The elder said: 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 and then pray. It requires an attempt to take the mind to the divine space. Study is […]

“Let us love silence till the world is made to die in our hearts. Let us always remember death, and in this thought draw near to God in our heart – and the pleasures of this world will have our scorn.” St. Isaac the Syrian

THE BEGINNING OF SALVATION A Sermon on the Occasion of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos The mystery that transpired upon this day awes not only the human mind; it likewise astonishes all angelic, exalted minds. They, too, are amazed at how God, Who is without beginning — Who is unencompassable, unapproachable — how […]

My Sweetest Mother, Most Holy Theotokos, please continue praying for me to your Son! Please continue helping me with everything, because I don’t have the strength to do it alone. I strongly need your intercessions..! May His Will be done, not mine. All my hope I place in you, O Mother of God: keep me […]

Enter not into judgment with me, bringing before me the things I should have done, examining my words and correcting my impulses. But in Thy mercy overlook my sins and save me, O Lord almighty. Penitential Canon of St. Andrew

Evil is corrected by good; faults by love, kindness, meekness, humility and patience. Acknowledge yourself as the greatest of sinners. Of those who appear to you to be sinners, or are sinners in fact, consider yourself worse and lower than all. Be rid of all pride and malice against your neighbor, all impatience and bad-temper, […]

TEN HELPFUL IDEAS FOR GREAT LENT 1. Regardless of how you fast, fast every single day. This type of fasting helps wear down the passions and build spiritual endurance. 2. Know exactly what the fasting regulations are and try to approximate them as best you can. Each Lent, try to be more strict yet humble. […]

We need always to have thoughts of love for our brothers and sisters… We need to have goodness and love in our soul… Man has such powers that he can transmit good or evil to his environment. These matters are very delicate. Great care is needed. We need to see everything in a positive frame […]

God is long-suffering and merciful to you: this you experience many times every day. Be long-suffering and merciful to your brethren, also fulfilling the words of the Apostle, who thus speaks of love before everything: “Love suffereth long, and is kind.” You desire that the Lord should rejoice you by His love, rejoice on your […]

Fast as much as you can, make as many prostrations as you can, attend as many vigils as you like, but be joyful. Have Christ’s joy. It is the joy that lasts forever, that brings eternal happiness. It is the joy of our Lord that gives assured serenity, serene delight and full happiness. All-joyful joy […]