, disturbs you with words, kills you with his tongue and eyes.
Today he has become worse than the animal.
Therefore, prayer and repentance are needed."
Source: From the book Γέρων Αμβρόσιος Λάζαρης, Ο πνευματικός της Μονής Δαδίου, Ο επιστήθιος φίλος του αγίου Πορφυρίου, Translation by John Sanidopoulos.