divine liturgy – Alana Nickels

Quotes on Orthodoxy / St. John of Karpathos

“The enemy lurks like a lion in his den.”

The enemy lurks like a lion in his den; he lays in our path hidden traps and snares, in the form of impure and blasphemous thoughts. But if we remain watchful, we can lay for him traps and snares and that are far more effective and terrible.
Prayer, the recitation of psalms and the keeping of vigils, humility, service to others and acts of compassion, thankfulness, attentive listening to the words of Scripture – all these are a trap for the enemy, a pitfall, a noose, a lash and a snare.

– St. John of Karpathos, Philokalia, Vol. 1

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Quotes on Orthodoxy / St. Tikhon of Zadonsk

“Whoever laughs or converses while standing in church does not render honor to the holy place.”

In going to church, think that thou art going to the house of the King of heaven, where with fear and joy one ought to stand as in heaven before the King of heaven.
While standing in church, do not look around to the sides and do not look at how someone is standing and praying, lest thou be condemned with the Pharisee, since thou didst not come to judge others, but to ask for mercy for thyself from God the Judge and Knower of hearts.
Gaze with compunction toward the altar alone, where the holy sacrifice is offered.
More than anything else, beware of laughter and conversations, for whoever laughs or converses while standing in church does not render honor to the holy place and tempts others and prevents others from praying.

– St. Tikhon of Zadonsk

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Quotes on Orthodoxy / St. Barsanouphios of Optina

“Our mind often creeps along the ground.”

Prayer in church is important. The best thoughts and feelings come in church, yes, and the enemy attacks more violently in church, but with the sign of the Cross and the Jesus Prayer, you drive him away. It is good to stand in some dark corner in church and to pray to God. Let us lift up our hearts! the priest exclaims, but our mind often creeps along the ground, thinking about indecent things. Fight against this.

– St. Barsanouphios of Optina

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