Do not fear, for we have before us our big brothers - the angels - who fight together with us.
December 7, 2019. Memory eternal! For the repose of the soul of Archimandrite Ephraim of Arizona and Philotheou of Mount of Athos. Our departed Holy Father among the Saints whose Orthodox spirit lives on in his written word. A word of life from beyond the grave - from paradise itself - to guide us in this vale of tears. Pray to God for us sinners, O holy Ephraim!
Patience, my child. Let us also wear the thorny crown of life's afflictions, as did our archetype, Jesus. Let the thorns stick deeply into our head, and let it bleed painfully, so that the pain and the blood may beautify and glorify the garment of our soul, so that we will not be put to shame when we appear before Christ and see other souls full of glory and purity. Patience, the winter of afflictions will pass, and the beautiful spring will bring the fragrance of the grace of God.
Struggle with all the might of your soul for the love of our Christ.
The devil strives day and night to make us his vessels and render us unworthy of our holy God. But let us strive to become vessels of our crucified Christ so that we may humiliate the devil and glorify the Love Who shed His all-holy blood for us! Struggle mightily. Do not fear, for we have before us our big brothers - the angels - who fight together with us. They are incomparably stronger than the demons. Therefore, take courage. Strengthen yourselves with true self-knowledge, for the truth protects a struggler like an almighty weapon.
Always pray with the beloved Jesus Prayer. Retire into yourself through silence and reading. Weep humbly praying
"What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?"
Satan employs all his means to prevent souls from ascending. Blessed is he who escapes from him and ridicules him.
Glory to Thee Our God!
+ Glory to Thee for All Things! +
Elder Ephraim
Glory forever!