Autumn 2020

• Many of the major religious figures, including the Patriarch of Constantinople, were EXCOMMUNICATED.
• In the HERMITAGE OF OPTINO lived startsi who belonged to the school of St. Paissy.
• Monk Gabriel had a deep INSIGHT into human character.
• The MINISTER said, “Let us pray”.
• He said that one who does not have FREQUENT COMMUNION is estranging himself from salvation.
• The church-maintained schools were run by the PARISH PRIEST.
• Convinced by his preaching, many HEATHENS were baptized.
• The Pope announced his ABDICATION in advance.
• MISSIONARY STUDIES are focused on theology, foreign language, religions and cultural anthropology.
• THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT was formed after the fall of the Romanovs.
• Alexey Khomyakov was a member of conservative faction of politics - the SLAVOPHILES.
• Patriarch Nikon was chosen as patriarch from six candidates by LOT.
• MILITHANT ATHEISM is part of the materialism of Marxism-Leninism.
• Until XXI century it was officially declared by the communist government as an ATHEIST STATE.
• Is the TRIBULATION a specific time period or a symbolic term for the constant conflict between good and evil?
• A communist government was trying to EXTIRPATE ALL RELIGIOUS BELIEF.
• Father John of Kronstadt preached his sermons in difficult times with a great ASSIDUITY.
• This PARISH LIBRARY contains a wide variety of church documents, providing more than 2000 manuscripts.
• In a Christian CONGREGATION almost every member knows each other.
• The REMISSION OF SINS is possible since the atonement of Jesus Christ.
• MONKS spent their days translating and copying manuscripts and praying.
• NUNS knelt in the church to pray.
• The Church may only open at Easter and Christmas after parishes have fewer than ten WORSHIPPERS.
• LAITY has always played an important role in the history of the church.
• The LOCUM TENENS calls a meeting of the Holy Synod for the selection of patriarchal candidates.
• He was secretly PROFESSED A MONK just two days before his death.
• While CONSECRATING A BISHOP the candidate received the fullness of the grace through the Sacred Mystery of ordination by the laying of hands.

К.Л. [(12) 62,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(193)

This statement, as it seems to me, requires more context. I am convinced that money doesn`t change who you are, but it reveals some characters, that were hidden in other circumstances. There are many examples of rich people that were helping the poor, and many of them even became the saints.
However, I agree that difficulties in life make us turn to God more often. It`s true that when there is nothing to hope for on earth our prayers to God become stronger.

К.Л. [(5) 50,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(192)

I agree with the opinion of Archbishop Averky. I believe that vainglory diminishes the good deeds that a person does. One who receives a reward on earth does not receive it on Heaven.
Besides, a person who did some kind of good deed on earth should be careful. A person should not attract admiration or gratitude from other people to be rewarded from Heavenly Father, because these two make you feel important and cause pride.

К.Л. [(4,5) 45,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(191)

I agree that our departed loved ones need our prayers. For they no longer have the opportunity to confess or repent. Their loved ones should help them in this because they do not have this right now. Every prayer, every candle for those who died can ease their suffering, make them closer to God or it even can save their souls.

К.Л. [(4) 41]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(190)

Abba Evagrius provides some practical advice in this statement. Reading helps us to stable the mind, put our feelings in order. Lust can be pacified by subduing a body - through hunger, labor and solitude. Anger is calmed by psalmody.
I find all of these pieces of advice very helpful. I think that they were written primarily for monastic people, but they are also useful for lay people.

К.Л. [(3,5) 37]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(189)

This statement says that it is important for a Christian to see his sins and worry about them. A more important thing is to repent of them. To repent of your sins means not just to be sorry about them, but to try not to commit them anymore.
Sometimes it seems to be an impossible task – not to commit the same sin again. However, in the eyes of God a person's attempt, diligence, is important. If you try to get better, God will help you to get rid of your sin.

К.Л. [(4) 33,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(188)

I believe that a person should rely on God, but also do or try to do something by him/herself. One should do everything possible, everything that is up to him/her. However, man proposes, but God disposes. In the end, God can turn everything in a completely different way than a person planned and you should not be upset about it.
Therefore, you need to understand that the last word is on God, and then light and peace will be in your soul even in difficult circumstances.

К.Л. [(5) 29,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(187)

I agree with this statement. If you see a problem as a temptation, or as a reason to overcome temptation, then you use other tools, - for example, a prayer, a fasting or good deeds. When you are focused on the outer side of the problem, you waste your energy and nerves on something that is external and temporary.

К.Л. [(4,5) 24,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(186)

I believe that any deed should be done from your heart. When you do charity - it is good, but when it matches your mood, your love to the person, your charity is much more than just money.
I did not have to deal with the unfair practices of charitable organizations, but I hope that the main purpose the most of them were created for – is a disinterested help to others.

К.Л. [(5) 20]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(185)

I agree with the Metropolitan Saba`s opinion that the cross is not a sort of beautiful spiritual meditation. Cross is the very heart of Christianity, it reminds about transformation of the whole world. God sent His only Son to suffer and die for people, and His Son was crucified. The act of the Salvation was accomplished on the cross. So the importance of the cross must not be diminished.
The cross is not just the symbol of the Christian faith. It is a high protection, divine mercy that God has presented us. It is called a weapon against the devil, against all temptations and machinations of the devil. The cross also unites people. It unites us in faith and in the struggle. It must be constantly worn by an Orthodox Christian, belonging to the Orthodox Church.

К.Л. [(5) 15]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(184)

It is common to see the weaknesses of others and not notice the beam in your own eye. This statement says that right here the devil finds an opening, - when a person begins to consider himself superior to someone else. I think it is good to see your mistakes, but it is even better when you see only the virtues of other people. It helps a lot to live without judging.

К.Л. [(5) 10]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(183)

I agree with the statement that spiritual privations are worse than physical privations. However, it seems to me that this appeal is for a person leading a kind of monastic life. This is obviously a spiritual ideal, which is, however, very difficult for a lay person to achieve while living an ordinary life.
Perhaps, a lay person should be more focused on how to treat others, how to love thy neighbor, than how to subdue your body.

К.Л. [(5) 5]

1. It's crucial to remember that decriminalization and LEGALIZATION are not the same thing.
2. Honesty, INTEGRITY, loyalty in everything we do. That’s important.
3. A 1000-year-old CONVENT in Kirghizstan is one of the oldest continually functioning convents in Central Asia.
4. Bob would rarely VOUCHSAFE his opinions as they talked.
5. Special PENITENTIAL prayers are usually read during the LENT.
6. People make the world remember about the genocides by annual COMMEMORATIONS.
7. The ASPERSION was intended to metaphorically "wash away" one's sins of the previous year.
8. It's a RITE dating back to the pharaohs of Egypt.
9. The PULPIT was placed in the middle of the church.

А.К. [(5) 76]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(193)

I can see the point of the quote 193. Here by the animal nature Father John means passion. So when the person is in full liberty, in abundance and prosperity - he grows in body. He cares more about comfort, not salvation. That’s why fasts are so important for us nowadays. Because fasts give us an opportunity to artificially put ourselves in unusual conditions of eating, thinking and living. The path of those who love God is narrow because we don’t really have a huge amount of options to come to salvation.

А.К. [(3,5) 71]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(194)

As I understood the point of the quote 194, the word “work” doesn’t have a literary meaning here. I presume here to work means to serve or to follow. Since we became Orthodox Christians we automatically, not necessarily from the very beginning but, agreed with the rules, which we learn and accept during our life. That’s true that we usually know these rules, or at least heard about them. But the most difficult part of being faithful nowadays, I suppose, is to fully follow these rules.

А.К. [(5) 67,5]

1. As a child, I used to attend Sunday school, and sometimes we had pilgrimages to THE HERMITAGE OF OPTINO.
2. In my parish we have a tradition to have an Anointing during the Lent, and usually we invite other priests to MINISTER with my father, who is our PARISH PRIEST and the CELEBRANT during the sacrament, and usually there are a lot of FAITHFUL, so their help is invaluable.
3. My grandmother passed away this year, and during her life she did a lot of CHARITABLE WORK, and tried to live as a true Christian, taking FREQUENT COMMUNION and REVIVING MISSIONARY WORK in our parish.
4. I have never thought that ‘LEAGUE OF MILITANT ATHEISTS’ has such a name in English, though in Russian TOTALITARIAN GOVERNMENT it sounds more frightening for me.
5. Seeing the pictures of my church DESECRATED during Soviet time was almost physically painful.
6. I still can’t understand what CRYPTO-COMMUNISM means and what this term has to do with the Russian Church.
7. I wish you knew how much I dislike politics after I learned about the POLICY OF CULTURAL STRANGULATION and the aim of Soviet ATHEIST STATE to EXTIRPATE ALL RELIGIOUS BELIEF and OVERTHROW ALL RELIGION using both direct and 'INDIRECT' METHODS OF PERSECUTION.
8. I would like to learn more about THE RUSSIAN CHURCH IN EXILE, because I think that foreign mentality influenced it somehow and it’s interesting to spot the differences.

Е.К. [(9) 46]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(184)

I suppose that I can agree with this quote at least partly, because, as it is said in the Bible, ‘blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven’. But if Christians do not fulfill this commandment, they become filled with pride, and that is a trap of sins, that is the moment when the devil can harm the Christians and lead them astray. So, in order not to fall due to it, we always should be meek and treat everyone as equals, because that is how we show them our love in Christ.

Е.К. [(4,5) 37]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(187)

I don’t think I can agree with this quote entirely. First of all, we should come to terms, in what way a person is not exhausted. Surely a fervent prayer can set your mind to a desirable attitude to a problem, but I suppose that every person has his or her mental and physical limits, and even if the problem is solved, sometimes our brain just can’t stop working and processing what’s just happened, and a person could be exhausted — either mentally or physically, depends on the situation.
I think that we should meet every challenge in life with fervent prayer, and God will help us and give us strength to handle them.

Е.К. [(4,5) 32,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(188)

I don’t think I can agree with this quotation fully, because first of all, there is a famous proverb ‘God helps those who help themselves’ or its other variant ‘put your trust in God but keep your powder dry’.
Surely a true Christian must trust God because it’s one of the fundamental concepts of the faith, but a person can’t be saved doing nothing, and we should worry about ourselves. Not too much, but enough to be alert and ready to follow God’s commandments, with joy and in peace, knowing that God helps us, because we do something for our salvation too.

Е.К. [(5) 28]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(191)

I think I can agree with this one entirely, because I’ve been told this since I was a child, and it actually makes perfect sense for me. The Orthodox have special petitions, litanies and even the Liturgy of the Dead exactly for this reason, to help our departed through our prayers. We can’t help them in any other way than by prayer, and that is an expression of our love and devotion to them and to Christ.

Е.К. [(5) 23]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(192)

I think I can agree with this quote, because first of all, vainglory itself means that a person seeks attention and appreciation from other people for their deeds and then brags about it. That behaviour provokes other sins like pride, which is ‘the mother of all sins’, and a person tends to fall further from God, because they do good deeds for appreciation, not of their good and free will.
A true Christian’s aim is to reunite with God in the Heavenly Kingdom. People can forget the good a person did to them, but God won’t.

Е.К. [(5) 18]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(193)

I’m not sure that I can agree with this quotation completely. We know the story of Job, who had horrible disasters that took away everything he had and loved, but he was tested by God and eventually he became a saint.
But not every man has such spiritual strength, especially during our times, and misfortunes, sickness and poverty often end up with depression, other mental issues, and suicides. Nowadays a person can’t live like people did in the beginning of Christian era, and we shall pray and serve God as fervently as we can, trying our best, because we love Him.


Е.К. [(5) 13]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(194)

That quotation seems debatable to me, making perfect sense from the Christian point of view on the other hand. It is said, that ‘Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.’
But at the same time, we can summarize this quote in one phrase: be kind and show love to everyone. Because it is said in the Bible: ‘Love your Lord God with all your heart all your soul and all your mind. <…> love your neighbor, as yourself.’ So, the question is, how can you love God and your neighbour, if you do not love yourself? And you can learn how to love from God, uniting with Him through the communion of the Holy Mysteries.

Е.К. [(4) 8]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(196)

I think I can agree with this quote partly, because according to the Gospel, “do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also” (Matthew 5:39), which means that we can’t be aggressive to our offenders. With the prayer we also show them our love in Christ secretly, because we want them to be saved as a Christians and that’s why we pray for them.

Е.К. [(4) 4]

1) In the first half of the 20th century the Church suffered from INIQUITIES of state authorities and cultural STRANGULATION.
2) Cyril and Methodius went on their MISSIONARY JOURNEY to Moravia in order to help the natives to have their SERVICE BOOKS translated into their native language so they may TAKE SERVICES in Slavonic.
3) The Soviet authorities in their attempt to create an ATHEIST STATE proposed a plan of EXTIRPATING ALL RELIGIOUS BELIEF by establishing an AGGRESSIVE AND MILITANT ATHEISM.
4) Despite all actions performed by MILITANT ATHEISTS, the policy of EXTERMINATION resulted in an AMAZING QUICKENING OF THE SPIRITUAL LIFE.
5) The planned RAPPROCHEMENT of the Church and the Communist state was considered an attempt to RECONCILE THE IRRECONCILABLE.
6) The CRYPTO-COMMUNIST POLICY was supposed to make the Church SUBSERVIENT.
7) The attempt to make a union between the Church and the state made some of the clergy to provide services in a concealed way as it had been in the CATACOMB CHURCH.
8) The Soviet authorities fought against the Church with great ASSIDUITY and many of the clergy fled abroad because of the CLOSURE of the churches and murders. There they established THE RUSSIAN CHURCH IN EXILE.

Д.Х. [(9) 80]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(197)

I presume that this quote may imply some occasions which may appear to us as something threatening, inevitable and unfair. Most of us will come to an erroneous conclusion that their life is failed and cursed because there is no plausible way to solve their current affairs or calamities. We may fall into despair blaming everything and everyone, even blaming God for he has sent these misfortunes to us. That misconception reminds me of an idea supposed by Met. Kallistos in his interview concerning coronavirus situation in the world. He said that God does not want all calamities to happen but he allows the world to work itself in certain constraints. I reckon that misfortunes are not necessarily coming from God as a sort of punishment, they may be just a result of something that is happening around us right now. However, calamities may also act as a sort of exam or warning preventing us from going astray.

Д.Х. [(4,5) 71]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(196)

The idea of the quote concerns our inner ability to restrain our own emotions while being offended, insulted or even provoked. We must develop humility in order to prevent ourselves from exposing negative reaction, which always brings us to a sin. I presume that there is no way to disagree with this proposition though it may seem too challenging because sometimes we feel that kind of aggressiveness is essential to cease all attacks coming from anyone who is hostile to us. If we give in, we will possibly do more evil and bring more harm to this person than he or she did. However, as we said earlier, sometimes avoiding this desired act of vengeance may seem too hard or even impossible. That’s why we should pray within ourselves and ask the Mother of God for the ability to quench this inner fire of false justice.

Д.Х. [(4) 66,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(195)

This quote given by Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt may refer to our inner condition we are maintaining in ourselves while we are praying and our general attitude to a prayer. Some of us may underestimate the importance of a proper state of soul and mind involved in our prayers. To some people it may seem that just reading out the text of a prayer can be sufficient for gaining help from God. However, according to Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt, only true faith can shape and build the right state of mind that will reveal the genuine point of a prayer as an appeal to the saints and to God. Only then we will reconsider the nature of prayers and cast aside the idea that they are only for requests.

Д.Х. [(4,5) 62,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(194)

The quote given by Abbot Nikon Vorobiev reveals to us the basic options and routes of how we can be and remain true Christians. Considering all these rules it may seem that this short and laconic appeal provides us with quite obvious and plain tips we all are already aware of. On the other hand, all these rules are extremely laborious due to our fallen nature and it’s even impossible to fulfill them without prayers and constant communication with God, otherwise we are always in danger of stepping off the right path. However, the crucial idea of this quote is that we all know these ways which make us true Christians, because they have been incorporated in our minds and souls since our very birth. We all are aware of what we should do but our sins, routines and luxuries of this material world keep muffling these voices of our true mission here.

Д.Х. [(4,5) 58]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(193)

This quote given by Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt provides us with an explanation to a controversial question why it is impossible for a rich man to become a true faithful Christian and hope for eventual salvation. Indeed, it seems far more difficult for a rich person to grow up spiritually and abandon everything that can distract him from walking along the path of a righteous man. That is, a person who enjoys lots of earthly and material benefits usually gets used to all these benefits and can’t imagine his or her life without it. It becomes nearly impossible to tear them off. In addition to that he doesn’t seem to care about his spiritual life because he’s contriving his own earthly paradise and this shallow substitute strongly estranges him from the true Kingdom of God. This idea can be also found in the Holy Scriptures: «It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God» (Matthew 19:24).

Д.Х. [(5) 53,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(192)

This quote deals with a complex issue which concerns our attitude to our own virtues and good deeds that we perform. We know that living a righteous life and helping our brothers and sisters is a proper way of life a Christian should stick to. However, when we realize that something good happens and we are the reason of that, we may get stunned on our path and fall into a sin of pride. Thus, we lose gracious gifts granted to us from God. Again, we project all our achievements on our earthly existence. I fully agree with this quote given by Archbishop Averky and reckon that we should treat all our virtues as that kind of activities we just ought to do. These deeds are not our merits, they are our primary mission in this life and we perform them because it’s just a must.

Д.Х. [(5) 48,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(191)

This quote refers to our departed neighbors who are waiting for our help and protection because they can’t already change anything. We should pray for them and ask God for their possible salvation because they did everything they were able to do and now only the living may help the dead. Metropolitan Gregory also mentions that even those who are extremely impoverished and seem unable to overcome their earthly issues and troubles are still capable of improving their spiritual condition. That is, even these men who have found themselves in a plight must remain spiritually strong because they are still able to struggle and work for their salvation.

Д.Х. [(5) 43,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(190)

I don’t think that I entirely agree with this quote given by Abba Evagrius the Monk. To my mind, all those sins should be treated with an individual approach because some people may be more inclined to one sin but they can’t imagine that they may commit the other one. I think that there can be no regulation of how one can struggle against his sins. Every person walks his own way and the obstacles on this way are always different. To my mind, spiritual battle cannot be described in a system or a method. One should ask God for help on his tough route and do what he can do.

Д.Х. [(5) 38,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(189)

When we commit something that can be treated as an obvious sin, we may unknowingly ignore it and just leave behind. However, by doing this, we also ignore its harm and danger to our souls because if we don’t consider something a transgression we may easily get used to it. When the time comes, it’ll be nearly impossible to get rid of this sinful habit. The gift of awareness mentioned by Abbot Nikon Vorobiev reveals the true nature of what we have done and makes us terrified because now we can recognize our sins. The ability to see your own sins can also make you afraid of committing them again.

Д.Х. [(5) 33,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(188)

This quote given by Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica concerns our excessive care about different benefits and our welfare. Many people place their social and material prosperity above all spiritual mission and leave them behind. I think, we’re getting ahead of ourselves trying to make our own substitute to what God has prepared for us. Moreover we acquire a different and distorted outlook concerning things happening around us and with us. Eventually we become spiritually alone relying only on our own weak abilities. When one leaves everything to the will of God, he knows that God is pure love and He will never abandon him.

Д.Х. [(4,5) 28,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(187)

The core message of this quote refers to situations that one may consider unsolvable and even life-destroying. However, if one leaves everything to the will of God, it will be much easier to overcome various calamities and afflictions because he knows that God will never leave him and has never left. So we should hope for our eventual salvation for all we have to do is to maintain our spiritual growth and never succumb to an overpowering depression. Thus, it’s impossible for one to fall into despair when he is aware of what can wait for him in the end.

Д.Х. [(5) 24]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(186)

I agree with this quote and consider that some charities tend to be quite ostentatious. That is, people who are managing these charitable activities haven’t any real sympathy with people or communities they pretend to be helping. Their primary vision resembles the one maintained by Pharisees whose spiritual deeds were just a disguise for actual ostentation. Such charities are not only worthless, they are also very dangerous to our souls because they inevitably push us to the sin of pride by making us arrogant and conceited.

Д.Х. [(4,5) 19]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(185)

I presume that the word «cross» used in this quote given by Metropolitan Saba describes obstacles and sorrow we encounter in our life. He calls it an enduring suffering meaning that God sends us all these trials so we can grow up spiritually. That is, we shouldn’t try to avoid these obstructions but take them as something essential for our soul. If we take them as a cure for our spirit we will be strong enough to overcome everything God sends to us for he knows our limits.

Д.Х. [(5) 14,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(184)

According to the quote given by Fr. John Sparks, arrogance is a sin, which may threaten anyone who is used to criticizing others pointing out their fallacies and even transgressions. It is also very dangerous for a Christian when he encounters or observes deeds and behavior of his non-Christian brothers and sisters. Thus, he may think that he seems to be a better person who is closer to Heaven than others are, because he is a Christian. However, this vision is erroneous and has nothing to do with a true Christian way of thinking. As it is said in the Holy Scriptures: «And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?» (Matthew 7:3).

Д.Х. [(5) 9,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(183)

According to this quote given by Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt, we should not put all our effort on our material welfare because our body, our properties and our world are not eternal. When we face the end of our life, we’ll continue to dwell but in different form and in different way leaving behind all our belongings and everything that we considered to be extremely vital and important. Our spirit will continue to live and it’s essential above all to prepare and strengthen it so that our spirit is ready for the afterlife.

Д.Х. [(4,5) 4,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(192)

Well, I suppose the point of this quote (192) is quite similar to the one in the quote 186 about the charity. As far as we do not pay a huge amount of attention to the good deeds that we do, we can be awarded. I agree with the point of this quote and it fits my idea of Christianity. I had some examples when after helping somebody I felt a strong wish immediately to tell my friend or my parents about it. It seemed like I was looking for a praise that I could hear or feel emotionally. But I felt much better when I kept the similar case in secret, so only God, the person I helped and I knew about this. So I guess that's almost literally an illustration of the quote 192.

А.К. [(5) 62,5]

1. PIETISM arose as a reaction to spiritual cooling in churches.
2. FREEMASONRY is a movement that appeared in 1717 as a secret society.
3. She concluded the presentation by sharing the CORPORATE evaluations.
4. The next day John was there again with two of his DISCIPLES.
5. The MONASTIC REVIVAL was one of the most astonishing aspects of the history of Russian Orthodox Church.
6. Strict SECLUSION and the veiling of matrons were customary in ancient Greece.
7. New regulations with SEVERE punishments have been adopted for such crimes.
8. Our former teacher, a lady, was too INDULGENT.
9. Actor Slavin was too plump for the role of Ivan the Terrible, known for practising ASCETICISM.
10. You need to behave with the REVERENT AWE in front of the king.
11. Nowadays the DEIFICATION of Newton, Locke and Boyle and their scientific method by Enlightenment and Victorian scholars seems ridiculous for us.
12. The Methodist church teaches that the works of mercy are a means of grace which lead to holiness and aid in SANCTIFICATION.
13. THE HERMITAGE OF OPTINO was one of the most important spiritual centres of the Russian Orthodox Church in the 19th century.
14. As a punishment the traitors were EXCOMMUNICATED.
15. After ordination he served as A PARISH PRIEST in a small town.
16. INSIGHT as a great gift was given by God to many saints.
17. THE HEATHEN cares only for personal gain.
18. There always have been disputes between Westerners and SLAVOPHILES in the Russian Empire.
19. The ABDICATION of the king was a real shock for the people.
20. If we'd drawn a different LOT, we could easily be in their place.
21. Until 1992, Cuba was officially AN ATHEIST STATE.
22. He must exercise with ASSIDUITY, obstination, passion to maintain skilfulness.
23. SERVICE BOOK may be understood as a Liturgical book, giving the text of a religious service.
24. A POLICY OF CULTURAL STRANGULATION was one of the methods of the Soviet government to affect the Church.
25. Not all the parishes can afford to hold A PARISH LIBRARY.
26. Everyone is entitled TO HOLD PROPERTY.
27. Estimations of their membership vary from 35,000 up to 70,000 people in about 120 local CONGREGATIONS.
28. In Izmir and Istanbul some synagogues have been DESECRATED by insulting and threatening graffiti.
29. After just two months of civil war, 3400 priests, MONKS and NUNS had been murdered.
30. Only a PERSON ORDAINED to the priesthood may administer certain sacraments.
31. CLERGY and LAITY from all Anglican churchmanship traditions have been active in the formation of the Continuing Anglican movement.
32. The IMPOVERISHMENT of cultural life affects us all as world citizens.
33. AN AMAZING QUICKENING OF THE SPIRITUAL LIFE was a result of the communist persecution upon the Church.
34. Unique Russian rituals were declared heretical, and those who continued using these rituals were proclaimed heretics and ANATHEMATIZED.
35. The RAPPROCHEMENT of cultures can foster peace.
36. THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE of Constantinople is the spiritual centre of the world-wide Orthodox Church.
37. In the years 1712-1714 LOCUM TENENS of the Ryazan patriarchal throne Met. Stephan (Jaworski) tried to return the territory of Ryazan department.
38. Even CO-RELIGIONISTS have disputes and conflicts among themselves.

А.К. [(19,5) 57,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(184)

I find this quote (184) quite interesting to think about. I fully agree with the idea that judging others, thinking that we are better is definitely an opportunity for the devil to trap us. This quote doesn’t express anything new to my idea of Christianity. I’m not sure I have a proper example relative to the situation expressed in this quote. To my mind, living without or at least almost without any judgment is one of the goals of a Christian. Because it makes your life much easier, when instead of despising, you try to understand people’s points of view or ways of behaving, even not necessarily accepting them.

А.К. [(5) 38]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(185)

To be honest I couldn’t get the point of this quote (185) for some time, but I finally got it. I agree that by the sign of the cross we somehow get into a prayer state, which is compared with a meditation in this quote. And it absolutely fits my idea of Christianity, that by that sign we also protect our minds and ourselves to resist the temptations of the sinful world. At any moment of big fear I seek assistance from the cross. I start to pray and try to entrust myself to the will of God. That is a regular experience that can relate to the quote and also an example of it’s practical application.

А.К. [(5) 33]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(186)

The point of charity has always been a complicated one for me. As it said in the Gospel of St. Matthew 6:2: Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
So, as I see it, the main idea is not to let everyone know that you do charity. That is the main problem nowadays. So, if I got the point of the quote (186) right, I can say that it fits my idea of Christianity. It is difficult to keep such news to yourself, without telling at least somebody. Just to be praised, to satisfy your vanity. So, if you do charity silently, that is the real charity. Because only you, the person you helped and God know about it.

А.К. [(4,5) 28]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(187)

It is difficult to disagree with St. Paisos and his quote (187). Most of us, and me as well, face a big number of our problems being too emotional, discontent, even aggressive. So, instead of solving the problem we spend a great amount of energy on the reaction. As I got the point of this quote - if you are not wasted on your feelings about the problem, you can remain peaceful and calm, so you won’t be exhausted because of the problems you face on your way. In this case, I suppose, you won’t really see them as problems, but challenges that God sends you to test you.

А.К. [(5) 23,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(188)

I absolutely agree with Elder Thaddeus and his thoughts (quote 188). Such an experience happened in my life and I try to use it as often as possible. My story is connected with entering this university. I wasn’t sure that I am smart enough to pass the exam successfully, so I had several scenarios of how the events could happen. I was nervous, but I decided to visit the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius and the relics of St. Sergius. And standing in that church and praying, I felt that any way that God had chosen for me I can accept. And I finally was calm and peaceful. So this quote definitely fits my idea of Christianity. For me it was hard to understand what it means to leave everything to the will of God. But now I think that this skill is one of the most important ones.

А.К. [(5) 18,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(189)

I agree with the point of this quote (189) that one of our weaknesses is inability to identify the sin at the very moment of its happening. And it would be indeed one of the greatest and most needful gifts from the Lord to see and cry over our sins, if we truly asked for it. Sometimes we need a lot of time to realise that our behaviour is or was sinful. And we need time to accept this fact. And we need time to be ready to cry our sins over. In case if we had the gift, which is described in the quote, it would be much easier and faster for us to cope with our sins. That, what I think, is meant by “having everything”.

А.К. [(4,5) 13,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(190)

I see the point of the quote 190 and I agree with it. Prayer, fasting and reading teach us resignation, obedience and gentleness. It doesn’t express anything new to me and it squarely fits my idea of Christianity. I wouldn’t say that I have a relatable experience, because I am still in the process of making reading and praying a permanent thing in my life. But even having it as an occasional thing, happening periodically, I feel its power on me and my behavior. Even having it as an occasional thing I can see the changes that have already happened to me.

А.К. [(4,5) 9]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(191)

I see the point of the quote 191. And here I partly agree. Yes, our nearest and dearest, who departed without a proper preparation need our help more than ever. But people around us also need our prayer to show God that we care about the journey of these people to Him. I refuse to leave the living ones without a prayer and focus only on the departed ones. In this case, to my mind, we can deprive somebody from a chance to be saved. At least from a chance to be shown how he can be saved. We can’t influence the choice, but we can show the alternative way by our prayer.

А.К. [(4,5) 4,5]