To live the Orthodox life there is obviously much more to learn. You may find that you are not currently living all the ten points outlined in this booklet. Remember, being an Orthodox Christian is to be on a path of continual growth. As we come closer to God, we learn more clearly what He expects of us. As we grow closer to Him, He provides us with greater ability to practice His teachings. We are all sinners and the Church is the place we come for spiritual direction and forgiveness. In God’s eyes it is never too late to change our ways. Not only does he expect us to be perfect as He is perfect, but He is most merciful to the those who are the greatest sinners.
Reflect on each of these points and seek ways to include them in your current life, no matter how busy or hectic it is, and you will find that you will grow spiritually. As you grow you will find all you need to know. One caution: This is not a list to pick and choose from. It is very important to include ALL of the points in your way of life. They are interrelated. Not one of them is sufficient on its own.
If you want to learn more, you can find all the resources you need on our website . You will also want to find a spiritual Father to guide you. Any Orthodox priest or monk can help guide you safely as you walk the path to Theosis or union with God.
A final thought from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ:
“Every one who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny him before my Father who is in heaven. He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”
Peter replied to Jesus, “Lo, we have left everything and followed you. What then shall we have?”
Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of man shall sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. But many that are first will be last, and the last first.”
From Matthew 10:32-33; 37-38; 19:27-30
Sadly, I have found that the priests that I have access to are not interested in being anybody's personal "spiritual father" and very few people that I interact with at church have one. I do not have access locally to any monks as I am not near any monasteries. I am not sure how to remedy this. I read repeatedly to find a "spiritual father" but perhaps I am in a pocket of the USA where this is just not possible--a desert, so to speak. My younger sister and I have been reading many texts and talking together about the information and that seems to be our way of trying to support each other. I have enjoyed this blog and find great wisdom here.
ReplyDeleteThese times with a lack of elders were prophesied by many. I've had the same difficulty. Do what you know so far: daily pray the morning prayers and read an akathist, break for prayer during the day. End day with compline. Frequent eucharist with confession first and prayers of preparation evening before and morning of. OBEY THE FASTS. pray about everything that troubles to our good Lord Jesus and our mother the Theotokos. The saints will help you. Remember your name saint and honor their day. St. Philaret of New York will help you. Read lives of the modern saints and their struggles with todays spiritual climate. We are never alone.
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