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

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

Let us have recourse to humility on all occasions; for the humble lie prone on the ground, and how can a man fall if he lies on the ground? But a man who stands on a height can easily fall.

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

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

The incessant invocation of God's name is a medicine which mortifies not just the passions, but even their influence. Just as the physician puts medications or dressings on a wound that it might be healed, without the patient even knowing the manner of their operation, so also the name of God, when we invoke it, mortifies all passions, though we do not know how that happens.

Patient endurance is the soul's struggle for virtue; where there is struggle for virtue, self-indulgence is banished.

Struggle until death to fulfill the commandments: purified through them, you will enter into life.

Labor to acquire thanksgiving toward God for everything, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you, and then you will find peace.

I think that for those living in community obedience is a greater virtue than chastity, however perfect. Chastity carries within it the danger of pride, but obedience has within it the promise of humility.

Do not judge and do not belittle anyone, because from this the heart grows faint and the mind is blinded, and from this, negligence appears and unfeelingness of heart is born. Keep ceaseless vigil, learning in the law of God, for through this the heart is warmed by heavenly fire, as is said: 'In my meditation a fire was kindled.'

We are sons of God or of Satan according to whether we conform to goodness or to evil.

Silence of lips is better and more wonderful than any edifying conversation. Strive to acquire humility and submissiveness. Never insist that anything should be according to your will, for this gives birth to anger. Do not judge or humiliate anyone, for this gives birth to anger. Do not judge or humiliate anyone, for this exhausts the heart and blinds the mind, and thereon leads to negligence and makes the heart unfeeling.

It is an insult to the intelligence to be subject to what lacks intelligence and to concern itself with shameful desires.

Self-control and strenuous effort curb desire; stillness and intense longing for God wither it.

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

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

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

Concerning fasting, do not grieve, as I have said to you before: God does not demand of anyone labors beyond his strength. And indeed, what is fasting if not a punishment of the body in order to humble a healthy body and make it infirm for passions, according to the word of the Apostle: 'When I am weak, then am I strong' (II Corinthians 12:10).

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

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440-526-5192 (Phone)