Tag: Orthodox spirituality

On Humility and the Humble Outlook

by Elder Joseph of Vatopaidi

Βlessed and favoured people who are humble are meek, calm, serene, attached to virtue, opposed to evil, untroubled by any circumstance or threat. They live in the bosom of the faith, like infants in the maternal embrace of grace. They never live for themselves, because they’ve forgotten what that is. They’ve become one with the others; they become all things to everyone, in order to bring solace to them. They cry with those who are weeping and rejoice with those who are glad. Continue reading “On Humility and the Humble Outlook” →

0

Love as a Feeling and as an Uncreated Gift of the Holy Trinity (Meat-fare Sunday)

by Vasileios Touloumtsis

It’s an unshakeable and irrefutable truth that every day of our earthly life is- apart from anything else- another step that brings us ever closer to our biological death. Despite the fact that this is the most certain event which will occur to each and every one of us, rich and poor, powerful and weak, in everyday practice we nevertheless are forgetful of it. We underestimate it, so it no longer functions for us as a compass showing the bearings to our destination, which is its advent. Continue reading “Love as a Feeling and as an Uncreated Gift of the Holy Trinity (Meat-fare Sunday)” →

0

The Question of Evil

by Fr. Dumitru Stăniloae

The question of evil has been addressed hardly at all in the Orthodox Church. In comparison with other Christian dogmas, the answer is still expressed in a form that, of course, reveals the truth, but rather nebulously developed. Evil has its origins and draws its strength from the free will of created spirits, be they a part of the ranks of angels or human persons. This is the Orthodox position. But it’s a long way from being fully comprehensible. Continue reading “The Question of Evil” →

0

Sayings of St. Anthony the Great

When the same Abba Anthony thought about the depth of the judgements of God, he asked, ‘Lord, how is it that some die when they are young, while others drag on to extreme old age? Why are there those who are poor and those who are rich? Why do wicked men prosper and why are the just in need?’ He heard a voice answering him, ‘Anthony, keep your attention on yourself; these things are according to the judgement of God, and it is not to your advantage to know anything about them.’ Continue reading “Sayings of St. Anthony the Great” →

0

Theosis; the true purpose of human life – Part 1

The question of the destiny of our lives is very serious, as it concerns the most important question for man: for what purpose are we placed on earth? If man takes a correct stance on this issue; if he finds his true destiny; then he will be able to take a correct viewpoint in relation to particular questions that arise in our daily life; in our relationships with our fellow men; in our studies, profession, marriage and the bearing and upbringing of children. Continue reading “Theosis; the true purpose of human life – Part 1” →

2

Christianity is Radical

by George Mantzarides, Professor Emeritus of the Theological School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Christianity is radical. Where it isn’t radical, it isn’t authentic. The radicalism of Christianity affects everything that links it to the world. This is due to the fact that the roots of Christianity don’t come from the world, nor are they nourished by its spirit. The absolute nature of Christianity is what imposes its radicalism at the level of the relative. But radicalism at the level of the relative can’t occur without a relationship to the absolute and without reference to it. Continue reading “Christianity is Radical” →

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑