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.
Saint Tikhon, Bishop of Voronezh, Wonderworker of Zadonsk and All Russia lived a life of simplicity. He slept on straw, covered by a sheepskin coat. In his humility, he paid no attention when workers laughed at him as he walked about the monastery. He would say, “It is pleasing to God that even the monastery workers mock me, and I deserve it because of my sins.” He often said, “Forgiveness is better than revenge.”
Once, a fool named Kamenev struck St Tikhon on the cheek saying, “Don’t be so haughty.” The saint accepted this with gratitude, and gave the fool three kopeks every day for the rest of his life.
Once, a fool named Kamenev struck St Tikhon on the cheek saying, “Don’t be so haughty.” The saint accepted this with gratitude, and gave the fool three kopeks every day for the rest of his life.
The Prophet Joel (800 B.C., Oct 19) foretold the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Joel 2:28, quoted by the Apostle Peter in Acts 2:17), and the saving power of the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Joel 2:32).
The central message of the Book of Joel is thus that “the day of The Lord draws near” (1:15) All must be made aware of the darkness and gloom that is to come. The Prophet Joel calls for the people to turn back to God with all their hearts because He is merciful and compassionate. Repentance will save the Lord’s people from captivity.
The central message of the Book of Joel is thus that “the day of The Lord draws near” (1:15) All must be made aware of the darkness and gloom that is to come. The Prophet Joel calls for the people to turn back to God with all their hearts because He is merciful and compassionate. Repentance will save the Lord’s people from captivity.