Gleanings from Orthodox Christian Authors and the Holy Fathers

monastic_obedience

2 Entries

If it happens (in some case) that you do not have at hand one from whom to ask counsel, then, naming your Elder, pray thus: "God of ______ (Elder)! Do not allow me to incline away from Thy will and the counsel of Thy slave, but instruct me how to act." And what God shall inform you, that do. "Saints Barsanuphius and John: Guidance Toward Spiritual Life," trans. by Fr. Seraphim Rose, (Platina, California: St. Herman of Alaska Brotherhood, 1990)

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Q: I was sent on business to the Holy City (Jerusalem), and from there I went down to pray at the Jordan, without asking permission for this from the Abba. Did I do well or not?

A: Without being commanded, one should not go anywhere. That which we do according to our own thoughts, even if it seems good to us, is not pleasing to God. But in keeping the commandment of your Abba who sent you is both prayer and pleasing to God, Who said: "I came down not to do My own will, but the will of the Father Who sent Me" (John 6:38). "Saints Barsanuphius and John: Guidance Toward Spiritual Life," trans. by Fr. Seraphim Rose, (Platina, California: St. Herman of Alaska Brotherhood, 1990)

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