The following advice comes from Theophan the Recluse (1815-1894), a Russian Orthodox saint best known for his work, Unseen Warfare, and his spiritual counsels to beginners, especially youth. In order to facilitate the development of true prayer, take these steps: Keep a prayer rule according to the blessing of your spiritual father – not more than you can …
During prayer there sometimes occur moments of deadly darkness and spiritual anguish arising from unbelief of the heart (for unbelief is darkness). Do not let your heart fail you at such moments, but remember that if the Divine light has been cut off from you, it always shines in all its splendour and greatness in …
ANSWER He wanted to annihilate the haughtiness of the Jews who boast about their grandfathers. He showed them how their grandfathers had sinned. Judah committed adultery with Tamar, his son’s widow, and engendered Perez and Zerah from her. David fell into adultery with the wife of Uriah the Hittite. Boaz, the great grandfather of David, …
ANSWER The wise men came from the East, probably from the countries of Persia . They were from the rank of princes, scientists, or priests. They worshipped the ancient eastern gods, probably the fire; and they may have been among the followers of Zaradesht. They were experts in astronomy and in the stars. Perhaps they …
ANSWER This question was asked and answered by Saint John Chrysostom: “How is it declared that Christ is from the posterity of David? since he was not born of a man but from a woman only; and the posterity of the Virgin was not counted?…… and what is the objective in that the evangelist mentioned …
