Eugene Rose, later Fr. Seraphim of Platina, wrote this pivotal passage in his journey from American born, protestant, spiritual seeker, and 50's Bohemian Beatnik to Orthodox monk, on February 28, 1959. He searched for the answer to life and found mostly despair and darkness - until he found Truth. Truth in a Person. A Person who alone dispels the darkness of our fears and scatters the shadows of our worry. Eugene Rose found Love. And fell into His grace-filled arms. Fath

The power of prayer. Who can deny it? Knowing we have Our Father who loves us, hears us, is with us, and who answers our prayer. Nothing comforts more than knowing He's right here - right now. Pray this beloved prayer from the Optina Elders. Memorize it. Believe it. Holy Elders pray for us. Optina Hermitage Elders O Lord grant that I may meet all that this coming day brings to me with spiritual tranquility. Grant that I may fully surrender myself to Thy Holy Will

Suffering and illness are not enemies to be feared. They are gifts. What is the nature of healing in relation to suffering? Can anything good come from pain? If, so what is it? + Glory to God for All Things +

Give me the best. Make me Holy. If you wonder 'Where should I start?' Perhaps right here. This post is a compilation of sayings that have been with me from the beginning. During time of fear, tears, and wondering 'what happens next?' Begin here. Don't stay here. Move onward, forward, and upwards. In being made holy - God heals us entirely, our body, and most importantly our soul. I do not pray for God to make me well, I pray for Him to make me holy. I am certain t

May the love of our heavenly Father be with your souls, so that being invigorated by it you may bear the fruit of obedience to His life-giving commandments. Elder Ephraim "Your greatest duty is to bear all suffering, whether it comes from nature, indolence, sins, or people. Since we desire to live a Christ-like life, we are obligated to submit to God’s will because all things come from God. And since they are from God – and thus are the Divine Will – the heavenly Father com

Patience is the strongest medicine that heals great and long-lasting trials. Most trials are endured only with patience. Elder Paisios Great patience can resolve many problems and bring about Divine results, especially when you do not expect a solution. God provides the best solution. You should know that God is pleased when a person goes through trials and endures them without grumbling, giving glory to His Holy Name. Saint James says, "Blessed is the one who endureth

Everything in this life passes away – only God remains. Only He is worth struggling towards. Father Seraphim (Rose) of Platina We have a choice: to follow the way of this world, of the society that surrounds us and thereby find ourselves outside of God; or to choose the way of life, to choose God Who calls us and for Whom our heart is searching. Why do men learn through pain and suffering, and not through pleasure and happiness? Very simply, because pleasure and happiness

Right. So do you mean everything is a 'gift'? Everything? Like cancer? Like MS? ALS? Mumps, measles and diabetes? Are you kidding ? Sounds more like curses than gifts... + Glory to God for All Things +