”In this world there is nothing more difficult than to be saved.” Elder Sophrony The force of the truth of these words struck deep in my heart.  We often encounter, in ourselves and in others, the attitude which suggests that Salvation is something that we can leave until later; once, that is, we have taken […]

“The goal of reading is the application, in our lives, of what we read. Not to learn it by heart, but to take it to heart. Not to practice using our tongues, but to be able to receive the tongues of fire and to live the mysteries of God.” Elder Paisios the Athonite

“We are not to restrict God’s presence in the world to a limited range of ‘pious’ objects and situations, while  labeling everything else as ‘secular’; but we are to see all things as essentially sacred, as a gift from God and a means of communion with him. It does not, however, follow that we are […]

“Humility is the greatest of the virtues. If as a result of sincere repentance it is implanted in you, you will also be given the gift of prayer and self-control, and will be freed from servitude to the passions. Peace will suffuse your powers, tears will cleanse your heart, and through the abiding presence of […]

‘The Word took on flesh so that we could receive the Holy Spirit… God became a bearer of flesh (sarcophore) so that we might become bearers of the Spirit (pneumataphores).’ St. Athanasius

“Who is so great a God as our God?” Today is our first kneeling since Easter. It signifies that after these fifty days of Paschal joy and fulness, of experiencing the Kingdom of God, the Church now is about to begin her pilgrimage through time and history. It is evening again, and the night approaches, […]

“I ask you to try something. If someone grieves you, or dishonors you, or takes something of yours, then pray like this: “Lord, we are all your creatures. Pity your servants, and turn them to repentance,” and then you will perceptibly bear grace in your soul. Induce your heart to love your enemies, and the […]

“Love is the essence of the holiness of the Church.” Fr.  Alexander Schmemann

“Give thanks to God for everything. Try to be manly. Pull yourself together a bit. Do you know what Christians are suffering in other countries? But here many exhibit indifference. There’s not enough disposition to kindness, love of devotion. Today we continue to call ourselves Orthodox Christians, but we don’t live Orthodox lives.” Struggle with […]

“A marriage which does not constantly crucify its own selfishness and self-sufficiency, which does not ‘die to itself’ that it may point beyond itself, is not a Christian marriage. The real sin of marriage today is not adultery or lack of ‘adjustment’ or ‘mental cruelty.’ It is the idolization of the family itself, the refusal […]