“Just as a calm and sheltered harbour provides great security to the ships moored there, so does the temple of God: when people enter it, it snatches them away from worldly affairs as from a storm, and gives them the capacity to stand and listen to God’s words in calm and security. This place is […]

In Leviticus 10, the prohibition against drinking alcohol prior to divine services (verse 8) immediately follows the tragic account of Nadab and Abihu (verses 1-7), a fact suggesting that these two priests may have been intoxicated when they undertook the unauthorized liturgical rite that cost them their lives. In any case this latter incident discloses […]

How often does man raise questions when he wants to make a start in something for the Lord’s sake, saying, ‘Is there really comfort in this?’ Or, ‘How can I easily make headway in this without toil?’ Or, ‘Perhaps there is tribulation in this, which causes the body pain?’ Do you not observe how high […]

The wondrous love of God toward man is recognized when man is in misfortunes that are destroying his hope. Here God manifests His power for man’s salvation. For man never recognizes the power of God in tranquility and freedom.” St. Isaac the Syrian

“If but ten among us lead a holy life, we shall kindle a fire which shall light up the entire city.” St. John Chrysostom

Whether we pray for ourselves or for others, the prayer must be from the heart. The problems of others should become our problems. You have to prepare for prayer. Read a bit of the Gospel or the Gerontiko and then pray. It requires an attempt to take the mind to the divine space. Study is […]

“I firmly believe, however, that what a child receives in the course of his upbringing is not the knowledge that his parents happen to have or the advice they give, however wise it may be, but above all what his parents themselves are. We do not offer children what we know; rather, we offer them […]

PRAYERS FOR EVERY HOUR OF THE DAY O Lord, of Thy heavenly bounties, deprive me not. O Lord, deliver me from the eternal torments. O Lord, forgive me if I have sinned in my mind or my thought, whether in word or in deed. O Lord, free me from all ignorance and forgetfulness, from despondency […]

‘How should one pray?’ The old man said, ‘There is no need at all to make long discourses, it is enough to stretch out one’s hands and say, “Lord, as You will, and as You know, have mercy.” And if the conflict grows fiercer say, “Lord, help!” He knows very well what we need and […]

It’s good for one to set aside some part of the day in which to maintain quiet. He should examine himself in order to recognize his passions and struggle to overcome them and thus purify his heart. Elder Paisios of Mt. Athos