“When we’re in the grace of the Holy Spirit our prayer becomes pure…”
“When we’re in the grace of the Holy Spirit our prayer becomes pure…”
“Do you know what a great gift it is that God gave us the right to speak to Him every hour and moment, wherever we are?”
Do you know what a great gift it is that God gave us the right to speak to Him every hour and moment, wherever we are? He always listens to us. This is the greatest honor we have. For this reason we must love God. – Elder Porphyrios (1906-1991)
“There is an electric generator, and in the room is a lamp…”
There is an electric generator, and in the room is a lamp. If, however, we don’t flip the switch, we will remain in darkness. Similarly, there is Christ and there is our soul. If, however, we don’t flip the switch of prayer, our soul will not see the light of Christ and will remain in…
“True Christians, in the souls of whom Christ lives, are unable to do anything else except love all people, even enemies…”
True Christians, in the souls of whom Christ lives, are unable to do anything else except love all people, even enemies. The crown of our love for our friends has elements that are out of place (calculation, reciprocity, vanity, emotional weakness, passionate sympathy), while the crown of love for our enemies is pure.
“The martyrs suffered greatly when they were tormented. They suffered in the same way as any normal person would have suffered…”
The martyrs suffered greatly when they were tormented. They suffered in the same way as any normal person would have suffered, with the difference that they were continually united to Christ through prayer and partook of a force which was greater than their pain, and in this way they were able to conquer. If, however,…
“It’s possible for people to come to the point of despair and see before them the living reality of chaos…”
It’s possible for people to come to the point of despair and see before them the living reality of chaos and say, “We’re falling into chaos! Everyone get back, get back, go back, we’ve been deceived,” and thus return to the path which leads them to God, and for our Orthodox faith to shine. God…
“When you pray, make prostrations; even if this tires you…”
When you pray, make prostrations; even if this tires you. Prayer that is accompanied by voluntary sacrifice becomes more pleasing to God and is more effective. – Elder Porphyrios (1906-1991)
“You are unable to be saved alone, if all others are not also saved…”
You are unable to be saved alone, if all others are not also saved. It is a mistake for one to pray only for oneself, for one’s own salvation. We must pray for the entire world, so that not one is lost. – Elder Porphyrios (1906-1991)