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

Meekness is a rock overlooking the sea of anger, which breaks all the waves that dash against it, yet remains completely unmoved.

If you feel sweetness or compunction at some word of your prayer, dwell on it; for then our guardian angel is praying with us.

Do not be surprised that you fall every day; do not give up, but stand your ground courageously. And assuredly, the angel who guards you will honor your patience.

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

Let no one on seeing or hearing something supernatural in the monastic way of life fall into unbelief out of ignorance; for where the supernatural God dwells, much that is supernatural happens.

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

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

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

A vigilant monk is a foe to fornication, but a sleepy one is its mate.

In detachment, the spirit finds quiet and repose for coveting nothing. Nothing wearies it by elation, and nothing oppresses it by dejection, because it stands in the center of its own humility.

Patience is an unbroken labor of the soul which is never shaken by deserved or undeserved blows.

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

If a person swallows too much food, he is inviting impure thoughts. If he mortifies the stomach, he is creating pure thoughts. Often a lion if it is caressed becomes domesticated, whereas the more you coddle the body, the more it goes wild.

In the beginning there are a great many battles and a good deal of suffering for those who are advancing towards God and afterwards, ineffable joy. It is like those who wish to light a fire; at first they are choked by the smoke and cry, and by this means obtain what they seek -- as it is said, 'Our God is a consuming fire' -- so we also must kindle the divine fire in ourselves through tears and hard work.

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

If it is a mark of extreme meekness, even in the presence of one’s offender, to be peacefully and lovingly disposed towards him in one’s heart, then it is certainly a mark of hot temper when a person continues to quarrel and rage against his offender, both by words and gestures, even when by himself.

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

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.

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

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440-526-5192 (Phone)