The Devout Chanter Radiates the Grace of God

 

Saint Porphyrios the Kafsokalivite: The Devout Chanter Radiates the Grace of God

“Byzantine ecclesiastical music is a teaching... It softens the soul of man and gradually raises him to other spiritual realms through his voice, which sows spiritual delight, joy, and thanksgiving, and leads him into another spiritual world. This is how it truly is, my children. So do not look at where you are or at what you hear them doing. When you do this slowly, you enter into it spiritually, and you feel what you ought to do.

The chanter may be selfish, swaying and taking pride in himself, and thus he may be hollow. Perhaps he possesses a voice that affects others, but when the true saint chants, he carries something else. He does not possess merely his voice; rather, together with his voice, which pours forth in waves of melody, he also radiates grace in mysterious waves that reach the souls of people and move them more deeply.

As for the “hollow musician”—let us call him that—he is the selfish one who possesses pride and takes pleasure in it. But the holy musician sends forth spiritual waves together with his voice. And this is a very great mystery. Therefore, if you go to the Holy Mountain and hear the monks chanting, even if your heart is frozen like a stone, as soon as you hear them, you say: “There he is. This chanter can truly move souls...”

Saint Porphyrios once said of Saint Romanos the Melodist: “Romanos was entirely in the grace of Christ, and everything he wrote was perfect.”

Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen!

How can you know if you are living according to God's will?

Here is the sign:

If you are troubled by something, it means you have not fully surrendered to God's will, even if it seems to you that you are living according to His will.

Whoever lives according to God's will is anxious about nothing.

And if he is in need of something, he entrusts himself and his need to God.

And if he does not receive what he desires, he remains calm, as if he already possessed it.

A soul surrendered to God's will fears nothing…

- Saint Silouan the Athonite

Why women do not enter the Sanctuary and do not become priests.

  

The Sanctuary as the Holy of Holies:

The Sanctuary (Holy Altar area) of the Church is the heart of divine worship—the space where the Sacrament of the Divine Eucharist is celebrated. It is a continuation of the Old Testament tradition, wherein the High Priest alone would enter the "Holy of Holies" once a year (Leviticus 16:34). In the New Testament, this space is preserved as the place where the priest, acting as an icon of Christ, offers the Eucharistic sacrifice.

The Holy Canons:

The prohibition against women entering the Sanctuary is not a human invention but a canonical tradition:

Canon 44 of the Council of Laodicea (4th century): "Women must not enter the Sanctuary." The wording is absolute; the entry of women into the Sanctuary is forbidden.

Apostolic Canon 69 defines who may approach the holy vessels and the area of the altar; women are certainly not included among them.

The Council of Carthage also confirms that only the clergy and those with a specific liturgical ministry may enter the Sanctuary. The Canons demonstrate that, from the very beginning, the Church upheld this tradition as an expression of reverence for the Sacrament, rather than as a form of social discrimination.

Why women do not enter the Sanctuary and do not become priests.

The Sanctuary as the Holy of Holies:

The Sanctuary (Holy Altar area) of the Church is the heart of divine worship—the space where the Sacrament of the Divine Eucharist is celebrated. It is a continuation of the Old Testament tradition, wherein the High Priest alone would enter the "Holy of Holies" once a year (Leviticus 16:34). In the New Testament, this space is preserved as the place where the priest, acting as an icon of Christ, offers the Eucharistic sacrifice.

The Holy Canons:

The prohibition against women entering the Sanctuary is not a human invention but a canonical tradition:

Canon 44 of the Council of Laodicea (4th century): "Women must not enter the Sanctuary." The wording is absolute; the entry of women into the Sanctuary is forbidden.

Apostolic Canon 69 defines who may approach the holy vessels and the area of the altar; women are certainly not included among them.

The Council of Carthage also confirms that only the clergy and those with a specific liturgical ministry may enter the Sanctuary. The Canons demonstrate that, from the very beginning, the Church upheld this tradition as an expression of reverence for the Sacrament, rather than as a form of social discrimination.

The Church Fathers:

The Holy Fathers emphasize the distinction in roles between men and women within the Church—not in terms of inferiority, but in terms of ministry.

Saint Epiphanius of Cyprus (*Panarion*, 79) writes: "Christ bestowed no priestly office upon women in the Church... rather, other gifts were granted to them, for salvation and sanctification."

Saint John Chrysostom explains that the priesthood is an imitation of Christ as High Priest; for this reason, it was entrusted only to men.

Saint Gregory the Theologian speaks of the woman’s unique calling to bear life and become a "chosen vessel" of grace, without the need for the liturgical role of the priest.

The Sole Female Presence in the Sanctuary:

In the Sanctuary, the only female figure depicted is the Most Holy Theotokos. She who bore God Himself within Her womb is always depicted in the Sanctuary—usually in the conch of the apse—in the iconographic type known as the "Platytera ton Ouranon" (Wider than the Heavens).

Her presence is of decisive theological significance:

She represents the entire human race before God.

She demonstrates that women are not excluded but are honored in the highest degree; for a woman became the "Bridge connecting humanity to Heaven."

The Theotokos "embraces" all the faithful with Her grace; that is why the Church requires no other female figure in the iconography of the Sanctuary.

Why women are not ordained as priests:

Priesthood is neither a privilege nor a social office; it is an imitation of Christ. The Lord became a man and entrusted the mystery of the priesthood to male Apostles. The Church remains faithful to this fact not because it undervalues women, but because it remains faithful to the Incarnation and the Apostolic tradition.

Saint John of Damascus notes that "the Theotokos transcends the priesthood, being the throne of the King of Glory". This demonstrates that the calling of women is not lesser, but rather different and equal in worth.

Through its Canons and the Church Fathers, the Church upholds the order whereby women do not enter the Holy of Holies and do not become priests. Yet, the presence of the Theotokos within the Holy of Holies reveals that woman is not excluded; on the contrary, she is honored at the highest point of the Divine economy.

The Theotokos—the Platytera—stands there always with open arms, embracing us all with Her grace and reminding us that the path to Christ lies through humility, love, and obedience to His will.The Holy Fathers emphasize the distinction in roles between men and women within the Church—not in terms of inferiority, but in terms of ministry.

Saint Epiphanius of Cyprus (*Panarion*, 79) writes: "Christ bestowed no priestly office upon women in the Church... rather, other gifts were granted to them, for salvation and sanctification."

Saint John Chrysostom explains that the priesthood is an imitation of Christ as High Priest; for this reason, it was entrusted only to men.

Saint Gregory the Theologian speaks of the woman’s unique calling to bear life and become a "chosen vessel" of grace, without the need for the liturgical role of the priest.

The Sole Female Presence in the Sanctuary:

In the Sanctuary, the only female figure depicted is the Most Holy Theotokos. She who bore God Himself within Her womb is always depicted in the Sanctuary—usually in the conch of the apse—in the iconographic type known as the "Platytera ton Ouranon" (Wider than the Heavens).

Her presence is of decisive theological significance:

She represents the entire human race before God.

She demonstrates that women are not excluded but are honored in the highest degree; for a woman became the "Bridge connecting humanity to Heaven."

The Theotokos "embraces" all the faithful with Her grace; that is why the Church requires no other female figure in the iconography of the Sanctuary.

Why women are not ordained as priests:

Priesthood is neither a privilege nor a social office; it is an imitation of Christ. The Lord became a man and entrusted the mystery of the priesthood to male Apostles. The Church remains faithful to this fact not because it undervalues women, but because it remains faithful to the Incarnation and the Apostolic tradition.

Saint John of Damascus notes that "the Theotokos transcends the priesthood, being the throne of the King of Glory". This demonstrates that the calling of women is not lesser, but rather different and equal in worth.

Through its Canons and the Church Fathers, the Church upholds the order whereby women do not enter the Holy of Holies and do not become priests. Yet, the presence of the Theotokos within the Holy of Holies reveals that woman is not excluded; on the contrary, she is honored at the highest point of the Divine economy.

The Theotokos—the Platytera—stands there always with open arms, embracing us all with Her grace and reminding us that the path to Christ lies through humility, love, and obedience to His will.

Whoever prays unceasingly is extremely resilient in the face of life’s hardships and trials.

 Whoever prays unceasingly is extremely resilient in the face of life’s hardships and trials.

He is, in other words, a person who knows how to be at ease wherever he finds himself.

Whether he encounters poverty?

Or wealth?

Whether he is among good people?

Or bad ones?

Among those who love him?

Or those who do not?

Those who want him?

Or those who do not?

Those who hate him?

Or those who slander him?

It makes no difference to him!

He knows how to adapt wonderfully and live joyfully.

And the more he prays, the more resilient he becomes—to the point where he does not even feel the difficulties he is going through!

✞ Elder Aimilianos of Simonopetra

Father, I met a boy, and he tells me he wants us to have sex

 

Many young women come and tell me... I say this quite frankly... the central theme in confession is:

— "Father, I met a boy, and he tells me he wants us to have sex."

I state it just like that—bluntly.

And I ask:

— "Does he love you?"

She tells me:

— "Yes, he loves me!"

I say:

— "Because he told you so? That’s good advertising.

If that’s the case, let him prove it."

She asks:

— "How will he prove it?"

— "Let me give you the trick," I tell her...

We’re full of tricks around here.

She says:

— "Tell me the trick, Father."

I say:

— "Look, the trick is tried and tested.

I, at least, have tested it for thirty-two years.

And it’s top-notch.

I mean, for the person who used it, the success rate was one hundred percent."

She says:

— "Tell me!

I’m dying to know!"

I say:

— "It’s very simple!

Just wait. It’s that simple.

He said he loves you?" To love means doing something for you without expecting payment.

In other words, if I love a poor person, I won’t tell him, "Give me ten euros, too."

Why should he give anything to me?

So! Tell me, my friend, do you love me?

Yes. Good.

To love me for free—what does that mean?

To love me for free. Without getting anything from me. If he says, "But... and you... and me... and what...", and "You know, I’m a man and I have needs," [then] we’ve moved into the realm of consumerism, haven't we?

To love you for free.

She tells me:

"I’m going to lose him."

"What do you need him for?" I say.

He’s a merchant. He’ll leave you once he’s used you.

Like a souvlaki. You just toss the wrapper on the ground and that’s that, right?

And you litter the garden, too.

Am I wrong?

Well, this method—the Church’s method—is so simple!

It’s been tested by me for thirty-two years! A one hundred percent success rate!

And all the little men run for the hills.

Because they can't handle it without consumption.

Right? So I tell her:

"You're actually dodging a bullet!"

Eh? Because he would have left you later anyway!

Mind you!

If he loves you, he’ll stay!

And then we’ll see.

Then we’ll take it a step further. We’ll talk it over.

(Fr. Konstantinos Stratigopoulos+)

 

John Chrysostom (Migne, Vol. 54) warns that young people—and adolescents even more so—"if they adopt a form of love detached from commitment, engaging in frequent sexual encounters merely for release, acquire a chronic *erotic disability*" and will never be able to experience *TRUE Love*.

The commodification of love and the female body—which is sacred, for it gives life and is a temple of the Holy Spirit—destroys the very essence of the human soul.

In the mass media, on the Internet, and in all manner of tabloids, relationships are romanticized, yet their true meaning is not conveyed. Spousal love and romantic passion are sacrificial—often exhausting—yet they lead to the earthly paradise of heart-to-heart communion and oneness, and guide the couple toward the eternity of Paradise.

Most people live as if they will stay here forever...

 

An old story tells of a merchant who traveled by camel to Cairo in the last century, intending to visit a renowned wise elder...

He finally met the wise elder after a long journey across a vast stretch of the desert...

Yet, he was surprised to find the elder living in a tent where the only furnishings were a mattress on the sand, a low table, two stools, and many books.

Turning to the wise elder, he asked in bewilderment:

"Where is your furniture...?"

The elder looked at the merchant and replied with a question:

"Where is yours...?"

"But I have none; I am just passing through...!"

"I, too, am just passing through...!"

Most people live as if they will stay here forever... They have forgotten to be happy!!!

The value of things does not depend on how long they last, but on the intensity with which they are experienced.

That is why there are unforgettable moments, inexplicable things, and incomparable people.

If you grasp this...

You, too, can be happy today... and every day!!!

The Ladder of Paradise!

What is this?

It is the holy virtues, the holy evangelical virtues:

humility,

faith,

fasting,

meekness,

patience,

goodness,

kindness,

mercy,

truthfulness,

love of Christ,

confession of Christ,

suffering for the sake of Christ.

These and many other holy New Testament virtues.

Every commandment of Christ, my brothers; this is a virtue...

Every virtue is a little paradise.

Every virtue nourishes your soul, makes it blessed, brings down to your soul divine, heavenly rest.

Every virtue is a golden and diamond step on the ladder of your salvation, on the ladder that unites earth with Heaven...

Saint John of the Ladder

Do not fear trials and temptations.

 

Do not fear trials and temptations. Without trials, you cannot acquire the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.

Without temptations and struggle, you cannot draw near to God.

Elder Ieronymos of Aegina

When the Bishop celebrates the Divine Liturgy

 When the Bishop celebrates the Divine Liturgy, he frequently blesses the people with the *dikirotrikiron*—a pair of liturgical candlesticks, one holding two candles and the other three.

The two candles symbolize the two natures of our Lord Jesus Christ—the God-Man—namely, the divine and the human. The three candles, naturally, symbolize the Holy Trinity.

During the chanting of the Trisagion Hymn, the Bishop offers a special prayer to the Lord, invoking a blessing from on high upon the Church and blessing both the clergy and the laity with the *dikirotrikiron*.

He refers to this body of the faithful and the clergy as the "Vine," drawing upon the imagery Christ used to liken the relationship and unity between believers and Himself to a vine (see John 15).

The act of blessing the faithful in the shape of a cross while this prayer is intoned follows the precedent of the cross-shaped blessing Jacob bestowed upon his grandsons—Joseph’s children, Ephraim and Manasseh (see Genesis 48)—which serves as an Old Testament prefiguration of the grace of the Precious Cross.

And at some point, I felt an incredible freedom within me.

 

 And at some point, I felt an incredible freedom within me.

I felt that I have no enemies—that even those who fought against me were simply sick people, just like me.

I felt that I can love you even when you do not love me, respect you even when you do not respect me, and appreciate you even when you do not appreciate me.

And then I am free; then I dance to my own rhythm and not to yours—and that is why I am free.

And I felt this, firstly as a gift from God, and secondly as a revelation of what lies hidden behind His commandments.

Freedom lies hidden there, blessing lies hidden there, joy lies hidden there...

+Pavlos, Metropolitan of Sisaniu and Siatista

If the outward person is adorned and beautiful, yet the soul within has become unsightly, physical beauty will not be long in fading.

 If the outward person is adorned and beautiful, yet the soul within has become unsightly, physical beauty will not be long in fading.

But if you acquire inner beauty, that beauty will radiate outward to the physical person as well, and thus that beauty will endure.

Saint Ephraim the Syrian

God miraculously brought the truth to light, rewarding the holy humility of the one sister while withdrawing Grace from the other. Then the Gerontissa called the other sister and asked her

 One afternoon at a women's monastery in Macedonia, the nuns had just finished their meal in the refectory.

Afterward, the nun in charge of the refectory and her assistant began clearing the tables, carrying the dishes through a hallway to the kitchen.

Suddenly, a loud crash rang out in the corridor; a tray had fallen, and all the dishes shattered against the marble floor.

The Abbess, who had not yet left the refectory, immediately went to see what was happening.

She found a single nun bent over, gathering up the broken pieces.

In a stern, severe tone, she asked:

"Did you do this?"

"Bless me," the nun replied.

And the Abbess said to her:

"Tomorrow—Sunday—you will not receive Holy Communion, and you must perform five hundred full prostrations."

"May it be blessed," the nun answered, and she continued to gather the shards and clean the area.

The next day, Sunday, the nun in question remained on her knees from the opening "Blessed is the Kingdom..." until the very end of the Divine Liturgy, while tears streamed from her eyes.

When the time for Holy Communion arrived, she bowed her head to the floor, watering it with her tears.

She remained in that position until the Divine Liturgy concluded. As the Abbess was the last to leave the church, she noticed the nun who was still standing in that same spot; she approached her and asked what was wrong.

The nun remained silent, but upon the Abbess’s insistent questioning, she answered—very hesitantly and shyly—that while the sisters were receiving the Body and Blood of Christ, she had suddenly raised her head, and a portion [of the Holy Sacrament] flew from the Holy Spoon and entered her mouth.

Then the Abbess asked her:

"Which sister was next in line to receive Communion at the moment this happened?"

She bowed her head and, very softly and hesitantly, spoke the sister's name.

"Now," said the Abbess, "in the face of this miracle that has occurred, and in the Name of the Holy God, you must tell me what happened yesterday; you must tell me the whole truth."

"As I was leaving the refectory with a tray full of dishes and passing through the connecting area, that particular sister came up and pushed me with both hands; I fell, and that is how the damage occurred."

My brethren, God miraculously brought the truth to light, rewarding the holy humility of the one sister while withdrawing Grace from the other. Then the Gerontissa called the other sister and asked her:

"Tell me, please, what did you receive at Communion today?"

And she replied:

"Nothing, Gerontissa; the Holy Spoon was empty!..."

Source: the book *Experiences During the Divine Liturgy*

The Fathers say that those who do not make the sign of the Cross before and after eating resemble animals

 The Fathers say that those who do not make the sign of the Cross before and after eating resemble animals. There have been many people who, by saying a prayer before consuming food that was spoiled or poisoned, suffered absolutely no ill effects! Because they made the sign of the Cross with faith, the Grace of the Holy Spirit acted upon that food, rendering it edible and harmless!

However, when one fails to make the sign of the Cross before eating, even wholesome food can cause harm, for a demon may be lurking within the substance of the food itself! Demons have the power to enter into matter—especially water—which is why we should make the sign of the Cross before drinking water.

Everything we consume—whether food or drink—should be sealed by us with the sign of the Cross. This is why people in the past were stronger in body and mind; they possessed greater faith and made the sign of the Cross during every aspect of their lives, especially before eating and drinking.

Elder Ephraim of the Skete of Saint Andrew

To receive and to give

 There are two lakes in Palestine: the Sea of ​​Galilee and the Dead Sea.

They share a common characteristic: both receive the waters of the Jordan River.

However, the Sea of ​​Galilee receives the water and allows it to flow out toward the south.

The Dead Sea receives the waters of the Jordan and keeps them for itself.

In the Sea of ​​Galilee, there is abundant life—both within the lake and around it.

In the Dead Sea, there is not a trace of life.

The Dead Sea symbolically illustrates what happens when someone keeps things only for themselves.

To receive and to give— that is the secret to a fulfilled life.

Archbishop Anastasios of Albania.

The Holy Cross transformed from an object into a person, distinct from the Holy Trinity.

 Because the Blood of Christ was shed upon the Wood on which He was crucified, the Precious Cross—once merely an object—became a distinct entity, separate from the Holy Trinity. Thus, the Cross acts with its own omnipotence; depending on one's faith, it either heals or punishes. The Precious Cross possesses the very same power as God Himself! God willed this to be so because the Cross bears His All-Holy Blood—Blood that also contains the Divinity of Christ. The Precious Wood does not burn; furthermore, if placed in a glass of water, it does not float like ordinary wood but sinks to the bottom! Moreover, without the need for any prayer or the making of the Sign of the Cross, that water becomes Great Holy Water! Many have attempted to burn a fragment of the Precious Wood, only to be consumed by fire themselves! Shortly before the Second Coming, all the fragments of the Precious Wood distributed throughout the world will reunite to form the Precious Wood in its original state; it will then be raised high into the heavens, shining more brilliantly than a myriad of suns—a sign that the King of Glory, who was crucified upon that very Wood, is about to appear.

Elder Ephraim of the Skete of Saint Andrew

Is it, then, a lie?

 Is it, then, a lie?

You said, Lord, that You are Love. Yet around me, hatred reigns.

Is the power of love, then, a lie?

You said, Lord, that You are the Light. Darkness reigns around me. Is the significance of light, then, a lie?

You said, Lord, that You are the Way. Yet very few around me follow You. Is the true Way, then, a lie?

You said, Lord, "My peace I give to you." Yet around me, we see no true peace—neither in hearts, nor between individuals, nor, on a grand scale, between nations. Wars cease in some parts of the earth only to ignite new conflagrations elsewhere, with all the terrible consequences such situations entail. Is the offer of Your peace, then, a lie?

You said, Lord, that You are the Truth. Around me, I see the lie worshipped with a kind of frenzy.

Is the allure of truth, then, a lie?

You said, Lord, "Behold, I am with you... until the end of the age." Yet, the people around me live as if You never existed at all, as if You never set foot on our earth. And everything seems to show that You are the Great Absent One. Is our faith, then, a lie? Is it all a tragic delusion—as some proclaim with fanaticism and by every possible means?

My child,

I did not come to force upon anyone all that you mention and all that I proclaimed through word and deed; I said categorically: "Whoever wishes to come after Me... let him follow Me." "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him." Even to those who accepted My invitation, I said—prompted by the departure of some who had rejected Me—"Do you also wish to go away?" Free from Me. I do not want anyone to follow Me by compulsion, but freely. How, then, could you not see the things you mention to Me, given that people do not wish to follow Me?

How could the things you observe not exist?

Indeed, Lord! These doubts are voiced by those who do not believe in You, Lord; that is why they deem unattainable the very things You both embody and impart. Indeed, You never sought to impose them. You asked that we follow You freely—those of us who wish to do so. Yet, for those of us who follow You freely and with all our hearts, we taste the blessings You offer and experience Your presence within us, wholeheartedly embracing the word of Your Grace. No matter how hard the world strives for these things without You, it will never taste them as realities during its fleeting earthly sojourn.

Therefore, I can never, in any way, accept these expressions of doubt, my Lord! I fervently beseech You: "Lord, increase our faith! Increase our faith! Increase our faith"—a faith steadfast and unshakable in Your all-holy Person and in all that You have assured us once and for all!

(From Father Eusebius’s book *Katoptrismoi* [Reflections])

The Blood of the Lamb in Holy Communion deeply sustains the soul and upholds the world

 "The Blood of the Lamb in Holy Communion deeply sustains the soul and upholds the world, enabling it to stand firm.

This is why the whole world ought to be at the Divine Liturgy, for the continuation of its life is a gift of the Divine Liturgy.

Therefore, as long as there are people who seek repentance and Holy Communion, Satan will have no power."

Saint Arsenius of Romania

This is the Virgin Mary, who listens to the prayers of the silent ones,

 "This is the Virgin Mary, who listens to the prayers of the silent ones, who, while you don't speak, knows what you say, even when you don’t explain, knows what you feel and understands you.

To this Mother of silence I prayed, and today, we all prayed, even those who did not go to Church.

God heard our silences, felt our mourning and losses.

Our sorrows and anxieties, our fears and panics, our frustrations and disappointments.

And be sure of one thing, as long as people crucify you, God will resurrect you.

As long as people will hurt you, Christ will accompany you, as long as people will frustrate your dreams, the Virgin Mary will become the abide in your heart, that in her embrace we will all fit, traitors and betrayed" 

Saint Joseph the Hesychast

On Marriage, by Elder Emilian of Simonopetritis

“When you are about to choose the person of your life, make sure that he's not an uncommunicative type—in which case he'll have no friends. And if today he has no friends, tomorrow he'll find it difficult to have you as a friend and partner. Be on your guard against grumblers, moaners, and gloomy people who are like dejected birds. Be on your guard against those who complain all the time: "You don't love me, you don't understand me", and all that sort of thing. Something about these creatures of God isn't right. Also be on your guard against religious fanatics and the overly pious. Those, that is, who get upset over trivial things, who are critical of everything and hypersensitive. How are you going to live with such a person? It will be like sitting on thorns. Also look out for those who regard marriage as something bad, as a form of imprisonment. Those who say: But I've never in my whole life thought about getting married.

Watch out for certain pseudo-Christians, who see marriage as something sordid, as a sin, who immediately cast their eyes down when they hear anything said about it. If you marry someone like this, he will be a thorn in your flesh, and a burden for his monastery if he becomes a monk. Watch out for those who think that they're perfect, and find no defect in themselves, while constantly finding faults in others. Watch out for those who think they've been chosen by God to correct everyone else.

There is another serious matter to which you should also pay attention: heredity. Get to know well the father, the mother, the grandfather, the grandmother, the uncle. Also, the basic material prerequisites should be there. Above all, pay attention to the person's faith. Does he or she have faith? Has the person whom you're thinking of making the companion of your life have ideals? If Christ means nothing to him, how are you going to be able to enter his heart? If he has not been able to value Christ, do you think he will value you? Holy Scripture says to the husband that the wife should be "of your testament" (Mal 2.14), that is, of your faith, your religion, so that she can join you to God.”

ABOUT GUARDIAN ANGELS

 Saint Anastasius of Sinai teaches: “Every Christian is given by God an angel [guardian angel] to protect him throughout his life, unless he himself drives him away by his evil deeds. Just as a snake drives away bees and a bad smell drives away doves, so our sins drive away the guardian angel of our life: drunkenness, adultery, anger and the like. The angel of every believer leads him to every good deed, while demons try to scandalize believers and deprive them of the Kingdom of Heaven.”

That angels are close to people and that they care for them is testified to by the entire Holy Bible, and especially the New Testament.

Moreover, in the Orthodox Church there are many traditions of holy men and women, who testify to what Saint Anastasius affirms: that each of us in this world is accompanied by a good and powerful messenger of God, a soldier of the Kingdom of Heaven, the angel of light.

Who, except a madman, drives away a good friend from his presence? Truly, only the mad and the extremely ignorant drive away with their sins their best friend, their guardian angel.

From Saint Nicholas Velimirovich

The Guardian Angel:

“In Christian tradition it is believed that every person has a guardian angel, who is assigned to him at birth to guide and protect him throughout his life.”

Symbolism:

“The angel is often depicted holding a scepter or rod, symbolizing his role as a messenger and the authority he has been assigned, as well as a sphere, which symbolizes the authority granted to him by God.”

The infant within the sphere:

“The infant held within the sphere symbolizes the soul or person under the angel's protection.”