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.

And pray ye without ceasing in behalf of other men. For there is in them hope of repentance that they may attain to God. See, then, that they be instructed by your works, if in no other way. Be ye meek in response to their wrath, humble in opposition to their boasting: to their blasphemies return your prayers; in contrast to their error, be ye steadfast in the faith; and for their cruelty, manifest your gentleness. While we take care not to imitate their conduct, let us be found their brethren in all true kindness; and let us seek to be followers of the Lord (who ever more unjustly treated, more destitute, more condemned? ), that so no plant of the devil may be found in you, but ye may remainin all holiness and sobriety in Jesus Christ, both with respect to the flesh and spirit.

The intellect becomes a stranger to the things of this world when its attachment to the senses has been completely sundered.

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

He who fears God will pay careful attention to his soul and will free himself from communion with evil.

Self-love -- that is, friendship for the body -- is the source of evil in the soul.

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

Spiritual freedom is release from the passions; without Christ’s mercy you cannot attain it.

We ought to think of God even more often than we draw our breath; and if the expression is permissible, we ought to do nothing else.

If you lay down rules for yourself, do not disobey yourself; for he who cheats himself is self-deluded.

We know there are Angels and Archangels, Thrones, Dominions, Princedoms, Powers, Splendors, Ascents, Intelligent Powers or Intelligences, pure natures and unalloyed, immovable to evil, or scarcely movable; ever circling in chorus round the First Cause (or how should we sing their praises?) illuminated thence with the purest Illumination, or in one degree or another, proportionally to their nature and rank...so conformed to beauty and molded that they become secondary Lights, and can enlighten others by the overflowings and largesse of the First Light. Ministrants of God's Will, strong with both inborn and imparted strength, traversing all space, readily present to all at any place through their zeal for ministry and the agility of their nature...

All sin is due to sensual pleasure, all forgiveness to hardship and distress.

Keep the commandments, and you will find peace; love God, and you will attain spiritual knowledge.

Concern for one's soul means hardship and humility, for through these God forgives us all our sins.

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

A wise man is one who pays attention to himself and is quick to separate himself from all defilement.

Worldly virtues promote human glory, spiritual virtues the glory of God.

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

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

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440-526-5192 (Phone)