The Struggle Against Sin
“Do everything for the glory of God, and always walk before God in awe. When you begin something, say: “Bless me, O Lord, help me, strengthen me, enlighten me, purify me, and save me.” Have you done something good? Say: “Glory to God, my Creator (‘Without Me, you can do nothing’ (John 15:5)). I am but His instrument; without Him, I can only do evil.” What do I have? Only sins and weaknesses. One must have the fear of God, humility, and courage in the struggle against sin. Whoever believes is truly confident, not only within themselves but everywhere—among people, openly.”
Saint Simeon of the Pskov Caves
#God #prayer #work
Saturday May 31, 2025 / May 18, 2025
Afterfeast of the Ascension. Tone five.
Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of Seven Ecumenical Councils.
Martyr Theodotus of Ancyra and seven virgin-martyrs: Alexandra, Tecusa, Claudia, Phaine, Euphraisa, Matrona, and Julia (303).
Martyrs Peter of Lampsacus, and Andrew, Paul, and Dionysia, at Euridinos (249-251).
St. Macarius (Glukharev) of Altai, Siberia (1847).
Righteous John (Gashkevich), archpriest of Korma (1917).
New Hieromartyr Michael, priest (1932).
New Hieromartyr Damjan (Damian) Strbac, Jr. of Grahovo, Serbia (1940s).
New Hieromartyr Basil priest (1942).
Martyrs Symeon, Isaac, and Bachtisius of Persia (339).
Martyrs Heraclius, Paulinus, Benedimus of Athenas (250).
Holy Martyrs Davit and Tarichan (693) (Georgia).
Martyr Euphrasia of Nicaea (Greek).
St. Stephen the New, patriarch of Constantinople (Greek).
Hieromartyr Theodore, pope of Rome (Greek).
St. Anastaso of Lukada (Greek).
Venerable Martinian of Areovinthus, monk (Greek).
Martyr Julian (Greek).
Hieromartyr Potamon, bishop of Heraclea (341) (Greek).
St. Elgiva, Queen of England.
The Scripture Readings
7
Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.
8
There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together.
9
And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.
10
But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, “Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.”
11
Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed.
12
And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted.
10
Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.
11
Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
12
Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.
13
And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14
If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
15
If you love Me, keep My commandments.
16
And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever-
17
the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.
18
I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
19
A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also.
20
At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.
21
He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.