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

Do not hesitate to go late at night to those places where you usually feel afraid. But if you yield only a little to such weakness, then this childish and ridiculous infirmity will grow old with you. As you go on your way, arm yourself with prayer. When you reach the place, stretch out your hands. Flog your enemies with the name of Jesus, for there is no stronger weapon in heaven or earth. When you get rid of the disease of fear, praise Him who has delivered you. If you continue to be thankful, He will protect you for ever.

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

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

Do not go into detail in confessing carnal acts, lest you become a traitor to yourself.

One who is capable of seeing himself is better than one who has been made worthy to see angels.

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

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

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

One who is capable of seeing himself is better than one who has been made worthy to see angels.

Not he is chaste in whom shameful thoughts stop in time of struggle, work and endeavor, but he who by the trueness of his heart makes chaste the vision of his mind not letting it stretch out towards unseemly thoughts.

The lover of silence draws close to God. He talks to Him in secret and God enlightens him.

The man who follows Christ in solitary mourning is greater than he who praises Christ amid the congregation of men.

Trial is profitable for every man... Ascetic strugglers are tried, that they may add to their riches; the slothful are tried, that they may thereby guard themselves from what is harmful to them; the sleepy are tried, that they may be armed with wakefulness; those who are far away are tried, that they may draw nearer to God; those who are God's own are tried, that with boldness they may enter into His house. The son who is not trained will receive no profit from the riches of his father's house. For this reason, then, God first tries and afflicts, and thereafter reveals His gift. Glory be to our Master Jesus Christ Who brings us the sweetness of health by stringent medicines!

Flee from discussions of dogma as from an unruly lion; and never embark upon them yourself, either with those raised in the Church, or with strangers.

Except for unceasing prayer we cannot draw near to God.

Lips that utter frequent thanksgivings shall be blessed by God, and the grateful heart is visited by grace.

Stint your stomach and you will certainly lock your mouth, because the tongue is strengthened by an abundance of food. Struggle with all your might against the stomach and restrain it with all sobriety. If you labor a little, the Lord will also soon work with you.

Ascetical endeavor is the mother of sanctification. From sanctification the first taste of the perception of Christ’s mysteries is born...

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Parish

Mailing Address

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

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