When despondency seizes us
The renowned 19th century Russian saint, Seraphim of Sarov (1759-1833), said of himself, “I don’t know anything”. These words were remarkable coming from a hermit who was the most sought after spiritual adviser of his age, with even the Tsar seeking out his counsel. Yet Saint Seraphim recognized that he was but a funnel from which anything good that came out of him, was from God.
As a priestmonk, I am troubled by the knowledge that I am a poor example to others, and that I fall short, daily, in living out the image of Christ. Yet I am compelled to live out every day with joyfulness of heart, no matter what. I am also compelled to preach, teach, and write of the things of the Lord, and to try to trust God, no matter what. I try, as best I can, to remember the words, “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice (Philippians 4:4)”.
I try to remember the words of Saint Basil the Fool for Christ, whose holy relics reside in Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Red Square, who said, “winter is cold, but paradise is sweet”. Knowing that true validation comes only from God, I try not to be hurt when I do not receive validation from my peers, remembering that I am called upon to give to others, what I want to receive.
Like Saint Anthony the Great, I cry out to God, “where are You?”, all the while floating in a river of grace. I want to be a friend of God, yet often feel like the chick who has been pushed out of the nest by the mother eagle.
Yet I am comforted by the counsel of Saint Seraphim, who instructed his spiritual children with the words: “When despondency seizes us, let us not give in to it. Rather, fortified and protected by the light of faith, let us with great courage say to the spirit of evil: “What are you to us, you who are cut off from God, a fugitive for Heaven, and a slave of evil? You dare not do anything to us: Christ, the Son of God, has dominion over us and over all. Leave us, you thing of bane. We are made steadfast by the uprightness of His Cross. Serpent, we trample on your head.”
With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
33rd Week after Pentecost. Tone seven.
Venerable Anthony the Great (356).
Venerable Anthony, abbot of Dymsk (Novgorod) (1224).
New Hieromartyr Victor priest (1931).
New Hieromartyr Paul priest (1938).
Venerable Anthony of Chernoezersk, monk (16th c.).
Emperor St. Theodosius the Great (395).
Venerable Anthony of Krasny Kholm, monk (1481).
Venerable Anthony the Roman, of Novgorod (1147).
St. Anthony the New, of Berrhia in Macedonia (11th c.) (Greek).
Venerable Achilles the Confessor, hermit of Egypt (5th c.).
New Martyr George of Ioannina (1838) (Greek).
St. Macarius Kalogeras, hierodeacon of Patmos (1737).
Hebrews 13:17-21
17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.
Prayer Requested
18 Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably. 19 But I especially urge youto do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
Benediction, Final Exhortation, Farewell
20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luke 6:17-23
Jesus Heals a Great Multitude
17 And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, 18 as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. 19 And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.
The Beatitudes
20 Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said:
“Blessed are you poor,
For yours is the kingdom of God.
21 Blessed are you who hunger now,
For you shall be filled.
Blessed are you who weep now,
For you shall laugh.
22 Blessed are you when men hate you,
And when they exclude you,
And revile you, and cast out your name as evil,
For the Son of Man’s sake.
23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy!
For indeed your reward is great in heaven,
For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.
Du og hele din kommunitet er i mine bønner, hver dag!
Mange takk, Andreas! Og du er ogsaa i minne boenner.
Hver velsignelse fra Herren!
-Far Tryphon
I would like you to know that you are a “breath of fresh air” and whether or not, your peers give you validation, I KNOW your readers certainly do! I am blessed every day with your wise and uplifting words. May God grant you the strength to carry on this wonderful gift to us, your readers! The world needs many more Godly Orthodox Leaders who are monastics but are also available in the world, to bring this message of good news. God’s blessings on you and your brothers.
May Maria, our Mother, carry you always and protect you – being such a blessing for all of us reading !
Father Bless,
While I am of the understanding that tradition discourages praising our monks as a caution against pride, I do want to let you know that your blog alone touches many lives.
The “jacks” shaped cross on the bell tower diagram is a little disconcerting.
Actually, it is not a “jack”, but a way for people to see the holy cross as they first round the corner through our forest, and see the temple for the first time. This form of cross has been used all over the world, for the same purpose.
I suppose our struggles strengthen us. One day last week when I was particularly ‘low’, a friend reminded me that ‘sometimes the things/people that I think are so awful turn out to be the best things/people that could happen to me’. I also stumbled on this (somewhere on the net)…it may be a ‘bad’ day, but it’s not a bad life. These words (along with so many others!!) of St. John of Kronstadt have also been a balm, “Prayer is the descent of heaven into the soul.’ Our Father has used you/r words to encourage so many, so don’t be weary in doing good; press on.