“He that loveth not, knoweth not God, for God is love” (I John 4:8). So explains St John, Beloved of Christ. Love is at the center of our Orthodox faith, and indeed as the epistle reminds us, at the center of being itself. Assembled here is a selection of short sayings or aphorisms from St Paisios of Mt Athos, whose love for God, for his fellow humanity, and for … [Read more...] about St. Paisios of Mt. Athos on Love and Kindness
Spirituality
Holy Tradition is a Living Voice of Revelation: An Interview with Elder Cleopa of Romania
God speaks to man writes Elder Cleopa and His living voice is the means of His self-revelation to man. God’s word was first passed on orally and constitutes what we call Holy Tradition and only later was written as scripture, both Old and New Testaments. Holy Tradition then constitutes more than the written word of scripture. This does not weaken the authority of … [Read more...] about Holy Tradition is a Living Voice of Revelation: An Interview with Elder Cleopa of Romania
The Basics of Spiritual Life, Based on the Writings of St. Ignatius (Brianchaninov) Part I
The essence of any religion is contained in the spiritual life, which is its most sacred side. Entry into this life demands not only good intentions, but also knowledge of the laws of spiritual life. But to acquire this knowledge in an age of spiritual confusion requires clear guidance. The writings of the nineteenth century ascetic and theologian, St Ignatius … [Read more...] about The Basics of Spiritual Life, Based on the Writings of St. Ignatius (Brianchaninov) Part I
You are as Prone to Love as the Sun is to Shine
Thomas Traherne was a seventeenth century Anglican priest originally known as one of the less prominent “metaphysical poets,” although he was until recently overshadowed by figures such as John Donne and George Herbert. As a simple country priest, he led a quiet, obscure, and pious life, dying of smallpox in 1674 at less than 40 years of age. In the winter of … [Read more...] about You are as Prone to Love as the Sun is to Shine
The Night that Changed My Life
In this moving account, Archpriest Nikolai Agafono narrates how a foolish childhood escapade led his family into Orthodox Christianity, despite their dismissive view of religion that exemplified attitudes imposed by the Soviet state. As the details emerge, he skillfully reveals how God’s love can permeate even the most rigid ideological filters that modern secularism is able … [Read more...] about The Night that Changed My Life
