Avoid them
Saint Iakovos Tsalikis If we’re not spiritually strong and another person’s behaviour bothers us, let’s not condemn them. Better to avoid them and to have no truck or dealings with them. And if they’re heretics, then we should avoid them entirely and have nothing to do with them. Because...
Is this possible?
Elder Sophrony of Essex The path of the Christian is like this, in general terms. Initially, we’re attracted to God with the gift of grace, and once we’ve been thus attracted, then there begins a long period of trial. Our freedom is tested, as is our trust in God,...
He doesn’t have the right
Elder Cleopa Ilie Satan has neither the power nor permission to lord it over us, to deceive us and bend our will towards sin. He simply brings us into temptation through a variety of ploys, fantasies and recollections, with our feelings, the weaknesses of our nature, with pleasures and...
They fear responsibility
Elder Gavriil Tsafos Why do so many young people fear marriage? Because they’re afraid of the responsibilities. It’s not that there aren’t any good young people, but they fear responsibility. Source: pemptousia.com ABOUT THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN NETWORK The Orthodox Christian Network (OCN) is an official agency of the Assembly of...
It feels the betrayal
Elder Joseph of Vatopaidi Breaking the commandment brought about the fall, which is our separation from God and everything to do with Him. God accepted our repentance, return and submission to Him once He’d repaired our relationship through His own love and holiness. According to the Fathers, the most...
It doesn’t go away
Saint Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia Some Christians, either through their own fault or that of others, become trapped in the sickness of guilt. Secular people become trapped in a worse sickness: that of pride. If you’re close to Christ, religious guilt disappears with repentance and confession. But the pride of...
Answer and solution
Elder Efraim Vatopaidinos People today should avail themselves of the intercession of the Mother of God, which saves us. In every sadness and problem, we shouldn’t forget that there is the ‘help of the sorrowing, the protector, the defender, the consolation of the fearful’, to whom we can turn...
It has to find its way
Saint Basil the Great From our first steps in life, the soul must be brought to the performance of every kind of good work, when it’s still pliable, smooth and soft as wax. It responds easily, depending on the forms and shapes presented to it, by those who are...
They feel alone
Elder Tadej Vitovničk There are times when people despair and lose heart, which, in its own way, is a kind of pride. If people love the things of this world, they’re sure to be brought to disappointment, because they aren’t going to find God in them. All people feel...
He won’t abandon you
Elder Iakovos Tsalikis Be very patient and don’t worry, because you’re a sensitive person, which is why you have health problems. Make your heart a rugged rock so that you can endure. God won’t abandon you; He’ll strengthen and bless you. I’m glad you’re thinking about your soul and...
