"Since 'the kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force' (Mt. 11:12), and it is impossible for the faithful to enter it by any other way, unless they come through the narrow gate of trials and tribulations, the divine oracle rightly commands us, saying: 'Strive to enter by the narrow door' (Lk. 13:24). Again He says, 'By your endurance you will gain your souls' (Lk. 21:19), and, 'Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of heaven' (Acts 14:22)."
☦️ St Symeon the New Theologian (Oct 12), Discourses
☦️ St Symeon the New Theologian (Oct 12), Discourses
Christ’s Resurrection and His glory are our glory, which is accomplished in us, disclosed to us, and beheld by us through His Resurrection.
Once He has appropriated what is ours, that which He works in us He ascribes to Himself.
The resurrection of the soul is union with life.
Just as the body is dead and cannot live or be called alive unless it receives the living soul in itself and is united to it, though without admixture, so also the soul cannot live unless it is ineffably and unconfusedly united to God, Who is truly eternal.
☦️ St Symeon the New Theologian (949-1022 AD), commemorated Oct 12
Once He has appropriated what is ours, that which He works in us He ascribes to Himself.
The resurrection of the soul is union with life.
Just as the body is dead and cannot live or be called alive unless it receives the living soul in itself and is united to it, though without admixture, so also the soul cannot live unless it is ineffably and unconfusedly united to God, Who is truly eternal.
☦️ St Symeon the New Theologian (949-1022 AD), commemorated Oct 12
It takes physical discipline for the heart to acquire the peace needed for prayer: “to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak.” (1 Cor 9:22). Those who are experienced in prayer must concentrate on the heart, “If your heart has opened”, and this should be done with great fear of God, because the union of the mind and heart (which precedes our union with God) is granted by divine grace.
—Abbot Tryphon, All Merciful Savior Monastery, Vaschon Island, Washington
—Abbot Tryphon, All Merciful Savior Monastery, Vaschon Island, Washington
Ecumenism is dominated by unclean spirits
I went to my cell and prayed, asking Christ to inform me what Ecumenism is. I received His reply, which was that Ecumenism has a spirit of wickedness and is dominated by unclean spirits...
...after praying, my cell became filled with an unbearable stench, which caused my soul to feel asphyxiated; I couldn’t breathe spiritually."
+ Elder Efraim Katounakiotis (1912-1998), Athonite monk, hesychast
http://www.impantokratoros.gr/C54EBF09.en.aspx
I went to my cell and prayed, asking Christ to inform me what Ecumenism is. I received His reply, which was that Ecumenism has a spirit of wickedness and is dominated by unclean spirits...
...after praying, my cell became filled with an unbearable stench, which caused my soul to feel asphyxiated; I couldn’t breathe spiritually."
+ Elder Efraim Katounakiotis (1912-1998), Athonite monk, hesychast
http://www.impantokratoros.gr/C54EBF09.en.aspx
The procession with the miracle-working relics of the 11th century saint, St. Parascheva (Oct 14), is traditionally one of the largest religious events in Romania and has been called the largest annual pilgrimage in the Orthodox world.
This year, 20,000 participated in the procession of her relics, along with those of St. Paisius (Velichkovsky). More than 145,000 came to venerate her relics.
This year, 20,000 participated in the procession of her relics, along with those of St. Paisius (Velichkovsky). More than 145,000 came to venerate her relics.
Holy Apostle, heal the wounds of our souls, and pray for our salvation!
A physician with compassion, the holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke (Oct 18/ Oct 25) was a companion to St Paul on his missionary journeys and gave a doctor's help when Paul was beaten, stoned, or nearly drowned.
Born a Greek in Antioch, St Luke was the only Gentile to have written books included in our Bible. Only in Luke's gospel are the stories told of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, her visit to Elizabeth, the Magnificat, the Presentation, and Jesus' remaining in Jerusalem.
Only in Luke's gospel are the words spoken by the angel to Mary at the Annunciation recorded. "Hail Mary, full of grace." We also hear Elizabeth's words to Mary, "Blessed are you and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus."
A physician with compassion, the holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke (Oct 18/ Oct 25) was a companion to St Paul on his missionary journeys and gave a doctor's help when Paul was beaten, stoned, or nearly drowned.
Born a Greek in Antioch, St Luke was the only Gentile to have written books included in our Bible. Only in Luke's gospel are the stories told of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, her visit to Elizabeth, the Magnificat, the Presentation, and Jesus' remaining in Jerusalem.
Only in Luke's gospel are the words spoken by the angel to Mary at the Annunciation recorded. "Hail Mary, full of grace." We also hear Elizabeth's words to Mary, "Blessed are you and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus."
☦️ O Christ, the true Light, Which enlightenest and illuminest every man that cometh into the world: Let the light of Thy countenance be signed upon us, O Lord, that, walking therein, that we may see the light of Thine unapproachable glory. Direct our steps to do Thy commandments, through the prayers of Thy most pure Mother, and of all Thy saints: For blessed art Thou unto the ages. Amen.
“Anyone fortunate enough to attain to the divine energy, and to undergo divine transformation, himself becomes completely like the light. He is with the light, and by means of it sees clearly things which, were it not for this great and inexpressible grace, would be invisible to all. ..." ☦️ Saint Gregory Palamas
Photo: Mosaic of the Transfiguration illuminated by the reflected beams of the morning sun rising over the Monastery of Mt. Sinai.
www.fatherjustinsblog.info
Photo: Mosaic of the Transfiguration illuminated by the reflected beams of the morning sun rising over the Monastery of Mt. Sinai.
www.fatherjustinsblog.info
Icon of the Theotokos shines in the Philippines!
The central icon of the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Manila, is the icon that Orthodox recognize as The Mother of God “of the Passion.”
The icon is everywhere -- high above the altar in the nave of the cathedral, on all four walls of the outside of the carillon, as a mosaic on in the area where people light candles to pray, and in the visitor centre.
The central icon of the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Manila, is the icon that Orthodox recognize as The Mother of God “of the Passion.”
The icon is everywhere -- high above the altar in the nave of the cathedral, on all four walls of the outside of the carillon, as a mosaic on in the area where people light candles to pray, and in the visitor centre.