Divine grace
Identifying prelest in its particular manifestations is called discernment (or discrimination) of spirits. The virtue of discrimination "is greater than any other virtue; and is the queen and crown of all the virtues". According to Orthodox Holy Fathers, it corresponds to a very high degree of spiritual age and requires "three renunciations" (Evagrius, St. John Cassian, St. John Climacus): separation from the world, inner fight with passions, acquisition of prayer and deep spiritual knowledge. True discrimination comes after a long previous experience of fighting with passions. The source of discrimination is in the action of Divine grace and the virtue of humility.