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

If, wishing to correct another, you are moved to anger, you gratify your own passion. Do not lose yourself in order to save another.

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).

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?

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

A holy man told us one day, that the source of all heresies and schisms in the church was, loving God too little, and ourselves too much.

Increasing self-criticism is the sign of increasing humility. Indeed, there is no clearer sign.

Repentance is the renewal of baptism. Repentance is a contract with God for a second life. A penitent is a buyer of humility. Repentance is constant distrust of bodily comfort. Repentance is self-condemning reflection, and carefree self-care. Repentance is the daughter of hope and the renunciation of despair.

A holy man told us one day, that the source of all heresies and schisms in the church was, loving God too little, and ourselves too much.

Most of us call ourselves sinners, and perhaps really think it; but it is indignity that tests the heart.

It is a great work to shake from the soul the praise of men, but to reject the praise of demons is greater.

Lying is wiped out by the tortures of superiors; but it is finally destroyed by an abundance of tears.

As galloping horses race one another, so a good community excites mutual fervor.

Love and humility form a holy pair; what the first builds, the second binds, thus preventing the building from falling asunder.

The fathers have laid down that psalmody is a weapon, and prayer is a wall, and honest tears are a bath; but blessed obedience in their judgment is confession of faith, without which no one subject to the passions will see the Lord.

A little fire softens a large piece of wax. So, too, a small indignity often softens, sweetens and wipes away suddenly all the fierceness, insensibility & hardness of our heart.

Those who live in obedience are strangers to love of money. For where even the body has been given up, what is left to be one's own? Only in one way can they be harmed, namely by being ready and quick to go from place to place. I have seen material possessions make monks patient to remain in one place. But I praise those who are pilgrims for the Lord.

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

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

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Mailing Address

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

Email, Phone, and Fax

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