☦️ Patient enduring of sorrows becomes following Christ the Cross-Bearer with one's cross. Theophan the Recluse also notes this: "One cannot follow one's Savior without a cross."
Furthermore, the worthy bearing of one's cross and the sorrows that befall one proves to be a means of strengthening those who witness our patience in the fulfillment of their Christian duties.
Hegumen Luka Stepanov
Furthermore, the worthy bearing of one's cross and the sorrows that befall one proves to be a means of strengthening those who witness our patience in the fulfillment of their Christian duties.
Hegumen Luka Stepanov
On how every believer can shine on one's place, in every situation
Archpriest Igor Filin: I recall a story told by a Russian émigré who left Russia during the Revolution as a small child. She recalled how far from faith they were at the time! "We had a maid who would ask for time off during Holy Week to attend services and read the Twelve Gospels. We condescendingly let her go, thinking Dunechka naive and silly. And we laughed at her when she returned, crying about the suffering the Lord had endured for us. Later, I realized that a righteous woman had lived right next to us." You see, a seemingly simple woman, but such faith! And this can be done by any person who has a living soul.
Archpriest Igor Filin: I recall a story told by a Russian émigré who left Russia during the Revolution as a small child. She recalled how far from faith they were at the time! "We had a maid who would ask for time off during Holy Week to attend services and read the Twelve Gospels. We condescendingly let her go, thinking Dunechka naive and silly. And we laughed at her when she returned, crying about the suffering the Lord had endured for us. Later, I realized that a righteous woman had lived right next to us." You see, a seemingly simple woman, but such faith! And this can be done by any person who has a living soul.