tell me a word



A word spoken from the heart of the hermit as from the Holy Spirit, in the language of the desert, is considered real and authentic; and the one who requests it, receives it as the fruit of Grace without elaborating on it in his mind. This “word” from the spiritual father is absolutely necessary for the one who asks. The “word” comes from a soul which is the friend of God, Wounded by the love of God, and is spoken in accordance with the measure of the “thirst” of the one who asks.

Metropolitan Nafpaktos Hierotheos

A Night in the Desert of the Holy Mountain


the humble person

theotokos and flowers on my kitchen window sill

The humble person believes that all things depend on Christ and that Christ gives His grace and in that way he makes progress. The person who possesses holy humility lives even now in the earthly uncreated Church. He always has the joy of Christ even in the most displeasing circumstances. We see this in the lives of the saints. What was Saint Paul? He was a man like us. But what happened? He became and instrument of God, a chosen vessel. His words bear witness to this. ‘It is not I who live but Christ lives in me… for me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” He was consumed by burning love for Christ. His humility raised him up to that state. To burn for God…. that is everything.

Saint Porphyrios : Wounded by Love



friends of Christ

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A true friend is known in misfortune. he is our true friend and one who loves us who does not forsake us in misfortune.

Likewise, the true lover of Christ is he who abides with Christ in this world, and cleaves to Him in his heart, and uncomplainingly endures the Cross with Him, and desires to be with Him inseparably in the age to come.

Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk