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

Was there ever anyone of any breeding who dared to speak the name of Holy Mary, and being questioned, did not immediately add, 'the Virgin'? For by such added names the positive proofs of merit are apparent... And to the Holy Mary, Virgin is invariably added, for that Holy Woman remains undefiled.

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

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

My brother, the passions are afflictions; and so the Lord does not excommunicate us because of them, but He says: 'Call upon me in the time of affliction; and I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me'. Therefore, when beset by any kind of passion, there is nothing more useful than to call upon the Name of God. All we can do, weak as we are, is to flee for refuge to the Name of Jesus. For the passions, being demons, retreat if this Name is invoked.

Reading the scriptures is a great safeguard against sin.

The soul's health consists in dispassion and spiritual knowledge; no slave to sensual pleasure can attain it.

If you wish to be delivered from shameful passions, do not behave with anyone familiarly, especially with those toward whom your heart is inclined by a lustful passion; through this you will be delivered also from vainglory. For in vainglory is involved the pleasing of men, in the pleasing of men is involved familiarity of behavior, and familiarity of behavior is the mother of all passions.

To act 'according to one’s strength' means to use a little less than necessary both of food, and drink, and sleep... As for food, restrain yourself when you wish to eat a little more, and in this way you will always make use of it moderately.

According to the degree to which the intellect is stripped of the passions, the Holy Spirit initiates the intellect into the mysteries of the age to be.

Long-suffering and readiness to forgive curb anger; love and compassion wither it.

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

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

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

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

Give thanks to God for all things, because thanksgiving is intercession before God for our weakness. Judge yourself always and in everything as a sinner and as one seduced - and so God will not judge you; be humble in everything and you will receive grace.

If you abandon God and are a slave to the passions, you cannot reap God's mercy.

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

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.

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

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440-526-5192 (Phone)