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?
"One Lord, one faith, one baptism" Ephesians 4:5
"Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle." 2 Thessalonians 2:15
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 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 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...
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?
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"
Selected sayings of Mother Gabriel from the book: "Mother Gabriel, The Ascetic of Love"
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.
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.
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.
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.
Life of Hieroschemamonk Feofil Part 11
The life of, Fool-for-Christ's sake, blessed Hieroschemamonk, Feofil (Theophilus). Chapter 11.
Life of Hieroschemamonk Feofil Part 10
The life of, Fool-for-Christ's sake, blessed Hieroschemamonk, Feofil (Theophilus). Chapter 10.
Life of Hieroschemamonk Feofil Part 9
The life of, Fool-for-Christ's sake, blessed Hieroschemamonk, Feofil (Theophilus). Chapter 9.
Life of Hieroschemamonk Feofil Part 8
The life of, Fool-for-Christ's sake, blessed Hieroschemamonk, Feofil (Theophilus). Chapter 8.
Life of Hieroschemamonk Feofil Part 7
The life of, fool for Christ's sake, blessed Hieroschemamonk, Feofil (Theophilus). Chapter 7.
Life of Hieroschemamonk Feofil Part 6
The life of, Fool-for-Christ's sake, blessed Hieroschemamonk, Feofil (Theophilus). Chapter 6.
Life of Hieroschemamonk Feofil Part 5
The life of, Fool-for-Christ's sake, blessed Hieroschemamonk, Feofil (Theophilus). Chapter 5.
Life of Hieroschemamonk Feofil Part 4
The life of, Fool-for-Christ's sake, blessed Hieroschemamonk, Feofil (Theophilus). Chapter 4.
Life of Hieroschemamonk Feofil Part 3
The life of, Fool-for-Christ's sake, blessed Hieroschemamonk, Feofil (Theophilus). Chapter 3.
Life of Hieroschemamonk Feofil Part 2
The life of, Fool-for-Christ's sake, blessed Hieroschemamonk, Feofil (Theophilus). Chapter 2.
Life of Hieroschemamonk Feofil Part 1
The life of, Fool-for-Christ's sake, blessed Hieroschemamonk, Feofil (Theophilus). Preface and Chapter 1.
MENOLOGION: Free Software
MENOLOGION (as of this posting version 3.0) is a free computer program which provides an easy way to access the Troparia and Kontakia, Bible Readings and Lives of Saints of the day. This might be useful for a variety of reasons. If you would like to put the Troparia and Kontakia, Bible Readings or Lives of Saints in a Sunday bulletin, for instance, you will be able to find the items you want easily, and copy them to the Windows clipboard, so that you can paste them directly into your word processor or publishing program.
Concerning Progress By St. Ambrose
In your letter on the 18th of January, you passed on to me your son's question: "According to the Gospel, before the end of the world, mankind will be in the most horrible state that it has ever been in. This condition rejects the possibility of the continual moral perfecting of mankind. If one accepts this, is it possible to continue laboring for the good of mankind? Why continue laboring for the improvement of mankind if one is convinced that it is impossible to achieve moral perfection for mankind before the end of the world?"
Modesty and Will by St. Philaret
Our Lord Jesus Christ, instructing His disciples and apostles, imbued in them the necessity of observing purity of heart and thought. From the thought and from the heart proceed our sinful impulses: "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart," says the Saviour; "and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witnesses, blasphemies" (Matt. 15:18-19).
Directions of St. Anthony the Great
16. In my opinion the grace of the Holy Spirit most readily fills those who undertake spiritual work wholeheartedly and determine from the very beginning to stand firm and never to give ground to the enemy in no matter what battle, until they conquer him. However, the Holy Spirit, Who has called them, at first makes all things easy for them, in order thus to sweeten the beginning of the work of repentance, and only later shows them its ways in their full truth (arduousness). Helping them in all things, He impresses on them what works of repentance they should undertake, and lays down the form and limits both as regards the body and the soul, until He brings them to complete conversion to God, their Creator. For this purpose He constantly urges them to give exertion to body and soul in order that both alike, being equally sanctified, should equally become worthy heirs of eternal life ; to exert the body in constant fasting, work and frequent vigils, and the soul, in spiritual exercises and diligence in all forms of service (and obediences) performed through the body. This (to do nothing carelessly, but always with care and the fear of God) should be zealously observed in all work done with the body, if we wish it to bear fruit. (Epistle I.)
170 Texts on Saintly Life by St. Anthony
1. People are generally called intelligent through a wrong use of this word. The intelligent are not those who have studied the sayings and writings of the wise men of old, but those whose soul is intelligent, who can judge what is good and what evil; they avoid what is evil and harms the soul and intelligently care for and practice what is good and profits the soul, greatly thanking God. It is these alone who should properly be called intelligent.
Enduring Temptation by St. Dorotheos
Abba Poemen used to say very accurately that the signs of a true monk make their appearance in time of temptation.[ 1] For a monk, truly setting out to serve Our Lord, must be wise enough to prepare his soul for temptations, [2] lest he at any time become estranged [from the Lord] or be overwhelmed by what comes upon him. And he must believe that nothing happens apart from God’s providence. In God’s providence everything is absolutely right and whatever happens is for the assistance of the soul. For whatever God does with us, He does out of His love and consideration for us because it is adapted to our needs. And we ought, as the Apostle says, in all things to give thanks for His goodness to us,[3] and never to get heated up or become weak-willed about what happens to us, but to accept calmly with lowliness of mind and hope in God whatever comes upon us, firmly convinced, as I said, that whatever God does to us, He does always out of goodness because He loves us, and what he does is always right. Nothing else could be right for us but the way in which He mercifully deals with us.
Refusing to judge by St. Dorotheos
If we remember the saying of the holy fathers, brothers, and put them into practice all the time, it will be difficult for us to neglect ourselves. For if, as they used to say, we do not despise little things and think they are of no consequence to us, we shall not fall into great and grievous things.
On Conscience St. Dorotheos
WHEN GOD CREATED man, he breathed into him something divine, as it were a hot and bright spark added to reason, which lit up the mind and showed him the difference between right and wrong. This is called the conscience, which is the law of his nature. This is compared to the well which Jacob dug, as the Fathers say, and which the Philistines filled up. [cf. Genesis 26:15] That is, to this law of conscience adhered the patriarchs and all the holy men of old before the written law, and they were pleasing to God. But when this law was buried and trodden underfoot by men through the onset of sin, we needed a written law, we needed the holy prophets, we needed the instruction of our Master, Jesus Christ, to reveal it and raise it up and bring to life through the observance of the Commandments that buried spark.
Life After Death by St. John Maximovitch
Recently there have been many questions raised about what happens to the soul when a person dies. The following sermon by St. John of San Francisco outlines the Orthodox teaching. I have appended to the sermon by way of endnotes additional comments and extensive Patristic support for this comments. It is important for us as we approach this all-important subject to lay aside all preconceptions and to be willing to accept what the Fathers of the Church teach. Your opinion and my opinion are just that: opinions; what is presented here is truth! — Fr. John Mack
WATCH! by St. John Maximovitch
Stand fast on spiritual watch, because you don't know when the Lord will call you to Himself. In your earthly life be ready at any moment to give Him an account. Beware that the enemy does not catch you in his nets, that he not deceive you causing you to fall into temptation. Daily examine your conscience; try the purity of your thoughts, your intentions.
Love of God by St. Ignatius Brianchaninov
Love God as He commanded you to love Him, and not as self-deluded daydreamers think they love Him.
Do not fabricate raptures for yourself, do not excite your nerves, do not inflame yourself with a material fire, with the fire of your blood. The sacrifice pleasing to God is humility of heart, contrition of spirit. With wrath does God turn away from sacrifices offered with self-confident presumption, with a proud opinion of oneself, though the sacrifice be a whole burnt offering.
Do not fabricate raptures for yourself, do not excite your nerves, do not inflame yourself with a material fire, with the fire of your blood. The sacrifice pleasing to God is humility of heart, contrition of spirit. With wrath does God turn away from sacrifices offered with self-confident presumption, with a proud opinion of oneself, though the sacrifice be a whole burnt offering.
On Vigilance by St. Ignatius Brianchaninov
The soul of all practices in the Lord is vigilance. Without vigilance, all these practices are fruitless. He who is desirous of saving himself must so establish himself that he might remain continuously vigilant toward himself, not only in solitude, but also under conditions of distraction, into which he is sometimes unwillingly drawn by circumstances.
On using time wisely
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven” (Ecc. 3:1)
On obedience to God by St. Ignatius
Over all epochs, world events, and individual destinies one can see the hand of God, the Creator of all creatures and their universal Master, all-seeing, all-ruling, assigning His purposes and intentions to everything.
On the Remembrance of Death
A monk should remember every day, and several times a day, that he is faced with inevitable death, and eventually he should even attain to the unceasing remembrance of death.
Biography of Abbot Nikon
Abbot Nikon (in the world, Nikolai Nikolaevitch Vorobiev) was born in 1894 into a large peasant family, in the village of Mikshino, Tver Province. Ever since childhood, he excelled in seriousness, impeccable honesty, remarkable warmth, concern for everyone, and an unquenchable thirst for ultimate truth, a thirst to comprehend the purpose of human existence.
On Sorrows by St. Theophan the Recluse
…Everything that comes from God, aside from our own doings, is best for us. This is not only a matter of faith or theory, but no matter which circumstance in life you look at, you will surely see that it is so every single time. Even now all your afflictions - your own illness, your son’s illness, the difficult matters which you hint about - all of it is for the best, both for you and for your family members. It only remains to pray and, in praying, to thank God. And we must give even greater thanks for afflictions.
Divine Providence by St. John of Tobolsk
What is Providence? It is one of the basic characteristics of God – to see all that is going on, was going on, and will be going on in the future as though it is the present, and to have omnipotent concern for safeguarding all creation and wisely managing all its manifestations. St. John Damascene describes it thus: “Providence is Divine will which maintains everything and wisely rules over everything.”
Of the Knowledge of God by St. Silouan
THE Father so loved us that He gave us His Son; but such was the will of the Son too, and He became incarnate and lived with us on earth. And the holy Apostles and a multitude of people beheld the Lord in the flesh, but not all knew Him as the Lord; yet it has been given to me, a poor sinner, through the Holy Spirit to know that Jesus Christ is God.
On the will of God by Saint Silouan
It is a great good to give oneself up to the will of God. Then the Lord alone is in the soul. No other thought can enter in, and the soul feels God's love, even though the body be suffering.
On Gluttony/Drunkeness by St. John of Kronstadt
Be firmly assured that the evil is kindled in your heart by the enemy; he chiefly assaults the heart through a full stomach. This is from experience.
On Providence by St. John of Kronstadt
If God does not leave a blade of grass, a flower, or a small leaf of a tree without His good providence, will He leave us? O, let every man be convinced with his whole heart that God is true to Himself in His providence for even the least of His creatures. Let him understand that the Creator invisibly dwells in all His creatures. In the words of our Saviour, God clothes the grass of the field, feeds the fowls of the air.[52]
On Avarice by St. John of Kronstadt
To what do you cleave? In what do you seek your life? Is it in money, which made Judas hang himself?
On Death by St. John of Kronstadt
Love to be reproved of sin by others, justly or unjustly here, in preference to being reproved at the dreadful judgment seat, before the whole world, before all the Angels and men. O, the unbearable fear and shame of Thy terrible judgment seat, Lord!
On The Church by St. John of Kronstadt
Woe unto those who have withdrawn themselves from the Church: they will become completely possessed by the spirit of the world, by the spirit of evil.
On Good Works by St. John of Kronstadt
Rejoice at every opportunity of showing kindness to your neighbour as a true Christian who strives to store up as many good works as possible, especially the treasures of love.
On Alms-giving by St. John of Kronstadt
Why does the Lord allow there to be poor? For your good, so that you may be cleansed from your sins and expiate them, "for alms doth deliver from death, and shall purge away all sin"[346]; so that you may win suppliants who will pray for you in the persons of those upon whom you bestow your charity, so that the Lord may be merciful to you. "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy."[347]
On Saints by St. John of Kronstadt
Christ being led into the heart by faith, dwells in it with peace and joy. It is not without reason that it is said of God, "He is Holy, and rests in the saints."[34]
On Icons by St. John of Kronstadt
Reverence in every way images of living men, in order that you may duly reverence the image of God. For the image of the Lord Jesus Christ is the human image. He who does not respect the human image will not respect the image of God!
On Fasting by St. John of Kronstadt
To what end do fasting and penitence lead? For what purpose is this trouble taken? They lead to the cleansing of the soul from sins, to peace of heart, to union with God; they fill us with devotion and sonship, and give us boldness before God. There are, indeed, very important reasons for fasting and for confession from the whole heart. There shall be an inestimable reward given for conscientious labour.
Between Believers and Unbelievers
On Pascha Monday, in the evening after midnight, before lying down to sleep I went out into the little garden behind my house. The sky was dark and covered with stars. I seemed to see it for the first time, and a distant psalmody seemed to descend from it. My lips murmured, very softly: "Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship the footstool of His feet." A holy man once told me that during these hours the heavens are opened. The air exhaled a fragrance of the flowers and herbs I had planted. "Heaven and earth are filled with the glory of the Lord."
Heaven and Hell revealed
From The Book of Paradise: being the histories and sayings of the monks and ascetics of the Egyptian desert by Palladius, Hieronymus and others.
On Love by Saint Silouan
My soul thirsts for the living God. Time and again my soul seeks fulness of delight in the Lord. O mercy of God that passeth all understanding: the Lord formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the soul of man was made kin to God.
On Love by St. John of Kronstadt
Be zealous after love: all things shall pass away, but love shall eternally remain, as God Himself, who is Love.
On Malice by St. John of Kronstadt
You hate your enemy? You are foolish. Why? Because if your enemy persecutes you, you also inwardly persecute yourself; for say, is it not persecution, and the most cruel persecution, to torture yourself by your hatred towards your enemy? Love your enemy, and you will be wise. O, if only you knew what a triumph, what blessedness it is to love your enemy, and to do good to him! So did the Son of God, so did God in the Holy Trinity, triumph, and still triumphs, through His love, over the ungrateful and evil-natured human race; so also did God's saints triumph over their enemies, by loving them and doing good to them.
On Pride by St. John of Kronstadt
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 disobedient, Christ fulfilled obedience.
On Sickness by St. John of Kronstadt
When you see your body wasted through sickness, do not murmur against God, but say: "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."[47] You are accustomed to look upon your body as upon your own inalienable property, but that is quite wrong, because your body is God's edifice.
On Despair by St. John of Kronstadt
Never despair in God's mercy by whatever sins you may have been bound by the temptation of the Devil, but pray with your whole heart, with the hope of forgiveness; knock at the door of God's mercy and it shall be opened unto you. I, a simple priest, am an example for you: however I may sometimes sin by the action of the Devil, for instance, by enmity towards a brother, whatever the cause may be, even though it may be a right cause, and I myself become thoroughly disturbed and set my brother against me, and unworthily celebrate the Holy Sacrament, not from wilful neglect, but by being myself unprepared, and by the action of the Devil; yet, after repentance, the Lord forgives all, and everything, especially after the worthy communion of the Holy Sacrament: I become white as snow, or as a wave of the sea, by the blood of Christ; the most heavenly peace dwells in my heart; it becomes light, so light, and I feel beatified. Then, indeed, I forget all troubles, anxieties, and the oppression of the enemy, I become entirely renewed, and as though risen from the dead. Do not then despair, brethren, whatever sins you may have committed, only repent find confess them with a contrite heart and humble spirit. Glory, O Lord, to Thy mercy! Glory, O Lord, to Thy long-suffering and forbearance!
On Repentance by St. John of Kronstadt
"If you fall, rise and you shall be saved." You are a sinner, you continually fall, learn also how to rise; be careful to acquire this wisdom. This is what the wisdom consists in: learning by heart the psalm, "Have mercy upon me, O God, after Thy great goodness," inspired by the Holy Spirit to the king and prophet David, and say it with sincere faith and trust, with a contrite and humble heart. After your sincere repentance, expressed in the words of King David, the forgiveness of your sins shall immediately shine upon you from the Lord, and your spiritual powers will be at peace. The most important thing in life is to be zealous for mutual love, and not to judge anyone. Everybody shall answer for himself to God, and you must look to yourself. Beware of malice.
On Humility by St. John of Kronstadt
To be humble means to consider ourselves deserving, for our sins, of every humiliation, injury, persecution, and even blows; and to be meek means to patiently endure injustice, abuse, and so forth, and to pray for our enemies.
Christianity vs. Sorcery. Sts. Cyprian and Justina
Christianity vs. Sorcery. THE TWENTIETH CENTURY, which began with the presumption of imagining itself the most enlightened of all ages, has in reality proceeded of imagining some of the blackest years of all human history. Symptomatic of this truly dark age is the revival in recent decades of interest and active participation in witchcraft and sorcery. Much of this interest is on the level of dilettantism and crude amateurism, but more and more often it produces real results, leads to an actual contact with demonic powers, and causes the eternal damnation of souls caught in the web of nets far more subtle and deadly than the beginning occultist imagines.
Honoring our fellow Christians by St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
Beloved Christians, I cannot wonder enough at the goodness of God and His compassionate love for us men; and contemplating this, I cannot but exclaim with the Prophet, "O Lord, what is man, that Thou art made known unto him? Or the son of man, that Thou takest account of him?" (LXX-Ps. 143:3 [KJV-Ps. 144:3]), when I consider what honor the Lord has granted man! The honor and nobility which God bestows on men who are true Christians is so great and so high that it is impossible not only to describe it or to explain it in words, but even to comprehend it with the mind. "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people" (1 Pet. 2:9), says the true Apostle of Christ.
Ye Are a Chosen Race by St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
"Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God" (1 Jn. 3:1), and so we are. O blessedness! O God's love for man! O how much God's love has accomplished! O how profusely has God's grace abounded! Poor and rejected sinners are made the children of God! The Apostle of Christ wonders at this and says, Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God, and so we are. For what is more astonishing than that a sinner should become a child of God? God's love toward man has wrought this. What is more glorious than to be called and to really be a child of God? God's grace has bestowed this on man. It is glorious to be the child of an earthly king; it is incomparably more glorious to be the child of God the Heavenly King. This honor, glory, merit, nobility, and name is more excellent than all titles of this world. For this, glory to God Who loves mankind!
The Deliverer by St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
The very incarnation of the Son of God and His coming into the world strongly encourages sinners to repentance. For whose sake did Christ come into the world? For the sake of sinners. To what end? For the sake of their salvation. O how dear to God was our salvation! He Himself came into the world, O sinners, for the sake of our salvation.
On Repentance by St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
To those that have sinned after holy Baptism the only remaining hope is true repentance. Glory to God for that! Glory to God, that we have not yet perished, O sinners! A hope yet remains. God's compassions have not yet come to an end. Repentance is still preached to sinners. The poor are still given glad tidings. The Heavenly King still proclaims His mercy everywhere. The doors of compassion are not yet shut. The grace of God is still open to all. The Gospel and the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world are still preached. The Kingdom of God is still proclaimed.
Holy Baptism by St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
"He that believeth and is baptised shall be saved" (Mk. 16:16). Our Lord and Saviour gave us this saying for our confirmation and consolation. For what is more comforting to a faithful and baptized soul than this saying that promises it eternal salvation?
The Gospel of Salvation by St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
Beloved Christians! Nothing is more pleasant, lovelier, and sweeter to us sinners than the Gospel. More welcome than bread to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, freedom to captives and those in prison, is the Gospel to sinners who understand their misfortune.
On Conscience by St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
When God created man He set a conscience within his soul so that he may be governed by it as by a rule, and so that he may be guided in what to do and what to avoid. Conscience is nothing other than natural or innate law, which is why it also agrees with the written Law of God. For whatever the Law of God teaches, conscience teaches also.
Reverence Toward God by St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
Do not worship God with material things and superficially, but with a good conscience, fear, love, obedience, thanksgiving, prayer and faith. For God is Spirit, nonmaterial, and is therefore worshipped in nothing else but in spirit and in truth (Jn. 4:24).
Remember the Love of God by St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
Everywhere and in every endeavor remember the Lord your God and His holy love for us. Everything that you may see in heaven and on earth and in your house awakens you to the remembrance of the Lord your God and His holy love. We are enveloped in God's love. Every creature of God bears witness to His love for us. When you see God's creation and make use of it, say to yourself thus: This is the work of the hands of the Lord my God, and it was created for my sake.
The Signs of Love for God by St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
But let us see what the signs of love for God are, so that we may not have a false dream of love instead of love itself. In nothing does a man deceive himself so much as in love. The signs of this love are:
On love for God by St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
Beloved Christians, all Christians say, "How can we not love God?" Or, "Whom shall we love, if not God?" This is a true saying, "How can we not love God?" And likewise, "Whom shall we love, if not God?" God is the supreme good, uncreated, without beginning, without end, existent, and without change.
How to Learn to Love the Lord by St. Theophan the Recluse
Last week the Holy Myrrhbearers instructed us on love and today St. John the Theologian also instructs us concerning love. He loved the Lord more than anyone else and was loved by Him. Let us imprint in our minds this image of love, and let us begin to turn our feelings according to it and our attitude in relation to the Lord.
Interview with Elder Paisius Olaru of Sihla Skete
Counsels from Contemporary Romanian Elders To Laypeople, Monastics, and Clergy.
The blessed condition of the righteous in the future life
A great reward is prepared for the righteous in the future life (Matt. 5. 12). They will be brought to the most perfect and beautiful place, which the Holy Scripture calls Paradise (Luke 23. 43), Heaven (Matt. 6.9), the Kingdom of God (Luke 13. 28-29), the heavenly Father's house (John 14. 2), the city of the living God and the heavenly Jerusalem (Heb. 12. 22-23).
The significance of the Jesus Prayer
Excerpt from: A night in the desert of the Holy Mountain by Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos.
Jesus Prayer is necessary for Clergy and Laymen
Excerpt from: A night in the desert of the Holy Mountain by Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos.
Orthodox Christian Glossary
Glossary of terms from 'A night in the desert of the Holy Mountain' by Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos.
The Fruits of the Jesus Prayer
Excerpt from: A night in the desert of the Holy Mountain by Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos.
The Stages of the Jesus prayer
Excerpt from A night in the desert of the Holy Mountain by Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos.
Errors in practising the Jesus prayer
Excerpt from A night in the desert of the Holy Mountain by Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos.
Introduction to the Jesus Prayer by Mother Alexandra
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me, a sinner.
I have often read the Jesus Prayer in prayer books and heard it in church, but my attention was drawn to it first some years ago in Romania. There in a small Monastery of Sambata, tucked away at the foot of the Carpathians in the heart of the deep forest, its little white church reflected in a crystal-clear mountain pond, I met a monk who practiced the "prayer of the heart". Profound peace and silence reigned at Sambata in those days; it was a place of rest and strength-I pray God it still is.
I have often read the Jesus Prayer in prayer books and heard it in church, but my attention was drawn to it first some years ago in Romania. There in a small Monastery of Sambata, tucked away at the foot of the Carpathians in the heart of the deep forest, its little white church reflected in a crystal-clear mountain pond, I met a monk who practiced the "prayer of the heart". Profound peace and silence reigned at Sambata in those days; it was a place of rest and strength-I pray God it still is.
The Jesus Prayer by St. Theophan the Recluse
You have read about the Jesus Prayer, have you not? And you know what it is from practical experience. Only with the help of this prayer can the necessary order of the soul be firmly maintained; only through this prayer can we preserve our inner order undisturbed even when distracted by household cares. This prayer alone makes it possible to fulfill the injunction of the Fathers: the hands at work, the mind and heart with God. When this prayer becomes grafted in our heart, then there are no inner interruptions and it continues always in the same, evenly flowing way.
St. John Climacus On Prayer. Part 2
Step 28: On Prayer by St. John Climacus from: THE LADDER OF DIVINE ASCENT . Part II
St. John Climacus On Prayer. Part 1
Step 28: On Prayer by St. John Climacus from: THE LADDER OF DIVINE ASCENT . Part I
Video: Orthodox Christian anchorite.
Video: Elder Cleopa - On Prayer
The name and personality of Elder Cleopa 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.
On Prayer by Saint Silouan
We eat and drink every day, yet on the morrow our bodies need drink and food again. In like manner the recollection of God's bounties never wearies the soul but disposes her still more to think on God. Or again: the more wood you pile on a fire the more heat you get, and thus it is with God - the more you think on Him the more are you fired with love and fervour towards Him.
On guarding oneself from the good that is proper to fallen human nature
Has some good thought come to you? Stop! Whatever you do, do not rush to implement it or carry it out over-hastily, without thinking. Have you felt some good impulse or inclination in your heart? Stop! Do not dare to be drawn by it. Check it with the Gospel. See whether your good thought and your heart’s good impulse tally with the Lord’s holy teaching.
On the Jesus Prayer by St. Ignatius Brianchaninov
Excerpts on the Jesus Prayer from The Arena: An Offering to Contemporary Monasticism, by Bishop Ignatius (Brianchaninov)
On Prayer by St. Ignatius Brianchaninov
Selections from The Arena, On Prayer by by St. Ignatius Brianchaninov.
The Jesus Prayer Method by Archimandrite Sophrony
I propose to devote this chapter to setting out as briefly as possible the more important aspects of the Jesus Prayer and the commonsense views regarding this great culture of the heart that I met with on the Holy Mountain.
Pray without Ceasing - St. Gregory Palamas
Let no one think, my brother Christians, that it is the duty only of priests and monks to pray without ceasing, and not of laymen.
No, no; it is the duty of all of us Christians to remain always in prayer.
No, no; it is the duty of all of us Christians to remain always in prayer.
Why God Answers Some Prayers and Not Others
The teachings of Abba Ammonas [St. Anthony the Great's successor and abbot of the monastery in Pispir]