“For the company that you do not have, I will find you good company which you already have, even though you are not aware of them. First you have God, who is always with you. Remember and believe in Him for He is everywhere, sees us, hears, us, looks after us, protects us, loves us and keeps us. As the Prophet David says, “The Lord keeps all those who love Him and all the sinners He destroys.”

Second you have the companionship of the Most Holy Mother of God, who is greater than the Heavens and more glorious than the Seraphim. The Mother of God, the Queen of Heaven and earth, she is the protectress of all Christians who call upon her with faith.

Thirdly you have the Archangel Michael, the guardian of our souls and bodies.”

“Spiritual Advice of the Elder Philotheos Zervakos” Translated by Archimandrite Polycarpos Rameras