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

If a person swallows too much food, he is inviting impure thoughts. If he mortifies the stomach, he is creating pure thoughts. Often a lion if it is caressed becomes domesticated, whereas the more you coddle the body, the more it goes wild.

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

As the gradual pouring of water on a fire completely extinguishes the flame, so the tears of mourning are able to quench every flame of anger and irritability. Therefore, we place this next in order. (after mourning).

A man who has embraced poverty offers up prayer that is pure, while a man who loves possessions prays to material images.

During the divine services, and at the very moment when the Mysteries (e.g., Holy Communion) are being accomplished, this vile enemy often blasphemes the Lord and the holy Sacrifice that is being consecrated. Wherefore, we clearly learn that it is not our soul that pronounces these unspeakable, godless and unthinkable words within us, but the God-hating fiend who fled from Heaven for uttering blasphemies against the Lord there too, as it would seem. For if these shameless and disgraceful words are my own, how could I worship after receiving the Gift? How can I praise and revile at one and the same time?

Control your appetites before they control you.

If it is a mark of extreme meekness, even in the presence of one’s offender, to be peacefully and lovingly disposed towards him in one’s heart, then it is certainly a mark of hot temper when a person continues to quarrel and rage against his offender, both by words and gestures, even when by himself.

A dog is better than I am, for he has love and he does not judge.

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

A vigilant eye makes the mind pure; but much sleep hardens the soul.

In the presence of an invisible spirit, the body becomes afraid; but in the presence of an angel, the soul of the humble is filled with joy. Therefore, when we recognize the presence from the effect, let us quickly hasten to prayer, for our good guardian has come to pray with us.

Go and have pity on all, for through pity, one finds freedom of speech before God.

Be concentrated without self-display, withdrawn into your heart. For the demons fear concentration as thieves fear dogs.

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.

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.

A man who has embraced poverty offers up prayer that is pure, while a man who loves possessions prays to material images.

A servant of the Lord is he who in body stands before men, but in mind knocks at Heaven with prayer.

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

Filters
Search By Keyword
Filter By
See more See less
Topics (Love, Anger, Confession, etc.)
See more See less
Parish

Mailing Address

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

Email, Phone, and Fax

[email protected]
440-526-5192 (Phone)