Saint Nectarios of Pentapolis If you fight the good fight, God will strengthen you. In the struggle, we identify our weaknesses, our failings and our flaws. It’s the mirror of our spiritual state. Those who haven’t struggled don’t know themselves. Don’t ignore even small transgressions. If some sin befalls Read more…
Saint John Chrysostom Do you want me to tell you whose work those people are doing who leave before the end of the divine liturgy and don’t take part in the final prayers of thanksgiving? What I’m going to say may be harsh, but I have to say it. Read more…
Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk Those who love the world don’t love God, according to the testimony of Saint John the Evangelist: ‘If people love the world they do not have love for God within them’ (1 John 2, 15). These are people who want to live this life in Read more…
Saint Isaac the Syrian Nobody can hate those who are humble; nor can they berate or despise them. Christ loves them and they’re beloved by all. They love everyone and everyone wants to be with them. The wise and the instructors are all silent before the humble, to whom Read more…
Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk I recognize that the struggle against this enemy is difficult; but it’s necessary. Lots of people wage wars and defeat other people, but are yet prisoners and slaves to their passions. There’s no more glorious victory than that over ourselves. And there’s no victory without Read more…
Elder Moisis the Athonite † The present crisis is an opportunity for us to take a sharp look at ourselves and to view others with leniency. A kind disposition is a beautiful thing. Mutual understanding, mutual respect and mutual esteem are more necessary today. They’re an open window in Read more…
Saint John Chrysostom Today, January 27, we celebrate the translation of the relics of Saint John Chrysostom. To mark the occasion, we have translated part of a homily of his. What then is the virtue of us humans? Not riches, which make you fear poverty; nor health of body, Read more…
Abba Isaiah People who are humble, don’t have a tongue that makes observations about others who show neglect or who are living a casual life. They don’t have eyes that look out for failings in others, nor ears to listen to something that doesn’t benefit their soul. They aren’t Read more…
Saint Athanasius Although this text was written in the 4th century, it is relevant today in that it addresses opinions which are still in vogue. Even now, for example, there are some people who believe that the universe just sort of happened somehow. Saint Athanasius points out the difference between Read more…
Abba Dorotheos Excerpt from Instruction 1 What, then, is the cause and what’s the cure for this arrogant and disdainful behaviour? Listen to what the Lord says: ‘Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest [1] for your souls’ [Matth. 11, Read more…