This is the alpha and the omega. This is the beginning and the end–an indescribable beginning and an incomprehensible end. This is the Christ. This is the king. This is Jesus. This is the general. This is the Lord. This is the one who rose up from the dead. This is the one who sits at the right hand of the Father. He bears the Father and is borne by the Father, to whom be the glory and the power forever. Amen.
- St. Melito of Sardis, On Pascha
The Scripture is nothing other than instruction on how to receive Heavenly Grace. But if we simply read a set of instructions and do not try to, let us say, put a bookcase together or use a computer program, the set of instructions will remain unmastered and will be soon forgotten… And vice versa, those who attend the Sunday Divine Liturgy and then read the Scripture at home will comprehend meaning in it that they would never have comprehended otherwise.
- Priest-Martyr Daniel Sysoyev
When bad thoughts are planted in you, then cry to God: “Lord, my Maker and Creator. You see that my soul is in agony from bad thoughts. Have mercy on me.” Teach yourself to root out thoughts immediately. But when you forget and don’t root them out immediately, then offer repentance. Work on this, so that you get a habit.
- St. Silouan
Whoever has known the love of God loves the whole world and never murmurs against his fate, for the burden of sorrow for the sake of God gains eternal joy.
- St. Silouan the Athonite
There is no Orthodoxy in human teachings and philosophies; false reason reigns in themthe fruit of the fall. Orthodoxy is the teaching of the Holy Spirit given by God to man for his salvation. Where there is no Orthodoxy, there is no salvation.
- St. Ignatius Brianchaninov
Hello my dear friend,
This is definatelly something you have to discuss with your spiritual father, he’s the one that can tell you how to handle this. So, ask his guidance before taking any decisions about this issue, as, under no circumstances the Orthodox faith of the children cannot be compromised, even if it is for the sake of the love for your future husband.
I hope this helps! I haven’t been in a situation like this, but if I was you, the first thing I’d do it would be to ask my spiritual father.
God bless you, blessed remain of the Lent!
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slavicpride said: Its difficult problem, but you must know that Orthodox faith is one and only!That is all i can say to you.
God gives what is good for us. Why do we shape his actions? His will is sovereign, He knows us better. In any case, you have to be sure that no matter what happens, no matter what the circumstances have not arisen, and that the Lord would give us any at all is His good will, just good for us. This is good, so for all, of course, we must thank him.
- Archpriest Andrey Yurevich
Never belittle the significance of your thoughts, for not one of them escapes God’s notice.
- St. Mark the Ascetic
The forgetting of wrongs is a sign of true repentance. But he who dwells on them and thinks that he is repenting is like a man who thinks he is running while he is really asleep.
- St. John Climacus
He who has acquired perfect love for God goes through this life as if he did not exist. For he considers himself a stranger to all that is visible, and awaits with patience that which is unseen. He is completely transformed into love for God and has abandoned all worldly attachments.
- St. Seraphim of Sarov
It was said concerning Abba Agathon that some monks came to find him having heard tell of his great discernment. Wanting to see if he would lose his temper they said to him ‘Aren’t you that Agathon who is said to be a fornicator and a proud man?’ ‘Yes, it is very true,’ he answered. They resumed, ‘Aren’t you that Agathon who is always talking nonsense?’ ‘I am.” Again they said ‘Aren’t you Agathon the heretic?’ But at that he replied ‘I am not a heretic.’ So they asked him, ‘Tell us why you accepted everything we cast you, but repudiated this last insult.’ He replied ‘The first accusations I take to myself for that is good for my soul. But heresy is separation from God. Now I have no with to be separated from God.’ At this saying they were astonished at his discernment and returned, edified.
The believing man is not one who thinks that God can do all things, but one who trusts that he will obtain everything he needs.
- St. John Climacus
When harmed, insulted or persecuted by someone, do not think of the present but wait for the future, and you will find he has brought you much good, not only in this life but also in the life to come.
- St. Mark the Ascetic
Hello dear,
There is certainly criticism from both sides, from what I have heared. I fully support and confess everything my Eastern Orthodox Church supports, believes and decides - and I always will, no matter what - however this doesn’t mean that I don’t want unity with them, especially after the recognition from both sides that the theology is the essencially the same, with difference in wording. There are still issues to be solved, like the Anathemas for example, that is too important, however it is quite possible that unity will happen, even in my lifetime, if God wants it of course.
I am not aware of what Elder Paisios said on the issue. Whatever he said, I totally respect it as I love the Elder so much and know that whatever he said/did was to protect the Holy Orthodox faith from any alteration.
Both Eastern and Coptic Orthodox realize the importance and extreme seriousness of dialogue and unity, so they don’t rush or force unity, actually small steps are taken in time, however in my opinion, unity between those two Christian groups is much more realistic than among Eastern Orthodox and other Christian groups, as our differences are not too many. Dialogue can be fruitful in this case. I don’t know, this is my opinion.
God bless you!
The thief was on the cross and he was justified by a single word; and Judas who was counted in the number of the apostles lost all his labour in one single night and descended from heaven to hell. Therefore, let no-one boast of his good works, for all those who trust in themselves fall.
- Abba Xanthias
