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

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

It seems to me that, in all cases when indignity is offered to us, we should be silent; for it is our moment of profit.

I consider those fallen mourners more blessed than those who have not fallen and are not mourning over themselves; because as a result of their fall, they have risen by a sure resurrection.

It seems to me that, in all cases when indignity is offered to us, we should be silent; for it is our moment of profit.

He who has become aware of his sins has controlled his tongue, but a talkative person has not yet come to know himself as he should.

Meekness is a rock overlooking the sea of anger, which breaks all the waves that dash against it, yet remains completely unmoved.

It is better to eat meat and drink wine and not to eat the flesh of one's brethren through slander.

Fire and water do not mix, neither can you mix judgment of others with the desire to repent. If a man commits a sin before you at the very moment of his death, pass no judgment, because the judgment of God is hidden from men. It has happened that men have sinned greatly in the open but have done greater deeds in secret, so that those who would disparage them have been fooled, with smoke instead of sunlight in their eyes.

Blessed is he who, though maligned and disparaged every day for the Lord's sake, constrains himself to be patient. He will join the chorus of the martyrs, and boldly converse with the angels.

A vigilant monk is a foe to fornication, but a sleepy one is its mate.

Until we have acquired true prayer, we are like those who introduce children to walking. Make the effort to raise up, or rather, to enclose your mind within the words of your prayer; and if, like a child, it gets tired and falters, raise it up again. The mind, after all, is naturally unstable, but the God Who can do everything can also give it firm endurance. Persevere in this, therefore, and do not grow weary...

Meekness is an unchangeable state of mind, which remains the same in honor and dishonor.

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

Love and humility form a holy pair; what the first builds, the second binds, thus preventing the building from falling asunder.

Do not trust that because of abstinence you will not fall. One who had never eaten was cast from Heaven.

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.

Just as over-drinking is a matter of habit, so too from habit comes over-sleeping. Therefore we must struggle with the question of sleep, especially in the early days of obedience, because a long-standing habit is difficult to cure.

He who has obtained the fear of the Lord has forsaken lying, having within himself an incorruptible judge – his own conscience.

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

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440-526-5192 (Phone)