Orthodox Resource

In this episode of the real life podcast, we talk about how joy develops through our relationships with others.

Lorenzo Scupoli says that when we see sunsets or mountains we can reflect that all this visible beauty is the work of the invisible and most beautiful creative Spirit, in Whom lies the cause of all external beauty. Then, filled with joy, say: ‘O rich streams flowing from an uncreated source! O life-giving rain drawn [...]

St. Gregory the Dialogist explains how you can become an all-new person: For it suits the old man to seek the present world, to love transitory things through desire, to raise the mind in pride, not to have patience, to ponder through pain of spite on the injury of a neighbor, not to give one’s [...]

In this episode of the real life podcast, we talk about how joy develops through our relationships with others.

I love attending baptisms, and particularly those where an adult is rejoicing in being baptized into Christ. It’s good to remember that this isn’t just a “one-and-done” event: it’s the start of a clean life. St. Cyril of Jerusalem tells us, The past wounds therefore of soul and body God heals by Baptism; against future [...]

Orthodox Christianity is truly an active faith. What we believe is very important, of course, but we need to do more than merely believe Church teachings—we need to “put feet” to our faith. Here’s what St. Gregory of Sinai says: A man has no right to be called faithful, if his faith is a bare [...]

Someone once had me write down each thought that crossed my mind. When I looked at my list I was horrified by the number of sinful images and desires I found there. Am I a lost cause because these things cross my mind? St. John the Solitary helps with this: Be attentive to the thoughts [...]

One of the most common accusations made against Christianity is that it is oppressive to women, that it glorifies men but somehow dehumanizes women. But listen to what St. Kosmas Aitolos says, God created woman equal with man, not inferior. My Christian, you must love your wife as your companion, and not consider her as [...]

It’s extremely easy to become distracted—there are always books to read, web sites to visit, programs to watch, even daydreaming to do. But St. Nectarios of Aegina says that being attentive is essential to the spiritual life, because Attention awakens the soul, rouses it from sleep…Attention examines every thought, every desire, every memory…One must remember [...]

What is true wisdom? Is it how much you know, or your skill set, or is it something else? St. Peter of Damascus says, If someone seeks for success and pleasure, comfort and glory in this world, then he loves the wisdom of this world. But if someone struggles for what is contrary to these [...]