Acquiring a humble heart

Our brotherhood’s beloved Father Spiridon (the Scotsman whose own humility inspired us, and who died a number of years ago), told us a wonderful story of humility in action. It concerned the Ever memorable Metropolitan Laurus, the saintly bishop who led the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia as her Chief Hierarch, and who help bring about the unification of the two parts of the Russian Church.

Rimmon Stuart (the future Monk Spiridon) had come from England to be baptized into the Orthodox Church at Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, New York. Upon arrival at the monastery, Rimmon settled into his guest cell, and proceeded to take a walk around the grounds of the monastery. He saw an old man in bib overalls, crouched down in a large vegetable garden, pulling up weeds. Being an avid gardener himself, Rimmon asked the old man if he’d mind having some help with the weeding. The old man replied with a smile, and welcomed this Scotsman to join him.

Sometime later the bells of the monastery began tolling, and the old man stood up, announcing it was time to head to the cathedral for the service. Rimmon headed to his guest cell to change into clean clothes, and headed to Holy Trinity Cathedral, where he found the assembled monks awaiting the arrival of their abbot, the then Archbishop Laurus.

As the church banners flickered in the wind, the assembled vested priestmonks, together with the whole of the monastic brotherhood, awaited the arrival of their archbishop. You can imagine the shock awaiting Rimmon, when he saw Archbishop Laurus was the very man he’d been toiling away with, while weeding in the monastery’s garden.

Saint Seraphim of Sarov said that it is easy to be humble before God, but real humility is formed in our hearts, when we humble ourselves before men.

With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon

I’ve been blessed by Archbishop Kyrill to resume my on-line ministry, and on my Patronal Saint’s Day, no less! I am rejoicing for the opportunity to be back serving all of you after an absence of 24 days. Thank you all for your prayers.

Photo: This is the new logo for the Monastery, iconography done by John Shayne Swenson, of Spokane, WA. The image is of the Sinai Christ.

Saturday October 21, 2017 / October 8, 2017

20th Week after Pentecost. Tone two.

Venerable Pelagia the Penitent of the Mount of Olives (457).
New Hieromartyrs Demetrius archbishop of Mozhaysk and with him John deacon, Hieromartyr Ambrosius and Pakhomius, Virgin-martyr Tatiana, Martyr Nicholas, Virgin-martyrs Mary and Nadezhda (1937).
New Hieromartyr Jonah bishop of Velizhsk, Hieromartyr Seraphim, New Hieromartyrs Peter, Basil, Paul, Peter, Vladimir priests, Martyrs Victor, John, Nicholas and Virgin-martyr Elizabeth (1937).
New Hieromartyr Barlaam (end of 1930th).
Venerable Dositheus, abbot of Verkneostrov (Pskov) (1482).
Venerable Tryphon, abbot, of Vyatka (1612).
Synaxis of All Saints of Vyatka.
Venerable Thais (Taisia) of Egypt (4th c.).
Virgin-martyr Pelagia of Antioch (303).
New Monk-martyr Ignatius of Bulgaria and Mt. Athos (1814).
St. Anthony, bishop of Novgorod (1232).
St. Keyene, hermitess of Cornwall.
St. Iwi, hierodeacon of Lindisfarne.
Translation of the relics of St. Aidan, bishop of Lindisfarne and enlightener of Northumria.
Translation of the relics of St. Ceolfrith, abbot of Wearmouth and Jarrow.
St. Triduana, nun of Restalrig.

The Scripture Readings

2 Corinthians 1:8-11

Delivered from Suffering

8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, 10 who delivered us from so great a death, and does[a] deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, 11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.

Luke 5:27-32

Matthew the Tax Collector

27 After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” 28 So he left all, rose up, and followed Him.

29 Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house. And there were a great number of tax collectors and others who sat down with them. 30 And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, “Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”

31 Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

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64 thoughts on “Humility”

  5. Thank you, Abbot Tryphon! We have missed these theologically true, and generous Orthodox teachings. This ministry helps many, and we are thankful to God for this.

    Reply

  6. God has blessed all of us who have missed your daily words . The good news couldn’t come at a better moment in my life. God uplifted me again when I called out to Him. WELCOME BACK!

    Reply

  7. I am joyous over your return to the blog. It is a daily blessing to me, and I am sure to many other converts, seekers and faithful Orthodox. Thank you for blessing us with God’s truth.

    Reply

  11. I am so happy, that i can get Your letter again .Thank You , Father ,
    so much . Sola gloria Dei .
    Werner Grunau , Poland

    Reply

  14. Thanks be to God! I missed you and your words of wisdom. Praying that all is well with you and your brother monks.

    Reply

  20. Chronia Polla on your feast day dear Fr Tryphon, your balanced and inspiring voice has become a daily inspiration for me, and often works it’s way into my sermons and monthly bulletin. May God continue to inspire and direct your path. Welcome back, you were missed.

    Fr Anthony

    Reply

  21. Welcome back & with your blessings! I, too, along with so many of your faithful are very thankful for your return! Also , look forward along with the solid food of the Gospel, always enjoy your stories of precious Hammi. God bless! Jeanne Tsakalos

    Reply

  28. +
    Glory to God for all things!
    Father, bless.
    We are grateful to receive once again these grace-filled words to nourish our souls.
    Sincerely,
    + Brigid

    Reply

  29. Thankful for your continued ministry. My wife and I have had benefit from your writings, sharing the Saints to be venerated and the Scripture readings. All glory to our Lord.

    Reply

  31. Welcome back Father! The last time I communicated with you, you had posted on “The Ancestral Sin,” and I asked you what I might read to gain some understanding. I have since purchased the book you recommended by John Romanides and have begun reading. The introduction alone is worthwhile and I find myself reading a few pages and then having to stop and meditate on what I have read.
    Thank You! It is good to be reading your meditations once again.

    Reply

  32. So happy to see you back ! I love to read your inspirational blog first thing in the morning. God bless you and grant you many years!
    Eleni

    Reply

  34. Thank you and welcome back. You and your messages were missed by many here in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. We are praying for your continued good health.

    Reply

  35. Dear Father Tryphon! Congratulations. May God grant you many blessings – on this your Patron Saint’s Day and for many, many years! It is so good that you are back online and to read your blog again! I really enjoyed your story on the Archbishop’s humility. Thank you!!!

    Reply

  36. Am so pleased it was only a short break but hope it was a time of rest for you Father. You need that. You are always giving of yourself. Thank you and welcome back.

    Reply

  37. What a joyful surprise this day to have your daily devotional back to us to help start our day,God grant you Father Tryphon Many Years and a blessed Name Day????

    Reply

  39. What a joy it was it see the Morning Offering in my inbox.! So glad you have resumed your ministry. May God grant you many years.

    Reply

  41. What a wonderful blessing to have you back with us. Something was missing in my day when your words were absent. Many thanks to Archbishop Kyrill for allowing the return of this edifying ministry. Happy Name Day! Many years to you and your brotherhood at the monastery.

    Reply

  42. So glad to have you back Father! Your daily uplifting words were so missed by me and so many others. You are a comforting and uplifting voice for our Lord in a howling wilderness.

    Reply

  43. So happy to see your inspirational words back on line. You have been missed. Your obedience also inspires.

    Reply

  44. Happy Names Day Father Tryphon, WELCOME BACK!!
    Thank you for carrying out this labor of love each day. May God bless you for it. I am sure He does.
    Eugenia

    Reply

  45. I am thankful the Archbishop insisted on a mandatory rest for you. He was so right. Glory to God for His thoughtfullness in His Eminens’s process for your health. Remember to follow the proper procedure for your health. All in good time. Miss Mike.

    Reply

  52. Dear Fr. Tryphon,
    Asking your Blessing. Welcome back — I am so very happy to be having your words of wisdom once again.
    Protinica Mary Anne

    Reply

  59. Prayers have been answered!

    I/we gain so much from reading and contemplating upon your writings. May they continue for many years.

    Thank you and blessings be upon you!

    Reply

  60. Does this mean I need to repent of all the sinful thought I have had towards the Archbishop during the past several weeks???

    Reply

    1. We all need to honor our bishops as Christ in our midst. Of course you need to repent of any sinful thoughts you’ve harbored towards the Archbishop, and any clergy, for that matter. We must not harbor negative thoughts towards anyone.

      Reply

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