Selected Quotes of the Fathers on Vainglory, Pride, and Humility

Christ the Bridegroom

 

 

 

 

Selected Quotes of the Fathers on Vainglory, Pride, and Humility

 

"Adam became so proud that he wished to become God and died for his pride; the Son of God humbled Himself unto death, and gave life to the fallen. O abyss of humility! Adam and Eve lost themselves through gluttony, the Lord fasted and died for them, in order to give them life. They were disobedlient, Christ fulfilled obedience."
St. John of Kronstadt - My Life in Christ

"Flee vainglory, and you will be glorified; fear pride, and you will be magnified."
St. Isaac the Syrian - "Ascetical Homilies" (Homily Five)

"Pride does not perceive that it walks in darkness and, as being darkened, it does not know the insight of wisdom. For this reason in its own murky thoughts it elevates itself above all, whereas it is more vile and more feeble than any, and it is incapable of learning the ways of the Lord. And the Lord conceals His will from it, because it did not choose to walk in the path of the humble."
St. Isaac the Syrian - "Ascetical Homilies" (Homily Nineteen)

“The sun shines on all alike, and vainglory beams on all activities. For instance, I am vainglorious when I fast; and when I relax the fast in order to be unnoticed, I am again vainglorious over my prudence. When well-dressed I am quite overcome by vainglory, and when I put on poor clothes I am vainglorious again. When I talk I am defeated, and when I am silent I am again defeated by it. However I throw this prickly-pear, a spike stands upright.”
St. John Climacus - The Ladder of Divine Ascent (Step 22, Section 5)

“An angel fell from Heaven without any other passion except pride, and so we may ask whether it is possible to ascend to Heaven by humility alone, without any other of the virtues.”
St. John Climacus - The Ladder of Divine Ascent (Step 23, Section 12)

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"When pride retreats from a man, humility begins to dwell in him, and the more pride is diminished, so much more does humility grow. The one gives way to the other as to its opposite. Darkness departs and light appears. Pride is darkness, but humility is light."
St. Tikhon of Zadonsk - "Journey to Heaven"

"Pride prevents the soul from setting on the path of faith."
Staretz Silouan - "Wisdom from Mount Athos"

"Humility is a Heavenly siphon which from the abyss of sins can raise the soul to Heaven."
St. John Climacus - The Ladder of Divine Ascent (Step 25)

 

"When blessed Anthony saw all the snares of the devil spread out everywhere, he sighed, and asked God how anyone could ever avoid them. God answered him, 'Humility. It is humility that enables you to escape them all!' And what is more astonishing, He added, 'They cannot even touch you'."
St. Dorotheos of Gaza - "Discourses and Sayings" (On Humility)

 

"...The work of fulfilling the Commandments generates a state of humility."
Abba Dorotheos of Gaza - "Discourses amd Sayings"

"Let us humble ourselves and the Spirit of God Himself will instruct the soul."
Staretz Silouan - "Wisdom from Mount Athos"

Before you start to pray…( St. Theophan the Recluse )

 

So morning or evening, immediately before you begin to repeat your prayers, stand awhile, sit for a while, or walk a little and try to steady your mind and turn it away from all worldly activities and objects. After this, think who He is to whom you turn in prayer, then recollect who you are; who it is who is about to start this invocation to Him in prayer. Do this in such a way as to waken in your heart a feeling of humility and reverent awe that you are standing in the presence of God.



When the mind does in fact wander during prayer, recall it —and do so over and over again. Whenever you have said a prayer while your mind was wandering— and so have said it without feeling or comprehension—never forget to recite again all that you said in this way.




- St. Theophan the Recluse

Elder Paisios: Ease of Life and Christianity Do Not Go Together

 

Despite appearances and the unworthiness of the monks and clergy, the Church is an endless source of miracles. It takes water and makes it Holy Water; it takes bread and wine and makes the Holy Eucharist; it takes man made of dirt and makes him a god! But many people do not see the miracles. Because if they saw them they would not despise or hate the Church of Christ, but they would love and honor Her and would not be talking about Her with contempt as they do.



Christians are destined to bear a heavy cross in their life. It's a difficult thing to say you believe in the Lord and also that you have ease of life in this life. Because, when you are having ease of life on earth, there is something wrong with yourself; you care about the gold of the land and not for the treasures of heaven. But when you think like this, you are far away from the will of God. Christian life and having ease in life do not go together; they are different things.


Once there came here a well-known doctor to talk. His wife was a doctor also, both religious people. He complained that his children were living worldly lives and not only did not follow the family traditions of the Church, but also saw them as ironic.



They characterized Christians as mentally deficient, close-minded, dishonest, hypocritical and rascals, because their life, they would say, was not consistent with their words and their deeds were not Christian.


Even at Holy Unction, which the parents would have done once a year in their home with their children, when they were young they participated, but now were reacting and not to be found.



The doctor seemed very tired and desperate for the spiritual regeneration of his children. And he thought that all efforts, his own and that of his wife, were wasted; they were not captured nor were the children touched.



At some point the doctor, putting his head within his two hands, as if to cover his face with shame, told me: "I am afraid that the big money has done us harm."



I asked him to tell me what he meant, and he very frankly admitted that they had strayed from their path and had acquired assets that were completely unnecessary. "We have three large houses," he said, "one for us and one for each child. Also, two cottages, four expensive cars, a boat, deposits, and many material things."



He continued: "The children became spoiled and now we are accused by them of causing this. Also, they tell us that we have married beautifully wealth with Christianity." He then asked me to tell him what to do to get back peace and unity in the family.



I told him to give all to the poor and keep only one house, a cottage and their salaries. Frightened, he changed color, got scared, and was disappointed by the reply I gave.




He left and never returned. He was tied to the here, not to the Above. That is why the children looked for other ways of life different from that which their parents had suggested.


When I hear that there is great poverty and misery, I hurt a lot and I can not pray.


I'm not saying when you have two tunics to give one. This is unusual and difficult for most. But if you want to be called Christian and have the good things of God, why sweat and fight for the above mentioned and not do charity and good works? They are building their foundation on sand, whoever has a lot of money and manages it selfishly, oblivious to the poverty and misery of his fellows. Did you ever see grave clothes with pockets? All stays here. Only good works go to heaven. You know why there are wars? For the money. Because the rich can not put a bridle on greed and the poor do not wish to acquire the necessary, but envy the riches and glory of the rich.


Your pockets should always be open to allow the money to leave towards philanthropies. It is scandalous that there are pockets full of money and for them to be stitched.

Something No Orthodox Christian Kitchen Should Be Without

It is said that there are two things most Greek cooks do not go anywhere without: a knife and an icon of St. Euphrosynos. For Orthodox Christians, St. Euphrosynos the Cook is the patron saint of cooks and chefs. This being the case, it is traditional for Orthodox Christians to have in their kitchens an icon of St. Euphrosynos. Those unaware of St. Euphrosynos typically follow the western practice of hanging a Leonardo DaVinci inspired "Last Supper" icon. For Orthodox, however, the depiction of the "Last Supper" is more appropriately called the "Mystical Supper", since it was primarily a liturgical event which is often reserved for depiction in the Holy Altar area of a church.

 

 

The life of St. Euphrosynos, who is commemorated every year on September 11th, can be read here, and at the bottom of this link is a prayer to St. Euphrosynos traditionally said before cooking.
Chef's Hats and Orthodox Monastics

It is worth noting, since St. Euphrosynos was an Orthodox monastic on Mount Athos, that tall white chef hats (toque blanche), according to many, have their origins in the black tall hats (kalimavkion) of Greek Orthodox monastics. It is said that in the middle ages, Greek monks who prepared food in the monasteries wore tall white hats so that they could be distinguished from the normal monks who wore tall black hats.

Elder Philotheos Zervakos: "It Is Not With Ease That the Saints Went to Paradise"

It is not with ease that the saints went to Paradise, but they worked and struggled against the three enemies - the flesh, the world, and the devil. To be willing and great, however, they overcame the devil and the desires of the world and the flesh. We need prayer and vigilance.

All the saints were sanctified by humility, because humility generates love and all the virtues. The humble person is the dwelling place of God and the bearer of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. If all the virtues are present and humility is absent, then they are empty, unprofitable, and harmful.

Divine Chrysostom when asked, "when will the end be?", responded, "when shame will be absent from women". And an unspoken prophecy says that the end will come when men will become women and women men. In our days we see these fulfilled.

Be careful, my beloved children, to not have in your mind the earthly, the perishable, and the vain of this world, but raise it to the country above, to heaven. May you remember always the Kingdom of God and quickly you will gain it.

By Elder Philotheos Zervakos

Γέροντας Παΐσιος: "Σήμερα βλέπεις ἕναν νερόβραστο κόσμο"

Ἀπόσπασμα ἀπὸ τὸ βιβλίο "Λόγοι Γέροντος Παϊσίου, Τόμος Β, Πνευματικὴ Ἀφύπνιση", σελ. 45-46

 

 

 

Ρώτησα ἕναν Πνευματικὸ μὲ κοινωνικὴ δράση, μὲ ἕνα σωρὸ πνευματικοπαίδια κλπ: "Τί ξέρεις γιὰ μία βλάσφημη ταινία;". "Δὲν ξέρω τίποτε", μοῦ εἶπε. Δὲν ἤξερε τίποτε καὶ εἶναι σὲ μεγάλη πόλη.Κοιμίζουν τὸν κόσμο. Τὸν ἀφήνουν ἔτσι, γιὰ νὰ μὴ στανοχωριέται καὶ νὰ διασκεδάζει. Μὴν τυχὸν πεῖς ὅτι θὰ γίνει πόλεμος ἢ ὅτι θὰ γίνει ἡ Δευτέρα Παρουσία καὶ γι' αὐτὸ πρέπει νὰ ἐτοιμασθοῦμε, μὴν τυχὸν στενοχωρηθοῦν οἱ ἄνθρωποι.

 

 

 

Σὰν μερικὲς γριὲς ποὺ λένε "μὴ μιλᾶς γιὰ θάνατο, μόνο γιὰ χαρὲς καὶ γιὰ βαφτίσια νὰ μιλᾶς", σὰν νὰ μὴν τὶς περιμένει ὁ θάνατος.

 

 

 Ἔτσι νιώθουν μία ψεύτικη χαρά. Ἐνῶ, ἂν σκέφτονταν ὅτι τὸ τάδε γεροντάκι ποὺ ἔμενε λίγο πιὸ κάτω πέθανε χθές, ὁ ἄλλος εἶναι στὰ τελευταῖα του καὶ θὰ πεθάνει, μεθαύριο θὰ γίνει τοῦ τάδε τὸ μνημόσυνο ποὺ ἦταν καὶ πολὺ νεότερο ἀπὸ αὐτές, θὰ σκέφτονταν τὸν θάνατο καὶ θὰ ἔλεγαν: "Πρέπει νὰ ἐξομολογηθῶ καὶ νὰ ἑτοιμασθῶ πνευματικά,γιατί μπορεῖ κι ἐμένα σὲ λίγο νὰ μὲ καλέσει ὁ Χριστὸς στὴν ἄλλη ζωή".

 

 

Διαφορετικά, ἔρχεται ὕστερα ὁ θάνατος καὶ τὶς παίρνει ἀνέτοιμες. Ἄλλοι πάλι ἀπὸ"καλωσύνη" λένε:" Στοὺς αἱρετικοὺς μὴ λένε ὅτι εἶναι στὴν πλάνη,γιὰ νὰ δείξουμε ἀγάπη". Καὶ ἔτσι τὰ ἰσοπεδώνουν ὅλα. Ἂν ζοῦσαν αὐτοὶ στὰ....

πρώτα χρόνια του Χριστιανισμοῦ, δὲν θὰ εἴχαμε οὔτε ἕναν ἅγιο. Ἔλεγαν τότε στοὺς Χριστιανούς: "Ρίξε μόνο λιβάνι στὴν φωτιὰ καὶ μὴν ἀρνῆσαι τὸν Χριστό". Δὲν τὸ δέχονταν. "Κᾶνε μόνον πὼς ρίχνεις". Δὲν τὸ δέχονταν. 'Μὴ μιλᾶς γιὰ τὸν Χριστὸ καὶ πήγαινε ἐλεύθερος σὲ ἄλλο μέρος",καὶ δὲν τὸ δέχονταν. Σήμερα βλέπεις ἕναν νερόβραστο κόσμο.

Ρῶσος ὀρθόδοξος ἱερέας σώζει 2000 βρέφη ἀπὸ ἄμβλωση

Ἕνας ὀρθόδοξος ἱερέας ἀπὸ τὴν περιοχὴ τοῦ Βόλγκογκραντ(πρώην Στάλινγκραντ) τῆς Ρωσίας ἐπαινέθηκε ἀπὸ τὸ ρωσικὸ Ὑπουργεῖο Ὑγείας, γιὰ τὸ ἔργο του στὴ μείωση τοῦ ἀριθμοῦ τῶν ἀμβλώσεων στὴν περιοχή του. Μὲ τὶς προσωπικές του προσπάθειες μὲ παροχὴ συμβουλῶν καὶ βοηθώντας τὶς γυναῖκες νὰ κρατήσουν τὰ μωρά τους, τὰ ποσοστὰ ἀμβλώσεων ἔχουν μειωθεῖ στὴν περιοχὴVolgograd κατὰ 25 τοῖς ἑκατὸ κατὰ τὰ τελευταία πέντε χρόνια.

 

 

 

 Ὁ πατέρας Alexis Tarasov ἄρχισε τὸ ἔργο διάσωσης ἀνθρωπίνων ζωῶν στὴ δική του ἐνορία στὴν πόλη Voljsk, ὅπου εἶπε ὅτι πέρασε ὧρες μιλώντας μὲ γυναῖκες ποὺ σκέφτονταν νὰ κάνουν ἄμβλωση. Μετὰ ἀπὸ μία περίοδο μὲ ἐπισκέψεις στὸ τοπικὸ νοσοκομεῖο, ἀποφάσισε μαζὶ μὲ ἄλλους ὁμοϊδεάτες τοῦ ἱερεῖς, νὰ δημιουργήσει ἕνα κέντρο κρίσης ἐγκυμοσύνης. Μὲ τὴν ὑποστήριξη τῆς ἐπισκοπῆς του, πλησίασε τὶς τοπικὲς ἀρχὲς γιὰ νὰ.... συμβάλουν στὴ διεύρυνση τοῦ ἔργου.

 

«Τὸ πρόγραμμα ἐγκρίθηκε τὸ 2002 ἀπὸ τὴ διοίκηση τοῦ Voljsk»,δήλωσε ὁ πατέρας Ἀλέξης. "Στὴ συνέχεια, ἀναπτύχθηκε ἡ ἰδέα γιὰ τὴ δημιουργία ἑνὸς περιφερειακοῦ κέντρου, μὲ τὴν ὑποστήριξη τῆς διοίκησης τοῦVolgograd."

Τὸ ἀποτέλεσμα ἦταν ἡ δημιουργία τοῦ Κέντρου γιὰ τὴν Προστασία τῆς Μητρότητας καὶ τῆς Παιδικῆς Ἡλικίας, ὑπὸ τὴν ἐποπτεία τῆς Ὀρθόδοξης Ἰατρικῆς Ἑταιρείας ‘Ἀρχάγγελος Ραφαήλ’. Σύμφωνα μὲ τὸ Ὑπουργεῖο Ὑγείας, πάνω ἀπὸ 2.000 γυναῖκες τοῦVolgograd ἔχουν ἐπιλέξει νὰ ἐγκαταλείψουν τὴν ἀρχική τους πρόθεση νὰ προβοῦν σὲ ἄμβλωση ἀπὸ τὴν ἐποχὴ ἐκείνη.

 

 

 

Ὁ πατέρας Alexis ἐξήγησε ὅτι τὸ ἐπίκεντρό του ἔργου τοῦ εἶναι ἁπλό: νὰ παρέχει στὶς γυναῖκες ἐκπαιδευμένους ἀνθρώπους ποὺ μὲ συμπάθεια θὰ ἀκούσουν τὶς ἀνησυχίες τους καὶ θὰ δώσουν πλήρεις πληροφορίες σχετικὰ μὲ τὴ διαδικασία τῆς ἄμβλωσης καὶ τὶς πιθανὲς ἐπιπτώσεις στὴν ὑγεία καὶ τὴν εὐημερία τους, καὶ θὰ τοὺς προσφέρουν τὸ ὑλικὸ ποὺ χρειάζονται γιὰ νὰ βοηθηθοῦν.

 

 

 

«Ἀρκετὰ συχνά, τὸ μόνο πράγμα ποὺ ἀπαιτεῖται γιὰ νὰ ἀποτρέψουμε μία μητέρα ἀπὸ αὐτὴ τὴν τρομερὴ ἀπόφαση εἶναι ἁπλὰ νὰ μιλήσει σὲ κάποιον μὲ ἀνοιχτὴ καρδιά», εἶπε ὁ πατέρας Ἀλέξης. Ἡ Ναταλία Ermishkina, 31 ἐτῶν, εἶναι μία ἀπὸ τὶς γυναῖκες ποὺ ὁ πατέρας Ἀλέξης ἀπέτρεψε ἀπὸ τὴν ἄμβλωση. Ἡ νεαρὴ μητέρα εἶπε ὅτι εἶχε χάσει τὸ δωμάτιό της στὶς ἐργατικὲς κατοικίες, ἀφοῦ ἐγκαταλείφθηκε ἀπὸ τὸν ἄνθρωπο ποὺ ὑποσχέθηκε νὰ τὴν παντρευτεῖ καὶ νὰ μεγαλώσει τὸ παιδί τους. Ἀπὸ ἀπόγνωση, ἡ Ναταλία ἀποφάσισε νὰ ξεφορτωθεῖ τὸ παιδί.

 

 

 

«Ὁ ψυχολόγος στὴν προγεννητικὴ μὲ ἄκουσε καὶ μὲ συμβούλεψε νὰ μιλήσω στὸν πατέρα Ἀλέξη», δήλωσε ἡ Ναταλία. «Πῆγα σ 'αὐτὸν καὶ δὲν τὸ μετανιώνω. Γέννησα τὴν Ἀλεξάνδρα, καὶ τὸ Κέντρο μὲ βοήθησε ὅσον ἀφορᾶ τὴ στέγαση καὶ τὰ ροῦχα γιὰ τὸ παιδί. Ἔχω μία κόρη, καὶ τώρα ἀρχίζω νὰ πιστεύω καὶ νὰ προσβλέπω σὲ μία καλύτερη ζωή».

"Σήμερα, ὅλες οἱ γυναῖκες ποὺ ἐπιζητοῦν τὴν ἔκτρωση ἀποστέλλονται ἀπὸ τοὺς γυναικολόγους γιὰ διαβουλεύσεις μὲ ψυχολόγους ποὺ ἐργάζονται σὲ κάθε προγεννητικὸ νοσοκομεῖο", δήλωσε ὁ Νικολάι Zarkin, ἐπικεφαλῆς ἰατρὸς τοῦ Κεντρικοῦ Μαιευτηρίου Νὸ 2 στὸ Volgograd.

 

 

 

Ο Zarkin δήλωσε ὅτι μετὰ τὶς διαβουλεύσεις αὐτές, τὸ 20 τοῖς ἑκατὸ ἀπὸ τὶς γυναῖκες ἀρνοῦνται τὴν ἄμβλωση καὶ θέλουν νὰ γεννήσουν τὰ παιδιά τους.

Ὁ πατέρας Ἀλέξης παρέχει βοήθεια γιὰ τὶς μητέρες, ἀφοῦ γεννήσουν τὰ παιδιά τους, μὲ τὴν παροχὴ νομικῆς βοήθειας, καθὼς καὶ μὲ ροῦχα στὸ Κέντρο γιὰ τὴν Προστασία τῆς Μητρότητας καὶ τῆς Παιδικῆς Ἡλικίας, καὶ προσβλέπει στὴν παροχὴ περισσότερων κατοικιῶν.

 

 

 

"Ὅπου εἶναι δυνατό, προσπαθοῦμε νὰ βοηθήσουμε τὶς γυναῖκες ποὺ ἔχουν ἀνάγκη. Ὑπάρχει τώρα μία ὀξεία ἀνάγκη γιὰ τὴ δημιουργία περισσότερων σπιτιῶν γιὰ μητέρες ποὺ χρειάζονται στέγαση. Εἶναι σημαντικὸ νὰ χτίσουμε σπίτια καὶ νὰ τὰ ἐξοπλίσουμε, ἔτσι ὥστε οἱ γυναῖκες νὰ μποροῦν νὰ ζοῦν μὲ τὰ παιδιὰ τοὺς μέχρι τὸ στεγαστικό τους πρόβλημα νὰ ἐπιλυθεῖ", δήλωσε ὁ πατέρας Ἀλέξης. "Ἀλλὰ εἶναι δύσκολο χωρὶς τὴ βοήθεια ἀπὸ τὶς ἀρχὲς καί, χωρὶς εὐεργέτες, νὰ μπορέσουμε νὰ τὸ κάνουμε."

 

 

 

Η Pravoslavie News ἀναφέρει ὅτι στὸν πατέρα Ἀλέξη ἔχει δοθεῖ ἕνα βραβεῖο ἀπὸ τὸ Παγκόσμιο Συνέδριο τῶν Οἰκογενειῶν γιὰ τὸν πολυετῆ ἀγώνα τοῦ ὑπὲρ τῆς ζωῆς.

Raising Christian Children

What are the demands on a Christian parent? How are we to bring up our children as Christians? The main thing is to act like Christians ourselves.

Here is some wisdom from Elder Paisios.

Parents must live like true Christians and be careful of their behavior. Children are like computers; since a very early age, they register in their minds everything they see, or hear happening in their homes. If they see their father and mother quarreling, cursing and using bad language, they record everything in their mind's tape.

 

So, when they grow older, they start cursing and quarreling using their parents language. They behave this way, without really wanting to, but because they have inherited the pathetic behavior of their parents. Later on, when they realize their mistakes, they find it difficult to correct them.
 

 
As a parent every action you take is important when you raise children. It is not necessarily what you say but how you act that teaches them the Orthodox way of life. It's essential to show them the virtues as well as the way to practice their faith Parents should pray with their children, attend Church regularly, participate with them in the sacraments, especially Confession and Holy Communion. A parent's habit becomes the child's habit. This is the way to raise Christian children.

Reference: Elder Paisios of the Holy Mountain, p 124

Trust in God for All Things

Often we feel a conflict from the instruction we receive that tells us to just trust in God and not in our own efforts to take care of ourselves. 

 

 

It seems thought, that if we do not take care of ourselves we become dependent on the handouts and generosity of others and we lose our independence and our self-dignity. So what does it mean to trust in God for all things? This instruction seems a bit counter intuitive.

 

 

Elder Paisios says the following,

When we believe in God and have trust in His fatherly providence and concern, then we do not think of ourselves; instead we know that God is aware of our needs and looks after our problems, from the simplest to the most serious one.

The only things we must want is to allow God’s love and providence to function for us. When we have this kind of faith and inner disposition, we are able to see God’s miracles––God himself––who is always close to us under all circumstances.

I order to experience this we must reject any form of worldly assistance or human hope, and with a pure heart, unhesitatingly and trustfully devote our mind to God. Then the grace of Christ will fill our souls at once.
 

But, what about our well intended efforts to amass material wealth to protect us in the future, our children’s education, our retirement and so forth?

He continues,

 

 

Some people have the wrong impression, however; they think they can be involved in worldly matters and be attached to material possessions, and at the same time, expect the help of God’s providence.

God’s help to people who think this way can be destructive, for it prolongs their attachment to worldly things. God helps them by letting them be exposed to temptations and difficulties; this will eventually make them loath worldly matters and totally devote their hearts to God.
 

I have observed this at work at a local monastery. Three nuns came from Greece without any money and only a small suitcase with a few belongings. This was five years ago. Now they live on a 100 acres plot with a beautiful chapel, a guesthouse, and a residence for four or five nuns.



 They have no debts. In addition there are fully equipped workshops, a large garden and a mini farm with animals. 



 They pray and work diligently giving priority to hospitality. They earn enough for basic needs by making icons and selling religious items to those who visit. But untold times, when cash was needed it showed up at the right time. 


 There was no campaign to raise money. They do not worry about money and trust totally in the God to provide whatever they need knowing that He provides for their needs. And He does.

I cant say this is how I live my life as I rely on a retirement fund to protect me in my older years. I have numerous insurance policies for health, auto and home. Although, I have experienced as I let go of accumulated wealth, God does provide in new ways.

 

 

 

A final thought from the Elder,

 

 

We must totally rely on God’s providence as this is the only way to be relieved of our anxiety and worries... To trust divine providence one must free himself from all worldly concerns and wait for God to look after him.... He must overcome his love for money and trust in it and then rest all his hopes on God and he cannot do both at the same time.
 

With this I struggle

.

Source: Elder Paisios of the Holy Mountain, pp71-73

Why We Have Difficulties

Why are we so often called on to endure difficulty? It seems like life is filled with obstacles. We have desires for this or that and often find that what we want is not possible.

 

 

  Also, even when we don’t seem to have any desire, something we take for granted, like our good health or a close friend, is taken away from us. Why is this the nature of our worldly life?

 

 

Elder Paisios says,

 

 

Sometimes God allows for a relative or a fellow worker to cause us problems in order to exercise our patience and humbleness; however, instead of being grateful for the chance God gives us, we react and refuse to be cured. It is like refusing to pay the doctor who is giving us a shot when we are ill.
 

Apparently, God is always working to help us to grow in the virtues. He wants us to be humble and to have great patience. When we object to the roadblocks that are put in our path in life we are rejecting the medicine God is providing for our growth.

 

 

The Elder says,

 

 

God does not want us, His children, to be pestered. He gives us temptations and hardships, in order to become perfect.

Temptations will cease to exist in our life, when we reach the level of perfection.
 

Christians ought to love afflictions and not try to get rid of them; afflictions are necessary means leading to our perfection.
 

Source: Elder Paisios of the Holy Mountain, p 85

St.Herman of Alaska Monastery (Black&White)

Holy Relics-Orthodox Saints

Holy relics are a clear anticipation of the transfigured body after universal ressurection.The very fact that the bodies of the saints are kept in a state of incorruptibility is a foretaste, an anticipation of their future incorruptibility after resurrection and after their full theosis, deification. "But we all," writes St. Paul to the Corinthians, "with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord" (II Cor.3:18).

Faith in the Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church ( St. John of Kronstadt )

“I believe in one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.” Do you believe that all Orthodox Christians are members of one and the same body, and that therefore we must all “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” must care for one
another, help one another?

Do you believe that the saints are likewise members of the one body of Christ - that is, of the Church, and are our brethren, interceding for us before God in heaven? Do you respect every Christian, as a member of Christ, as His brother according to human nature? Do you love everybody as yourself, as your own flesh and blood? Do you generously forgive offences?

Do you help others in need, if you yourself have means? Do you teach the ignorant? Do you turn the sinner from the error of his ways? Do you comfort those who are in affliction? Faith in the Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church inspires, obliges you to do all this; and for all this you are promised a great reward from the Head of the Church - our Lord Jesus Christ.

- St. John of Kronstadt

Be not ashamed of the Cross

 

Be not, then, ashamed of the cross, in order that Jesus Christ be not ashamed of you, when He will come, clothed in the Majesty of His glory, accompanied by this sign of our redemption, which will then shine more brilliant than the sun.


Engrave it in your heart, lovingly embrace that which procured the salvation of our souls; for it is the cross which has saved and converted all the world — it is that which has banished heresy and unbelief, which has reestablished truth, which has made a heaven on earth, and which has transformed men into angels.


It is by means of the cross that the devils have ceased to appear formidable, and are now only to be despised… it is through the cross, that all our enemies have been conquered.

- St. John Chrysostom

Why Demons Attack Us

 

 

By St. Maximos the Confessor

 

 

There are said to be five reasons why God allows us to be assailed by demons. The first is so that, by attacking and counterattacking, we should learn to discriminate between virtue and vice. The second is so that, having acquired virtue through conflict and toil, we should keep it secure and immutable.

 

 

The third is so that, when making progress in virtue, we should not become haughty but learn humility. The fourth is so that, having gained some experience of evil, we should ‘hate it with perfect hatred’ (cf. Ps. 139:22). The fifth and most important is so that, having achieved dispassion, we should forget neither our own weakness nor the power of Him who has helped us.

 

 

"Four Hundred Texts on Love". Second Century. From Philokalia, Vol. 2.

Παντρεύεσαι; Σκότωσε τον Εγωισμό σου! Αγαπάς; Διορθώσου!

Tι σημαίνει ένα διαζύγιο; Την ανικανότητά μας να αγαπήσουμε. Αυτό βασικά σημαίνει. Όλα τα υπόλοιπα είναι οι δικαιολογίες μας. Την αποτυχία να αγαπηθούμε. Τη λαθεμένη αντίληψη που είχαμε για τον γάμο. Ο γάμος δεν είναι βίος ανθόσπαρτος. [...]

 

 

Μελετήστε με προσοχή την ακολουθία του Μυστηρίου [ενν. του γάμου]. Υπάρχει και μεταφρασμένη. Εκεί μέσα λοιπόν υπάρχουν όλα τα στοιχεία και όλες οι προϋποθέσεις που αν τις ζήσεις φθάνεις στην πληρότητα της σχέσης σου. Η Εκκλησία από την αρχή μας δείχνει τον δρόμο: «Ευλογημένη η Βασιλεία του Πατρός…». Κι εκείνη τη στιγμή με το Ευαγγέλιο κάνει ο ιερέας το σημείου του Σταυρού. Τι σημαίνει αυτό; Τρία πράγματα βασικά.

 

 

Ξέρετε, παιδιά μου, για πού ξεκινάτε; Δεν ξεκινάτε για το άγνωστο με βάρκα την ελπίδα. Ξεκινάτε για τη Βασιλεία του Θεού. Αυτή είναι η πορεία του γάμου.
Ποιος θα είναι ο οδηγός σας σ’ αυτήν την πορεία; Το Άγιο Ευαγγέλιο.
Ποια είναι η πορεία σας; Η Σταυρική!      

Λέω στα ζευγάρια που παντρεύω: «Αν το καταλάβατε, παιδιά μου, σήμερα πρέπει να πεθάνετε, πρέπει να πεθάνει ο εγωισμός σας. Ξεκινήσατε καθένας από το σπίτι του και ήρθατε εδώ και τώρα φεύγετε από εδώ μαζί σε ένα καινούργιο σπίτι. Πολύ ωραία. Τι σημαίνουν όλα αυτά; Ο κάθε ένας πρέπει να φύγει από τον εαυτό του πια. Από αυτό που ήταν μέχρι τώρα. Κι εδώ η Χάρις του Θεού σάς ένωσε.»

Βλέπετε κάποια στιγμή ενώνουμε τα χέρια και τους λέω: «Έχετε δει δύο κλειδιά περασμένα σε κρίκο; Όπου και να ‘ναι, θα είναι μαζί. Στην τσέπη μας ευρίσκονται ή μας πέσαν στον δρόμο ή τα πετάξαμε στη θάλασσα, θα είναι πάντα μαζί γιατί τα ενώνει ένας κρίκος. Αν όμως βγουν από τον κρίκο είναι ζήτημα τύχης, αν θα μείνουν και τα δύο κοντά και μαζί. Ποιος είναι ο κρίκος; Η χάρη του Θεού. Βάλτε τα χέρια σας, βάλτε τις καρδιές σας και οι δυο σας στο χέρι του Θεού. Ο Θεός δεν μας παίρνει με το ζόρι, απλώνει το δικό Του χέρι και εάν εσείς με τη θέληση βάλετε τα δικά σας χέρια ο Θεός θα σας ενώσει σε μια ενότητα τέλεια και αγία και έτσι να πορευτείτε.»

 

 

Όταν στην Ελλάδα καθιερώθηκε ο πολιτικός γάμος, εγώ πανηγύριζα. Είπα, «επιτέλους, θα αποφύγω την ταλαιπωρία να παντρεύω ανθρώπους που δεν ξέρουν τι κάνουν.» Να πας στον Δήμαρχο κι όπου θέλεις. Όχι όμως εδώ! Γιατί ο χώρος αυτός εδώ είναι για αυτούς που ξέρουν τι θέλουν και πιστεύουν τι κάνουν. Ένα διαζύγιο μπορεί να έχει πολλές αφορμές, αλλά οι αιτίες του είναι λίγες.

 

 

Πώς προετοιμάζονται δύο νέοι άνθρωποι για να παντρευτούν; Από ‘κεί θα καταλάβεις ποια θα είναι η συνέχεια.    

Πόσο καλά γνωρίζονται; Ή πόσο βαθιά αγνοούνται;

Έχω ακούσει πολλές φορές την παρατήρηση «δεν ήτανε έτσι στην αρχή». Έτσι ήτανε, παιδί μου, αλλά εσύ δεν τον είδες. Ο αρραβώνας δεν είναι μια χαζοχαρούμενη περίοδος που θα κοιτάξουμε πώς θα περάσουμε καλά. Είναι ακριβώς μια περίοδος που οι άνθρωποι μιλάνε σοβαρά για το μέλλον τους, βλέπουν αν συμφωνούν, αν ταιριάζουν, αν έχουν την ίδια πλεύση μέσα στη ζωή τους, ακόμα μερικές φορές σε μερικά πράγματα, που φαίνονται πιο ρηχά, πιο εύκολα.     

Κάποτε έλεγα σε δυο παιδιά που συνδεόντουσαν:
- Παιδιά χωρίστε τώρα γιατί θα χωρίσετε αύριο.
- Μα γιατί;

- Γιατί δεν έχετε καμία σχέση μεταξύ σας. Τα ενδιαφέροντα του ενός είναι τελείως διαφορετικά κι εξειδικευμένα, του άλλου είναι -τα παιδιά χρησιμοποιούν σήμερα αυτή τη λέξη- «μπάζα». Σε λίγο εσύ θα αρχίσεις να τη ζηλεύεις και εσύ σε λίγο θα αρχίσεις να κουράζεσαι. Λοιπόν, μην κάνετε λάθη!

 

 

Ευτυχώς κατάλαβαν έγκαιρα. Γιατί είναι πάρα πολύ σημαντικό να βλέπεις την αλήθεια. Το σ’ αγαπώ και μ’ αγαπάς είναι εύκολο να το λες, δύσκολο όμως να το ζεις. Εμείς μάθαμε ότι η αγάπη είναι σαρκωμένη. Κι αν δεν σαρκώνεται, δεν σταυρώνεται, τότε ακριβώς δεν προχωράει.

 

 

Το Διαζύγιο τελικά είναι μια αποτυχία. Το ερώτημα όμως είναι το εξής: Πώς θα αντιμετωπίσουμε ένα διαζύγιο; Διδασκόμεθα από τα λάθη μας; Καταλάβαμε γιατί φτάσαμε εδώ; Πρώτα-πρώτα έχουμε τη συνείδηση ότι αποτύχαμε; Και δεν αποτύχαμε τυχαία, αποτύχαμε για συγκεκριμένους λόγους, καθαρούς και ορατούς ή πιστεύουμε ότι φταίει μόνο ο άλλος; Στα ζευγάρια που παντρεύω τους εύχομαι: «Παιδιά μου, σας εύχομαι να μάθετε στη ζωή σας να φταίτε πάντα και οι δυο μαζί. Γιατί αν πιστέψετε ότι φταίει μόνο ο άλλος, κάτι δεν πάει καλά μεταξύ σας.»

 

 

Παντρεύομαι σημαίνει δέχομαι τον άλλο όπως είναι γιατί τον αγαπάω.
Παντρεύομαι σημαίνει ότι αγωνίζομαι, κάνω τα πάντα για να δίνω χαρά σ’ αυτόν που αγαπάω. Άρα λοιπόν υπάρχει μια κοινή πορεία και των δύο, δηλαδή το ότι ο άλλος με δέχεται, δεν γεννάει ασυλία του εγωισμού μου, αφού με δέχεται όπως είμαι. Σε δέχεται γιατί σε αγαπάει, εσύ αγαπάς; Τότε διορθώσου.

 

 

Τότε αφού βλέπεις ότι κάτι ενοχλεί τον άλλο, διόρθωσέ το. Όταν ακούω ανθρώπους να λένε: «εγώ αυτός είμαι ή εγώ αυτή είμαι, δεν αλλάζω», τους λέω: «Κακώς παντρευτήκατε, γιατί όταν κάποιος αγαπάει, αλλάζει.» Δεν αλλάζω σημαίνει δεν αγαπάω. Τα υπόλοιπα είναι περιττά.

 

 

Μητροπολίτου, Σισανίου και Σιατίστης Παύλος
Για μια υγιή και ζωντανή οικογένεια, έκδ. Σχολής Γονέων Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Κύπρου

A Prayer Walk

Controlling Anger

One of the common maladies we all face is anger. It can be triggered in many ways, usually when someone opposes what we think should be done. Of course we should try and eliminate the causes of anger, but we also need to be prepared to deal with it when we inevitably succumb to it.

Anger is an emotion, and science shows us that emotions are the result of a very fast and complex bodily reaction triggered by some external event. When we sense a challenge to our being whether physically or egotistically, there is a chemical reaction that is sent though out our blood stream so the whole body reacts. This happens very quickly. And when it does its hard to overcome. It's like a barking dog. Once the dog starts barking it's hard to get him to stop.

Here is the way to deal with this situation where we become angry which almost aways leads to a sinful action.

 

1. Make the sing of the Cross saying," Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner." 

2. Continue to recite this prayer. 

If the anger recedes you can proceed rationally. But, frequently this is not enough. The chemicals have been released into your blood stream and the body is ready for a fight. Your heart bear increases and you feel agitated. This is the time for the prayer walk.

3. Excuse yourself and take a prayer walk. As you walk say the Jesus prayer and time it with your step: Lord - step, Jesus - step - Christ - step - Son - step - of - step - God - step - Have - step - Mercy........ and so forth. Keep on walking and saying the prayer until your body has returned to a calm and normal state. Do not return to the interaction that triggered the anger until you feel peace and love in your heart.

Now you can begin to reflect on the situation that triggered this event and rationally choose how to best respond to it in a way that is consistent with the Commandments of our Lord.

Of course you must first have the ability to intervene with this prayer. This is why it is important to include the recitation of the Jesus prayer in your daily prayer rule, and establish well worn groves in your brain that make it a habitual response.

Jesus Prayer : Prayer of the Heart

 

Jesus Prayer - Prayer of the Heart

The Jesus Prayer is very simple:

"Lord Jesus Christ Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner,"

The Jesus Prayer according to numerous Church Fathers is "essential" to our spiritual growth. The Jesus Prayer proclaims our faith and humbles us by asking mercy for our sinfulness. The Jesus Prayer is thought to be as old as the Church itself. 

                The Jesus Prayer, says Metropolitan Anthony Bloom, “more than any other,” helps us to be able to “stand in God’s presence.”This means that the Jesus Prayer helps us to focus our mind exclusively on God with “no other thought” occupying our mind but the thought of God. At this moment when our mind is totally concentrated on God, we discover a very personal and direct relationship with Him.

 

 

Jesus Christ - the Power In the Name
The Jesus Prayer's power comes from the use of our Lord's Name, Jesus Christ, Son of God. It is a confession of our faith.

 

             

Jesus Prayer requires Humility
The Jesus Prayer in its practice assumes you are a regular participant in the worship services of the Church, in her Sacraments and aware of your sinfulness. Be sure to consult with and follow the advice of your spiritual Father. Humility is a prerequisite for all prayer, especially the Jesus Prayer.

 

             

Jesus Prayer Has Two Functions
The Jesus Prayer has two important purposes. The first is worship as with all prayer. The second is a discipline to help our soul gain control our overactive brains and create stillness so the Holy Spirit can work through us and help us live the virtues in union with God.

 

             

Jesus Prayer Has Three Stages in PracticeThe Jesus Prayer involves three stages of progress in its practice. You begin praying the Jesus Prayer by repeating the words of the prayer out loud or at least moving the lips. This is called verbal prayer.

 

 

After some time saying of the Jesus Prayer becomes silent or mental and is repeated only in the mind. This is mental prayer. Finally, the Jesus Prayer becomes a continuous prayer in the heart, the inner core of our being. We begin with vocal prayer and do not force the move to mental prayer. This will happen naturally when you are ready.
    

 

           

Jesus Prayer in Practice
In praying the Jesus Prayer, our holy Fathers tell us, we say it over and over hundreds of times as part of our daily prayer rule. It is best to add the Jesus Prayer to your morning prayers as this is when the mind is the quietest.

 

 

Begin by saying the Jesus Prayer verbally focusing on each word. Repeat the Jesus Prayer continually for 15 minutes at first and then expand to 30 minutes. You will experience the challenge of dealing with your thoughts, the tendency for you mind to wander. Attention when praying the Jesus Prayer is important. Be sincere in your prayer and repeat it with contrition. Praying the Jesus Prayer is that simple!

 

               

Jesus Prayer is A Long and Difficult Path
Do not be fooled by its simplicity. The Jesus Prayer practice is a difficult task and like all ascetic practices it requires commitment of time, patience and perseverance. Remember Jesus Prayer's aim is not to obtain a calmness or any kind of spiritual experience, but to become in communion with God and participate in His grace.

Jesus Prayer - When To Pray
The Jesus Prayer will eventually be prayed throughout the day and when this happens, you will find that your life changes.
   

 

            

Jesus Prayer is Not a Form of Eastern Meditation
The praying of the Jesus Prayer should not be confused with methods used in Eastern Yoga or meditation. In praying the Jesus Prayer as in all Orthodox Prayer we are seeking a relationship with a personal God based on faith and love.