Gleanings from Orthodox Christian Authors and the Holy Fathers

counsel

3 Entries

... spare no effort in trying to find a teacher and guide, free from prelest (let his freedom from prelest be proved by testimonies from the Divine Scriptures confirming his words); he should be a man bearing the Spirit within him, leading a life corresponding to his words, lofty in vision of mind, humble in thought of himself, of good disposition in everything and generally such as a teacher of Christ should be, according to Divine words. the Monks Callistus and Ignatius (Directions to Hesychasts no. 14, Writings from the Philokalia on Prayer of the Heart; Faber and Faber pg. 174)

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...a man without counsel is his own enemy. the Monks Callistus and Ignatius (Directions to Hesychasts no. 15, Writings from the Philokalia on Prayer of the Heart; Faber and Faber pg. 179)

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Dear Brother in CHRIST: I'm not what you think I am and I do not have improper ideas about myself. On the contrary, in my own day I also experienced what you are now experiencing, I also understand your spiritual state and your feelings. This is why I'm ready and willing to aid you in any way I can. For I remember what is written in the book of Proverbs ''where no counsel is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety''[Pr.11-14] Thus taught the Holy Fathers also. A personal experience teaches this to everyone who strives. At the present time Christian life has became especially difficult because the enemy's machinations have been extraordinarily multiplied and refined. For this reason everyone who strives to the Lord today must be particularly careful and cautious. May the Lord rid you of confusion, anxiety, and despondency and may HE comfort you with His heavenly bliss which we will receive in due time if we keep His Law! Pray for me, that the Lord might likewise direct my steps to the path of truth and peace! Archbishop Theophan 8-7-1927 Sophia

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