In Suffering We Receive Our Crown…

“Our friendships and our loves can likewise be the cause of much pain and suffering. In the end, we can say that our whole life is a passion play, a history of extended suffering. However, let us not lose sight of the deeper meaning. Pain, difficulties, misfortunes, and suffering in general are the signs of divine visitation. Those who suffer are the special children of God. And so when our life is untroubled and things seem to be going well, we should stop and ask ourselves if we have not somehow moved away from God, because it is precisely suffering that constitutes our glory, our crown.”

-Elder Aimilianos of Simmona Petra, Mt. Athos

“To us, however, it often seems that God’s help is slow in coming, and sometimes even arrives too late. But this is not so, for God’s help arrives exactly when it is needed, neither too soon nor too late, but exactly on time.”

- Elder Aimilianos of Simonapetras, Mt. Athos

“If you want to know God, read the Holy Bible. If you want to know your neighbor, read the Fathers of the Church. If you want to know yourself, read Dostoevsky.”

                                                                           - Fr. Iakovos of Simona Petra Monastery

“It seems to me the most absurd thing in the world to be upset because I am weak and distracted and blind and constantly make mistakes! What else do I expect? Does God love me any less because I can’t make myself a saint by my own power and in my own way? He loves me more because I am so clumsy and helpless without Him - and underneath what I am He sees me as I will one day be by His pure gift, and that pleases Him, and therefore it pleases me, and so I attend to His great love which is my joy.”