Tag Archives: Asceticism

The Story of Righteous John the Hesychast of Romania

By Fr. Luke | Published: March 2, 2011

There have been people throughout history and across the world who have sustained themselves by God alone, having lived for years with neither food, shelter, nor clothing. We are far from the experience of such ascetics; however, stories of them reach us from time to time. The following account is a true story about an [...]

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Nativity Fast and Thanksgiving Turkey

By Fr. Luke | Published: November 23, 2010

On November 25 America celebrates Thanksgiving Day which has a very significant role in American families because it is one of the few times a year that the family gets together. Thanksgiving Day is also called a Turkey day because it usually involves a meal with turkey or at least a more elaborate meal. Most [...]

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The Orthodox Way of Life

By Fr. Luke | Published: October 4, 2010

Orthodoxy is not merely a ritual, or belief, or pattern of behavior, or anything else that a man may possess, thinking that he is thereby a Christian, and still being spiritually dead. It is rather an elemental reality or power which transforms a man and gives him the strength to live in the most difficult [...]

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Saints Joakeim and Anna are the Most Dispassionate Couple

By Fr. Luke | Published: December 6, 2007

—Geronta, tell us about Saints Joakeim and Anna, the ancestors of God. You once started to speak of them. —Since I was little I’ve had a great veneration for the Holy Ancestors. Surely I’ve told one of you about wanting them to give me the name Joakeim when they made me a monk. We owe [...]

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Through Asceticism, Man Becomes Immaterial (Part II)

By Fr. Luke | Published: November 30, 2007

I know a layman who became holy with the asceticism he practiced. Yes, not many years ago there was a man and his son who worked for years on the Holy Mountain. Later, a good job opportunity presented itself back in his homeland, and the man decided to leave and take his son with him [...]

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Through Asceticism, Man Becomes Immaterial

By Fr. Luke | Published: November 15, 2007

—Geronta, you once had told us: “A blockade is needed in spiritual warfare.” What did you mean? —In a war they try to blockade the enemy. They surround him, confine him within the city walls, and deprive him of food. Then they cut off his water: for if the enemy is left without basic supplies [...]

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The Practice of Virtue Within the Family

By Fr. Luke | Published: August 24, 2007

— Geronta, how can a husband become practiced in the virtues? — God will give him opportunities. Many men, however, after asking God to give them opportunities to practice the virtues, grumble when they are faced with a certain difficulty. For example, sometimes the Good God, in His boundless love, and in order to provide [...]

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