Religious Vocabulary Text Bank (2021

4th year of study: Spring 2021

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(198)

I fully agree with Saint Paisios of Mount Athos. In fact, I believe that every true Christian should agree with this quote because here one of the key Christian concepts is mentioned.
As I see it, Saint Paisios’ statement is made about a common misbelief where freedom is equated to with Him by means of our spirit. If the body is surrounded with excessive conveniences, it breeds permissiveness. Many people wait for a moment in their life when they will be able to do whatever they want. They are sure such a moment exists and sooner or later they would reach it. At least, that is something they dream of, something that is worth fighting for.
However, in this statement, Saint Paisios denounces this idea. He states that one should lead an ascetic life. I can only agree with him. As I see it, excessive conveniences loosen the inner thirst to become closer to God. The higher the degree of comfort your body has, the stronger become your body’s desire to have more. There’s always a chance you can have more, such thirst can never be quenched. The only rightful source of life during our existence is God, and we can reach contact prevails over the spirit. Having lost the rightful source of life, a human being begins to suffer.

А.В. [(3) 86]

1. RELATIONS BETWEEN CHURCH AND STATE were a matter of dispute: some claimed that there must be drawn a clear line between THE THINGS OF CAESAR AND THE THINGS OF GOD, while others believed in A CLOSE ALLIANCE BETWEEN CHURCH AND STATE.
2. In his passage on importance of CORPORATE WORSHIP Saint Joseph, Abbot of Volokalamsk mentioned THE TRISAGION, being proclaimed on high.
3. SERVICE BOOKS in Russian needed to be corrected.
4. A “FOOL IN CHRIST” is an ideal of SELF-STRIPPING and humiliation.

А.В. [(4) 69]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(201)

As far as I understand the statement of Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt I agree with it.
I have read recently a work by Anthony of Sourozh dedicated to the matter of prayer. Metropolitan Anthony writes that during sincere prayer we can reach communion with God and describes the art of it. As one of the key matters of the life of a Christian metropolitan Anthony suggests the problem of coping with your mind, your emotions in order to find yourself in the present moment. Now is the only moment on the timeline where we can actually make a choice. Our course in relationship with God depends on this very choice: we can sin or not sin, we can become closer to God or drift away from him.
It can be said that our life’s timeline consists of the infinite amount of such ‘nows’, in each of which we’re facing two options. Also, in each of them, we receive God’s mercy, God’s love which endows us with free will. Because of our corrupted nature, one of the options is to trespass, thus, it can be said, we sin continually and should continually pray.

А.В. [(4,5) 65]

CHANCEL AREA is a space limited by the ROOD-SCREEN with the HOLY DOORS in it. There the ALTAR and the CREDENCE stand, the RELICS lie, and the PRIEST, the DEACON and the SUBDEACON find themselves located. Another constituent of CHURCH BUILDING is a NAVE where CHOIR STANDS. Before the nave goes a PORCH. Also there is a VESTRY or SACRISTY in the church.

А.В. [(6) 60,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(202)

I agree with the statement of Saint Paisios of Mount Athos. As I read this quote, a passage from the Gospel of Mark appears on my mind immediately: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” These are the words of Christ. I think the meanings of these two quotes are similar.
As I interpret it, the main idea is that a struggling, ill person being mentioned here is able to feel that suffering. Naming such people ‘sick’ Saint Paisios does not imply that they are less righteous than ‘normal’. By way of contrast, those who suffer from their passions simply bear in mind that they tend to trespass. These are the Christians who never forget that their nature is corrupted, that they have the proclivity to sin. In its turn, those who always stay aware of it can live in the present and make their way to God. I think it is the reason why they are loved and cherished more than the “healthy”.

А.В. [(5) 54,5]

Thanks to Nicon Russian PRACTICES changed: THE SIGN OF THE CROSS now was made with three fingers. That alteration was a serious matter: what was changed was not a mere RITUAL ACTION, it was THE SYMBOLIC GESTURE WHEREBY THE INNER BELIEF OF A CHRISTIAN IS EXPRESSED. There were protesters, one of which was BURNT AT THE STAKE, and the others created a separate sect – the OLD BELIEVERS who in fact were OLD RITUALISTS. That was the movement of DISSENT in seventeenth-century Russia, the Russian DISSENTERS. They used THE TWO-FINGER SIGN OF THE CROSS and had very good people from THE PARISH CLERGY and THE LAITY among them.

А.В. [(7) 49,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(203)

I believe that this statement can end up in two contrasting attitudes towards earthly life, the reality that surrounds us. Thus, I can only partly relate to the appeal of protopriest Gregory Dyachenko.
On one hand, I fully agree that it is beneficial or even necessary to always remember of the shortness of our life. As protopriest Gregory Dyachenko says, it will ease the burden of all the suffering we experience every day. Such an attitude also allows us to fight against our passions more firmly, unyieldingly. All in all, this invocation is inspirational.
On the other hand, however, such advice can end up in simply ignoring the physical, material world. I can regard it as dangerous as well. I believe all Christians are inclined to think of earthly life as something inferior, second-rate. To completely detach oneself from the world in my opinion is not righteous.

А.В. [(5) 42,5]

The ALTAR or HOLY TABLE has the following furnishings: a CROSS, a RELICS-BOX, several CANDLESTICKS, an EPISTLE-BOOK, a MISSAL on a CUSHION, a PATEN, the LAMB, a CHALICE, a GOSPEL-BOOK, the CORPORAL-ANTIMENSION, a PAX-ICON, and a SINDON.

А.В. [(8,5) 37,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(204)

I completely agree with abbot Nikon Vorobiev’s statement.
For me, the question of self-expectations is a very important one. I guess the significance of it becomes obvious during the periods of fasting. Those who want to perform heroic acts of self-humiliation and selflessness during the fast, very soon get disappointed in themselves. In their imagination, all the small good deeds become not worthy in contrast to the expected heroism. The one who is disappointed gets depressed and doesn’t want to try to be good anymore. Thus, those who demand a lot from themselves simply block the path to God with their own hands.
Also, when one highly esteems themselves in terms of their spiritual capacity, they immediately start to condemn. Such disapproval towards your brethren in Christ ends up in your spiritual decline. It’s pride, arrogance as it is. A Christian should always be sympathetic to others and having low demands of yourself is a key for that.

А.В. [(5) 29]

A catholic priest has the following elements in his VESTMENTS. He covers his neck with an AMICE; he puts on a CHASUBLE, which looks similar to a poncho. Under the chasuble he wears a ZONA which is a sort of a belt. Also a priest wears a MANIPLE on the left hand, a STOLE sometimes made of silk, and an ALB.

А.В. [(4,5) 24]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(205)

I wholly agree with this statement. I am of the opinion that the first thing to listen to should be our conscience.
Actually, I think conscience is a very interesting phenomenon. I remember reading a book about poets. In that book, a poet was described as a person who has an acute conscience. His conscience is sharpened compared to the conscience of a regular person. Such a peculiarity allows a poet to feel vividly the Beauty in everyday situations. It is conscience that helps an artist to tell the difference between the situations worth mentioning and those in which he shouldn’t take interest.
I believe poetry to be a glimpse of the divine. In this regard, I believe the conscience to be a link between the human and the divine. I guess archbishop Averky’s phrase proves my point. I find this quote fascinating.

А.В. [(5) 19,5]

With the issue of the SPIRITUAL REGULATION, the Patriarch was abolished, and THE SPIRITUAL COLLEGE or HOLY SYNOD was set up, nine members of the twelve in which were taken either from the leaders of the monastic HOUSES or from THE MARRIED CLERGY. The gatherings of that Synod were attended by THE CHIEF PROCURATOR. This secular institution didn’t make allowance for “THE CROWN RIGHTS OF THE REDEEMER.”

А.В. [(4,5) 14,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(206)

I can relate to what Saint Paisios said. Actually, it sounds very similar to what I do. Every time I read the Gospel, I try to really comprehend what is said there. I also don’t read much but the passages I have read are remembered by me. The deep understanding allows you to apply these texts to your own life.
To my mind, it is a very important quality – the desire to get to the real meaning. I’m not saying I always get it right, but I’m trying at least. All people should bear in mind that they tend to fill everything they read or see with their own thoughts and meanings. The awareness of such proclivity is the first step on this path of learning to understand a thing.
Also, it is important to be spiritually restless. Reading “just to pass your time pleasantly” is a time-killer. A Christian, however, should be in a continuous search for God.

А.В. [(5) 10]

1. THE CHURCH is superficially regarded as being IN COMPLETE SUBSERVIENCE TO THE STATE with THE SYSTEM OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT of Peter the Great’s authorship. However, there were REFLECTIVE CHURCHMEN during that period and high STANDARDS OF SCHOLARSHIP.
3. PIETISM is a religious movement, whereas FREEMASONRY isn’t.
4. It was Paissy Velichkovsky who made a Slavonic translation of the PHILOKALIA.
5. The monastic life has mystery and CORPORATE aspects.

А.В. [(5) 5]

1) The priest was wearing ORARIUM and ALB, his VESTMENTS shone like the Sun.
2) The priest wears ZONA. It is a belt under the CHASUBLE.
3) APOLOGIAE sounded so soft and calm so we felt safe and sound.

Н.Л. [(2) 59]

1. A person can be PROCLAIMED A SAINT not by the human will, but by the will of God.
2. In the history of Orthodoxy there are quite many LAY THEOLOGIANS and it is normal for this confession that theologians may be not only among monks or priesthood.
3. Orthodoxy does not accept the ASSUMPTIONS that Christ was just a human being without His DIVINE NATURE.
4. There still exist some disagreements among historians about the ABDICATION of Emperor Nicholas II.
5. When the system of Holy Synod existed, the meetings of it were attended by the so called CHIEF PROCURATOR – a state representative.
6. Our SYSTEM OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT has not basically changed since 1917.
7. CONTINUAL PRAYER without interrupting thoughts is a very important skill which can be mastered if one shows his diligence and has a lot of practice.
8. I wonder if HESYCHASTS could really see the DIVINE AND UNCREATED LIGHT or it was just some illusion.
9. Some people dream of getting the GIFT OF INSIGHT, but it is a very serious thing and not everyone can possess it.
10. The priest in the church I attend allows people who have attended this church for a while to participate in PUBLIC CONFESSION.
11. The CHANCEL SCREEN in our church is quite beautiful – it is white and certainly has icons on it.
12. Though many years after Christ came to Earth have passed, there are still some people whose ideology is close to HEATHEN.

М.Ч. [(7) 57]

1) Many people FELL INTO HERESY during that hard time.
2) It is so sad when a good man LAPSES INTO HERESY, it often happens when one has some serious problems in life.
3) After 1453 Russian Church was AUTOCEPHALOUS.
4) Our duty as Christian people is to CARE FOR THE SICK AND POOR and to SHOW HOSPITALITY.
5) I think it is hard to BE DETACHED FROM THE WORLD but maybe it can help one to avoid sin.
6) I suppose that KEEPING the FAST is also being kind and loving to the others.
7) During the TIME OF TROUBLES the Old BELIEVERS fought for THE TWO-FINGER SIGN OF THE CROSS.
8) I think that to attach importance to RITUAL ACTION is not always right as THE SYMBOLIC GESTURES and an emphasis on the EXTERNALS OF WORSHIP isn't everything, the main thing is love.
9) The PARISH CLERGY and the LAITY should pray together for each other.
10) The priest sprinkled us with holy water before we left.
11) During the Liturgy we made many PROFOUND BOWS to the CRUCIFIX yesterday.

Н.Л. [(6) 57]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(205)

As narrated in the Bible, during creation God imprinted into the nature of man His Divine Image, which draws man toward everything that is morally good and averts him from everything that is morally evil. This inner law works through the voice of conscience, which justly is called the voice of God in man. Because it is an integral part of human nature, it is active in all people – regardless of their age, race, education, or development.
In general, conscience is a very sensitive moral evaluator – especially in children and young people, who are still pure and innocent. If we were not stained by sin, we would not need any external guidance. The necessity for written law arose from original sin. In the present condition, both the written law and the inner natural law of conscience are needed.
Conscience contains the eternal and unchangeable law of God. Disregard for the voice of conscience and repeated falls darken the soul to such an extent that a person can undergo, as Saint Paul forewarns, «shipwreck of his faith» so that he can irrevocably sink into evil (1 Tim. 1:19).

С.Х. [(5) 66]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(203)

There are those who say that Christians should face death with joy. However, Christ Himself cried. For Christ, as for His disciples, death is a tragedy and horror. It is absolutely opposed to God, Who is life. It is a direct consequence of the devil and sin.
But Christ was resurrected, and our Church sings about this for forty days, from Easter to Ascension. Therefore, death in the light of Christ remains as a tragedy and horror.
Since the death of the Savior preceded our death, in Christ death also becomes the path to a deeper and more perfect unity of man with God. This is a paradox, but also the victory of our faith. Since the tools of the devil become the means of universal salvation, the path to eternal life for both man and all creation.

С.Х. [(5) 47]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(202)

We often resent the acts and impunity of some members of the human race. God loves sinners, and more than others - right people who think that they are righteous - good and decent Samaritans. But all people sin, it's just that someone better hides it under the guise of decency and hypocrisy.
As for me, sinners are sometimes strong personalities, sometimes outright criminals who commit crimes against others. They are not afraid to declare to the whole world who they are, they are not afraid to remove the mask of piety from their face and show their intentions in relation to other people. Yes, these people are wicked, but they admit it, they do not give up their essence, they are not hypocrites, openly declaring to the world that they are sinful, and their actions are sinful. And recognition is the first step on the path to forgiveness of the Lord.
It is easier for people without any serious sins to correct themselves, while fallen people need to make an incredible effort, and the Lord appreciates this effort, so we must pity them and treat those who suffer from passions with condescension.

С.Х. [(4,5) 42]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(176)

Many people live badly just because there is no place for God in their souls. And where there is no God, there is always a place for pride, envy, greed, anger, despondency and fear. With God in your soul, you understand that you are moving along the right path. Only with God in his soul a person can be happy and mentally free.
That is why it is so important that God be in the soul. But many people do not know that their souls are tightly closed to God. There is simply no place for God in them, because all the places are occupied by vices and weaknesses. Therefore, if we want God to dwell in our soul, the place needs to be cleansed and prepared.
In my opinion, we must begin with the inside, we must keep in mind that we are not in the least cleansing our heart for our own sake. It is not for our own enjoyment that we furbish and tidy the guest chamber, but in order that the Guest may enjoy it. Our every thought must be for Him, for God.

С.Х. [(5) 37,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(174)

As far as I'm concerned, by the "strait gate" is meant Christ himself. He is the gate of heaven, through which we have boldness to enter into the holiest of all by faith and hope. I think that faith is not the gate itself, but the grace, by which men enter in at the right door, and walk on in Christ.
As we know, here is no difficulty in finding out, or entering in at, or walking in the way of sin, which leads to eternal ruin. The gate of carnal lusts, and worldly pleasures, stands wide open. The way of the ungodly is "broad", smooth, easy, and every way agreeable to the flesh; it takes in a large compass of vices, and has in it abundance, but its end is destruction.
Therefore, we all have to make the right choice, the choice of a thorny and narrow way.

С.Х. [(5) 32,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(173)

~~I believe that~~ if a person completely takes upon himself all the work for the sake of God in every virtue and purity, then how many blessings and spiritual gifts will be bestowed upon him by God, who encourages and directs every good deed!
That is why the one who always keeps such a thought and never forgets about great blessings easily moves with his heart in love for God in a single impulse in order to thank Him, as far as possible, with his virtuous life, with every good deed and doing righteousness. Such a person is always ready to willingly fulfill God's will, moved by the memory of such great blessings received from benevolent God. And then, as if by itself, or rather by the assistance of the higher grace, his heart is kindled with an even more ardent desire for God's love.

С.Х. [(4,5) 27,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(170)

I believe this is not a mockery when God takes away what he gave, because God loves us. But love can be harsh - and for our benefit it is sometimes necessary to send hard trials, even if they seem unfair to us. But it seems to me that in the end everything that is done according to His will is all for the best.
Some people cannot belong to others, it is wrong to think so. He gave us the opportunity to learn to love through certain people. And it is normal to feel sadness and resentment when loved ones leave us or our dreams are crumbling, but God is with us until we push Him away and murmur. We do not know why God makes such decisions. We just need to come to terms and move on. God does not give trials that man cannot endure.

С.Х. [(5) 23]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(167)

As far as I am concerned, people need entertainment. Our Savior does not disapprove of normal entertainment. He was interested in the games of children when He was here on earth. He watched the children as they played, and He is watching the children who play now, and He delights if these games are normal. With the tension and weariness of modern life, all people need entertainment if they want to do their job well. There is normal wholesome entertainment, but of course there is immoral entertainment as well. It is about them that this quote is referred to.
I am convinced that a Christian should not allow themselves to take part in any form of entertainment if he or she doubts the decency of this entertainment. But everyone should be able to find positive moments in all cases and situations around them, rejoice and thank God for them. But this will never happen if we set ourselves up in advance to isolate ourselves from everything we imagine "destructive". God is love,He wishes us joy, although He also warns of difficulties. Therefore, we must be open to everything possible in our life, and not lock ourselves in an artificial case and yearn all the time.

С.Х. [() 18]

1. The RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHURCH AND STATE is the institutional form of the relationship between the religious and political spheres.
2. The crowning of Charlemagne by Pope Leo III in A.D. 800 had led to A CLOSE ALLIANCE BETWEEN CHURCH AND STATE, which can be likened to a marriage.
3. CORPORATE WORSHIP brings together God’s word, prayer, and fellowship, and so makes for the greatest means of God’s ongoing grace in the Christian life.
4. THE TRISAGION is a standard hymn of the Divine Liturgy in most of the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches.
5. SERVICE BOOKS are books published by the authority of a church body that contain the text and directions for the liturgy of official religious services.
6. FOOLISHNESS FOR CHRIST refers to behavior such as giving up all one's worldly possessions or deliberately flouting society's conventions to serve God.
7. THE TIME OF TROUBLES was a time of lawlessness and anarchy following the death of Fyodor I, a weak and possibly intellectually disabled ruler who died without an heir.
8. The failings of PARISH CLERGY, long a concern for both Church and state, became the object of continuing reform in the nineteenth century.
9. DEVOUT Russians push back against coronavirus church closures.
10. Most RELIGIOUS HOUSES survived the Reformation, although many nunneries did so by becoming Lutheran collegiate foundations for women of the aristocracy.
11. THE ANCHORITE is someone who lives alone and away from other people for religious reasons.
12. Christian PRACTICES include a Sunday worship service, private and corporate prayer, study and reading of the Scriptures, and participation in rites such as baptism and communion.
13. RITUAL ACTIONS involve symbolic physical actions; the example of them is a making the sign of the cross.
14. In the times of the medieval period during the Inquisition BURNING AT THE STAKE was inflicted by the secular authorities on those individuals and groups found by the judges of the Inquisition to be incorrigible heretics, all those who opposed the Roman Catholic Church.
15. THE OLD BELIEVERS are Eastern Orthodox Christians who maintain the liturgical and ritual practices of the Russian Church as they were before the reforms of Patriarch Nikon of Moscow.
16. THE OLD RITUALISTS are those who resisted and refused the reformed liturgical books associated with the work of Patriarch Nikon.
17. THE TWO-FINGER SIGN OF THE CROSS represents the two natures of Christ, our Lord: divine and human.
18. MYSTICAL PRAYER is prayer placed in your mind by God.
19. DYARCHY is the system of double government.
20. THE MOSCOW TSARDOM was the centralized Russian state from the assumption of the title of Tsar by Ivan IV until the foundation of the Russian Empire by Peter I.
21. THE SOVEREIGNTY is the independence of the state in external affairs and the supremacy of state power in internal affairs.
22. The SPIRITUAL REGULATION of Peter the Great remained in force until the very end of the Russian Empire (1917).
23. In Oriental Orthodoxy THE HOLY SYNOD is the highest authority in the church and it formulates the rules and regulations regarding matters of church organisation, faith, and order of service.
24. CLERICAL MARRIAGE is admitted among Protestants, including both Anglicans and Lutherans.
25. Konstantin Pobedonostsev was one of the most powerful men to hold the post of CHIEF PROCURATOR.
26. PIETISM is a movement within Lutheranism that combines its emphasis on biblical doctrine with the Reformed emphasis on individual piety and living a vigorous Christian life.
27. FREEMASONRY consists of fraternal organisations that trace their origins to the local fraternities of stonemasons.
28. THE PHILOKALIA is a collection of writings, mostly centering on practicing the virtues and spiritual living in a monastery.
29. While Western convents are closing and selling their property, A MONASTIC REVIVAL is happening in Russia.
30. The controversy of the NON-POSSESSORS and the POSSESSORS at the beginning of the sixteenth century in Russia had no historical precedent in pitting eremitic values against both church and state.
31. The Church plays an important role in COMMUNITY cohesion.
32. THE SECLUSION of an individual is called solitude.
33. ASCETICISM has been historically observed in many religious traditions, including Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Judaism.
34. SANCTIFICATION is based on the concept of God, whose holiness is pure goodness and is transmissible by sanctifying people.
35. BISHOP THEOPHAN THE RECLUSE wrote about topics which others before him had not fully treated, such as how to live a Christian life, how to overcome sinful habits, and how to avoid despair.

С.Х. [(18) 18]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(198)

Excessive conveniences make life difficult for people. I cannot fully agree or disagree with this quote. It all depends on the point of view on this problem. A human being is of course a creature that inherently does not need a lot of comforts. But they interfere with the development of his soul. A person makes less and less effort to achieve his goals. The person becomes lazy. However, I also believe that amenities offer more opportunities for a harmonious life. You no longer need to be constantly stressed, and everyone can concentrate on the more important things in life. So, I still can't understand which point of view is closer to me. I definitely have something to think about.

О.К. [(4,5) 56]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(199)

I can totally agree with this quote. The point is that we really confuse religiosity itself and its purpose. Many people see meaning only in the rites of religion. But in fact, it is love that is the basis of everything. Love is God, love is peace, harmony, the meaning of life. Everything is meaningless without love. I hadn't thought about it before. For me, earlier religion was a set of rules. If you do not follow these rules, it is very bad. Now I understand very well that this is not so. What difference does it make if you ate a cake or a pie during the fast if you don't know how to love? I believe that God does not care how many times we make the sign of the cross in front of the temple in order to enter it. He also does not care whether the girl wears a skirt or not in the temple, and whether the guy takes off his hat while in the temple of God. When we die, none of this will matter. We will not be asked at the Court about this. Rituals, fasts, rules, doctrines are a path, a tool for a person to make it easier for him to walk his path, in order to eventually learn to love, humble pride, and come to God. There are more correct ways, there are less correct ones. But in the end, none of this matters at all. On the other hand, I think it is not very correct to condemn other confessions, religions for the fact that their instruments are different. In fact, all religions talk about the same thing, but in different ways. The basis is love.

О.К. [(3,5) 38]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(200)

I agree with this quote. Archbishop Averky argues that any big change in the soul for the better starts with a small step. Justify your act, your desire, and your soul is already on a slippery slope.
Religion gives man the tools through which he can come to God. If you do not use them, then in the end you may not come to God. In reality, it is quite difficult to stay always on the right path and not go astray. It's true. But we must try, work on ourselves, become the best version of ourselves. We live, get new experience and understand more how to act correctly.
As I think, it is more important not just to follow the rules, but to understand why they are needed and how they will help in life. Perhaps, realizing their importance will help you make fewer mistakes.

О.К. [(5) 34,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(201)

I agree with this quote. It speaks of unceasing prayer and a state of gratitude to God. God does many good things for us, and we must thank him. For example, I remember how as a child my grandmother taught me that if you lost something and are looking for something, you need to pray until you find the right thing. And you must definitely thank God when you find it. Perhaps someone does not understand this and forgets to thank. Moreover, when we give thanks, we have strange inner strengths. A person who lives a spiritual life will never fall into depression, will not feel bad, because, in fact, he is in constant communication with God, in harmony with himself and the world around him. For the opportunity to live such a life, God can also be thanked.

О.К. [(5) 29,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(202)

I agree with this quote. People who spend more energy fighting with themselves and their passions are in a certain sense better than those who initially lived right. These people have a stronger character, because they have learned to see the flaws in themselves and to deal with them. I have met good people in my life, and they all struggle with something in themselves. Such people have a lot to learn. Those who have not had the experience of fighting their passions in life are no better and no worse. They just do not have such experience and knowledge.

О.К. [(5) 24,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(203)

Well, this quote makes sense to me. We really come into this world to pass the test, and then be free and saved. And I think it's good. This is the only existing way of our life. You know, my grandmother died recently, and I understood. Life has no other meaning than what we Christians know. Otherwise, people, different people, good and bad, are just phantoms or meaningless flashes of consciousness that are destined to go out. No, I don’t believe that. I know that what I have been looking for for so long, the very meaning of life is in me. It all ends, and I, too, will one day end for this world. I will flare up and go out. But I believe that then I will finally return home, back to the Godhead. I realized that life is one, and you should not be afraid to do something, say. This life is just one big day at work that will end one day. I don't know what else to say about this quote. I just know that here we are testing ourselves, working on ourselves, and then there will be the Last Judgment. But this is good, everyone has suffered. I would like everyone to have a chance to be saved.

О.К. [(5) 19,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(204)

This quote resonates in my soul. Personally, I believe that everything that happens in our life happens when we really need it. If you try, you try to achieve something, but you fail, then the Lord does not want to give it to you. At least you don't need it now. It might even harm you in the future. Therefore, the Lord knows when and what you need. All you have to do is wait and let the events unfold in your life the way they should. If you really want something badly and cannot accept, God can give it to you, but you will most likely be disappointed or learn an unpleasant lesson for life. You asked God for something when you yourself were not ready for it. But the Lord did it out of love for you. Only when you humble your pride, stop waiting, the Lord will give you everything that you wanted and even more.

О.К. [(5) 14,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(205)

The only thing we have is conscience. This is our only property. Neither the body, nor material things can be something of ours. We live in this world with a conscience, and with it we will go to another world. The holy fathers are right. Our task is to live in the world according to conscience, to fulfill the will of God. Unfortunately, I don't know what to say more about this quote as I fully understand it and feel in my heart.

О.К. [(4,5) 9,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(206)

This quote is close to me. I also like to read different books and write down interesting quotes from them. Of course, not all of them really helped me in life, but I always try to listen to the smart thoughts of other people. I believe this is correct. We are not always right in the way we think and live. Sometimes we need advice. There were many people in the world. Everyone has a unique experience and can share it with us. Once upon a time I even had a notebook for writing down aphorisms and quotes from books. But now I can't find it anywhere. It would be interesting to read what was close to me a few years ago. The topic of studying my own consciousness, events from the past, and past deeds is very close to me.

О.К. [(5) 5]

A LITURGY OF THE DEAD is a prayer cycle of the Canonical Hours said for the repose of the soul of a decedent.
PASSION SUNDAY is known as Care Sunday in Scotland.
HOLY SATURDAY is also known as the Great Sabbath, Hallelujah Saturday in Portugal and Brazil.
The INTROIT is part of the opening of the liturgical celebration.
An Anglican priest wears a modern CHASUBLE over ALB and STOLE.
The HOLY SYNOD was a congregation of Orthodox church leaders in Russia.

Ал.С. [(4) 69]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(198)

I quite agree with St Paisios` saying.
I believe that excess in everything makes life harder and worse because, firstly, the thing loses its value and, secondly, it might be harmful for one`s mental and physical health and it`d surely interfere with the spiritual life. One should always look for the middle ground.
In the case of conveniences the main problem is that they encourage sloth and sometimes arrogance because there`re people who`re obsessed with hoarding things to show off their status rather than for some purpose. Moreover, the more comfortable one`s life gets, the harder it is to stay vigilant and conscious, which is really important because a person never knows when they die.

К.Е. [(5) 71]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(200)

I quite agree with this saying.
For me it`s quite obvious that greater things consist of smaller ones. Thus, for example, stable habits are based on little everyday routines people follow and psychological disorders in some cases may stem from a range of fleeting bad situations that people experience. Therefore, one should constantly be alert and conscious about what they eat, feel, look at or think to become a better person because small things matter.
There are quite a lot of temptations in the modern world, which can cause severe addiction and damage one`s body at the very least. And human`s brain might become its own cunning enemy once it tries out something addictive. It might start bargaining with itself, making itself believe that a small amount of that addictive something will do no harm, whilst it does and the organism becomes dependent on it. So, it`s extremely important to remain conscious about one`s actions and decisions.
I constantly face this problem during fasting. I`m quite used to eating certain types of food, so it turned out to be hard to cut it out at once. Therefore, I`ve learnt to start gradually cutting down on it in advance, two weeks before the fasting. I still find it quite rough but it helps.

К.Е. [(5) 51]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(201)

I quite agree with Righteous John`s saying.
Those three perpetual aspects are also healing for our souls. Sincerely praying for forgiveness and knowing that we`ll be forgiven soothes our hearts and prevents us from spiritual pride, that is, from believing that we are innocent. Gratitude helps us to realize that everything we have isn`t ours, so it`d be easier to let go of everything or everyone that`s taken away from us. Moreover, one becomes less dependent on the mundane. And constant praise helps us to see beauty in every fellow-human and every small blade of grass, which is, as I think, quite essential in the modern times, when many people are desperate to know the way every single thing in our Universe works, unable to see the beauty of its design.
As my experience shows, I feel depressed and weary of life once I stop doing one of these three things and concentrate on everyday vanity. It`s quite hard to get out of this state, so I`m trying to control it.

К.Е. [(5) 46]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(202)

I believe, that some of the modern believers need to hear this saying. For me, it`s quite natural that those who suffer need more attention than those who don`t and they get it.
First of all, they`re in a precarious position. Temptations and strong feelings such as grief or impatience can easily lead them astray because they`re constantly beset by demons. They are always at risk of going back to their defiled life. Thus, they need constant support from the priest and the parish.
Secondly, it`s harder to stay conscious while suffering and it`s quite a deed if a person manages to face it soberly and keep on believing. I don`t belittle the importance of faith of those who aren`t beset by passions. I guess, it`s just a different unique situation incomparable to anyone`s.
Thirdly, those who oppose such attitude, say that it`s a bit unfair to treat people differently depending on whether they suffer or not. But I think, they err. Maybe they are mislead by jealousy. I believe, they should try to understand that the sufferer is their fellow-human and that they might be in his or her shoes one day going through something similarly rough.

К.Е. [(5) 41]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(203)

I assume that this saying is a good reminder for every believer.
It`s quite hard psychologically to tolerate all the horrible things that people face during their lifetime if there is no meaning behind them. Moreover, while experiencing them, people tend to forget that they`re not just pointless suffering because it`s really difficult to live through them sober-minded. So, people should partake in Mysteries regularly, so that they don`t forget that everything that happens might become profitable for their souls.
Though, I`m not sure how I feel about being joyous about the thought that our life will come to an end sooner or later. I understand that people look forward to being free from suffering and burden of the earthly life. However, I assume, that people still should try to enjoy their stay here. After all, there is great beauty hidden in the Creation and there is even certain aching beauty in suffering that everyone faces.

К.Е. [(5) 36]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(204)

I guess, this is good advice for the modern believers.
One should be wise about their capacities. Both taking too much and too little responsibility might lead a person astray. In the first case, one might become beset by arrogance, believing that they can help themselves more effectively than God. On the other hand, in the second case, they might fall into despair and grief or apathy because they don`t operate at full capacity. One should always look for the middle ground.
And, of course, we shouldn`t rush and should be patient. Just like healing of the wound takes time, so does healing of the soul. And being impatient may only cause more damage.

К.Е. [(5) 31]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(205)

I quite agree with the point that our happiness consists of doing God`s will but I`m not sure that I can completely agree with the second part of this saying.
Human conscience is a great thing. However, as for me, it`s a sophisticated part of human being as well, which can learn. So, I`d make a reservation, saying that, first of all, conscience should be developed and strong enough. I believe, it evolves along with the body as a child grows and thus learns from the same experiences the child faces. So, it depends on the person`s parents and surroundings, whether they develop a proper conscience to rely upon and follow the will of God.
I believe that conscience isn`t only about being solely good and kind but more about distinguishing good from bad and avoiding being naïve. Naivety isn`t a bad thing but, I assume, one should be careful about it. Gullible people are easy to manipulate and trick into believing wrong things, so, as for me, it`s better to possess certain knowledge about the world and society we live in and make one`s conscience gain experience.

К.Е. [(5) 26]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(206)

This is a great tip for reading not only spiritual literature but literature on the whole.
It`s well known that writing things down helps our brain to memorize it and acting it out makes it consider the thing we acted out a useful habit, so it gets consolidated within our behaviour patterns. And once it becomes habitual for us, it becomes easier to apply what we`ve learnt to our life.
I believe that St Paisios` approach to reading is one of the best. He is curious, inquiring and willing to know the answers, so he keeps at it with enthusiasm. Moreover, he`s patient about his reading.
I used to read certain books the same way, though, I don`t think that I was as patient as St Paisios. For example, I read a few studies while writing my course papers. They`re quite complicated to understand, so I had to ask myself similar questions. I find such approach the most effective.

К.Е. [(5) 21]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(207)

I don`t think that`s good advice for modern laity, at least for the most of it. And I can`t really apply this to myself.
As for me, this saying is too harsh. I believe, a person shouldn`t hate themselves for whatever reason. This might lead to apathy and despair and even make the person suicidal. I believe that one should hate transgressions but not oneself and fight against them but not against oneself. One should cooperate with themselves because we are not our own enemies.
And I don`t think that humiliating oneself and thinking that other people are much better than you will do any good either. It`s fine to do one`s best to accept people the way they are with all their trespasses and weaknesses but one should treat oneself the same way. The thing is that the modern world is full of people who hate themselves and believe they`re the worst and I wouldn`t call it right or pious. It`s looks more like a crisis to me.

К.Е. [(5) 16]

1) FOOLS FOR CHRIST are people who give up their belongings and behave in a way that challenges the accepted norms. For example, Basil the Blessed didn`t wear clothes both in summer and in winter.
2) My relatives usually don't OBSERVE THE FASTS because they aren`t really religious. But my family KEEPS THE FAST.
3) In the seventeenth century Russia DEVOUT Russians appeared to live as a vast RELIGIOUS HOUSE.
4) Some people cannot handle the AUSTERITY OF THE FASTS, so they get certain CONCESSIONS.
5) St Anthony the Great was one of the most famous ANCHORITES.
6) Archpriest Avvakum tried to defend old Russian PRACTICES and refused to use the new SERVICE BOOKS issued by Patriarch Nicon because as he believed RITUAL ACTIONS and SYMBOLIC GESTURES were very important for Russians.
7) The OLD BELIEVERS fought for the TWO-FINGER SIGN OF THE CROSS because they wanted to preserve the tradition of the Church.
8) Some believers pay too much attention to the EXTERNALS OF WORSHIP forgetting that it`s not always the main thing.
9) The POSSESSORS argued that the monks should have lands, so that they can fulfill the SOCIAL OBLIGATIONS OF MONASTICISM, that is, TO CARE FOR THE SICK AND POOR, to show hospitality and to teach.
10) The NON-POSSESSORS believed that monks shouldn`t be landowners because they`d get TANGLED UP IN SECULAR ANXIETIES while they should be DETACHED FROM THE WORLD.
11) In the fifteenth century Novgorod the Great LAPSED INTO HERESY of the Judaizers.

К.Е. [(11) 11]

1. The JOSEPHITE society was founded in 1866 at Mill Hill, London, England, by Herbert Vaughan, later cardinal archbishop of Westminster.
2. The ultimate purpose of the MONASTIC endeavour is to attain a state of freedom from bondage, where both bondage and freedom are defined in THEOLOGICAL terms.
3. The phrase THE KINGDOM OF GOD occurs frequently in the NEW TASTAMENT, primarily used by Jesus Christ in the first three Gospels.
4. The NON-POSSESSORS also believed that the Church should not forcibly convert or persecute heretics or pagans, but should patiently work to convert them to the true faith.
5. CORPORATE WORSHIP, the gathering of worshippers to worship God as a unity, is something we should do every week.
6. THE TRISAGION is a standard hymn of the Divine Liturgy in most of the Eastern Orthodox Churches, Oriental Orthodox Churches and Eastern Catholic Churches.
7. THE MOUNTAIN ATHOS was discussed by Homer in the Iliad.
8. HESYCHASM is a form of constant purposeful prayer or experiential prayer that took the form of a particular psychosomatic technique in combination with the Jesus Prayer.
9. The leading "POSSESSORS" were well-placed figures who mobilized coworkers, disciples, employees, and consultants.
10. MAXIMUS THE GREEK was a Greek monk, publicist, writer, scholar, humanist, and translator active in Russia.
11. THE SERVICE BOOK for the Divine Liturgy of ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM.
12. Parents of ST. BASIL THE BLESSED were commoners and sent their son to be trained as a cobbler.
13. At present there are nine ORTHODOX PATRIARCHATES: Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem, Moscow, Georgia, Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria.
14. THE TIME OF TROUBLES was preceded by a series of events that contributed to the country’s instability.
15. Orthodox Christians FAST on Wednesday in remembrance of the betrayal of Christ and on Fridays in remembrance of His crucifixion and death.
16. JOSEPH VOLOTSKY is known to have been a staunch opponent of the HERETICAL sect which was spreading in Russia at that time ("JUDAIZERS").
17. ARCHPRIEST AVVAKUM was the leader of the OLD BELIEVERS, conservative CLERGY who brought on one of the most serious crises in the history of the Russian church.
18. PAUL OF ALEPPO was an Ottoman Syrian Orthodox clergyman and chronicler.
19. The ANCHORITE’S was one of the most extreme of the religious lives of the Middle Ages.
20. THE POPOVTSY were from the 17th century one of the two main factions of Old Believers, along with THE BEZPOPOVTSY ("priestless ones").
21. RASKOLNIKI is a comprehensive name for the section of the Russian Church that refused to accept the reforms of the patriarch Nikon.
22. The word LAITY means "common people" and comes from the Greek (laikos), meaning “of the people”.
23. CHANCEL is a portion of a church that contains the choir, often at the eastern end.
24. RELICS may include clothing and VESTMENTS worn by saints, or items such as pieces of the True Cross.
25. A CREDENCE TABLE is a small side table in the sanctuary of a Christian church which is used in the celebration of the Eucharist.
26. THE NAVE is the main part of the church where the congregation (the people who come to worship) sit.
27. As prayers are recited the CHALICE is filled with wine and from the prosphora a LAMB is cut and placed on the paten.
28. THE AMICE is a liturgical vestment used mainly in the Roman Catholic church, Western Orthodox Church.
29. THE CHASUBLE originated as a sort of conical poncho, called in Latin a casula or "little house".
30. Originally, THE MANIPLE was likely a piece of linen which clerics used to wipe their faces and hands.

А.Н. [(16) 60]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(198)

To begin with I agree with this statement. A person needs limitations in order not to follow sins. Frankly speaking I don't know what is more harmful for a soul - to live in complete poverty or in great prosperity. Convenience makes a person weaker, and difficulties strengthen. To summarize, I agree with the expression.

Н.Л. [(5) 51]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(200)

So, there is a quote by Archbishop Averky (Taushev). It says that it is important to keep the commandments of God even in small things, actions, words, because it is very easy to fall into sin, it is very easy to make sin your habit. I completely agree with the quote and think that any habit in the spiritual life is bad. Piety, which is just a habit, has no value, faith without love has no strength.

Н.Л. [(5) 46]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(201)

The quote from Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt says that a Christian should pray continuously and be grateful to God for His mercy and unconditional love. We sin a million times every day, sometimes without even realizing it. A great amount of sins is normalized nowdays and it is sometimes very difficult for an unbeliever to understand why some believers repent and thank God so often. I believe that the love of God is boundless and immeasurable, and a person is very weak, so we need to pray and thank God to the best of our ability and He will not leave us.

Н.Л. [(5) 41]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(202)

There is the statement by Saint Paisios of Mount Athos, and it says that we must never forget those who is suffering, that we must help those in need. I think there is a blessing from God in suffering. The soul gains healing through suffering and the person becomes wiser. Of course, it is difficult for a person to overcome difficulties, but after that he is stronger than he had been before.

Н.Л. [(4,5) 36]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(203)

Protopriest Gregory Dyachenko said that all our sorrows, passions and difficulties will end with death. I believe this is quite a positive view on death. This point of view is inherent for people with a deep faith in the heart, those who know that death is the liberation of the soul, just the beginng and the meeting with the Father. In my opinion, the topic of death is the key topic in any religion. Christ was risen from the dead, He conquered death, which means the soul is immortal and can be reunited with the Father. So you should not be afraid of death, but you should be like children, when you are a child it seems that life will never end.

Н.Л. [(4,5) 31,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(204)

I quite agree with the statement by Abbot Nikon Vorobiev. He said that we must not demand too much from ourselves as we are really weak. The Lord is infinitely strong and merciful, kind and just. A person will never reach this level of His virtue, we can only strive. A person can only do everything in his power to become a better Christian, take a small step towards God and the Lord, in response, like a loving Father will run to meet him as in the parable of the prodigal son.

Н.Л. [(5) 27]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(205)

I think that a person's heart is blind when he does not see the light of faith. Faith helps a person to find his way in the dark. He who seeks will always find the right way, I think, that is why it is important to ask God to show us the right path. The main thing is to trust God and to follow His words and not your desires, although it is sometimes difficult.

Н.Л. [(4,5) 22]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(206)

Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt is a great Russian saint. There is a statement by him that says that we must be strict with ourselves and kind with others. We cannot see the sins of someone else's soul, only our own, therefore we need to take care of our soul very seriously. We do not know how the other person lives, therefore we need to love our neighbor and forgive him always.

Н.Л. [(5) 17,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(199)

There is a statement by St. John Cassian. I agree with the statement as we must always try harder, we must not stop trying hard to be good people. Spiritual life is constant work, it includes prayer and fasting. We strengthen our spirit during this work, and this is the most important thing.

Н.Л. [(5) 12,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(207)

This quote is about humility and humiliation at the same time. And I would say that the way in which it is put is more about humiliation than humility. And I can’t say that I agree with this statement.
Maybe it’s only stated in such a straightforward way that we should consider ourselves worse than all others and actually it’s about not taking ourselves better than all others. This I can understand. But, to my mind, we should not hate ourselves in any case. That’s harmful for us and our psyche. That’s just awful to live thinking that you’re worse than all the other people.
However, I have nothing to say against the second part of this quotation. We really should love others although they are not perfect. And our love should not be for some reason but in spite of everything. Because God teaches us to do so.

В.О. [(5) 59]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(203)

On one hand, earthly life contains sorrows and suffering, which is certainly unpleasant, so it would be logical to look forward to the end of it, but on the other hand, we get used to this life and, moreover, this is the only life we have ever seen. That’s why it is not easy to imagine that it will stop and that there will be something else waiting for us. What if that “something” appears to be worse than the earthly life?
That is certainly scary, but, on the other hand, until we face that reality, we cannot say anything exact about it – whether it is unpleasant or, vice versa, much better than our material reality. That is why I suppose that we should just go on living and trying to make the existence of our neighbors more comfortable and sorrowless.

М.Ч. [(5) 36,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(207)

First of all, I don’t agree with the quote of Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt. I think that a man is the crown of creation. And as far as I am concerned, God wants us to be happy and grateful. It may sound childish, but it is so. I don’t think that God created a man so that a man will despise himself for his sins. However, I do agree with the part where Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt says that we should be indulgent to others. But as for me, in order to make your family, your relatives happy and joyful you should first of all be happy and love yourself.

А.А. [(5) 70]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(206)

To begin with, I totally agree with the quote by Saint Paisios of Mount Athos. Reading spiritual books, books about motivation etc. is not enough to reach your spiritual or wordly goals. After reading some quotes or advice, we should, as Saint Paisios of Mount Athos puts it, go through such a self-examination and start doing what's written in the book. Only then the reading will be beneficial.

А.А. [(5) 52]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(205)

Firstly, I partly agree with the quote by Archbishop Averky (Taushev). Our conscience is really a lighthouse for our life. When you are stuck in routine, when you feel something is going wrong, you can always rely on your conscience and also you can ask God for guidance. What I cannot accept is that we should do what Holy Fathers tell us. Their quotes might be true and helpful, but there are only opinions of people who lived many centuries ago and thus cannot be absolutely reliable.

А.А. [(4) 47]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(204)

Above all, I fully agree with the quote by abbot Nikon Vorobiev. Humility before God is crucial in spiritual life. Pride can ruin everything and that’s why we need to behave ourselves according to the example of the leper. Our good deeds, almsgiving etc. cannot save us. Only God can save us. What’s needed from us is what abbot Nikon says: «Just do not forsake God».

А.А. [(5) 43]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(202)

First of all, I fully agree with the quote by Saint Paisios of Mount Athos. By the way, I remember this quote from his books. We are all humans and we all sin. It’s normal. And if we want to stop sinning, we need to make an effort. And that’s where Christ finds us and helps and cherishes us like a sickly sheep.

А.А. [(4,5) 38]

They sentenced her TO be BURNT AT the STAKE.
This chapter explores how social movements have influenced institutional politics — with particular reference to DISSENT — in America.
It can be hard to be a DISSENTER in the midst of a war conceived of as unconditional.
Russians tend to honor RITUAL ACTIONS a lot.
Many scholars don’t understand why THE SYMBOLIC GESTURES WHEREBY THE INNER BELIEF OF A CHRISTIAN is expressed are so important to Russian people.
Hitherto he had chosen to live the life of an ANCHORITE, and had abjured the society of women.
Hermits usually perform RIGOROUS OBSERVANCES.
Russian Orthodox Church is known for THE AUSTERITY OF THE FASTS.
RELIGIOUS HOUSE mean a convent or a monastery.
In Russia people ususally fast strictly and make few CONCESSIONS TO HUMAN WEAKNESS.
She called herself a DEVOUT Christian.
A woman, when WITH CHILD, shouldn’t fast at all.
Orthodox people KEEP THE FASTS four times a year.
They OBSERVE THE FAST every spring.
THE «TIME OF TROUBLES» begins with the First False Dmitrii's invasion of Russia in the autumn of 1604.
A FOOL IN CHRIST is the same as a fool for God or holy fool.
THE TRISAGION means «thrice holy».
We take part in the CORPORATE WORSHIP during Church service.
Today in Russia we have a CLOSE ALLIANCE BETWEEN CHURCH AND STATE.
In many colonies, there was a partnership or contractual RELATIONS BETWEEN CHURCH AND STATE.
He was a RECALCITRANT and a stern Old Believer.
Christ repeats in the New Testament that we shouldn’t think IN A WORDLY WAY.
During the Great Lent we as Christians shouldn't become ABSORBED IN WORDLY CONCERNS.
Monks and hermits are DETACHED FROM THE WORLD and they live in monasteries.
ALMSGIVING is central to how we practice Lent.
SPIRITUAL DESCENDANTS are people who honor a particular saint, hermit etc.

А.А. [(12) 33,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(198)

I agree with the words of Saint Paisios of Mount Athos. I believe that excessive conveniences makes life difficult. Maybe not even excessive, just simple convenience. Everything would be so much easier if we didn't have the Internet in our lives, if we didn't have all sorts of things and devices to make life easier.
I think that even airplanes have not made our lives easier, but rather more complicated. Of course, on the one hand travel has become available to us, convenient means of transportation and we can now be in a different time zone in a few hours, but on the other hand it pollutes the environment and a lot of money is spent on tickets. Again, your social status depends on the class in which you fly, which is quite primitive, in my opinion. It seems to me that the world would be simpler without excessive amenities, everyone would be equal and there would be more space for goodness.

А.Н. [(4) 32]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(199)

God is love. The most important achievement in the life of a true Christian is Love. To everything and everyone. We must feel love even to enemies. Personally, it is incomprehensible to me how one can love his enemies. How can we love murderers or villains. But we must love them, too. That is the perfection of love. Indeed, prayer, fasting, going to church, reading of Scripture and psalms are all tools, steps by which we can get closer to Christ, but we can only reunite with Him in sincere love.
The art is not about vegetarianism or abstinence from anything, they are only ways to reach the main goal - the art of loving our God and the people around us and even our enemies. Through what we can feel the love of God. If we do not know the love of Christ, don’t feel it and do not know how to love people, even those who have caused us harm or pain, why do we fast at all and why do we read the Gospel?
What we gain by fasting is not as great as the harm that anger does to us, and the benefit of reading spiritual books is not as great as the harm done to a brother when we despise or denigrate him.

А.Н. [(4,5) 28]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(200)

Sin generates sin. When we did something wrong once, we will definitely do it again and again. Gradually it becomes a habit and we can no longer control it. Here is a simple example. Many people want to lose weight, but once they have tried sweets, candy or cake, it is hard to give them up. Then it is necessary to change oneself, to make maximum efforts in order to eradicate this malignant habit. It is difficult not to fall off the diet, it's much easier to break it and enjoy a delicious cake.
And there’s a similar situation with transgression, once we have sinned it's hard to forget it, we are more vulnerable to sin, it's harder to fight it. Fight with thoughts, with temptations. The same with the good deeds: once you have done good stuff, or made the right choice, you can not stop this. We want to follow the commandments more and more and go towards God. It all starts with a little thing, we should always keep this in mind.

А.Н. [(5) 23,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(201)

I completely agree with what St John said. Everything that breathes on earth cannot exist without air, nor should we exist without prayer. It is a means of connecting with God, of talking to him. We cannot live without food, nor can we live without prayer. It is spiritual food. We sin all the time, there are no sinless people, and if we sin, how can we not repent?
We also should thank God all the time. We wake up in the morning and we should give thanks immediately. For what? For waking up, because God’s will is on everything. Someone has not waken up in the morning and will not see his relatives, won’t see the sun and the beauty of this world. And we have such an incredible opportunity to once again experience the beauty around us, once again feel the love of God and our loved ones, and most importantly, share that love. Shouldn’t we thank God for such a wonderful opportunity?
He gives us so many chances to repent, to change our deeds and actions. We should thank Him for being so patient and loving us so much. We ask for his mercy and every day he shows it. Maybe we don't notice it sometime, but it's only because we have become callous and stopped noticing his mercy around us. We have stopped noticing small joys, because God is everywhere with us. He is not only in some big miracles, for which we are not ready at all, God is in the details and in us. We are just not always ready to let him in, into our home, into our souls.
And of course we must praise Him. After all, how can we not praise our Creator in prayer. We have become cold, we have stopped noticing his love and mercy for us. After all, he constantly forgives us. He is our Father, and we do not love him, we hurt him. “Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the heights above...”

А.Н. [(4) 18,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(202)

St. Paisius cares for lost people as God cares for lost sheep. He says that he loves them and cherishes them more than those who do not suffer from passions. This may be compared to the parable of the prodigal son. Where the father ran out to meet the prodigal son with incredible joy. He embraced him, made a feast in his honor, and was very happy for the return of his son, who had been away and sinning for a long time. He was not so happy about the other son who lived with him, who was obedient, who brought joy to him.
God is always pleased with people who repent, who come to Him by themselves, asking for forgiveness. It is incredibly valuable when a person admits his own insignificance and sinfulness and then, like the prodigal son, returns to God, asking His forgiveness. St. Paisius compares a sinner who has long wandered in sin, in the darkness, to a sick sheep. He says that the shepherd spends more time with the sick sheep than with the healthy one, until the sheep is well and on its feet. In the same way, God loves sinners and tries to set them on their feet.

А.Н. [(5) 14,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(203)

Protopriest Gregory Dyachenko says that we should rejoice that along with our earthly life all suffering and torment will cease. Pain and sickness will disappear with the transition to another life, to eternal life. All that we have now, all our earthly possessions will be gone with death, nothing will be of value except God. Everything we have on earth will be forgotten and dissolved when we ~~will~~ face Last Judgment. Nothing will matter but God before whose face we stand. All troubles, all regrets, will be left behind.
Our life is a small drop in a great sea, it is nothing compared to eternal life. But even this short life we manage to live in sin, constantly complaining and complaining about something. It is better to thank God for the opportunity to feel like a person, a person who is able to love, to rejoice or cry, and not necessarily from grief, cry from happiness too. For the opportunity to feel the love of Christ for all people living on earth and for the fact that in some 80 years there will be an opportunity to be forever reunited with Him in the heavenly abode.

А.Н. [(4,5) 9,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(206)

In this quotation St. Paisius is trying to explain that mindless reading will lead to nothing useful. Especially if you are a neophyte, you must draw something from the book you are reading. Write things out, underline them, make sense of what you don't understand. When you read spiritual literature, you have to dig into the book, into yourself, try to understand every little thing that you don't understand. We profit when we understand what we read, when we censure ourselves and discipline ourselves by applying it: “What does this mean? Where do I stand in relation to this spiritual truth? What must I do now?” After all, the more we learn, the more responsibility we have to live up to what we have learned.
Saint Paisios of Mount Athos says that neophytes should read the New Testament to learn the meaning of Christ, to be shaken up a little and later they can read the Old Testament. Man can never say that he has no problems, no concerns, he will have something. The struggle for the spiritual life never ends. And the struggle for understanding all details mentioned in the spiritual books. Whoever is seriously concerned over his spiritual condition knows, more or less, what he is lacking, and once he seeks it, he benefits. We should not read merely to pass our time pleasantly. We should be concentrated and focused on what we read and on things we don’t understand. To be always in seeking.

А.Н. [(5) 5]

1. A priest may be DEPOSED FROM OFFICE for different reasons, among which there is LAPSING INTO HERESY.
2. I have heard many times that children below 14 are allowed not to KEEP THE FASTS.
3. Some monks tend to live in SECLUSION and some – to stick to the CORPORATE monastic lifestyle and communicate with other people.
4. DEIFICATION is what a true Christian desires to reach.
5. If one takes up some CHARITABLE WORK, he fulfills the will of God, because Christians are supposed to CARE FOR THE SICK AND POOR.

М.Ч. [(3) 31,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(205)

The Holy Fathers state that we should pay careful attention to our conscience. When I have to make a decision, I can often feel a kind of an “inner dialogue” about which decision would be correct and not harmful for others – whether it concerns some routine things or more important issues. I would notice that it is impossible not to pay attention to such inner dialogues, because they seem to guide my whole life.
I suppose that this is actually conscience. Maybe, this is the way God tries to keep in touch with us and give us some directions towards Salvation. If it is so, it seems to me vitally important to listen to our conscience to gain Salvation.

М.Ч. [(5) 28,5]

Can we assume that in terms of spiritual development, Russia became THE SUCCESSOR OF BYZANTIUM, after Turkey conquered Constantinople?
AUTOCEPHALOUS church has the status of a local church, which implies its administrative independence from other local churches.
Christians should practice generous ALMSGIVING, so as not to become excessively attached to their temporary accumulated material well-being.
RECALCITRANT HERETICS follow their beliefs to the end.

Ал.С. [(2) 50,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(204)

According to my way of thinking this quote is about humility. We get angry so often when something doesn’t work out for us. For example, we do not get a salary increase or someone runs, jumps, sings better than you can do that. We get upset over small things and forget that divine providence determines our earthly life. Sometimes it is worth thinking if you do not get the desired result, that it may be a false desire which will not bring you spiritual benefits. It's better to just trust God and let him guide you through the life.

Ал.С. [(5) 48,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(205)

From my viewpoint this quote is about conscience. We can compare conscience to the voice of God which guides us through our life. Therefore, to act according to your conscience is to do as God tells you. Of course, sometimes it is very difficult to understand where the voice of conscience is and where the voice of our fear is. Our desires can overshadow the voice of conscience that can lead to pride. It seems to me reading the Gospel and the instructions of the spiritual fathers help people better hear the voice of conscience.

Ал.С. [(4,5) 43,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(207)

I suppose this quote is about how a person can conquer his pride. It seems to me that you can only overcome pride by humbling yourself. All attempts to show that your spiritual achievments are better than those of others lead a person to pride, which devalues all his spiritual development. You can find the right path that God will lead you along only when you are filled with humility.

Ал.С. [(4,5) 39]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(203)

It seems to me that I can agree with this quote. Providence sends trials to strengthen the soul of man and to bring humility to man. Ideally, a righteous Christian should spend his short earthly life in the service of God, and not in earthly suffering. This quote reminds us that earthly concerns are nothing compared to the Kingdom of heaven.
Unfortunately, in the daily routine, people often forget to take care of their soul. Therefore, this quote can serve as a good incentive to think more about the soul than about earthly issues.

Ал.С. [(5) 34,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(202)

I can not agree with this quote. First of all, the statement "a wretched life" is very subjective. Each person determines for himself how happy he is. Therefore, it is very difficult for an outsider to assess the level of happiness of others. The example with the sheep seemed unconvincing to me. The shepherd may treat the sick sheep more carefully, because if this sheep dies, the shepherd will lose money. This feeling can be called pity. But is it worth applying pity to people? Often people equate pity with love. Is it true? I don’t think so. Who is usually pitied? The poor, the unhappy, the sick, the suffering people. That is why the one who considers pity a good feeling can not understand why people often respond to his supposedly good actions with aggression. Will your pity make a man feel better? Probably not. I also disagree with the fact that there are people who do not suffer from passion. Everyone suffers (at least once in his or her life) but not everyone does it clearly for others. To sum up, I want to say that you need to have compassion (do not confuse this concept with pity) for everyone around you, and not just for the people who, in your opinion, have difficulties.

Ал.С. [(5) 29,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(201)

I can agree with this statement. It seems to me that prayer, gratitude, and praise are the foundation of a Christian's life. However, we remember about prayers and often pray to ask God for something, but we often forget about gratitude. Therefore, in this essay, I would like to focus my attention on gratitude. We automatically thank someone for work every day. For example, we say “thank you” to assistants in a supermarket. How sincerely do we do it? I think, if a person does not feel sincere gratitude, he can not have true joy. Therefore, such a person can not be happy. Sincere gratitude is important not only for the person to whom it is intended, but also for the person who gives thanks. This can be compared to a kind of energy exchange. I think if you thank God every day for all things in your life, you will begin to appreciate your life even more and enjoy it.

Ал.С. [(5) 24,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(200)

It seems to me that the main meaning of the statement is moderation in all aspects of human life. Well, I can agree with the statement. Of course, it is very difficult to maintain balance, but I think that balance is the main source of inner peace and harmony. You can't be balanced if you're constantly nervous, overeating, drinking alcohol, or being rude to others. It is clear that people can not always control their emotions and when the situation gets out of control, somebody can have overeating stress. It’s important to be able to cope with this situation. Only moderation, self-control and prayer can help people not to fall into sins.

Ал.С. [(5) 19,5]

1. Though the Synod system might seem to some of us controversial, it is important to mention that, nevertheless, it made STANDARDS OF SCHOLARSHIP higher.
2. To FALL INTO HERESY means not to doubt some aspects of the Orthodox faith, because to have some dogmatic questions is a normal condition of a Christian, it means to insist that some part of the Orthodox teaching is wrong and state that your version of it is, on the contrary, true.
3. THE DOUBLE-HEADED EAGLE used to be the symbol of Byzantium and then the symbol of the Russian Empire.
4. Saint Sergius was known for having the great number of his SPIRITUAL DESCENDANTS.
5. THE SOCIAL OBLIGATIONS OF MONASTICISM were dear to the POSSESSORS, since they accepted the necessity of keeping the connection with the state, unlike the NON-POSSESSORS.
6. The Possessors taught their adherents TO SHOW HOSPITALITY and CARE FOR SICK AND POOR.
7. One should be careful about ALMSGIVING nowadays, since not all the beggars spend the money on what they say they need it for.

М.Ч. [(5) 23,5]

THE SYSTEM OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT during the rule of Peter the Great was in a sense in decline.
THE CHURCH WAS IN COMLETE SUBSERVIENCE TO THE STATE and was governed by Chief Procurator of the Holy Synod.
PIETISM is a Christian theological tradition emphasizing the need for a heart-felt faith.
While FREEMASONRY is not itself a religion, all its members believe in a Supreme Being, or "Grand Architect of the Universe.”
The PHILOKALIA is a collection of writings, mostly centering on practicing the virtues and spiritual living in a monastery.
Human law arises by the CORPORATE action of a people.
In 1879–81, Pobedonostsev was appointed CHIEF PROCURATOR of the Holy Synod SPIRITUAL REGULATION supported the concept of a Russian national church under the authority of the Tsar as the "supreme bishop".
THE HOLY SYNOD is the ecclesiastical governing body for a church.
MARRIED CLERGY is allowed in Orthodox Church.
THE CROWN RIGHTS OF THE REDEEMER means the spiritual independence of the church.
The concept of SOVEREIGNTY in Canada concerns the relations between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.
THE MOSCOW TSARDOM was the name of the centralized Russian state from Ivan IV’s assumption of the title of Tsar in 1547 until Peter the Great’s foundation of the Russian Empire in 1721.
DYARCHY is a government in which power is vested in two rulers or authorities.
MYSTICAL PRAYER erases barriers between man and God.
THE JOSEPHITES are a religious community of Catholic priests and brothers.
THE EXTERNALS OF WORSHIP MEAN the material expression of the faith.
PARISH CLERGY is the clergy assigned to a parish.
The Council comprised 564 members, including 227 from the bishops and clergymen, 299 from THE LAITY.
The old Believers still use THE TWO-FINGER SIGN OF THE CROSS.

А.А. [(9,5) 21,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(206)

I guess I can see the point. Read less, Think more, Ask questions... I should have written. But clearly I’am expected to say something less simple and more sophisticated. Well he as we can see he did a great job being novice. He thoughtfully read books and reflected upon them. He was quite patient and passionate to sit down and go through a self-examination and … and that’s all I can say about the quote. I mean I fail to see anything new in it, anything that can be reflected on. If it only had something interesting, catching that could be debated or thought over I would certainly share my ideas. But here I’m stuck. And it is really disappointing to me. Because I always learn something I ~~have~~ never knew while writing these essays. I have also had the ability to mediate on things that are considered to be worthy to be thought of.

А.С. [(4,5) 14]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(206)

Well, I can agree with the author of this statement. I think the main idea of this statement is introspection. The ability to critically evaluate yourself and your knowledge is very important in the flow of information, especially in our modern world where by reason of technology we receive information in huge quantities. But I can partially agree with the idea that you can ask to explain what you don't understand. I think it is important to have your own opinion on issues, even if it does not coincide with the opinion of others. Of course, listening to the opinions of more experienced and wiser mentors is also part of learning, but, to my mind, if you listen to someone else's opinion all the time, you will not develop your own. But here the main question arises. How to develop your opinion? I think that the author's method of rereading books and writing out what you liked from them will help in the development of personality. First, this is how you pass the book through your life. Secondly, it is a great way to test the effectiveness of the tips given in the book.

Ал.С. [(4,5) 14,5]

1. There were many years in the history of our country when the Church was IN COMPLETE SUBSERVIENCE TO THE STATE.
2. PIETISM is a movement within the Reformed Churches characterized by the emphasis on personal piety.
3. REFLECTIVE CHURCHMEN during and after Peter's time achieved high STANDARTS OF SCHOLARSHIP.
4. THE SYSTEM OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT should include also CORPORATE and social aspect of the Church life.
5. FREEMASONRY is the leading fraternal organization in the world.

В.О. [(3) 39,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(206)

This quote says a lot about reading but it’s not about that. Yes, we should read to find something new which would be spiritually profitable, but the main idea is to ask ourselves at what point we are in our spiritual journey.
The idea is to be restless, to try to understand ~~everything~~ what you didn’t manage to do, not to do anything in vain. It’s much more important to do something good in quality and not in quantity.
And we should analyze our “point” all the time. It helps us to go forward as well as to think also about what else we should achieve in our spiritual life, what goals should we have, how to improve ourselves to be worthy of Christ’s sacrifice.

В.О. [(3,5) 36,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(202)

The example which is given by Saint Paisios of Mount Athos is very pictorial. Those who don’t struggle with passions require less attention as they do not need such support which is needed by those who are still struggling and who can’t keep balance yet.
God like a shepherd cares more about weak people, who sincerely struggle to develop themselves spiritually, to become better people. He values our efforts. And this is fair. Those who are trying must be comforted and helped.

В.О. [(4,5) 33]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(203)

This quote tells us about several things at the same time. On the one hand, it reminds us about the duration of our lives, they are short and it implies that the life of the age to come is coming. On the other hand, it reminds us that we need to live our lives with gratitude for all the sufferings we endure.
And the second theme follows from the first one logically, because we’re unlikely to reach Heavenly Kingdom without being grateful for the things which are made for us by God. If God sends us trials, we need them. He tests us for our spiritual good. And we should understand that. And we should really be excited about eternal life and salvation through sufferings because they are needed only by us.

В.О. [(5) 28,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(204)

Abbot Nikon Vorobiev says that it’s important to trust God. He knows what you need and when you do need it and if you really need it. The main task for each person is to obey God’s will and try to follow His commandments. And for doing it we should humble ourselves and think more about what God wants for us than what we want for ourselves.
So, all we need is to believe in God and to trust Him more than our desires. We should try as hard as possible to become better people and to open ourselves to God, and He will do the rest if we are with Him. He will save us then.

В.О. [(5) 23,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(205)

This quotation teaches us to follow our inner voice. Not the one which is our desires, but the one which is our conscience. It communicates God’s will to us. Our own conscience should help us in our understanding what is good and what is bad. However, there are definitely some difficulties, such as being deaf to the voice of conscience, and even dangers when we are speaking about those people who are not religious, they may have lack of pangs of conscience. So, conscience may not help to repent and to make the right decision. It may be effective for a spiritually developed person but not for ordinary people. I would say that it is better for the laity to discuss difficult life issues with their spiritual fathers.

В.О. [(5) 18,5]

1. THE SPIRITUAL COLLEGE was formed by Peter I for the SPIRITUAL REGULATION.
2. Among the members of the HOLY SYNOD there were also MARRIED CLERGY.
3. THE CHIEF PROCURATOR was like a minister of the Spiritual ministry.

В.О. [(1,5) 13,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(205)

I can’t say what Happiness is. I really don’t know whether it is a life in the will of God or something else (I have some examples of happy lives of those who don’t even go to church). And certainly I wouldn’t dare to say anything about the next world. However I completely agree with the fact that conscience leads us to ~~the~~ God’s will. Conscience is an instrument with which we may do things right. Though some can misunderstand it. I’d like to share an example. Not so long ago I read an article about ‘guarding our conscience’. A very decent article I must admit, but the introduction confused me.
Here it goes: «How do we feel about what we read in the newspapers and see on the television? How do you react when you read of a rape, a drive-by shooting, a house break-in, a gay-activist march, a verbal attack on conservative Christians, the number of abortions each year, attacks on elderly ladies? By comparison, how did you react to such things ten, twenty, thirty, forty years ago? How would your grandparents have reacted to scenes like we have today? Is your conscience being seared?»
Initially I failed to understand what opposed my vision of conscience here. And now I can see. Conscience is not about blaming or condemning others, it is about blaming and condemning (pointing to) ourselves. Conscience is not about wondering how our grandparents reacted but it is mere our reaction to our deeds: feeling guilty when we’re wrong, sympathizing to those who need help, being helpful to them, and feeling calm when we are right. All these feelings are our lighthouses that guide us in the storm of life. All the people can’t help but feel them. They are gifts that are based on ~~the~~ God’s law, not on the grandparents’ vision nor on our ill understanding. So we are not to judge others but to watch for those lighthouses and to judge ourselves.
And that will surely bring us to the will of God.

А.С. [(4,5) 9,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(205)

Well, there is a statement by Archbishop Averky (Taushev) about conscience. I agree with that and I think that our conscience is the best guard in our spiritual lives. There is a quite curious thing, that those who want to be with God, those who pray a lot and want to be good Christians, can feel guilty for different things throughout their spiritual lives. Some actions that were quite appropriate become unacceptable after some time and that is the way God opens our eyes on many things, good or bad. Also, a pang of consience is not self-criticism, and it is important to distinguish those for a Christian, I suppose.

Н.Л. [(2,5) 7,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(198)

I can agree with the statement of Saint Paisios of Mount Athos. I think the point of this statement is that a person becomes spiritually lazy when he or she lives in excessive conveniences. You get used to the fact that food, clothes and shoes can be ordered online and you will receive your goods without leaving your home. When a person whose faith is not so strong begins to live in excessive comfort he or she may forget to thank God for his or her perfect life. In my opinion, on the path of spiritual self-improvement it is important not only to ask God, but also to thank him for everything. Therefore, in the modern world when comfort has become more accessible it is important to remember that an excess of comfort can lead to moral decay.

Ал.С. [(5) 10]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(199)

Perhaps I can agree with this statement. In my opinion, the essence of this statement is that it is not enough to achieve the love of God by externals of religion. The meaning of fasting is not that a person formally refuses to eat meat and fish. It seems to me that the meaning of fasting is voluntary self-restraint in order to train the spirit on the path to salvation. Therefore, bragging about your success in spiritual matters only distances you from the true goal.

Ал.С. [(5) 5]

1 The PRIEST was wearing AMICE, CHASUBLE and STOLE.
2 We read GOSPEL-BOOK together every night.
3 There was a CHALICE and LAMB on the CORPORAL-ANTIMENSION, we waited passionately.

Н.Л. [(4) 5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(204)

I must say that from my point of view, this quotation is one of the best words said by a human being about Salvation. It expresses how one must behave in their earthly life quite fully and beautifully.
As a teenager I heard thoughts like that many times and it was hard for me to understand how I could humble myself, since I imagined that such an attitude would make me always feel depressed and pessimistic. Gradually I began to realize that I had been actually right: there is no need to make myself feel hopeless and upset. It is just enough to accept that I may often be wrong, that I commit sins and to stop making excuses for that. I must not deny that I can be guilty for some actions, and only after I admit having some spiritual disease it is possible to move further and get the treatment – which means God’s help and, as a result of such a treatment, remission of sins and the Heavenly Kingdom.
When a person is dangerously ill but they are not informed about it, it is much worse than to know about the disease, maybe, get upset first, but then feel pleasure from realization that you’ve been given the opportunity to avoid death of such an illness and had time to take the treat.

М.Ч. [(4,5) 18,5]

1 There were people standing in the NAVE, the CHOIR was singing.
2 The DEACON and the PRIEST were talking about some problems, they looked worried.
3 She was sitting in the PORCH and was thinking about her life.

Н.Л. [(1) 1]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(203)

To me the quote seems a little bit too controversial. Why should we rejoice if all these earthly sorrows, needs and suffering are actually merciful! And actually they are sent for our spiritual good? Quite the opposite, shouldn’t we grieve? I think he is very confusing. Moreover when we learn that through the sorrows comes our salvation and when we learn how to treat them, they don’t bring pain anymore. We are growing through them and we know that they lead us to our God. So there won’t be joy of easement in the end but the joy of gratitude for all that have been to us. The easement will be for those who struggled all their life, for those who didn’t get the whole thing.
That’s why the quote seems to me confusing. I think it was said by a man who knows that sufferings are for the salvation of people but he fails to embrace them and they still bring pain to him and he wants them to go away.

А.С. [(5) 5]

1. Old Ritualists still use THE TWO FINGER SIGN OF THE CROSS.
2. PARISH CLERGY consits of deacons and priests.
3. What distinguishes Orthodox from Old Believers is THE SIGN OF THE CROSS and many other things.
4. RITUAL ACTIONS are important in every religion.
5. One of the reasons for the Raskol was that Patriarch Nicon decided to alter Russian SERVICE BOOKS according to the Greek tradition.

А.А. [(2) 12]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(203)

First of all, I really appreciated the quote by Protopriest Gregory Dyachenko. The life of a Christian truly consists not only of joys, but also of earthly sorrows, needs, and suffering. But as Protopriest Gregory Dyachenko puts it, all these sorrows were sent for our spiritual good. In addition to that, we should always bear in mind that it is the Kingdom of God that we strive for.

А.А. [(5) 10]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(202)

This thought seems to me high and lofty indeed. The only issue I don’t quite agree with is that there are people who haven’t suffered from passions. I cannot imagine a human being whose whole life is peaceful and deprived of passions. Everyone has something to struggle with. I dare to presume that every one of us has ever struggled or is to struggle with some spiritual obstacles. It may not always be noticeable; for example, one has problems with alcohol, while the other one tends to judge people in his mind. They both struggle, but the first one in a kind of a visible manner.
So, I would like to conclude that if we should be lenient with the people who struggle with passions, we must therefore be lenient with everyone, since everyone may have some temptations to cope with.

М.Ч. [(5) 14]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(200)

It's really hard to deny that abusing leads to bad things. Any of them are destructive for us. We should be sensible enough to keep a balance to stay healthy both physically and mentally.
Usually in real life it's too difficult to keep track of all our desires because there are so many factors which may mislead us in a minute. We may be too tired, hungry or just in a bad mood to keep to the established norms and not to overdo anything destructive for our soul or body. We may oversleep, overeat or be angry at others. This happens insensibly sometimes, or becomes insensible sometimes. That is true.
However, we live and develop ourselves. With experience of some mistakes we better understand what is better for us and change our bad habits.
And as I think, it's impossible not to acquire bad habits, however, it's in our power to detect them, recognize and struggle with them. And the best habit we may develop is that of intention to become a better human-being striving to keep the commandments and lead a godly life.

В.О. [(4,5) 12]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(201)

This quote says a very reasonable thing, it's all about continual prayer.
God's mercies on us are endless and it's impossible not to praise Him for all of them. Every child is supposed to be grateful to their parents. And the way we can thank Him is prayer.
And our sins are also one of the reasons for continual prayer. We are too weak to restrain all the passions we have, and sometimes we fall into sin, and we are sorry for it and pray for its forgiveness.
That is true, but I don't think that in the world we have enough opportunities for continual prayer. We have a lot of duties and that's not easy at all to keep up with everything. At least for me, it seems impossible. We are all trying to, but it's a question of how successful we are.

В.О. [(5) 7,5]

1. To be a 'FOOL IN CHRIST' is a very difficult act of exceptional holiness.
2. THE TIME OF TROUBLES lasted in Russia until 1613.
3. THE AUSTERITY OF THE FASTS and RIGOROUS OBSERVANCES of the Old Believers made few CONCESSIONS TO HUMAN WEAKNESS.

В.О. [(2,5) 2,5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(201)

I find these words quite important for every Christian. We all are imperfect people; we may get tired sometimes and begin complaining about how hard life is. On the one hand, it seems normal, because people regularly have to solve problems, work and interact with others, so there is often a lack of time for having rest. This could be an understandable ground to complain, but on the other hand there are always reasons for gratitude.
As I see it, we should pay attention to these reasons first. I am convinced that they mean more than all the difficulties we face. Moreover, some troubles may also appear in our life as something useful on our way to Salvation, but one may not make that out.
God obviously knows better than human beings what they need to face, but He also knows that people are able to go through anything he grants upon them, because He would never give us more than we can bear. This is a substantial reason for praise and gratitude, of course, which we should not omit.

М.Ч. [(4,5) 9]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(201)

To start with, I totally agree with the quote by Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt. Our Christian life is based on these three components: prayer, gratitute and praise. I want to comment on gratitude. Gratitude is a wonderful gift given to us. A grateful person is never sad or dissatisfied. My friend gave me a «Gratitude diary» for my birthday. I write in it and feel how precious and crucial is gratitude in our lives.

А.А. [(5) 5]

"Orthodox Quote of the Week"
(200)

I totally agree with these words. Archbishop Averky states that any significant thing is usually preceded by little actions which may be unnoticeable at first.
True Christians must have the aim of gaining Salvation. To reach this goal, like any other, we need a certain plan of actions. Usually, if a person is to do something important, they approach the result step by step. Every step must be clear and simple, and what is necessary – every step must be under precise control of that person. So, if one’s aim is the Kingdom of God, they should know what to undertake.
In fact, the plan is to follow the Commandments given us in the New Testament. If something has been done and that was against the Commandments, it shouldn’t be repeated again so that one wouldn’t upset the plan of gaining Salvation; otherwise this aim will remain unachieved.

М.Ч. [(4,5) 4,5]