When the Slanderer Becomes the Physician When others are critical of us or speak ill of us, it seems natural that we would respond in anger. Yet it is far more profitable for our soul if we refrain from defending ourselves. If we choose to see these individuals as our
Author: Abbot Tryphon
I am abbot of All-Merciful Saviour Orthodox Monastery (ROCOR) on Vashon Island, WA. The island is a twenty minute ferry ride from West Seattle, and a fifteen minute crossing from Tacoma.
Surrounded by the Salish Sea, the island is some 87% undeveloped forest, with a rural population of around eleven thousand citizens. If you wish to contact me personally, you can email me at: abbottryphon@vashonmonks.com
Humility Requires Struggle Only through struggle can we acquire humility. Our natural inclination is to flee from struggle, and cling to our comfortable pride. When difficulties and humiliations come our way, we must embrace them, as from God. For the Lord knows what we need, and if we are to
How do we make way for the Lord? #orthodoxy #rules #fasting
The Therapeutic Medicine Found Within the Holy Orthodox Church One medicine for the heart is the use of a Prayer Rule. This “rule” is of the utmost importance, for the prayer rule helps develop the discipline we all need to progress spiritually. It is one of the great tools the
Out of surgery, and back into the arena with battle-scars and lessons learned. #recovery #jesuschrist #gratitude
The Role of Bodily Suffering in the Salvation of Humankind Elder Ambrose of Optina Monastery said, “We should not forget that in our age of ‘sophistication’ even little children are spiritually harmed by what they see and hear. As a result, purification is required, and this is only accomplished through
Dead to the World, but Alive in Christ We cannot give Christ to others unless we have welcomed Him into the central place in our own heart. We must know and love Christ, personally, before others can see Him in us. When we are willing to sacrifice self for the
I was told that there are many Orthodox Christians in Japan who watch my videos and drink Monastery Blend Coffee. So to all of you I want to say from my heart: Christ is Risen! #JesusChrist #Japan #OrthodoxChurch 日本には私の動画を観て、モナステリーブレンドコーヒーを飲んでいる正教会の信者がたくさんいると聞きました。だから、皆さんに心から言いたいです。ハリストス復活！
Abbot Tryphon reads A Spiritual Psalter, or, Reflections on God: Together with The life of St. Ephraim
Prayer is Born of Love If we find fault in others, our judgmental attitude prevents us from having a successful communion with God. Prayer is born of love, while fault-finding, idle talk, and self-indulgence are the death of prayer. Love and prayer are interconnected because both involve God, and if