Those who are inconstant and uninstructed should not argue with intelligent men. An intelligent man is one who conforms to God and mostly keeps silent; when he speaks he says very little, and only what is necessary and acceptable to God.
– St. Anthony the Great, the Philokalia
Featured image: Holy Ascension Russian Orthodox Church. Unalaska Island, Unalaska, Aleutian Islands, AK. Library of Congress
The quality of secure containment bathed in warm, mysterious light is the most important contribution of architecture to the liturgical experience. Every traditional Orthodox church shares this expression, regardless of whether it is a great cathedral or a wooden chapel. Even modest village churches were built of thick logs stepping inward to create a vault or dome-like enclosure. They provide a warm and motherly embrace that is akin to the domed stone churches of great cities. The humble logs, transfigured with paintings and hanging textiles, have become worthy icons of the jasper walls of New Jerusalem. And the quality of light, from numerous candles, gilded icons, and warm brown logs, reveals the same uncreated glory as that in the great cathedral.
– Andrew Gould, from An Icon of the Kingdom of God: The Integrated Expression of all the Liturgical Arts, Pt. 4: Architecture. Orthodox Arts Journal, 2012
Featured image: source
Hell can’t be made attractive, so the devil makes attractive the road that leads there.
Featured image: Church of St. Nicholas in Klenniki, Maroseyka street, Moscow, Russia. Photographer Egor Myznik, 2021. source
I have heard people say that there are no demons or devils…the Devil surely will not reveal himself to people who do not believe; for, should he do so, they might believe, and that would be against his own sly, diabolical policy, as he would have all in the dark, so terrible is his enmity against the Eternal Source of Light and Treasure of Goodness—God Almighty.
In only one place is there to be found the fount of true teaching, coming from God Himself, not diminished over the centuries but ever fresh, being one and the same in all those who truly teach it, leading those who follow it to eternal salvation.
This place is the Orthodox Church of Christ, the fount is the grace of the All-Holy Spirit, and the true teachers of the Divine doctrine that issues from this fount are the Holy Fathers of the Orthodox Church.
Featured image: Opening of the monument to Emperor Alexander II on the feast of the Ascension of the Lord. September 27, 1911. Photographer unknown. source
One must not nurse in one’s heart malice or hatred towards a neighbor who bears ill-will; but we must strive to love him and, as much as possible, do good, following the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ: Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you (Matt 5:44). And thus, if we will strive, as much as lies in our power, to fulfill all this, then we may hope that Divine Light will shine early in our souls, opening to us the path to the Jerusalem on High.
– St. Seraphim of Sarov, The Little Russian Philokalia
Featured image: Photographer Cas Oorthuys at Mt. Athos, 1959. source
This is how you pray continually – not by offering prayer in words, but by joining yourself to God through your whole way of life, so that your life becomes one continuous and uninterrupted prayer.
Featured image: Fr. Filaret (Pisarik) preparing a meal at Holy Trinity Monastery, Jordanville, NY. 1948. Holy Trinity Monastery/Seminary Photograph Collection. source
O Lord, grant that I may meet all that this coming day brings to me with spiritual tranquility.
Grant that I may fully surrender myself to thy holy will.
At every hour of this day, direct and support me in all things.
Whatever news may reach me in the course of the day,
teach me to accept it with a calm soul and the firm conviction
that all is subject to thy holy will.
Guide my thoughts and feelings in all my words and actions.
In all unexpected occurrences,
let me not forget that all is sent down from thee.
Grant me to deal with in a straightforward and wise manner
with every member of my family,
neither embarrassing nor saddening anyone.
O Lord, grant me power to endure the fatigue of the coming day
and all the events that will take place during it.
Guide my will and teach me to pray, to believe,
to hope, to be patient, to forgive, and to love.
Amen.
Featured image: “The Old Order and the New.” Photographer Peter Henry Emerson, 1886. Art Institute of Chicago Digital Collections
What saves and makes for good children is the life of the parents in the home. The parents need to devote themselves to the love of God. They need to become saints in their relation to their children through their mildness, patience and love. They need to make a new start every day, with a fresh outlook, renewed enthusiasm and love for their children. And the joy that will come to them, the holiness that will visit them, will shower grace on their children.
Generally the parents are to blame for the bad behavior of the children. And their behavior is not improved by reprimands, disciplining, or strictness. If the parents do not pursue a life of holiness and if they don’t engage in spiritual struggle, they make great mistakes and transmit the faults they have within them. If the parents do not live a holy life and do not display love towards each other, the devil torments the parents with the reactions of the children. Love, harmony and understanding between the parents are what are required for the children. This provides a great sense of security and certainty.
– St. Porphyrios of Kafsokalivia, Wounded by Love: The Life and the Wisdom of Elder Porphyrios
Featured image: Photographer Anna Romanova. source