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

The grace of the priesthood is one thing, the grace of the great schema is another, the grace of the Mysteries is different, and the action of grace in ascesis is also different. They all spring from the same source, but each one differs from the other in eminence and glory. The grace of repentance, which acts in those who struggle, is a patristic inheritance. It is a divine transaction and exchange in which we give dust and receive heaven. We exchange matter for the Spirit. Every drop of sweat, every pain, every ascesis for God is an exchange.

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

Blasphemy brings the wrath of the Lord upon the rulers, the armies and the nations… the blasphemers are the most impious and sinful of all…It is an absolute need that the wound of blasphemy be completely wiped out from the Nation in order for it to have good fortune, to be glorified and uplifted.

The grace of God which brings peace and joy to the heart flees from the spiteful.

Spiritual freedom is release from the passions; without Christ’s mercy you cannot attain it.

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

The intellect becomes a stranger to the things of this world when its attachment to the senses has been completely sundered.

Do not seek to find the cause of temptations or whence they come; only pray to suffer them with gratitude.

Control your stomach, sleep, anger, and tongue, and you will not 'dash your foot against a stone.'

If you abandon God and are a slave to the passions, you cannot reap God's mercy.

The life of a man is leavened with afflictions and torments. When you see a little joy in your soul, know that it is a phone call telling you to endure the affliction that will come.

Joseph was amazed as he saw what was supernatural. He understood, O Virgin, the rain upon the fleece In thy conception without seed. And he understood the bush that burned without fire and was unconsumed, And Aaron's rod, which blossomed. Indeed, thy betrothed and guardian cried out to the priests: 'A virgin gives birth, and after the birth remains a virgin.'

Don't get lazy, and don't let time pass, for you will not recover the time that you waste idly everyday.

A wise man is one who pays attention to himself and is quick to separate himself from all defilement.

The rainfall of grace of a single day provides enough water for the things planted in the soul for the entire period that grace leaves.

Break the bonds of your friendship for the body and give it only what is absolutely necessary.

Love and self-control purify the soul.

Live very modestly. Be very humble. Don't speak idly about humility, but be like rubbish for people to step on, if you want Christ to visit you. Your heart needs to become as soft as cotton.

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

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440-526-5192 (Phone)