A collection of scriptural meditations from Saints and Fathers of the Church.

Concern for one's soul means hardship and humility, for through these God forgives us all our sins.

Self-love -- that is, friendship for the body -- is the source of evil in the soul.

The study of divine principles teaches knowledge of God to the person who lives in truth, longing and reverence.

Patient endurance is the soul's struggle for virtue; where there is struggle for virtue, self-indulgence is banished.

If you lay down rules for yourself, do not disobey yourself; for he who cheats himself is self-deluded.

Strive to love every man equally, and you will simultaneously expel all the passions.

Strive to love every man equally, and you will simultaneously expel all the passions.

Listlessness is an apathy of soul; and a soul becomes apathetic when sick with self-indulgence.

Fear of the Lord conquers desire, and distress that accords with God's will repulses sensual pleasure.

Make the body serve the commandments, keeping it so far as possible free from sickness and sensual pleasure.

He who fears God will pay careful attention to his soul and will free himself from communion with evil.

What guarantees a safe journey to eternity is effort, dignity, the sense of being unworthy before God, hope (the spiritual oxygen), consolation, and certainty. Not misery and compelled obedience and forced prayer; not tears and sadness - these all come from Satan. Yes, I ought to weep for my sins, but all the while hoping in God's love. But I cannot stand it if I cry because the devil wants me (to despair). Many times Satan crushes a person with despair and the devil becomes the victor. But this does not happen when one is like a child on his father's arm - trusting. Our trust in God is a ceaseless prayer that brings positive results. Despair comes from the devil. Don't say, 'Oh, what has happened to me?' but give yourself to God totally and hope in Him.

Labor to acquire meekness. Concerning the heavenly virtues, meekness and humility, the Lord Himself teaches us, saying: Learn of Me, for I am meek and humble in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls (Matt. 11:29). Learn not from angels, nor from men, but from Me, He says; that is, from the higher wisdom.

Just as desire and rage multiply our sins, so self-control and humility erase them.

Blessed stillness gives birth to blessed children: self-control, love and pure prayer.

Long-suffering and readiness to forgive curb anger; love and compassion wither it.

The person who listens to Christ fills himself with light; and if he imitates Christ, he reclaims himself.

Strive as well as you can to enter deeply with the heart into the church reading and singing and to imprint these on the tablets of the heart.

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Archangel Michael Orthodox Church
5025 E. Mill Rd
Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147

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[email protected]
440-526-5192 (Phone)