Patristic Quote of the Day

Justin Kissel · Post by **Justin Kissel** » Tue 29 July 2003 1:12 pm

On account of her faith and hospitality, Rahab the harlot was saved. For when spies were sent by Joshua, the son of Nun, to Jericho, the king of the country ascertained that they were come to spy out their land, and sent men to seize them, in order that, when taken, they might be put to death. But the hospitable Rahab receiving them, concealed them on the roof of her house under some stalks of flax. And when the men sent by the king arrived and said "There came men unto thee who are to spy out our land; bring them forth, for so the king commands," she answered them, "The two men whom ye seek came unto me, but quickly departed again and are gone," thus not discovering the spies to them. - Saint Clement of Rome, 1 Corinthians, 12

Justin Kissel · Post by **Justin Kissel** » Wed 30 July 2003 10:10 am

All sorrows, sicknesses, torments, deprivations, are allowed by God in order to drive out the enticement of sin and to implant true virtue in the heart, that we may learn by experience the falsehood, insolence, tyranny, and deadlines of sin, and may be inspired with a loathing for it; also that we may learn by experience the truth of meekness, wisdom, of gently ruling the hearts of men, and of the life-giving properties of virtue. - Saint John of Kronstadt, My Life in Christ

Justin Kissel · Post by **Justin Kissel** » Thu 31 July 2003 11:32 am

And so on the manner of fasting a uniform rule cannot easily be observed, because everybody has not the same strength; nor is it like the rest of the virtues, acquired by steadfastness of mind alone. And therefore, because it does not depend only on mental firmness, since it has to do with the possibilities of the body, we have received this explanation concerning it which has been handed down to us, viz.: that there is a difference of time, manner, and quality of the refreshment in proportion to the difference of condition of the body, the age, and sex: but that there is one and the same rule of restraint to everybody as regards continence of mind, and the virtue of the spirit. - Saint John Cassian, Institutes, Book 5: On the Spirit of Gluttony, 5

EDIT--Just a note since the context is important for understanding this quote. First, St. John is not saying that we can each individually decide when and when not to fast. And second, St. John is here speaking of fasting in a monastic setting, he is not talking about the general fasting guidelines set down by the Church (e.g., fast from animal products on Wed. and Fri. and before communion, etc.)

Justin Kissel · Post by **Justin Kissel** » Fri 1 August 2003 10:17 am

For we ought to think of God even more often than we draw our breath; and if the expression is permissible, we ought to do nothing else. Yea, I am one of those who entirely approve that Word which bids us meditate day and night. (Ps. 1:2) - Gregory the Theologian, Oration 27, 5

Justin Kissel · Post by **Justin Kissel** » Mon 4 August 2003 10:00 am

The vain desires of this world separate us from our homeland; love of them and habit clothe our soul as if in a hideous garment. We, traveling on the journey of this life and calling on God to help us, ought to be divesting ourselves of this hideous garment and clothing ourselves in new desires, in a new love of the age to come, and thereby to receive knowledge of how near or how far we are from our heavenly homeland. But it is not possible to do this quickly; rahter one must follow the example of sick people, who, wishing the desired (health), do not leave off seeking means to cure themselves. - Saint Herman of Alaska

Justin Kissel · Post by **Justin Kissel** » Mon 4 August 2003 10:03 am

You must study attentively the foundations of Christianity, i.e., the actual books of Holy Scripture on which our Orthodox faith is founded. You Should know where they come from, who wrote them and when, how they were preserved and have been handed down to us, why they are called Divine and Sacred, and so on. But you must study the Holy Books in simplicity of heart, without any prejudice, without curiosity, impartially and not beyond the limits of your mind; you should not try to penetrate and know what has been hidden from us by the wisdom of God. Such study of the faith is by no means opposed to faith; On the contrary, it is the binding duty of every Christian, when he reaches maturity, to know his faith thoroughly; because anyone who has not got a solid knowledge of his faith is cold and indifferent to it and frequently fails either into superstition or unbelief. How many Christians or, rather, how many people baptized in the name of Jesus Christ have perished and are perishing only because they have and had no desire to turn their attention to the foundations of their faith Whoever despises this duty will be speechless at the awful judgment. But not all people can to the same degree make a study of the faith, but each should do so according to his ability, knowledge and enlightenment. - Saint Innocent of Alaska, Indication of the Way Into the Kingdom

Justin Kissel · Post by **Justin Kissel** » Mon 4 August 2003 10:05 am

This kingdom of peace on earth, foretold by the Old Testament prophets, is the Church of Christ, and it is in her that one must seek peace. It is here that a man is given peace with God, for it is through the Holy Mysteries that he is cleansed of sin and becomes a beloved child of the Lord. Here in the Divine services, in the Mysteries, in the life of the Church, a Christian acquires peace and joy and tranquility for his soul; his nature is regenerated, renewed, and in this meek, gentle, submissive, merciful and loving soul, there comes to abide the God of peace and love. And then the Christian experiences the highest degree of blessedness, which surpasses any and every earthly good. Nothing, no suffering can cloud this blessed peace within the Christian soul. - Saint Tikhon of Moscow