SAINT MARY OF EGYPT

The world is governed by God’s Providence alone, and in this is salvation for one who believes; in this is the strength to endure earthly sorrows.” “My dears, the world is governed by God’s Providence and not by us mortals.” “I will tell you from experience that the sooner we accept what God has given us, the easier it will be to bear God’s good yoke, His easy yoke. It becomes heavy from our inner resistance.” “Such a time has come when only faith that God’s Providence orders life can overcome all the hardships of life.” “Lord! You know all things; do with me as You will.

ADAM ATE THE FORBIDDEN FRUIT AND WAS DRIVEN FROM PARADISE.
HE SAT OUTSIDE, WEEPING BITTERLY:
WOE TO ME!  WHAT WILL BECOME OF ME, A WORTHLESS MAN?
I DISOBEYED ONE COMMAND OF MY MASTER, AND LOST EVERY GOOD THING!
HOLY PARADISE, PLANTED FOR ME BY GOD
AND CLOSED BY THE WEAKNESS OF EVE,
GRANT THAT I MAY ONCE AGAIN GAZE ON THE FLOWERS OF YOUR GARDENS!
THE SAVIOR SAID TO HIM:
I DO NOT WISH THE DEATH OF MY CREATION!
I DESIRE THAT ALL SHOULD BE SAVED
AND COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH,//

Homily on Cheese Fare Sunday.

Homily on Cheesefare Sunday Patriarch Tikhon (Bellavin)

Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.