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

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

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

You were commanded to keep the body as a servant, not to be unnaturally enslaved to its pleasures.

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

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

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

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

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

The greatest weapons of someone striving to lead a life of inward stillness are self-control, love, prayer, and spiritual reading.

Imitate the Publican and you will not be condemned with the Pharisee. Choose the meekness of Moses and you will find your heart which is a rock changed into a spring of water.

The soul's health consists in dispassion and spiritual knowledge; no slave to sensual pleasure can attain it.

Do not neglect the practice of the virtues; if you do, your spiritual knowledge will decrease, and when famine occurs you will go down into Egypt (Genesis 41:57, 46:6).

In the beginning there are a great many battles and a good deal of suffering for those who are advancing towards God and afterwards, ineffable joy. It is like those who wish to light a fire; at first they are choked by the smoke and cry, and by this means obtain what they seek -- as it is said, 'Our God is a consuming fire' -- so we also must kindle the divine fire in ourselves through tears and hard work.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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440-526-5192 (Phone)