A haughty person is not aware of his faults, or a humble person of his good qualities. An evil ignorance blinds the first, an ignorance pleasing to God blinds the second.

☦️ St Ilias the Presbyter

"Commanders of God’s armies and ministers of the divine glory, princes of the bodiless angels and guides of mankind, ask for what is good for us, and for great mercy, supreme commanders of the Bodiless Hosts."

—Kontakion, Synaxis of the Archangel Michael Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the other Bodiless Powers: Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salaphiel, Jegudiel, and Barachiel (Nov 8/ Nov 21)

Rhodes, Greece: an icon of the Archangel Michael began weeping in 2014, and continued to weep holy myrrh even after being moved. Then, another icon of the Archangel began to weep.

O Archangels, put to death the sinful passions assaulting us, and likewise bring to an end every scandal in the Church, as the Holy Trinity's fiery and holy Chief Commanders of angelic hosts.

On the traditional Julian calendar of the Church, the Holy and Glorious Greatmartyr Demetrius the Myrrh-gusher is commemorated on Oct 26 (Nov 7).

Prayer for a Sick Person

Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour, You became man and died on the cross for our salvation. You are the source of life and healing. Visit (name), Lord and grant (him/her) strength to bear the sickness with which (he/she) is afflicted, with patience, submission to Your will and trust in Your loving care. Bless the means used for (his/her) recovery and those who administer them. Grant that (his/her) sickness may be to (his/her) spiritual benefit and that (he/she) may live the rest of (his/her) life more faithfully according to Your will. For You are the source of life and healing and to You we give praise and glory, now and forever. Amen.

Pass on the left and make the sign of the cross. The icon is of St Nectarios of Aegina (Nov 9).

"Miracles are not impossible from a logical standpoint, and right reason does not deny them. Natural laws do not have the claim to be the only ones, nor are they threatened with being overturned by the appearance of other laws, supernatural ones, which also are conducive to the development and furtherance of creation... Miracles are a consequence of the Creator's love for his creatures."

+St Nektarios of Aegina (Nov 9)

“The path leading to perfection is long. Pray to God so that he will strengthen you. Patiently accept your falls and, having stood up, immediately run to God, not remaining in that place where you have fallen.” + St Nectarios of Aegina (Nov 9), Path to Happiness, 3

Photo: The last known photograph of St Nektarios, as he leaves his Monastery in Aegina for Aretaieio Hospital, Athens. There he would repose just a few weeks later, in a room there which today serves as a chapel.

“Kindness will open the gates of heaven; humility will lead one into heaven; a man whose heart is filled with love will see God. This is my last will and testament: raise your prayers for everyone; your prayers will move the mountains. Love each other.”

☦️Saint Gabriel of Georgia

"Whether you are in church, or in your house, or in the country; whether you are guarding sheep, or constructing buildings, or present at drinking parties, do not stop praying." ☦️ St. Ephraim the Syrian

"Do not separate from the Church, because there is nothing stronger than the Church. Your hope is the Church, your salvation is the Church, your refuge is the Church. It is higher than the sky, larger than the earth. It never gets old, but always blooms." ☦️ St John Chrysostom (Nov 13)

"Glory to God for all things!" -- the last words of St John Chrysostom (Nov 13).

In the final hours of his earthly life, St John was comforted by a vision of the martyr St Basil, who said to him, "Despair not, brother John! Tomorrow we shall be together."

A forbidden icon: The Mother of God “Enthroned”

The “Enthroned” (or “Reigning”) Icon of the Mother of God appeared miraculously on March 2, 1917, the day of Tsar Nicholas’ abdication, in the village of Kolomskoye near Moscow.

Many copies of the icon were venerated throughout Russia, but these were confiscated by the Soviets. The original icon is in the Novodevichy Museum in Moscow. There is a copy in the Church of the Kazan Mother of God in Kolomskoye.

"After sin comes shame; courage follows repentance. Satan upsets the order; he gives courage to sin and shame to repentance" + St John Chrysostom (Nov 13)

"So, please develop your relationship with God. We will die tomorrow." —Elder Joseph of Vatopedi