"It has thundered; now is the time to make the sign of the Cross!"
On Nov. 5, 1917, Vserosiysky Tserkovno-Obschestvenniy Vestnik published the news of the martyrdom of St John Kochurov (Oct 31/Nov 12), "for each of us, a dire reminder, an ominous warning. We therefore must be ready for anything . . . It has thundered; now is the time to make the sign of the Cross!" By his passion-bearing death, St John Kochurov (Oct 31/Nov 12), became the first in to enter the assembly of the Russian New-Martyrs of the 20th century. O Father John. Entreat Christ God to grant peace to the world and great mercy to our souls.

Lacking love? Hear the words of the Venerable Ambrose of Optina (Oct 10/ Oct 23,1891)

May the Lord give us the spiritual strength to transform ourselves. We know that time is running out, and the evil spirits know this, too. They do not want a single person to be free from evil thoughts. With that aim, they teach even small children to oppose their parents so that, when these children grow up, they will be easy prey for them…
But it can all take a turn for the good if each one of us begins with himself, if the transformation starts with us. We should try to have good thoughts which will radiate from us. A meek and humble person is always very pleasant to be with, for he emanates peace and warmth. That person may not say a single word, yet we rejoice to be in his presence. So, if we all begin with ourselves, transformation will take place. Goodness will be renewed and established all around us, in our country, and further abroad.
+Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica, from the book, "Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives – The Life and Teachings of Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica"

Be humble, for the worst thing in the world is of the same stuff as you; be confident, for the stars are of the same stuff as you.
+Saint Nikolaj Velimirović

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
An icon of Theotokos at Agios Dimitrios Church in Vyronas, southeast of Athens, has begun streaming tears. The tears were first noticed on September 8, the Feast Day of the Nativity of the Theotokos. Article and video at greekcitytimes.com/2020/09/10/virgin-mary-icon-weeps/

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18

St John of Kronstadt called St Matrona of Moscow (May 2) his "replacement, the eighth pillar of Russia." Her healing gifts would become widely known during the years of persecution of the Church by the Bolsheviks. At her grave, healings continue to this day.

When you take your Mother to the bus station.

In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise. -Proverbs 10:19

"What I see around me would drive me insane if I did not know that no matter what happens, God will have the last word." + St Paisios of Athos

Put the devil in a panic. Pray.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

"Cheerfulness is not a sin. It drives away weariness, and it is from weariness that despondency comes." + St Seraphim of Sarov (Jan 2/ Jan 15)

"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner" was the unceasing prayer of the Ven. Job, Wonderworker of Pochaev (Oct 28/ Nov 10). His disciple Dositheus once found the saint illumined by a heavenly light as he prayed. God glorified St Job with incorrupt relics.

Whatever you may be seeking, seek it with all your strength, but do not expect your own search and efforts to bear fruit of themselves. Put your trust in the Lord, ascribing nothing to yourself, and He will give you your heart's desire.

+ St Theophan the Recluse

In His compassion, God thirsts for our salvation and He longs to grant forgiveness to those who seek Him with sincerity and serve Him with love.

"God loves us more than a father, mother, friend, or anyone else could love, and even more than we are able to love ourselves."

+ St John Chrysostom

Only prayer, silence and love are effective... It is better to turn to the heart of other people through secret prayer than to their ears. + St Porphyrios of Kavsokalyiva

Orthodox Faith
@since33
At St Tikhon's Monastery in Pennsylvania in 2004, myrrh began streaming from the miracle-working icon of the Holy and Righteous Anna, Mother of the Theotokos. Her icon continues to exude a sweet fragrance and it has brought many healings.

Like Noah's Ark, the Church gives us shelter from the storm. But St John Chrysostom notes the difference. The animals left the Ark in the same state they entered. When we enter the Church as sinners, we have the capacity to leave as saints.

Tornado, Surgut, Siberia