St. Kosmas of Aetolia

Be not separated from Christ, nor from the Church. Do you hear the priest ringing the bells? Get up immediately, get ready, and go to church, and listen to the service with attention. Similarly participate in the Divine Liturgy. And guide your children, as much as you are able, to avoid sin, to go to church so they will be blessed, that they may live and prosper.

– St. Kosmas of Aetolia

Featured image: Iconstasis in the Assumption Cathedral at the Staritsa Monastery. Photographer Sergeĭ Mikhaĭlovich, 1911. Prokudin-Gorskiĭ Collection. Library of Congress

I say this to you and I counsel you, even if the sky were to fall down, even if the earth would rise up, even if the whole world were destroyed, as it is due to do so, today, tomorrow, let them burn your body, let them fry it, let them take your possessions – don’t concern yourself. Give them away – they are not yours. You need your soul and Christ. Even if the whole world were to fall apart, no one can take these two things away from you against your will. Guard these two, and don’t lose them.

– St. Kosmas of Aetolia

Featured image: From the St. Kosmas of Aetolia Greek Orthodox Monastery