Orthodox Odyssey
01.02.202523:23
St. John Climacus labels the fourth rung on the Ladder to heaven Obedience. What is obedience? He describes it thus:
... a total renunciation of our own life, and it shows up clearly in the way we act. Obedience is the burial place of the will.... Obedience is self-mistrust up to one's dying day, in every matter, even the good.
... a total renunciation of our own life, and it shows up clearly in the way we act. Obedience is the burial place of the will.... Obedience is self-mistrust up to one's dying day, in every matter, even the good.
25.01.202523:36
Lutheran Pastor, Richard Wurmbrand, wrote an account of the things he witnessed as a prisoner in Communist Romania. His extraordinary and moving account of what happened in the prison one Christmas Eve between an Orthodox Priest and his torturer is well worth a read:
“When I was in jail I fell very, very ill. I had tuberculosis of the whole surface of both lungs, and four vertebrae were attacked by tuberculosis. I also had intestinal tuberculosis, diabetes, heart failure, jaundice, and other sicknesses I can’t even remember. I was near to death.
At my right hand was a priest by the name of Iscu. He was abbot of a monastery. This man, perhaps in his forties, had been so tortured he was near to death. But his face was serene. He spoke about his hope of heaven, about his love of Christ, about his faith. He radiated joy.
On my left side was the Communist torturer who had tortured this priest almost to death. He had been arrested by his own comrades. Don’t believe the newspapers when they say that the Communists only hate Christians or Jews—it’s not true. They simply hate. They hate everybody. They hate Jews, they hate Christians, they hate anti-Semites, they hate anti-Christians, they hate everybody. One Communist hates the other Communist. They quarrel among themselves, and when they quarrel one Communist with the other, they put the other one in jail and torture him just like a Christian, and they beat him.
And so it happened that the Communist torturer who had tortured this priest nearly to death had been tortured nearly to death by his comrades. And he was dying near me. His soul was in agony.
During the night he would awaken me, saying, “Pastor, please pray for me. I can’t die, I have committed such terrible crimes.”
Then I saw a miracle. I saw the agonized priest calling two other prisoners. And leaning on their shoulders, slowly, slowly he walked past my bed, sat on the bedside of this murderer, and caressed his head—I will never forget this gesture. I watched a murdered man caressing his murderer! That is love—he found a caress for him.
The priest said to the man, “You are young; you did not know what you were doing. I love you with all my heart.” But he did not just say the words. You can say “love,” and it’s just a word of four letters. But he really loved. “I love you with all my heart.”
Then he went on, “If I who am a sinner can love you so much, imagine Christ, who is Love Incarnate, how much He loves you! And all the Christians whom you have tortured, know that they forgive you, they love you, and Christ loves you. He wishes you to be saved much more than you wish to be saved. You wonder if your sins can be forgiven. He wishes to forgive your sins more than you wish your sins to be forgiven. He desires for you to be with Him in heaven much more than you wish to be in heaven with Him. He is Love. You only need to turn to Him and repent.”
In this prison cell in which there was no possibility of privacy, I overheard the confession of the murderer to the murdered. Life is more thrilling than a novel—no novelist has ever written such a thing. The murdered—near to death—received the confession of the murderer. The murdered gave absolution to his murderer.
They prayed together, embraced each other, and the priest went back to his bed. Both men died that same night. It was a Christmas Eve. But it was not a Christmas Eve in which we simply remembered that two thousand years ago Jesus was born in Bethlehem. It was a Christmas Eve during which Jesus was born in the heart of a Communist murderer.
These are things which I have seen with my own eyes.” ~ Richard Wurmbrand
“When I was in jail I fell very, very ill. I had tuberculosis of the whole surface of both lungs, and four vertebrae were attacked by tuberculosis. I also had intestinal tuberculosis, diabetes, heart failure, jaundice, and other sicknesses I can’t even remember. I was near to death.
At my right hand was a priest by the name of Iscu. He was abbot of a monastery. This man, perhaps in his forties, had been so tortured he was near to death. But his face was serene. He spoke about his hope of heaven, about his love of Christ, about his faith. He radiated joy.
On my left side was the Communist torturer who had tortured this priest almost to death. He had been arrested by his own comrades. Don’t believe the newspapers when they say that the Communists only hate Christians or Jews—it’s not true. They simply hate. They hate everybody. They hate Jews, they hate Christians, they hate anti-Semites, they hate anti-Christians, they hate everybody. One Communist hates the other Communist. They quarrel among themselves, and when they quarrel one Communist with the other, they put the other one in jail and torture him just like a Christian, and they beat him.
And so it happened that the Communist torturer who had tortured this priest nearly to death had been tortured nearly to death by his comrades. And he was dying near me. His soul was in agony.
During the night he would awaken me, saying, “Pastor, please pray for me. I can’t die, I have committed such terrible crimes.”
Then I saw a miracle. I saw the agonized priest calling two other prisoners. And leaning on their shoulders, slowly, slowly he walked past my bed, sat on the bedside of this murderer, and caressed his head—I will never forget this gesture. I watched a murdered man caressing his murderer! That is love—he found a caress for him.
The priest said to the man, “You are young; you did not know what you were doing. I love you with all my heart.” But he did not just say the words. You can say “love,” and it’s just a word of four letters. But he really loved. “I love you with all my heart.”
Then he went on, “If I who am a sinner can love you so much, imagine Christ, who is Love Incarnate, how much He loves you! And all the Christians whom you have tortured, know that they forgive you, they love you, and Christ loves you. He wishes you to be saved much more than you wish to be saved. You wonder if your sins can be forgiven. He wishes to forgive your sins more than you wish your sins to be forgiven. He desires for you to be with Him in heaven much more than you wish to be in heaven with Him. He is Love. You only need to turn to Him and repent.”
In this prison cell in which there was no possibility of privacy, I overheard the confession of the murderer to the murdered. Life is more thrilling than a novel—no novelist has ever written such a thing. The murdered—near to death—received the confession of the murderer. The murdered gave absolution to his murderer.
They prayed together, embraced each other, and the priest went back to his bed. Both men died that same night. It was a Christmas Eve. But it was not a Christmas Eve in which we simply remembered that two thousand years ago Jesus was born in Bethlehem. It was a Christmas Eve during which Jesus was born in the heart of a Communist murderer.
These are things which I have seen with my own eyes.” ~ Richard Wurmbrand
22.01.202521:45
“We must never admit evil thoughts that fill us with sorrow and hatred for the place in which we live, and suggest that we go somewhere else. If someone tries to do something good in the place where he lives but fails to complete it, he should not think that he will accomplish it elsewhere. It is not the place that produces success, but faith and a firm will. A tree which is often transplanted does not bear fruit.”
St. Euthymius the Great
St. Euthymius the Great
Пераслаў з:
Orthodox Spirituality
16.01.202501:09
If the grace of God doesn’t enlighten man, though you say many words, they won’t be beneficial . The person listens to you for a moment, but soon after returns to that which holds him captive. If, however, grace works immediately , together with your words, then a change is effected at that moment, corresponding to the person’s predisposition. And from that moment on, his life is changed. This happens with those who haven’t hardened their hearing and conscience. On the contrary, if you speak day and night to those who hear about the good, but who disobey and remain in their evil desires, even if you give them all the wisdom of the Fathers, do miracles before their eyes , turn the flow of the Nile upon them, there’s no way they will benefit in the slightest. They want, however, to come here to my hut to speak, so as to pass their time because of their listlessness. For this reason I close my door and I, at least, am able to benefit from silence and from prayer.
+Elder Joseph the Hesychast
+Elder Joseph the Hesychast
01.02.202522:15
“Humility and the bearing of evil free a man from every sin; the one by checking the passions of the soul, the other those of the body. That he did this, the blessed David makes clear in one of his pleas to God: “Look upon my humility and labor; and forgive me all my sins (Ps. 24:18 LXX; 25:18)
—St. Maximus the Confessor
—St. Maximus the Confessor
Пераслаў з:Orthodox Church in America
OC
25.01.202518:23
Today we commemorate Saint Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople
Read the account: https://www.oca.org/saints/id/lives/100298
More saints commemorated today: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/01/25
Music downloads: https://www.oca.org/liturgics/music-downloads/january
#saints #feastsandsaints
Read the account: https://www.oca.org/saints/id/lives/100298
More saints commemorated today: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/01/25
Music downloads: https://www.oca.org/liturgics/music-downloads/january
#saints #feastsandsaints
22.01.202520:48
“God never draws anyone to Himself by force or compulsion. He wishes all men to be saved, but forces no one. He provides for those who are willing, assists those who struggle, strengthens those who labor, and crowns those who persevere.”
(St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on John, Homily 19.1)
(St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on John, Homily 19.1)
18.01.202520:54
“Do not be ashamed of the following things, and do not let partiality lead you to sin:
2 Of the Law and covenant of the Most High, and of a judgment to acquit an ungodly man;
3 Of keeping accounts with a partner or a traveling companion,
And of dividing an inheritance among friends;
4 Of accurate scales and balances, and the acquisition of much or little;
5 Of profit from business with merchants, and of much discipline of children, and of making the sides of an evil servant bleed.
6 Where there is an evil wife, a seal is good; and where there are many hands, lock things up.
7 Whatever you deliver, do it by number or weight; and put in writing everything you give or receive.
8 Do not be ashamed of the instructing of the unwise and foolish, or of the extremely old man who passes judgment on the young; Then you will be truly instructed And approved before all men.”
Sirach 42:1-8 OSB
2 Of the Law and covenant of the Most High, and of a judgment to acquit an ungodly man;
3 Of keeping accounts with a partner or a traveling companion,
And of dividing an inheritance among friends;
4 Of accurate scales and balances, and the acquisition of much or little;
5 Of profit from business with merchants, and of much discipline of children, and of making the sides of an evil servant bleed.
6 Where there is an evil wife, a seal is good; and where there are many hands, lock things up.
7 Whatever you deliver, do it by number or weight; and put in writing everything you give or receive.
8 Do not be ashamed of the instructing of the unwise and foolish, or of the extremely old man who passes judgment on the young; Then you will be truly instructed And approved before all men.”
Sirach 42:1-8 OSB
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He Loves Mankind ☦️
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12.01.202507:56
"The world is perishing from a lack of love. Instead of love, wickedness and hatred reign...Only love is capable of resurrecting it. But where can we find such love if mans natural heart is darkened by passions and full of soulless egoism? Only the Gospel of Christ offers a love powerful enough to rejuvenate our perishing world."
+ Archbishop Averky of Syracuse
+ Archbishop Averky of Syracuse
Пераслаў з:Orthodox Church in America
OC
02.02.202523:03
Today we celebrate the Meeting of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple
Read the account: https://www.oca.org/saints/id/lives/100407
Saints commemorated today: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/02/02/
Music downloads: https://www.oca.org/liturgics/music-downloads/meeting-of-our-lord
Read sermon: https://www.oca.org/fs/sermons/sermon-on-the-meeting-of-our-lord-in-the-temple
#saints #feastsandsaints
Read the account: https://www.oca.org/saints/id/lives/100407
Saints commemorated today: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/02/02/
Music downloads: https://www.oca.org/liturgics/music-downloads/meeting-of-our-lord
Read sermon: https://www.oca.org/fs/sermons/sermon-on-the-meeting-of-our-lord-in-the-temple
#saints #feastsandsaints
Пераслаў з:Orthodox Church in America
OC
31.01.202506:28
Today we commemorate the Synaxis of: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom
Read the account: https://www.oca.org/saints/id/lives/100350
More saints commemorated: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/01/30
Music downloads: https://www.oca.org/liturgics/music-downloads/january
#saints #feastsandsaints
Read the account: https://www.oca.org/saints/id/lives/100350
More saints commemorated: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/01/30
Music downloads: https://www.oca.org/liturgics/music-downloads/january
#saints #feastsandsaints
18.01.202520:47
“Shame, Proper and Improper”
16 Therefore, be ashamed on the basis of my word, for it is not good to protect every kind of shame, and not everything is highly esteemed by all with confidence.
17 Be ashamed of fornication before father or mother; of a lie before your leader or ruler;
18 Of an offense before a judge or ruler; of lawlessness before the assembly of the people;
19 Of wrongdoing before your partner or friend; of theft in the place where you dwell.
20 Be ashamed before the truth of God and His covenant, and of bad manners at the table;
21 Of contemptuous behavior in receiving and giving; of silence before those who greet you;
22 Of looking at a prostitute; of rejecting the appeal of a kinsman;
23 Of carrying off someone's portion or gift, and of staring at another man's wife;
24 Of meddling with his maidservant—and do not come near her bed.
25 Be ashamed of insulting words before friends, and do not be insulting after making a gift;
26 Of repeating and telling what you hear and revealing secrets.
27 So be truly modest and find favor before every man.”
Sirach 41:16-27 OSB
16 Therefore, be ashamed on the basis of my word, for it is not good to protect every kind of shame, and not everything is highly esteemed by all with confidence.
17 Be ashamed of fornication before father or mother; of a lie before your leader or ruler;
18 Of an offense before a judge or ruler; of lawlessness before the assembly of the people;
19 Of wrongdoing before your partner or friend; of theft in the place where you dwell.
20 Be ashamed before the truth of God and His covenant, and of bad manners at the table;
21 Of contemptuous behavior in receiving and giving; of silence before those who greet you;
22 Of looking at a prostitute; of rejecting the appeal of a kinsman;
23 Of carrying off someone's portion or gift, and of staring at another man's wife;
24 Of meddling with his maidservant—and do not come near her bed.
25 Be ashamed of insulting words before friends, and do not be insulting after making a gift;
26 Of repeating and telling what you hear and revealing secrets.
27 So be truly modest and find favor before every man.”
Sirach 41:16-27 OSB
Пераслаў з:Orthodox Christian Catacombs
OC
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10.01.202523:21
There is no sin which conquers the mercy of God. Thus, the sins of man are zero [implying there is repentance and confession]. When the child returns to the bosom of the Lord, all things cease before His mercy.
☦️Elder Ephraim of Arizona
☦️Elder Ephraim of Arizona
Пераслаў з:
Orthodox Faith
01.02.202523:39
St. Macarius (Jan 19/ Feb 1) was once asked by a pilgrim how to find salvation in the world. He told the man to go to the cemetery and insult the dead people who were buried there. This he did and returned to the saint. The saint then told him to return to the cemetery and sing the praises of those who were buried there. This he did and returned.
The saint then asked the pilgrim: “What did the dead people do when you insulted them?”
“Why, nothing, of course, Holy Father,” the man replied.
St. Macarius continued, “What did the dead people do when you praised them?”
“Why, nothing, of course, Holy Father,” he replied again.
“Go and do the same, and you will be saved. Be dead both to the praises and curses of men and you will obtain salvation.”
The saint then asked the pilgrim: “What did the dead people do when you insulted them?”
“Why, nothing, of course, Holy Father,” the man replied.
St. Macarius continued, “What did the dead people do when you praised them?”
“Why, nothing, of course, Holy Father,” he replied again.
“Go and do the same, and you will be saved. Be dead both to the praises and curses of men and you will obtain salvation.”
28.01.202522:53
Пераслаў з:Orthodox Church in America
OC
20.01.202501:49
Today we commemorate Venerable Macarius the Great of Egypt
Read the account: https://www.oca.org/saints/id/lives/100226
More saints commemorated today: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/01/19
Music downloads: https://www.oca.org/liturgics/music-downloads/january
#saints #feastsandsaints
Read the account: https://www.oca.org/saints/id/lives/100226
More saints commemorated today: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/01/19
Music downloads: https://www.oca.org/liturgics/music-downloads/january
#saints #feastsandsaints
16.01.202504:59
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:10 NKJV
“It is the same as if someone, speaking in the person of health, were to say: Blessed are those that are separated from disease for my sake. They are without pains, and so it happens that those who were once sick are now resting in me. Therefore let us give heed to the Voice, since Life itself is announcing this Beatitude to us. Blessed are those who are persecuted by death for my sake. It is as if light said: Blessed are those who are persecuted by darkness for my sake. The same may be said of justice and sanctity, of incorruption and goodness, in fact, of any concept of those things that thought associates with the Good. We can imagine the Lord speaking to you somewhat like this:
Blessed is the man who is driven away from all that is hostile, from corruption, darkness, and sin, from injustice and covetousness, in short, from anything that is not virtuous, whether in words, deeds, or thoughts. For to be separated from evil means being confirmed in goodness. Whosoever committeth sin, says the Lord, is the servant of sin. Hence, if a man leaves what he used to serve, he attains to the dignity of a freeman. For the highest form of freedom is to be master of oneself. Now the dignity of kingship has no dictator above it. If, therefore, a man who is a stranger to sin is free, and if, on the other hand, the property of kingship is to be self-governing and without a master; it follows that a man who is persecuted by evils is blessed, because persecution from that quarter procures for him the royal dignity.”
—St. Gregory of Nyssa, The Beatitudes
Matthew 5:10 NKJV
“It is the same as if someone, speaking in the person of health, were to say: Blessed are those that are separated from disease for my sake. They are without pains, and so it happens that those who were once sick are now resting in me. Therefore let us give heed to the Voice, since Life itself is announcing this Beatitude to us. Blessed are those who are persecuted by death for my sake. It is as if light said: Blessed are those who are persecuted by darkness for my sake. The same may be said of justice and sanctity, of incorruption and goodness, in fact, of any concept of those things that thought associates with the Good. We can imagine the Lord speaking to you somewhat like this:
Blessed is the man who is driven away from all that is hostile, from corruption, darkness, and sin, from injustice and covetousness, in short, from anything that is not virtuous, whether in words, deeds, or thoughts. For to be separated from evil means being confirmed in goodness. Whosoever committeth sin, says the Lord, is the servant of sin. Hence, if a man leaves what he used to serve, he attains to the dignity of a freeman. For the highest form of freedom is to be master of oneself. Now the dignity of kingship has no dictator above it. If, therefore, a man who is a stranger to sin is free, and if, on the other hand, the property of kingship is to be self-governing and without a master; it follows that a man who is persecuted by evils is blessed, because persecution from that quarter procures for him the royal dignity.”
—St. Gregory of Nyssa, The Beatitudes
10.01.202510:12
“You shall not hate anyone; instead you shall reprove some, and pray for some, and some you shall love more than your own life.”
—Didache 2.7
—Didache 2.7
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