Alexander Solzhenitsyn, the Russian author who spent many years in the gulag of Siberia, bears witness to the power of the cross. After long suffering in the work camp of Siberia, he fell into despair. Like other prisoners, he had worked in the fields day after day, in rain and sun, during summer and winter. …
In everyone’s spiritual life there comes a point where we can either excel or stay the same, both of which have a corresponding result. Sadly, many of us choose to stay where we are, claiming it to be too difficult to move forward; often putting ourselves in a state of spiritual apathy and lukewarmness, while …
Monasticism began as a result of one man’s attempt to fulfill a Scriptural challenge, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.” (Matt 19:21) And so the young Antony attempted to live out what God had mandated. Many followed the example …
The blessed man Abraham had a brother who lived close by, and he died, leaving a daughter aged seven. She was left without parents, so she was brought to her uncle, who arranged for her to be placed in a room built on the outside wall of his hermitage. Now there was a certain man, …
St Shenouda the Archimandrite is famous for his life as a monk, national leader, and a writer. Perhaps he is less famous for his powerful defence of biblical truth. A highlight of this is when our holy fathers convened a synod to excommunicate the impious Nestorius. On this occasion Abba Shenouda and St Cyril the …
A certain brother was engaged in a war against Satan, and he told the matter to Abba Herakles and wishing to strengthen and confirm him the old man told him the following story, “There was a certain old man who had a disciple, and he had been very obedient to him for many years, and …
Rare are they who know the mystery of obedience. The obedient man is great in the sight of God. He follows in the footsteps of Christ, Who in Himself gave us the pattern of obedience. The Lord loves the obedient soul and affords her His peace, and then all is well and the soul feels …
“Unless a person keeps the commandments of God, he cannot make progress even in a single virtue” - Abba Agathon By studying the lives of Old Testament prophets, we are able to highlight a clear concept towards being a servant of God, which is being obedient towards God’s commandments. Originally I used to imagine that …
Why do I pray? Why do I fast? Why do I seek seclusion? And why do I read? Is it in order to be a man of prayers, or fasting or to be known as a lover of seclusion or a man of knowledge? Do I like to be a worshipper? Is this a lust …
The first thing is the blessing and obedience to the commandment of God. As it was said about Joseph the Upright in his prosperity: “The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man” (Gen 39:2). And that: “The Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand” (Gen 39:3). Search for the …
