Unto Thee have I lifted up mine eyes, unto Thee that dwellest in heaven. Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hands of their masters, as the eyes of the handmaid look unto the hands of her mistress, so do our eyes look unto the Lord our God, until He take pity on us. Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for greatly are we filled with abasement. Greatly hath our soul been filled therewith; let reproach come upon them that prosper, and abasement on the proud.

Psalm 122

A drop of prayer is worth more than a sea of worrying. “ ☦️St Nikolai Velimirovich

On March 18, 1956, St Nikolai fell asleep in the Lord in his humble cell at St. Tikhon's Seminary in South Canaan, PA, where he had been the Rector.

The “Serbian Chrysostom,” St Nikolai of Zhicha (reposed Mar, 1956), was renowned for his sermons, which never lasted more than twenty minutes, and focused on just three main points. He taught people the theology of the Church in a language they could understand, and inspired them to repentance.

As bishop, St Nikolai became leader of Bogomljcki Pokret, a movement for spiritual revival in Serbia. It encouraged people to pray and read the Bible. The movement also contributed to a renewal of monasticism. Monasteries were restored and reopened, renewing the spiritual life of the Serbian people.

So there is the solution to your puzzle, "I do not know what to do with my life". Look to Heaven, and measure every step of your life so that it is a step towards it.

☦️ St Theophan the Recluse

It is the Lenten Spring. 🌷☘️ Let us shine!

We have within us deeply rooted weaknesses, passions, and defects. This can not all be cut out with one sharp motion, but by patience, persistence, care and attention.

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.

Do not despair if you keep falling into your old sins. Many of them are strong because they have received the force of habit. Only with the passage of time and with fervor will they be conquered. Don’t let anything deprive you of hope.

☦️ St Nektarios of Aegina

The fruit of obedience: a homily for the 3rd Sunday of Lent

Full video at https://youtu.be/RB5epXVED2Q

The Spring Equinox has arrived in the Northern Hemisphere.

"Those who aim at ascending with the body to Heaven, indeed need violence and constant suffering, especially in the early stages of their renunciation, until our pleasure-loving disposition and unfeeling hearts attain to love of God and chastity by manifest sorrow. This is a great toil, very great indeed, with much unseen suffering, especially for those who live carelessly, until by simplicity, deep angerlessness, and diligence, we make our mind, which is a greedy kitchen dog addicted to barking, a lover of chastity and watchfulness.”

St John Climacus, from “The Ladder of Divine Ascent”

The Annunciation to the Most-Holy Theotokos (Mar 25) "is the beginning of our salvation, the revelation of the eternal mystery! The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin as Gabriel announces the coming of Grace. Together with him let us cry to the Theotokos: Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you!"

(Troparion of the Feast, Tone 4).

Greek Independence Day (March 25) falls on the Feast of the Annunciation to the Theotokos.
Photo: Greek cat enjoying his independence.

"Heavenly Father, eternal salvation of our souls and bodies: grant Your heavenly blessing to my child(ren) (names). In all the changes and chances of this fleeting world, extend Your mighty hand over them to shield them from all physical and spiritual danger and adversity."

Some people living carelessly in the world have asked me: “We have wives and are beset with social cares, and how can we lead the solitary life?” I replied to them: “Do all the good you can; do not speak evil of anyone; do not steal from anyone; do not lie to anyone; do not be arrogant towards anyone; do not hate anyone; do not be absent from the divine services; be compassionate to the needy; do not offend anyone; do not wreck another man’s domestic happiness, and be content with what your own wives can give you. If you behave in this way, you will not be far from the Kingdom of Heaven”.
✝️ St John Climacus (of The Ladder), commemorated the 4th Sunday of Great Lent

Ships don't sink because of the waters that surround them but because of the waters that enter into them. Therefore, don't let what surrounds you fill your soul and drag you down.

— Patriarch Pavle of Serbia