“I think it best that a man should have a little bit of all the virtues. Therefore, get up early every day and acquire the beginning of every virtue and every commandment of God. Use great patience, with fear and…

“Let yourself die in striving rather than living in laziness. For those who die trying to keep the commandments are martyrs just as much as those who died for Christ’s faith.” Saint Maximus the Confessor Persecution may be a word…

“It is impossible for the mind to escape disturbing thoughts, but it is possible, for any who take sufficient care, either to admit them or to reject them… . For this reason we use frequent reading and constant meditation in…

“Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way; the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” from the Gospel of the Sunday before Theophany, St.…

“O Word, have mercy upon us who are despised, and make us good and chosen vessels.” Sunday Matins Oktoechos, Tone 6 I was struck by this brief and passing line this past Sunday during Matins (11/23). I was struck with…