Father, the old woman has cast the evil eye on you.

 

From the new book by the Holy Monastery of Saint David:

“A Contemporary Saint ~ Saint Iakovos (Tsalikis)"

 

Once, my children, I was serving the Divine Liturgy in a small village nearby. I served there for about 30 years. I would travel there by mule to celebrate the Liturgy for the people. One day, after the service, a parish council member said to me:

“Come along, Father, and have a coffee.”

“My child, I don’t visit people’s homes,” I replied.

“If you don’t come, Father, it is a grave offense to us. We truly respect and esteem you, Father.”

I turned to Father Cyril, who was with me, and asked:

“Shall we go together, Father, for the sake of company?”

As soon as we arrived, an elderly woman was there, and she began to exclaim:

“What a beautiful priest! The way he chanted ‘Let us lift up our hearts’—it was so exquisite! He seemed like a second God, a second Christ.”

Suddenly, my children, a cold sweat broke out over me—it was the ‘evil eye’ (baskania). Forgive me, but I prayed:

“Saint Elijah the Prophet, I have been serving in your church here for so many years—what is this that has happened to me now?”

I said to Father Cyril:

“Father, let us get up and leave.” “But they’re making coffee, aren’t they?” said Father Cyril.

“Father,” I told him, “I feel like I’m about to die right this instant.”

When we arrived back down at the monastery, Father Cyril said to me:

“Father, that old woman must have cast the evil eye on you.”

“Father, what could an old woman possibly do to me? What great beauty or charm did I have?”

“Father, it was her words. Let me bring you some holy water.”

“But I just celebrated the Divine Liturgy and received Holy Communion, Father! Could the evil eye really affect a priest—someone who has just celebrated the Liturgy?”

“Yes, but the woman said those words to you *after* the Liturgy,” Father Cyril replied.

“Well, in that case, bring me some holy water.”

He brought some holy water—forgive me, my children—and I made the sign of the cross and drank it. My eyes cleared up immediately; before that, everything had been blurry, I felt dizzy, and I was breaking out in a cold sweat—but I recovered instantly.

That is why, my children, you should always keep holy water in your homes.

Did you see, my children, what that old woman said? The ‘evil eye’—or the harm caused by someone’s words—is a real evil, my children.

That is why you should always turn to the Church. Pray, my children—offer prayers and supplications. Have a priest read prayers over you. Make sure to have a priest who can pray for you to ward off the evil eye. If you do not have a priest, then have holy water, my children.

As for incantations, the "forty-day" rituals [for casting spells], reading coffee cups, and such things—these, my children, are all works of the devil.

Go to the Church; go to the Fathers of the Church. My children, let us be careful not to cause scandal. One day, we shall depart. The earth will consume all beauty, just as it will consume our bodies.

The Role of the Guardian Angel in Our Lives

 

Angels are ministering spirits who are sent to minister to us for our future salvation (Heb. 1:14). God "gave the nations their inheritance, when He divided all mankind, He set up boundaries for the peoples according to the number of the angels of God" (Deut. 32:8 LXX). They were created before the physical world and humanity.

The Archangels Michael and Gabriel serve the work of the Divine Economy for the salvation of humanity, and in the Holy Scripture, their appearances to specific persons are mentioned, in order to transfer to them a message. Such as, for example, the Archangel Michael to the Judge in the Old Testament named Gideon, and the Archangel Gabriel to the Theotokos and to Zachariah, the father of the Honorable Forerunner, etc.

At Baptism, God sends every believer an Angel for their protection, to remind them of God's will, and to rebuke them when they sin, in order to lead them to repentance. That is, to help them return to the path that leads to communion with God when they have gone astray. This creates joy since repentance is associated with eternal divine life, and this is why heaven celebrates when a person sincerely repents (Lk. 15:7). Saint John of Sinai, the author of The Ladder, in his discourse on discernment, writes on the conscience: "Conscience is the word and conviction of our Guardian Angel given to us from the time of Baptism. That is why we find that the unbaptized do not feel such keen pangs of remorse in their soul for their bad deeds."

The truth of the presence and work of a Guardian Angel in the lives of the faithful is mentioned in Holy Scripture, in the writings of the Holy Fathers (who are infallible interpreters of the Holy Scripture), and in the lives of the Saints. In the twelfth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, the Evangelist Luke tells us of the miraculous rescue of the Apostle Peter, who was imprisoned by Herod after the martyric death of the Apostle James. The Apostle Peter was bound with two chains in prison, and suddenly there appeared before him the Angel of the Lord, who freed him and led him out of prison. He then realized he was not seeing a vision, but this was a reality, so he went to the house of the mother of the Evangelist Mark, where many believers were gathered, praying for his rescue. The Apostle Peter knocked on the door and waited for an answer. The servant, however, named Rodi, did not answer the door out of enthusiasm when she heard the voice of Peter but ran to tell the happy news to those gathered there. When she told them the Apostle Peter was knocking on the door, they thought she had lost her mind. When she insisted, however, they said together that it was because of his Guardian Angel (Acts 12:1-16).

From this we see it is clear that the early Christians had personal experiences of the existence of Guardian Angels, rejoicing in their presence and protection. Yet the same occurs today, just as in previous times, with the Saints and those who struggle to achieve their personal sanctification. They sense the presence of their Guardian Angel and some, depending on their inner purity, see them and converse with them. Indeed, internal purity is not achieved magically, but it implies an ascetical prayerful, and sacramental life. When someone by the grace of God and their personal struggle gains dominion over their passions, their nous is illumined, which is the eye of their soul, and they are able to see what their physical eyes cannot. They are able to see the glory of God, the Angels, the Saints, as well as their Guardian Angel, whom they always feel beside them protecting them.

In the Great Horologion, which contains the daily church services, there is a wonderful Canon to our Guardian Angel, which we can read and chant. Also, at the end of the Service of Small Compline, there is a Prayer to our Guardian Angel. When we read this every night, during Small Compline, we also can, to the extent of our ability, sense their presence and love, since we invoke them for our daily protection. Below is this prayer:

O Angel of Christ, my holy guardian and protector of my soul and body, forgive me all wherein I have sinned this day, and deliver me from all opposing evil of mine enemy, lest I anger my God by any sin. Pray for me, a sinful and unworthy servant, that you may show me forth worthy of the kindness and mercy of the All Holy Trinity, and of the Mother of my Lord Jesus Christ, and of all the Saints. Amen.

By Protopresbyter Fr. George Papavarnavas

ON PRAYER

  

—Elder Paisios, I have a toothache.

—Say a prayer rope [dedicated] to Saint Antipas—who helps with toothaches—and the pain will go away.

—Elder, I very often lose things, and then I waste time trying to find them.

—Why don’t you call upon Saint Menas, who specializes in this? Saint Menas immediately reveals whatever we have lost, without making many demands!

A single candle, and that’s it! The saints feel beholden when offered a candle. In general, this is the very work of all the saints: to help and protect us—wretched human beings—from visible and invisible temptations. Our own task is, as much as we are able, to live a spiritual life, to avoid causing grief to Christ, to light the oil lamp for the saints, and to beseech them to help us.

In this life, we are in need of help, so that we may be able to draw near to Christ.

 

from Words of Elder Paisios the Athonite, Vol. 6, Souroti

Synaxarion of Holy Emperor John Vatatzes the Merciful (+ 1254)

 Synaxarion of Holy Emperor John Vatatzes the Merciful (+ 1254)

The Christ-loving Emperor John had as his homeland the great city of Adrianople, whose ancestors were leaders of the royal senate. His grandfather, Constantine, called the Vatatzes, was a military commander under Manuel Komnenos (1143–1180). When the parents of this emperor died, he inherited a great amount of wealth, which he distributed to the poor, and provided offerings to the divine temples and churches. He then went to Nymphaeum in Bithynia, where at that time, the palace and seat of the emperor of Constantinople was located. There, he found his paternal uncle, a clergyman of the priesthood, near Emperor Theodore Laskaris (1204–1221). Through his uncle, he became friends with the emperor. He was not full of pride due to this friendship, however, but he always presented himself before others with humility. Wherefore, he was loved by all, having a revered disposition, being sensible in life, and possessing a gladsome expression in his eyes. He was easily approachable to everyone, mild, guileless, calm, and conversant with everyone, with a gentle face. Having these virtues, he received as his wife the daughter of the emperor, whose name was Irene, after he fought against the Latin Coradus, who boasted in his strength. Having defeated him, he said: "Lord Jesus Christ, help me."

After his father-in-law Emperor Theodore died, the gracious John came to rule as emperor in 1222. He therefore became a fervent protector of all those who were unjustly treated, showing measures in justice. He also came to be known to all as a source of mercy, which is why he came to be called "Merciful." Likewise, he was known for his piety and zeal for the Orthodox faith. Wherefore the renowned one became the cause in his time for the Jewish race to be baptized. He also received zeal in his heart to bring about union between the Eastern Church and the Western, for which ambassadors were sent from Pope Gregory IX of Rome. And there was a dialogue between East and West, with the leader of this dialogue being Patriarch Germanos, the New of Constantinople. And he would have brought about the longed for peace if only the Westerners were willing to retract the addition to the Symbol of Faith.

This merciful emperor heard a divine voice noetically say: "The crucified will rise, the boastful will fall, and the fallen and crushed will arise." This strengthened him, and he set out to slaughter in single combat the boastful Sultan Azeddin, who upon leaving Iconium razed the cities along the valley of Meander. Having governed therefore in a God-loving manner the ship of the universal kingdom, the thrice-blessed one delivered his soul in peace into the hands of God at the age of seventy-two, and his honorable body was buried in the Monastery of the Savior Christ, which the emperor himself had built, and renamed Sosandra. Later, through a revelation of this same emperor, his holy body was transferred to the city of Magnesia.

A great miracle took place when his holy relic was transferred from this tomb and brought to Magnesia. For when his tomb was opened, a foul smell did not issue forth from it, but there came forth a fragrance and grace that was mixed with pleasure and sweetness, as if it was an aromatic and fragrant garden. His corpse appeared as if it was seated on a royal throne, without having lost any limbs, having no bruises, or odor, or any sign of being dead. Despite the fact that he had been buried seven years before, it seemed as if he were alive, while his limbs moved naturally and his cheeks were pink. Even his royal robes were preserved as if they had been sewn that very day. In this way, God glorifies those who glorify Him. Since that time, this honorable relic which lies in Magnesia, has done many miracles, curing illnesses, exorcising demons, healing other sufferings as well, by the grace of God contained within, for all those who flee to him with faith.

"Father Nicholas, during the Ninth Ode, you didn't cense me—but you went and censed the empty stall!"

 

 Once, during the Ninth Ode—just as the chanters were singing "More honorable than the Cherubim..."—Father Nicholas Planas was censing the church. He passed by a lady standing in one of the side *stasidia* (choir stalls) but did not cense her.

He did not cense her at all; he simply walked right past her. Two stalls further along, there was an empty one. He stopped there, censed it five or six times, and moved on. When the Divine Liturgy concluded, the lady approached him and said:

"Father Nicholas, during the Ninth Ode, you didn't cense me—but you went and censed the empty stall!"

"Well, Kyra Georgia," he replied, "you weren't actually there! That empty stall belongs to Kyra Maria, who is ill. She may have been sick at home, but her heart and her mind were here. You, on the other hand, were here in body—but your mind was off with the goats!"

 

A monk was asked:

 — What did you gain by praying to God all this time?

— Nothing. Nothing.

But let me tell you what I lost:

anger,

selfishness,

greed,

love of money,

pettiness and depression,

insecurity, and the fear of death.

Holy Virgin Martyr Helen of Sinope

 Holy Virgin Martyr Helen of Sinope

The Virgin-Martyr of Christ, St. Helen was the daughter of the pious Bekiary family and lived in the eighteenth century in beautiful Sinope, the oldest city of Pontos.

Her parents brought her up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and implanted in her pure heart a fervent love for Jesus Christ.

She was especially influenced in her upbringing by her uncle — her father’s brother — who was then teaching in a secret Greek school in Sinope.

Physically most beautiful, her purity lent a special grace to her face, which shone with the Grace of the Holy Spirit.

She was distinguished for her obedience to her parents and the fervent love of her soul for Christ, our Savior and Bridegroom.

She was fifteen years old when her mother sent her one day to buy an embroidery thread from the shop in Kryonas.

On the way lay the house of Ukuzoglu Pasha, Governor of Sinope, who saw Helen from his window. Her beauty attracted his licentious soul, and he thought to defile her.

The Pasha ordered that she be brought to him. Having learned who she was, he tried two or three times to defile her, but an unseen force pushed him back!

An invisible wall was protecting the girl: it was the wall of prayer. Throughout the entire duration of this ordeal, Helen prayed mentally, continuously reciting the Six Psalms.

The Turk did not lose hope. He ordered his soldiers to keep her at his house, hoping that he would be able to carry out his execrable plan later.

During her imprisonment, the pure girl managed, with God’s help, to escape the attention of the guards and to return to her anxious parents, to whom she recounted all that had come to pass.

Shortly thereafter, upon becoming aware of her escape, the Pasha flew into a rage and threatened everyone and everything!

He summoned the Sinope Council of Elders and demanded that they bring Helen to him. Otherwise, a general massacre of all of the Greeks in the city would follow.

The elders came together to deliberate the matter at the Greek School of Sinope.

They called for Helen’s father and asked him to hand over his daughter to the Pasha for the sake of the others.

Dissolving into tears, her father finally submitted, like the Patriarch Abraham, and agreed that his daughter be sacrificed in order to avoid a general massacre.

He returned home and, having sufficiently fortified Helen, took her — stifling his fatherly pain — and handed her over to the Pasha, in order for her to offer herself not, of course, to the Turk’s lustful desires, but as fragrant incense to her Bridegroom Christ.

The Despicable Ukuzoglu Pasha received the beautiful Helen with unspeakable delight, hoping that he would fully satisfy his lustful desires.

Thus, he attempted again many times to defile her, but again, the same surprise: an invisible wall around the girl was impeding the Pasha, while an unseen force was driving him back.

The holy maiden was praying fervently, secretly reciting the Six Psalms, which she had learned from her uncle.

The next day, the Pasha again attempted to carry out his despicable intention, but yet again, he met with the same strange obstacle. Vexed and wrathful, he ordered that she be locked up in the frightful, damp prison of Sinope.

The ill-intentioned Pasha’s heart growing ever stonier, his eyes did not see the living miracle; his impure soul did not regain consciousness, but rather the opposite: possessed by a satanic force, he wanted without fail to defile the pure virgin.

Thus, the next day, he went to the prison, determined finally to succeed in gratifying his passion.

But again, the invisible wall! And again, Divine Grace drove him back!

Exceedingly wroth, the Pasha ordered that Helen be tortured and put to death, which is indeed what came to pass.

Her holy body was put in a sack and thrown into the sea. But instead of sinking, the Martyr’s Relics floated, while a heavenly light beamed down upon them.

The Turks were terrorized and cried out: “The Greek girl is on fire! The Greek girl is on fire!”

Her holy body continued to float until it reached the locality of Gai, where, on account of the great depth of the sea, the water was black. There, it sank.

Several days later, a Greek ship dropped anchor at Gai. On the third night, the ship’s guard noticed that a light was coming up from the bottom of the sea, and he thought that there must be a great treasure of gold in that spot.

He immediately informed the Captain that they should send divers to hoist up the treasure; but instead of gold, they brought up the sack containing the holy Relics of the Holy Virgin-Martyr Helen.

In the precious sack was the venerable head of the Saint, cut off from the rest of the body. In the crown of the head was a nail. There was also another hole made by a nail. It was evident that, having tortured the Saint, the Turks drove two nails into her head and decapitated her.

Two of the Turkish divers knew about the martyrdom and that the Saint had been cast into the sea, but they had been afraid to tell of it earlier.

The Captain then secretly took the precious head of St. Helen to the Church of the Panagia in Sinope and placed the venerable Relics on another ship that was leaving with Greeks on board for Russia.

At the spot in the sea where her Relics sank, a fountain of fresh water sprang up, and from that time on, the area has been called “Agiasmata” or “Holy Waters.”

Many miracles were worked in Sinope by means of the precious head of the Holy Virgin-Martyr Helen.

In particular, whoever was suffering from headaches would call the priest, who would bring the holy head, chant a canon of supplication, sprinkle Holy Water, and the pain would go away.

During the exchange of populations before 1924, the President, Christos Kapharopoulos, took the holy head of St. Helen and placed it in the Church of the Holy Great Martyr Marina in Ano Touba, Thessaloniki, where it is kept to this day, giving off a fragrance and working miracles, to the glory of our Lord and God Who is glorified in His Saints.

Through the holy intercessions of the Holy Virgin-Martyr Helen of Sinope, Pontos, O Christ God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen!

Abba, why don’t you set aside the loaves that belong to me?

 

A holy Elder lived with his disciple in a hut, not far from a large village. At one point, a great calamity befell the region, and the poor people were nearly dying of hunger. In their desperation, many would come and knock at the hermit’s hut. Being a man of great mercy, he would wholeheartedly give away whatever he happened to have. The disciple, however, noticing that their supply of bread was dwindling, said to the Elder one day, with some distress:

“Abba, why don’t you set aside the loaves that belong to me? From now on, you can give alms only from your own share. At this rate, we shall both soon go hungry.”

The kind-hearted Elder set aside the disciple’s loaves without a word, and continued to give from his own portion to the poor. But God, seeing his good intention, blessed the bread; the more he gave away, the more it multiplied. Meanwhile, the disciple consumed his own share. When he was left with nothing but a few crumbs, he went to his Elder and begged that they might eat together once again. The Elder accepted him back without the slightest objection. By now, however, the number of beggars had increased, and the novice began to grow resentful once again. He scowled.

"Give him a loaf of bread," the Elder commanded, pretending not to notice the novice’s grimace.

"It seems to me that we don’t even have enough for ourselves to eat," the novice said aloud, ensuring the beggar would hear him.

"Go and look carefully," the Elder instructed.

Reluctantly, the novice went to the storeroom. But when he opened the door, he was struck with astonishment: it was filled to the very top with fresh, well-baked loaves of bread! From that day on, he placed great trust in his holy Elder and became eager to bring relief to the poor.

Every Sunday, after the Divine Liturgy, a kind priest would gather the poor of his parish and distribute the money collected in the "poor box." One Sunday, a woman appeared, wearing old, tattered clothes and looking utterly destitute. The priest felt pity for her. He reached into the box, intending to give her as much money as his palm could hold; but when he withdrew his hand, he saw that he had grasped only a few coins. He hastened to give her something, for another woman was waiting behind her, also hoping for a handout. The woman was wearing well-kept clothes. The priest surmised that she was one of those who beg without any real need. Deciding not to let her leave empty-handed—which might have caused her shame—he reached into the chest once more, and his cupped hand filled with gold coins.

Being a devout man, he recognized this as divine intervention. He inquired about both women and learned that the one who appeared well-dressed came from a respectable family; however, due to a series of unfortunate events, they had fallen into poverty and were suffering greatly. Out of a sense of dignity, she continued to wear neat, well-maintained clothing. The other woman, by contrast, would put on rags whenever she went out to beg, so that people would be more inclined to give to her.

 

"Three 'Saints'… whom it is worth getting to know, and making your good friends…"

 "Three 'Saints'… whom it is worth getting to know, and making your good friends…"

The first is Saint Distance.

"It means having discernment—not smothering the other person with your presence. Sometimes, you know, keeping your distance from someone is the only way to prevent the relationship from falling apart."

The second is Saint Patience.

"A great Saint! Just think of all the people this Saint has helped reach Paradise. If you make her your friend, rest assured: she will help you face every difficulty in life—no matter how great or daunting they may seem."

And the third is Saint Silence.

"It is difficult to make her your friend, and even harder to keep her as one. Knowing how to speak is an art; but knowing how to remain silent is an even greater art. To avoid causing hurt, despair, betrayal, or pride. For it is what comes out of the mouth that makes us unclean…"

Saint Porphyrios the Kausokalyvitis.

When you have health and progress at work, lift up your heart and say: "I thank You Lord"!

 At the end of some short prayers, the priest calls the people to surrender completely to the Lord Christ, saying: "we surrender ourselves and each other and our whole life to Christ Our God". To this the people answer "To You O Lord".

These words are very important, and can be used in many situations in human life.

When you have health and progress at work, lift up your heart and say: "I thank You Lord"!

When people honor you and praise you, say to yourself: "I do not deserve this, this does not belong to me but to You Lord"!

When you accompany your children to the store or to school, bless them from the threshold of your house and say: "I hand them over to You Lord"!

When you are attacked by human envy and the unfaithfulness of friends, do not lose courage in your spirit and do not hold bitterness in your heart, but say: "all these I commit to Your judgment and justice Lord"!

When you are by the coffin of your dearest person, walk boldly as when you bring a gift to your best friend, and say: "this dear soul I offer as a gift to You Lord"!

When perilous clouds of demonic temptations, and torments and diseases gather, do not despair but say: "for help and mercy I turn to You Lord"!

When the angel of death stands by your bed, don't be afraid - he is a friend - but say goodbye to the world and say: "Repentantly I entrust my soul into Your hands, Lord"!

Saint Nikolai Velimirović

 

Death and the Departure of the Soul.

— Father, how is it that in times past our ancestors lived and died in peace, whereas today—as you know—we end our lives in great turmoil, passing from sorrow to calamity, and from hardship to suffering?

— I shall explain this to you as best I can.

You see, people in the past held great love for one another. Their relationships were founded upon integrity and justice.

Moreover, their love for God was so profound that they strove, in every way, to fulfill His will. Consequently, they found in Him a Helper and Savior in all the circumstances of their lives, right up until the moment of death.

We, by contrast, have made a god of our own bellies, indulging every one of their whims—even though this insatiable appetite offers us no benefit or salvation, but only sorrow.

— Father, since I can see that your most wise mind has been illumined by God, I beg you to resolve one more question for me:

When the soul separates from the body, does it depart with pain and violence, or with serenity and ease?

— Well, I cannot speak from personal experience—for, you see, I have not yet died! the Venerable one said with a smile. I can, however, explain it to you in theory. Take note: There are virtuous people who experience a bitter death, and there are sinners who experience a sweet death.

However, the bitter death of the virtuous person washes away the sins they committed during their life—for no one is without sin, save for God alone.

Conversely, the sweet death of the sinner offsets the few good deeds they may have happened to perform. Thus, the virtuous person departs from this life completely cleansed, while the sinner departs completely unclean.

And I assure you, my brother, that the temporarily bitter death of the righteous person secures for them eternal joy and exultation.

Whereas the temporarily sweet death of the sinner consigns them to the unquenchable fire and eternal hell.

— Well, are there not sinners who both die a bitter death and end up in hell?

— Indeed, there are many sinners who experience a bitter death before being sent to hell.

Just as there are righteous people who experience a sweet death and are subsequently led into eternal blessedness.

What can one say? The judgments of God are manifold.

He grants each person a death that corresponds to the life they have led. In truth, death itself is not as terrifying, my child, as the judgment that takes place at that very moment.

For as soon as the soul departs from the body, Angels arrive to receive it. Yet, at the same time, throngs of demons also gather. The Angels present the soul’s good deeds, while the demons present its evil ones. Then, all stand waiting for the verdict—of salvation or condemnation—to arrive from Heaven.

But until this awesome verdict arrives, what agony the soul endures! One moment, it fears it will be cast into hell, and it melts with terror; the next, it hopes for salvation, and leaps with joy and gladness.

Then, doubt returns; it raises its hands toward heaven, pleading not to be surrendered to those who gnash their teeth against it. The Angels, too, experience great anxiety at this time—as do the demons—for the Angels hope for a verdict of salvation.

Thus, wherever the righteous Judge commands, the soul is delivered: either to the Angels of God—to find deliverance—or to the demons of darkness—to face perdition. This, my child, is the true source of fear and dread—namely, that the soul might be condemned to perdition, that it might fall into the hands of unclean demons… Otherwise, death is a natural occurrence that awaits us all…

Saint Niphon – from the book "An Ascetic Bishop."

Holy Martyr Nestor of Thessaloniki

 The holy Martyr Nestor was very young in age, handsome in appearance, and he was known to the holy Great Martyr Demetrios (October 26), for he had instructed Nestor in the faith.

The Emperor was visiting Thessaloniki, and he built a high platform in the midst of the city so that a gigantic barbarian named Lyaios could wrestle there and be seen by everyone. Beneath the platform, many spears and other sharp weapons were placed pointing upward. When Lyaios defeated his opponents, he threw them down onto the spears and they died. Many Christians were forced to fight Lyaios and were killed. When Nestor saw how Emperor Maximian rejoiced over the victories of his champion, he disdained his pride. Seeing the miracles of Saint Demetrios, however, he took courage and went to the prison where the holy Martyr was confined and fell at his feet.

“Pray for me, O Servant of God Demetrios,” he said, “that by your prayers, God may help me to beat Lyaios, and put an end to him who brings reproach upon the Christians.”

The Saint, after sealing Nestor with the Sign of the Cross, told him that he would prevail over Lyaios, and then suffer for Christ. Nestor mounted the platform without fear and exclaimed: “Help me, O God of Demetrios.” After he defeated Lyaios, he hurled him down onto the spears, where he gave up his wretched soul.

Maximian became enraged and ordered that both Nestor and Demetrios should be put to death. Saint Demetrios was stabbed with spears, and Saint Nestor was beheaded. Thus, by his example, Saint Nestor teaches us that in every human challenge, we must say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me.” (Psalm 117/118:6, Hebrews 13:6).

Lord, I do not know what to ask of You.

 Lord, I do not know what to ask of You.

You alone know what I need.

You love me more than I know how to love myself.

My Lord, grant Your servant that which I do not even know how to ask for. I dare not ask You for deliverance from passions, nor for virtues, nor for the enjoyment of grace; I simply stand before You with my heart open to You.

You see the needs that I do not see; look upon me and act according to Your mercy.

Strike and heal, cast down and raise up. I tremble and remain silent before Your holy will and Your judgments concerning me. I offer myself as a sacrifice to You. I have no other desire than to fulfill Your will.

Teach me to pray. Come and pray within me Yourself. Amen…

Saint Philaret of Moscow

We must not cultivate the evil thoughts that the devil sows in us.

 We must not cultivate the evil thoughts that the devil sows in us. Are we supposed to engage in conversation with the devil? You see, when the devil tried to tempt Christ, He said to him: "Get behind Me, Satan!" (Luke 4:8). Since Christ said to the devil, "Go away...", what is there for us to discuss?

Saint Paisios the Athonite

Sin has rendered man so useless, so sick and infirm

 "Sin has rendered man so useless, so sick and infirm, that he is unable to accomplish anything of substance by his own strength.

Adam and Eve used to converse with God—they would ask Him questions, and He would respond; God would call out to them. Yet now, we have reached a point where we cannot even recall the name of God—let alone behold Him.

We have reached a state where we cannot even restrain our own thoughts—our hatred and our malice.

We are held captive by this infirmity; we are trapped within it, like little birds in their cages."

~ Archimandrite Emilianos the Simonopetrite

It was still night, and I was delighting in communion with my Jesus.

 

It was still night, and I was delighting in communion with my Jesus.

The third hour of the day had not yet begun.

Then I thought to myself: “Everything is silent; all things are at rest.”

But suddenly a shudder ran through my body.

I understood that I had been mistaken.

In the stillness, it seemed to me that a thousand times a thousand voices had arisen.

Once again, I thought:

How many souls, restless upon beds of suffering, in their homes or in hospitals, are unable to close their eyes in sleep at this very hour, when I had imagined that all things were growing still?

Who cares for them?

 

Who will go to them tomorrow and tell them, in the language that the sick can understand, that someone loves them and expects something of them?

 

How many parents are keeping a dreadful vigil at this very moment, knowing that in just a few hours the hungry mouths of their children will open, only to remain hungry still?

 

Who is praying for them?

 

How many millions of people sleep this night as though they were dead, and yet, when dawn breaks, will rise as though they were dead still, because no one has yet told them that Someone, for their sake, ascended a Cross, so that they might become children of the Resurrection?

 

Who will carry to them this message of joy, which perhaps they do not expect, yet so desperately need?

 

And finally, how many young people, lost in the darkness of night while I hear nothing, are staggering through brightly illuminated lounges and glittering halls?

 

Who will show them that what they seek is not to be found there?

 

Everything seems to be silent, and yet everything is crying out.

 

Now my ears hear cries, the ears of my soul. Voices of anguish, of expectation, of searching, resound all around me.

 

I hear them.

 

I had almost forgotten them;

 

such a poor, wretched heart am I!

 

I believe that even when these people seem to drive me away, in truth, they are calling me.

 

And I, sent forth by that Father of mine, even as I keep vigil, am asleep.

 

For me He had spoken:

 

“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead.”

 

 Elder Aimilianos of Simonopetra