Will the Heterodox be Saved?

Question: “If the Orthodox faith is the only true faith, can Christians of other confessions be saved? May a person who has led a perfectly righteous life on earth be saved on the strength of his ancestry, while not being baptized as Christian?

On Glossologia (speaking in tongues)

On Glossologia. Chapter 18 from The Truth of Our Faith by Elder Cleopa of Romania.

On the Thousand Year Reign

On the Thousand Year Reign (Chiliasm). Chapter 16 from The Truth of Our Faith by Elder Cleopa of Romania.

On the Second Coming of Christ

On the Second Coming of Christ. Chapter 15 from The Truth of Our Faith by Elder Cleopa of Romania.

Presuppositions of our Personal Salvation

On the Presuppositions of our Personal Salvation. Chapter 13 from The Truth of Our Faith by Elder Cleopa of Romania.

On Holy Tradition by Elder Cleopa

On Holy Tradition. Chapter 3 from The Truth of Our Faith by Elder Cleopa of Romania.

On Holy Scripture by Elder Cleopa

On Holy Scripture. Chapter 2 from The Truth of Our Faith by Elder Cleopa of Romania.

Prologue to The Truth of Our Faith

Prologue to The Truth of Our Faith by Elder Cleopa of Romania.

The name and personality of Elder Cleopa Ilie of Romania is today known not only in his homeland but also throughout the world. Father Cleopa was born in 1912 in the town of Soulitsa and district of Botosani into a pious village family and named Constantine. His parents were called Alexander and Anna and he was the ninth of their ten children. The religious upbringing that he and all his siblings received from childhood as well as their great inclination toward the monastic life were so strong that five of the ten children, along with their mother in her later years, took up the monastic life and were clothed in the monastic Schema.

The Letter of the Law

Elder Paisius on "THE LETTER OF THE LAW".

The Island (Остров - with English subtitles)

Winner of 5 Nika Awards (Russian Oscars) including Best Film.
Film Summary: The barge, on which Anatoly and his senior comrade Tikhon transport coal, is seized by a German patrol ship. Anatoly begs the Germans for mercy, and in an act of disloyalty he shoots his captain. The Germans leave the coward on the mined barge, but thanks to the help of the monks from a nearby monastery on an island, Anatoly survives... Years go by. The elder (starets) Anatoly is respected for his just life and the guidance and help that he gives to the islands visitors. However, the terrible sin of the murder he committed during the war does not give him peace...

The Prologue April 29 / May 12

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 29, and New Calendar date May 12.

The Prologue April 28 / May 11

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 28, and New Calendar date May 11.

The Prologue April 27 / May 10

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 27, and New Calendar date May 10.

The Prologue April 26 / May 9

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 26, and New Calendar date May 9.

The Prologue April 25 / May 8

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 25, and New Calendar date May 8.

The Prologue April 24 / May 7

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 24, and New Calendar date May 7.

The Prologue April 23 / May 6

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 23, and New Calendar date May 6.

The Prologue April 22 / May 5

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 22, and New Calendar date May 5.

The Prologue April 21 / May 4

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 21, and New Calendar date April 4.

The Prologue April 20 / May 3

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 20, and New Calendar date May 3.

The Prologue April 19 / May 2

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 19, and New Calendar date May 2.

The Prologue April 18 / May 1

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 18, and New Calendar date May 1.

The Prologue April 17 / April 30

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 17, and New Calendar date April 30.

The Prologue April 16 / April 29

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 16, and New Calendar date April 29.

The Prologue April 15 / April 28

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 15 , and New Calendar date April 28.

The Prologue April 14 / April 27

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 14, and New Calendar date April 27.

The Prologue April 13 / April 26

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 13, and New Calendar date April 26.

The Prologue April 12 / April 25

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 12, and New Calendar date April 25.

The Prologue April 11 / April 24

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 11, and New Calendar date April 24.

The Prologue April 10 / April 23

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 10, and New Calendar date April 23.

The Prologue April 9 / April 22

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 9, and New Calendar date April 22.

The Prologue April 8 / April 21

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 8, and New Calendar date April 21.

The Prologue April 7 / April 20

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 7 , and New Calendar date April 20.

The Prologue April 6 / April 19

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 6, and New Calendar date April 19.

The Prologue April 5 / April 18

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 5, and New Calendar date April 18.

The Prologue April 4 / April 17

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 4, and New Calendar date April 17.

The Prologue April 3 / April 16

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 3, and New Calendar date April 16.

The Prologue April 2 / April 15

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 2, and New Calendar date April 15.

The Prologue April 1 / April 14

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date April 1, and New Calendar date April 14.

The Prologue March 31 / April 13

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 31, and New Calendar date April 13.

The Prologue March 30 / April 12

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 30, and New Calendar date April 12.

The Prologue March 29 / April 11

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 29, and New Calendar date April 11.

The Prologue March 28 / April 10

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 28, and New Calendar date April 10.

The Prologue March 27 / April 9

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 27, and New Calendar date April 9.

The Prologue March 26 / April 8

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 26, and New Calendar date April 8.

The Prologue March 25 / April 7

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 25, and New Calendar date April 7.

The Prologue March 24 / April 6

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 24, and New Calendar date April 6.

The Prologue March 23 / April 5

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 23, and New Calendar date April 5.

The Prologue March 22 / April 4

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 22, and New Calendar date April 4.

Introduction to the Philokalia

The Writings of the Blessed Hesychios. From Elder Basil of Poiana Marului: Spiritual Father of St. Paisy Velichkovsky.

On Reading Spiritual Books by St. Ignatius Brianchaninov

Excerpts from The Arena on the correct Reading of Spiritual Books by St. Ignatius (Ignaty) Brianchaninov.

Free Bible Study Software

Bible study software useful for Orthodox Christians, theology students, and teachers of the faith who would like to examine the scriptures in Hebrew and Greek conveniently with dictionaries.

The Prologue March 21 / April 3

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 21, and New Calendar date April 3.

The Prologue March 20 / April 2

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 20, and New Calendar date April 2.

The Prologue March 19 / April 1

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 19, and New Calendar date April 1.

The Prologue March 18 / March 31

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 18, and New Calendar date March 31.

The Prologue March 17 / March 30

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 17, and New Calendar date March 30.

The Prologue March 16 / March 29

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 16, and New Calendar date March 29.

The Prologue March 15 / March 28

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 15, and New Calendar date March 28.

The Prologue March 14 / March 27

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 14, and New Calendar date March 27.

The Prologue March 13 / March 26

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 13, and New Calendar date March 26.

The Prologue March 12 / March 25

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 12, and New Calendar date March 25.

The Prologue March 11 / March 24

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 11, and New Calendar date March 24.

The Prologue March 10 / March 23

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 10, and New Calendar date March 23.

The Prologue March 9 / March 22

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 9, and New Calendar date March 22.

The Prologue March 8 / March 21

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 8 , and New Calendar date March 21.

The Prologue March 7 / March 20

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 7, and New Calendar date March 20.

The Prologue March 6 / March 19

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 6, and New Calendar date March 19.

The Prologue March 5 / March 18

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 5, and New Calendar date March 18.

The Prologue March 4 / March 17

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 4, and New Calendar date March 17.

The Prologue March 3 / March 16

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 3, and New Calendar date March 16.

The Prologue March 2 / March 15

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date March 2, and New Calendar date March 15.

The Prologue March 1 / March 14

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date January 1, and New Calendar date January 14.

The Prologue February 29

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 29.

The Prologue February 28 / March 13

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 29

The Prologue February 27 / March 12

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 27, and New Calendar date March 12 (11).

The Prologue February 26 / March 11

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 26, and New Calendar date March 11

The Prologue February 25 / March 10

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 25, and New Calendar date March 10

The Prologue February 24 / March 9

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 24, and New Calendar date March 9 (8).

The Prologue February 23 / March 8

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 23, and New Calendar date March 8 (7).

The Prologue February 22 / March 7

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 22, and New Calendar date March 7 (6).

The Prologue February 21 / March 6

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 21, and New Calendar date March 6 (5).

The Prologue February 20 / March 5

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 20, and New Calendar date March 5 (4).

The Prologue February 19 / March 4

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 19, and New Calendar date March 4 (3).

The Prologue February 18 / March 3

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 18, and New Calendar date March 3 (2).

The Prologue February 17 / March 2

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 17, and New Calendar date March 2 (1).

The Prologue February 16 / March 1

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 16, and New Calendar date March 1 (February 29 on leap years).

The Prologue February 15 / February 28

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 15, and New Calendar date February 28.

The Prologue February 14 / February 27

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 14, and New Calendar date February 27.

The Prologue February 13 / February 26

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 13, and New Calendar date February 26.

The Prologue February 12 / February 25

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 12, and New Calendar date February 25.

The Prologue February 11 / February 24

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 11, and New Calendar date February 24.

The Prologue February 10 / February 23

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 10, and New Calendar date February 23.

The Prologue February 9 / February 22

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 9, and New Calendar date February 22.

The Prologue February 8 / February 21

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 8, and New Calendar date February 21.

The Prologue February 7 / February 20

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 7, and New Calendar date February 20.

The Prologue February 6 / February 19

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 6, and New Calendar date February 19.

The Prologue February 5 / February 18

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 5, and New Calendar date February 18.

The Prologue February 4 / February 17

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 4, and New Calendar date February 17.

The Prologue February 3 / February 16

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 3, and New Calendar date February 16.

The Prologue February 2 / February 15

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 2, and New Calendar date February 15.

The Prologue February 1 / February 14

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 1, and New Calendar date February 14.

The Prologue January 31 / February 13

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date January 31, and New Calendar date February 13.

The Prologue January 30 / February 12

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date January 30, and New Calendar date February 12.

The Prologue January 29 / February 11

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date January 29, and New Calendar date February 11 .

The Prologue January 28 / February 10

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date January 28, and New Calendar date February 10 .

The Prologue January 27 / February 9

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date January 27, and New Calendar date February 9 .

The Prologue January 26 / February 8

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date January 26, and New Calendar date February 8 .

The Prologue January 25 / February 7

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date January 25, and New Calendar date February 7.

The Prologue January 24 / February 6

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date January 24, and New Calendar date February 6 .

The Prologue January 23 / February 5

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date January 23, and New Calendar date February 5 .

The Prologue January 22 / February 4

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date January 22, and New Calendar date February 4.

The Prologue January 21 / February 3

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date January 21, and New Calendar date February 3.

The Prologue January 20 / February 2

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date January 20, and New Calendar date February 2 .

The Prologue January 19 / February 1

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date January 19, and New Calendar date February 1 .

The Prologue January 18 / January 31

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date January 18, and New Calendar date January 31 .

The Prologue January 17 / January 30

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date January 17 , and New Calendar date January 30 .

The Prologue January 16 / January 29

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date January 16, and New Calendar date January 29 .

The Prologue January 15 / January 28

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date January 15, and New Calendar date January 28 .

The Prologue January 14 / January 27

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date January 14, and New Calendar date January 27 .

The Prologue January 13 / January 26

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date January 13, and New Calendar date January26 .

Video: Exorcisms by Orthodox Christian Clergy

Actual video footage of exorcisms by Orthodox Christian clergy in Greece and Russia.

The Prologue January 12 / January 25

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date January 12, and New Calendar date January 25 .

The Prologue January 11 / January 24

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date January 11, and New Calendar date January 24 .

The Prologue January 10 / January 23

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič, for Old Calendar date January 10 and New Calendar date January 23 .

The Prologue January 09 / January 22

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič, for Old Calendar date January 09, and New Calendar date January 22 .

The Prologue January 08 / January 21

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič, for Old Calendar date January 08, and New Calendar date January 21 .

The Prologue January 07 / January 20

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič, for Old Calendar date January 07, and New Calendar date January 20.

The Prologue January 06 / January 19

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič, for Old Calendar date January 06, and New Calendar date January 19 .

The Prologue January 05 / January 18

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič, for Old Calendar date January 05, and New Calendar date January 18.

The Prologue January 04 / January 17

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič, for Old Calendar date January 04, and New Calendar date January 17 .

The Prologue January 03 / January 16

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date February 3, and New Calendar date February 16.

The Prologue January 02 / January 15

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date January 2, and New Calendar date January 15.

The Prologue January 01 / January 14

The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič for Old Calendar date January 1, and New Calendar date January 14.

On the Incarnation by St. John of Kronstadt

It is quite an ordinary matter for the word to become incarnate We speak by means of separate sounds: what else is this but an incarnation of the word? We inscribe words upon paper: is not this again an incarnation of the word?

Elder Thaddeus of Serbia

Short biography, video interview and teachings of Elder Thaddeus of Serbia

The smile of Blessed Elder Joseph

The smile, from eternity, of Blessed Elder Joseph of the Holy and Great Monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos .

Book: Elder Joseph The Hesychast

Several Chapters from the Book: Elder Joseph The Hesychast. Struggles, Experiences, Teachings.

Selected Sayings of Mother Gabriel

"Never expect anybody to understand you. Only God."
Selected sayings of Mother Gabriel from the book: "Mother Gabriel, The Ascetic of Love"

Letters: Elder Joseph the Hesychast

Letters of Elder Joseph the Hesychast on Patience and Endurance

Paternal Counsels I: Elder Philotheos Zervakos

Paternal Counsels, select letters and excerpts from the book: Paternal Counsels Volume I, by Elder Philotheos Zervakos.

Paternal Counsels II: Elder Philotheos Zervakos

Paternal Counsels, select letters and excerpts from the book: Paternal Counsels Volume II, by Elder Philotheos Zervakos.

Prayers of Orthodox Saints

Prayer of the Holy Optina Elders, St. Philaret, and Saint Basil the Great.

A Prayer of St. Philaret

A Prayer of St. Philaret, Metropolitan of Moscow

Concerning Heart Transplantations by Saint Philaret.

An Orthodox View of Heart Transplantations by Saint Philaret the Confessor.

On illness by Elder Porphyrios

I thank God for granting me many illnesses. [1] I often say to Him: ‘My Christ, Your love knows no limits!’ How I am alive is a miracle. Among all my other illnesses I also have cancer of the pituitary gland. A tumour appeared there which has grown and presses against the optic nerve. That’s why I don’t see any more. I am in dreadful pain. But I pray, taking up the Cross of Christ with patience. Have you seen what my tongue is like? It has grown; it’s not as it used to be. That’s also a result of the cancer I’ve got in my head. And as time goes on, things will get worse. It will grow even more and I’ll have difficulty in speaking. I’m in great pain, but my illness is something very beautiful. I feel it as the love of Christ. I am given compunction and I give thanks to God. It is on account of my sins. I am sinful and God is trying to purify me.

Talks: St. Barsanuphius of Optina II

April 13, 1911

The Feast of Pascha.

"Our life is in Heaven"—this is the usual theme of my talks. By this thought I tear myself and my listeners away from attachments to earthly, created things. "Our life is in Heaven." Dissatisfaction with things earthly can be sensed in our great worldly writers—for example, in Turgenev and Pushkin; and in foreigners—Schiller, Shakespeare and Heine.

Talks: St. Barsanuphius of Optina I

January 2, 1911

Glory be to the Lord!

We've made it to the Feasts. The present days are called "Svyatki," that is, holy days, since the Church dedicates them to the commemoration of the Nativity of the Savior of the world.

But what is now taking place in the world is terrible to consider!—overeating, drunkenness and debauchery.

On Struggling by St. John of Kronstadt

Do not fear the conflict, and do not flee from it: where there is no struggle, there is no virtue; where there are no temptations for faithfulness and love, it is uncertain whether there is really any faithfulness and love for the Lord. Our faith, trust, and love are proved and revealed in adversities, that is, in difficult and grievous outward and inward circumstances, during sickness, sorrow, and privations.