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Quote 320
Venerable Ephraim the Syrian
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Quote 320 - Форум
Quote 320
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readeralexey | Дата: Четверг, 18.09.2025, 22:56 | Сообщение # 1 |
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| Blessed is he who does not intoxicate himself with wine, but is ever glad in remembrance of the Lord, in Whom all the saints rejoice unceasingly.
Venerable Ephraim the Syrian
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mariafokina99 | Дата: Воскресенье, 21.09.2025, 18:45 | Сообщение # 2 |
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| I fully agree with Ephraim the Syrian on the importance of staying sober, both physically and spiritually. Alcohol clouds the mind and can replace God, so it is best to avoid it. His words remind me that alcohol, like any addiction, can destroy a person and distance them from God. While addictions may provide temporary happiness, living in a relationship with God brings true fulfillment and constant joy. This teaching is echoed in Ephesians 5:18: 'Don't get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.' This passage emphasizes the importance of seeking spiritual nourishment and avoiding harmful substances that can lead to negative consequences.
Сообщение отредактировал mariafokina99 - Воскресенье, 21.09.2025, 18:47 |
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oksanaoni2159 | Дата: Понедельник, 22.09.2025, 21:37 | Сообщение # 3 |
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| "Blessed is he who does not intoxicate himself with wine, but is ever glad in remembrance of the Lord, in whom all the saints rejoice unceasingly."
Venerable Ephraim the Syrian reminds us that the only joy that can be present in a Christian's life is the one that Jesus brings us. Therefore, one simply does not have to fall prey to the lies of the world that tells us that in pursuing sinful substances or endeavors we may find relief and happiness, even if temporary.
To the contrary, all of the Christians collectively deny the need to drink oneself to oblivion in order to forget something or make the days bearable. Christians know that the emptiness inside one can only be filled by our Lord Jesus Christ, like nothing else possibly could, which is why the pursuit of other things is unnecessary.
A Christian would not even try to find purpose or resolution to their inner struggle outside of Church. Now, a Christian can have multi-faceted purpose given unto them by God. It may include having children, having a prolific career, having multiple meaningful relationships with other people, being active in the community, and even other things. However, we know that these all are simply extensions of the foremost thing, which is our relationship to the Lord.
So, knowing that we are to rejoice in remembrance of the Lord, and not intoxicate ourselves with wine or any other false god, is a blessing itself.
С уважением, Онищенко Ксения
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boriskorsun3 | Дата: Вторник, 23.09.2025, 00:50 | Сообщение # 4 |
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| This statement resonates deeply with the Christian understanding of finding solace and happiness not in earthly pleasures, but in the constant communion with God. Do I agree? Wholeheartedly. While the literal interpretation focuses on abstaining from wine, the deeper meaning lies in rejecting fleeting gratifications that distract from the divine. The world offers countless forms of intoxication – material possessions, ambition, even fleeting relationships – all promising happiness, but ultimately leaving us empty. These transient pleasures, like the effects of wine, cloud our judgment and dull our spiritual senses, hindering our ability to perceive God’s presence. Conversely, remembrance of the Lord, through prayer, contemplation, and study of scripture, nourishes the soul and fosters an enduring joy that transcends earthly circumstances. Consider the story of Abraham, who, despite facing trials and tribulations, found strength and solace in his unwavering faith in God. His joy stemmed not from material wealth or worldly success, but from his covenant with the Almighty. This quote doesn't present a new concept, but rather reinforces a fundamental principle of Christian life. It aligns perfectly with the pursuit of holiness and the understanding that true happiness lies in union with God. Personally, moments of quiet reflection and prayer, even amidst the busyness of life, have brought a sense of peace and joy that surpasses any fleeting pleasure. These experiences underscore the truth of St. Ephraim’s words, reminding me where true fulfillment resides. The practical application of this wisdom is clear: cultivating a life centered on God. This means prioritizing prayer, engaging in acts of charity, and striving to live according to His teachings. It means choosing the enduring joy of spiritual communion over the temporary satisfaction of worldly indulgences. By consciously choosing remembrance of the Lord over the intoxicating allure of worldly distractions, we can experience the blessedness St. Ephraim describes, a joy that resonates not only within us, but also unites us with the saints in their unceasing rejoicing.
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sophianesterenok | Дата: Четверг, 25.09.2025, 02:23 | Сообщение # 5 |
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| Christians are often warned to avoid drunkenness for two reasons: first, that it clouds our judgement and reason, which is part of God’s image imprinted on us, and second, that it may lead to worse sins like violence and lust. However, by contrasting the happiness one gets from wine and from remembering God, this quote illustrates another reason worth thinking about. Wine, along with other substances, provides a temporary escape from our worries, making us forget they ever existed. This is addictive, since many people would rather turn to it than face their life with its chaos and uncertainty. Even in the absence of serious problems we might want to fill our time with entertainment, eating out and other such things in order to escape boredom or anxiety. While I don’t think it is wrong to enjoy these simple pleasures, they can be as intoxicating and debilitating as wine if abused for escapism. I have found from my personal experience that running away from a problem makes it worse, and running away from Him who alone can solve any problem is plainly self-sabotage. It seems far more sensible to find one’s happiness in God and not be swayed by day-to-day troubles, and it is far easier said than done. That is why I think a person who loves God so much that mere remembrance of Him brings them unceasing gladness is blessed indeed.
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
Сообщение отредактировал sophianesterenok - Четверг, 25.09.2025, 02:25 |
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mariablansh | Дата: Пятница, 26.09.2025, 20:54 | Сообщение # 6 |
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| This quote is very interesting, I totally agree with it, but I would like to understand it metaphorically. A person who "intoxicate himself with wine" is a person who indulges in sinful pleasures and succumbs to temptations. Such a person may not only drink above measure, but also overeat or constantly mocking or mimicking others. I believe, the quote suggests that a Christian should rejoice when they pray. The name of God sanctifies us, relieves us of anxious thoughts and brings peace to our hearts. Instead of trying to fill our spiritual emptiness with earthly pleasures, we should pray wherever we are, and God will hear and help us. Each of the saints has a very special life story, filled with the most difficult trials and spiritual struggle. It would seem that with so many sorrows, they never had time for joy. But their joy was to be with Christ, to feel His closeness and to pray. I have been thinking for a long time about how we should deal with despondency and even in the most difficult periods of life, manage to see in all events God's providence and His care for us. I think this quote helped me to come closer to the answer.
Баушова М.
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lizaserdyuk06 | Дата: Понедельник, 29.09.2025, 23:27 | Сообщение # 7 |
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| This quote by St. Ephraim points to a simple but profound truth: true, lasting joy isn't found in external things like wine, but in a constant connection to God. I agree with this fully in its essence. The "wine" can be anything we use to escape or seek temporary happiness—endless scrolling, chasing success, or other distractions. These things provide a brief high but often leave us empty.
The idea is not new, but it's a powerful reminder. It squarely fits the Christian ideal of finding peace in God, not the world. In my own experience, I feel most content not after some exciting event, but in quiet moments of gratitude or feeling connected to something greater.
The practical application for me is mindfulness. When I feel the urge to "intoxicate" myself with distraction, I can pause and try to find a moment of that "remembrance"—a short prayer, appreciating nature, or just being present. It’s about choosing a deeper gladness over a shallow escape.
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davydenkololita | Дата: Пятница, 10.10.2025, 13:06 | Сообщение # 8 |
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| I don't see any contradictions between drinking wine and being ever glad in remembrance of the Lord. Drinking wine is not always followed by intoxication; Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding at Cana not just because he wanted to show a fancy trick, but because people were drinking it and He clearly wanted to help them to have enough. There are occasions in the New Testament that actually show that Jesus took part in drinking from the Passover cup (Mark 14:23). Personally, I don't think adding some more gladness with wine is something sinful. When a person can't move because he'd drunk a bottle or more, this is quite a problem, although an occasional and not an incorrigible one.
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