Tag Archives: Will of God

The Story of Righteous John the Hesychast of Romania

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 [...]

Posted in Orthodox Christian Life, Uncategorized | Also tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

Human Logic and the Will of God for Childbearing

Oftentimes couples express to me their insecurity regarding the topic of childbearing, and they ask my opinion. Some only want one or two children, while others want to have many. It would, however, be to their advantage to leave the issue of childbearing to God—to entrust their lives to divine providence and not try to [...]

Posted in Fr. Luke's Translations, Writings of Elder Paisios the Athonite | Also tagged , , , | 228 Comments

Difficulties in Childbearing

—Geronta, if a woman is not Orthodox, and if she is not able to conceive a child, is it alright for her to wear the belt we have blessed on the holy relics of St. Arsenios? [1] —Does she believe in the power of the Saint or does she think that it will help in [...]

Posted in Fr. Luke's Translations, Writings of Elder Paisios the Athonite | Also tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Choosing a Profession

—Geronta, some parents try to steer their children towards their own professions, and often get very pushy at it. —No, they don’t manage well. Parents shouldn’t pressure their children unwillingly to do that which they enjoy themselves. I knew one young man who wanted to study theology and become a priest, but his mother wouldn’t [...]

Posted in Fr. Luke's Translations, Writings of Elder Paisios the Athonite | Also tagged , , | Leave a comment

Let Us Help the Youth to Follow their Calling

The Good God created man free. He is nobly unimposing. He respects man’s freedom, freely leaving each person to follow that path which brings him or her comfort. He does not force everyone stand in the same line with military discipline. For that reason, we should leave youths to themselves, without restraint, in the spiritual [...]

Posted in Fr. Luke's Translations, Writings of Elder Paisios the Athonite | Also tagged , , | Leave a comment

Both the Married and Celibate Life are Blessed

Geronta, what should someone answer to young children who ask if the monastic life is higher than the married life? First, help them to understand what is man’s destiny and the meaning of life. Next, explain that the Church blesses both of these paths, because both are able to lead them to Paradise if they [...]

Posted in Fr. Luke's Translations, Writings of Elder Paisios the Athonite | Also tagged , , , | 3 Comments