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

I wish I could persuade spiritual persons that the way of perfection does not consist in many devices, nor in much cogitation, but in denying themselves completely and yielding themselves to suffer everything for the love of Christ. And if there is failure in this exercise, all other methods of walking in the spiritual way are merely a beating about the bush, and profitless trifling, although a person should have very high contemplation and communication with God.

Control your appetites before they control you.

Patience is an unbroken labor of the soul which is never shaken by deserved or undeserved blows.

The first step toward freedom from anger is to keep the lips silent when the heart is stirred; the next, to keep thoughts silent when the soul is upset; the last, to be totally calm when unclean winds are blowing.

It is a great work to shake from the soul the praise of men, but to reject the praise of demons is greater.

Most of us call ourselves sinners, and perhaps really think it; but it is indignity that tests the heart.

In detachment, the spirit finds quiet and repose for coveting nothing. Nothing wearies it by elation, and nothing oppresses it by dejection, because it stands in the center of its own humility.

Let us monks, then, be as trustful as the birds are; for they have no cares, neither do they gather into barns.

Obedience is to give up one's own judgment but to do it with wise consultation.

Bring out the staff of patience, and the dogs will soon stop their insolence. Patience is an unbroken labor of the soul which is never shaken by deserved or undeserved blows. The patient man is a faultless worker, who turns his faults into victories. Patience is the limitation of suffering that is accepted day by day. Patience lays aside all excuses and all attention to herself. The worker needs patience more than his food, because the one brings him a crown, while the other may bring ruin.

As writing is washed out by water, so sins can be washed out by tears.

He who really keeps account of his actions considers as lost every day in which he does not mourn, whatever good he may have done in it.

Let no one on seeing or hearing something supernatural in the monastic way of life fall into unbelief out of ignorance; for where the supernatural God dwells, much that is supernatural happens.

As galloping horses race one another, so a good community excites mutual fervor.

He who has put a stop to anger has also destroyed remembrance of wrongs; because childbirth continues only while the father is alive.

Repentance raises the fallen, mourning knocks at the gate of Heaven, and holy humility opens it.

People of high spirit bear offence nobly and gladly, but only the holy and righteous can pass through praise without harm.

Where a fall has overtaken us, there pride has already pitched its tent; because a fall is an indication of pride.

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

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440-526-5192 (Phone)