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

Keep from prying into other people's affairs, for such prying gives occasion for slander, judgement and other grievous sins. Why do you need to be concerned about others? Know and examine your own self.Recall your past sins and purge them with repentance and contrition of heart, and you will not look at what other people do.

We are sons of God or of Satan according to whether we conform to goodness or to evil.

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

Spiritual reading and prayer purify the intellect, while love and self-control purify the soul's passionate aspect.

St. John Chrysostom, in considering the misfortune both of parents that neglect the good upbringing of their children and of the children not well brought up, says this, 'Parents that neglect to bring up their children as Christians, are most heinous murderers of children' (Homily 3, 'Against Those that Slander the Monastic Life '). For child-killers separate the body from the soul, but these parents cast them both soul and body info fiery Gehenna. It is impossible to escape from the former death according to natural law, but it would be possible to escape from the latter death were the negligence of the parents not to blame for it. Moreover, once it comes, the Resurrection is able to abolish bodily death, but nothing can overturn spiritual destruction. Therefore, parents, listen to the word of the Lord, 'Bring up your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord' (Eph. 6:4).

Consider, Christian, what vows you made and to Whom. It is a grievous thing to lie to a man; how incomparably more grievous it is to lie to God.

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

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

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

The person who is unaffected by the things of this world loves stillness; and he who loves no human thing loves all men.

As a bird without wings, as a soldier without arms, so is a Christian without prayer.

If you are not willing to repent through freely choosing to suffer, unsought sufferings will providentially be imposed on you.

Temptations are permitted so that we may learn what is in our heart.

Pride is known by its deeds as a tree is known by its fruits.

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

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

Self-control and strenuous effort curb desire; stillness and intense longing for God wither it.

True virtue consists in victory over one’s own self, not to do what our corrupt nature wills, but what the holy will of God desires.

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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)