The prayer life of an Orthodox Christian. Tell people that "God will never send anything they can't handle"

Memo to the Orthodox from the teacher of the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary Andrey Muzolf.

– Andrei, what words of the Holy Scripture and prayers should an Orthodox Christian know by heart or very close to the text?

– In the Orthodox Church there is no strict instruction for the study of certain prayers or texts of Holy Scripture. Orthodox Christians should not memorize prayers in the same way that followers of Hindu cults memorize the mantra. The Holy Fathers repeatedly insist that prayer is not an end in itself, but only a means to achieve the highest goal - communion with God. Therefore, the goal of a Christian is not at all to learn as many church prayers as possible, but to strive for unity with God, communication with Whom becomes possible precisely through prayer. According to St. John Chrysostom, during prayer we truly speak with God, and also enter into communion with His Holy Angels. If a person performs (the word “read” is inappropriate here) a prayer rule every day in the morning and evening, he will sooner or later, even without noticing it, learn the basic prayers. The same thing happens with the reading of the Holy Scriptures: if, according to the recommendation of many ascetics, you read at least one chapter from the Old and New Testaments every day, these texts will also be “on your hearing”.

What do you need to know about the Sacraments?

– The main thing is to understand that in the Sacraments we invisibly partake of the grace of the Holy Spirit. According to St. John Chrysostom, a person should treat the Sacraments with reverence, since God Himself acts through them in this world. Thus, the Sacraments are those sacred rites, thanks to which a person, already in this earthly life, can feel himself a partaker of eternal life. Saint Nicholas Cabasilas, an ascetic of the 14th century, writes that the Sacraments are the door that Christ has opened for us and through which He Himself returns to us every time. Therefore, we must be especially attentive to how we participate in the Sacraments, to do this not purely mechanically, only because it is necessary, because such an acceptance of the Sacraments, according to the word of the holy Apostle Paul, will only lead to judgment and condemnation: “For who eats and drinks unworthily, he eats and drinks condemnation to himself, not considering the body of the Lord” (see 1 Cor. 11:29).

– What are the main rules of conduct in the temple?

– St. John Chrysostom says: “A temple is a dwelling that belongs only to God; here dwell love and peace, faith and chastity.” And if God Himself invisibly abides in the temple, then our behavior in it must correspond to this. The Holy Fathers warn: when entering a temple, a person should always remember what kind of Sacrifice is being performed in it, and, thinking about the greatness of this Sacrifice, we should reverently treat the very place of its performance. In the temple, God Himself, in the words of one liturgical prayer, "is taught as food to the faithful." Therefore, there can be nothing in the world higher than the Sacrament that is performed in the temple - the Sacrament of the Eucharist - because in the Eucharist we become partakers of the Body and Blood of the Lord, "companions" of Christ and gods by grace, as St. Athanasius the Great says about this. Proceeding from this, any of our movements in the temple, including the making of the sign of the cross and bows, must be meaningful, unhurried, it must be done with reverence and fear of God.

– What are the most important holidays for the Orthodox?

– The main holiday for an Orthodox Christian is Easter. It is thanks to the Resurrection from the dead of our Lord Jesus Christ that each of us again received the opportunity to fellowship with God, the chance to inherit eternal life in Christ. St. John Chrysostom writes that what was given to us in the Resurrection is much more and more important than what we lost in paradise, because the Risen Christ opened Heaven itself to us. Therefore, Easter is the greatest holiday for a Christian, higher than which there can be nothing.

In addition to Easter, the Holy Orthodox Church especially honors 12 more great (so-called twelfth) holidays: the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, Her Entry into the Temple, the Annunciation, the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Meeting, the Baptism of the Lord, the Transfiguration, the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem, the Ascension of the Lord , the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles (Pentecost, or the day of the Holy Trinity), the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, and the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord. These holidays are especially revered by Christians, as they are dedicated to one or another of the most important events from the earthly life of the Savior and the Mother of God, which are of direct importance in the matter of human salvation.

What do you need to know about fasting and fasting days?

- Fasting is the best time to improve oneself in virtues, because fasting, according to St. John Chrysostom, is the best medicine against sin. Lent is a period that we should devote in a special way to ourselves, to our salvation. St. Ephraim the Syrian calls fasting a chariot that lifts a person to Heaven. Fasting is the healing of the soul, the refusal to recognize sin as the norm of human life.

The main task of fasting is to rethink your own life: who am I? how do I live? what am I living for? Self-esteem is a very important factor in the life of every person, and it is fasting that helps to properly set it up and get us out of a state of self-delusion. In order to begin the Divine life, a person must renounce himself, be born again (see John 3:3), that is, go through a certain pain of inner rebirth and cutting off from himself everything unnecessary and superfluous, everything that prevents us from growing spiritually.

Many people think that fasting is basically a kind of abstinence. Yes, it is true. But abstinence is meant not only bodily. Our fast should not consist so much in the removal from this or that food, but in the abstinence of the "inner man": control over thoughts, desires, words and deeds.

In addition, true fasting is unthinkable without participation in the Sacraments of the Church, in particular the Sacraments of Confession and Communion. Only in the Eucharist can a person “fix” in his heart all those feats that he imposes on himself by fasting. Therefore, we will be able to see the result from fasting only when we learn to sincerely approach the Church Sacraments, and not formally, to put a tick.

According to one ascetic, fasting is a certain determinant of our “Orthodoxy”: if we love fasting, if we strive for it, then we are on the right road; if fasting is a burden for us, if we look at the calendar and only do what we count the days until the end of fasting, something is going wrong in our spiritual life.

Interviewed by Natalya Goroshkova

The 300-year-old agreements have been abandoned. The goal of the actions taken by Constantinople is to break the back of Orthodoxy and make Ukraine forever hostile to Russia. But this will not be decided by church officials, but with God's help by people on earth - Orthodox Christians of Ukrainian parishes.

Let us briefly recall what the decisions of the Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople that ended on Thursday, October 11, say.

1. Confirm the already made decision that the Ecumenical Patriarchate proceeds to grant autocephaly to the Church of Ukraine.

2. Restore the stauropegia of the Ecumenical Patriarch in Kyiv.

3. Accept and consider petitions for an appeal by Filaret Denisenko and Makariy Maletich to cancel the anathema imposed on them by the Russian Orthodox Church. The above persons are "canonically restored to their hierarchical or priestly rank, and their followers restored to communion with the Church."

4. Cancel the legal obligation of the Synodal Letter of 1686, which granted the right to the Moscow Patriarch to appoint the Metropolitan of Kyiv.

5. Appeal to all parties involved to avoid the appropriation of churches, monasteries and other objects, as well as any other act of violence and retribution, "so that the peace and love of Christ may prevail."

Thus, autocephaly was not given,. It is precisely to determine its subject that the anathema was removed from the schismatics so that they are there in Ukraine, including Onufry, the patriarch of the UOC of the Moscow Patriarchate,. But it is not a fact that there will be a tomos in this case, because for this, stavropegy has been restored, that is, the direct subordination of specific temples (and not territories) to Bartholomew. Obviously, if the Ukrainian clergy do not come to an agreement, then all their assets, including financial ones, will de facto go to Bartholomew (de jure, they have already, as it were, gone).

Last year's Religious Procession of the Ukrainian Church of the Moscow Patriarchate showed Poroshenko and his masters that without the elimination of the Orthodox force, its transfer to its subordination, it would not be possible to build a nationalist state, which, in their idea, should forever become hostile to Russia. The plan began to be implemented. Let's hope that with God's help we will be able to fight back.

At present, a large number of people who have understood with their minds or felt with their hearts that God exists, who are aware, albeit unclearly, of their belonging to the Orthodox Church and who want to join Her, face the problem churching, that is, entering the Church as a full and full member of Her.

This problem is very serious for many, because, entering the temple, an unprepared person faces a completely new, incomprehensible and even somewhat frightening world.

Clothes of priests, icons, lampadas, chants and prayers in an obscure language - all this creates in the newcomer a sense of his own alienness in the temple, leads to reflections about whether all this is necessary for communication with God?

Many say: "The main thing is that God is in the soul, but it is not necessary to go to church."

This is fundamentally wrong. Popular wisdom says: “To whom the Church is not the Mother, God is not the Father.” But in order to understand how right this saying is, it is necessary to know what is the Church? What is the meaning of her existence? Why is Her mediation necessary in man's communion with God?

The Rhythm of the Christian Life

PriestDaniel Sysoev

Let's start with the simplest. Each type of life has its own characteristics, its own rhythm, its own order. So the newly baptized Christian should have his own rhythm and type of life. First, the schedule changes. Waking up in the morning, a Christian stands in front of the icons (they are usually placed on the eastern wall of the room), lights a candle and a lamp and reads the morning prayers from the prayer book.

How to pray according to the text? The apostle Paul writes that it is better to say five words with the mind than a thousandtongue (1 Cor. 14:19). Therefore, the one who prays must understand every word of the prayer. St. Theophan advises to start with the fact that, having analyzed part of the rule, pray with these words, gradually add new prayers until a person begins to understand the whole rule. During prayer, in no case should you imagine the saints or Christ. So you can go crazy and spiritually damaged. It is necessary to carefully follow the words of the prayer with the mind, forcing the heart to remember that God is everywhere and sees everything. Therefore, it is more convenient to keep the hands pressed to the chest during prayer, as the liturgical Charter says. Do not forget to protect yourself with the sign of the cross and bow down. They are very beneficial for the soul.

After morning prayers, they eat prosphora and drink holy water. And they go about their business. Before sitting down to eat, a Christian reads the Lord's Prayer:

Our Father, Thou art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, as in Heaven and on earth. Give us our daily bread today; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

And then he makes the sign of the cross over the food with the words: "In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." After the meal, we do not forget to thank the Lord:

We thank Thee, Christ our God, for Thou hast satisfied us with Thy earthly blessings; do not deprive us of Your Heavenly Kingdom, but as if in the midst of Your disciples, Thou hast come, Savior, give them peace, come to us and save us.

It is worthy to eat as truly blessed Thee, the Mother of God, the Blessed and Immaculate and Mother of our God. The most honest Cherubim and the most glorious without comparison Seraphim, without the corruption of God the Word, who gave birth to the real Mother of God, we magnify You. (Bow.)

During the day, Christians try to keep God in mind all the time. And so we often repeat the words: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." When it is hard for us, during temptations, we turn to the Mother of God with the words:

Virgin Mother of God, rejoice, Blessed Mary, the Lord is with you; Blessed are you in women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, as if the Savior gave birth to our souls.

Before every good deed, we ask God for help. And if the matter is big, then you can go and order a prayer service in the church. In general, our whole life is dedicated to the Creator. We consecrate houses and apartments, cars, offices, seeds, fishing nets, boats and much more in order to receive grace through this. If you like, we create an atmosphere of holiness around us. The main thing is that the same atmosphere should be in our hearts. We try to be at peace with everyone and remember that any business (work, family, apartment cleaning) can serve both salvation and death.

In the evening, before going to bed, we read prayers for the coming dream, asking God to save us in the night. We read Holy Scripture every day. Usually a chapter of the Gospel, two chapters of the Epistles of the Apostles, one kathisma of the Psalter (but the measure of reading is still determined individually).

Every week we fast on Wednesday (remembering the betrayal of Judas) and Friday (remembering the Calvary torment of Christ) and we keep big fasts (Great, Petrovsky, Assumption and Christmas). On Saturday evening and Sunday morning we are always in the temple. And we try to take communion at least once a month (and the more often, the better). Before Communion, we usually fast for three days (for example, if we take communion once a month or less, and if more often, then we determine the measure of fasting together with the confessor), we read the rule from the prayer book (three canons: the repentant, the Mother of God and the Guardian Angel, as well as the Following to Holy Communion). We definitely come to the evening service, confess our sins, and go on an empty stomach in the morning to the Liturgy.

It is very useful to find a confessor - a priest who helps us to go to Christ (but in no case to ourselves - beware of false spirituality!). There is no need to rush to the first priest you meet. Confess to different people, pray, and if you have a heartfelt understanding with someone, then he, gradually, can become your spiritual father. Just find out first whether his life is pious, whether he follows the fathers of the Church, whether he is obedient to the bishop or not. It is also advised to look at how he performs worship. Reverence before the face of God will tell you if he can help you come to Christ. Ask your confessor for an explanation based on Scripture and the writings of the Holy Fathers, and then follow their advice. This is not to be done because you do not trust him, but because you need training, which is impossible with blind obedience.

From Priest Daniil Sysoev's book "Why haven't you been baptized yet?"

MY FIRST PRAYERS

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Heavenly King, Comforter, Soul of Truth, Who is everywhere and fills everything, Treasury of the good and Giver of life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save, O Blessed, our souls.
Prayer to the Holy Trinity

Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse our sins; Lord, forgive our iniquities; Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Your name's sake.

Lord's Prayer

Our Father, Who art in heaven! Hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as in heaven and on earth. Give us our daily bread today; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Symbol of faith

I believe in one God the Father, Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, visible to all and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only Begotten, who was born of the Father before all ages; Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, uncreated, consubstantial with the Father, Whom all was. For us for the sake of man and for our sake of salvation, he descended from heaven and became incarnate from the Holy Spirit and Mary the Virgin, and became human. Crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried. And resurrected on the third day according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father. And the packs of the future with glory to judge the living and the dead, His Kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Life-Giving One, Who proceeds from the Father, Who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who spoke the prophets. Into one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Virgin Virgin

Virgin Mother of God, rejoice, Blessed Mary, the Lord is with you; Blessed are You in women and blessed is the Fruit of Your womb, as if the Savior gave birth to our souls.
Worthy to eat

It is worthy to eat as truly blessed Thee, the Mother of God, the Blessed and Immaculate and Mother of our God. The most honest Cherubim and the most glorious without comparison Seraphim, without the corruption of God the Word, who gave birth to the real Mother of God, we magnify you.

CHURCH ETIQUETS

Before entering the Temple, one should make the sign of the cross with bows three times.

To do this, in order to correctly make the sign of the cross, the thumb, index and middle fingers of the right hand are connected in such a way that their ends are necessarily folded evenly, the other two fingers - the ring and little fingers - are bent to the palm. With three joined fingers, they touch the forehead, stomach, right shoulder, then the left, depicting a cross on ourselves, and lowering our hand, we bow.

You should come to the service in advance in order to calmly, without fuss, enter the Temple and be a participant in the service from the beginning to the kissing of the Cross. First you need to go to the festive icon lying on the lectern in the middle of the church: cross yourself twice, bow and venerate, that is, kiss the holy icon and cross yourself and bow again.

You must enter the Temple quietly.and reverently, as into the house of God. Noise, conversations, walking, and even more so laughter, offend the holiness of the Temple of God. In the temple, men of any age take off their hats and should stand on the right, while women pray with a headscarf covered, being on the left side of the Temple. Entering the Temple and leaving it, one must cross himself three times and bow at the waist towards the altar. We make bows with prayers: “God be merciful to me, a sinner (oh)”, “God, cleanse me, a sinner (s), and have mercy on me” and “Creating me, Lord, forgive me.”

In notes about health or for the repose, only names and only baptized people are written. The Church does not pray for the unbaptized. Names are neededwrite in full, in the genitive case.

In the Temple, we can pray for ourselves, for our relatives and friends, for their health or repose. To do this, you need to go to the desired icon. Putting a candle in front of the icon of a particular saint, you need to be able to turn to him with a prayer, request, gratitude. Approaching the icon, cross yourself, mentally gather yourself and say to yourself: "Saint Father ( saint's name), pray to God for us.” Then light a candle, kiss the icon with the same words and, standing in front of the icon with a lit candle, say your prayer. Who knows, maybe read the troparion. Putting a candle for yourself or someone, you can pray like this: "Holy saint of Christ and father ( saint's name) help me, a sinner, in my life, beg the Lord to grant me health and salvation and forgiveness of my sins, help my children. ..” etc. When placing candles in front of different icons, especially during the service, try not to walk all over the Temple, as this distracts the worshipers.

The Church has rules of conduct during conciliar prayer. When the priest overshadows those praying with the Cross or the Gospel, with an image or with the Holy Gifts, everyone is baptized, bowing their heads. When he overshadows with candles, blesses with his hand or censes, you should not be baptized, you just need to bow your head.

Before communion, everyone bows to the ground and stands up, saying to themselves: “Behold, I come to the Immortal King and our God.” In front of the Holy Chalice, the hands are folded crosswise on the chest, with the right hand on top of the left. This replaces the sign of the cross, since it is impossible to be baptized in front of the Chalice before and after Communion, so as not to accidentally touch it and spill the Holy Gifts. Approaching the priest, they call their name. Having communed, everyone kisses the edge of the Chalice. After that, a little warmth is taken: diluted wine and a piece of prosphora, which are on a separate table. After communion on that day, they no longer kneel.During the liturgy, they usually kneel three times: when the blessing of the Gifts takes place (from the exclamation "Thank the Lord" until the end of the song "I'll sing to you" ), when the Holy Chalice is brought out for communion and when the priest overshadows the people with the Holy Chalice with the words: "Always, now and ever, and forever and ever." When the priest censes in our direction, reads the Gospel, pronounces the words "Peace to all" , it is customary to bow your head. At the end of the liturgy, the faithful go to venerate the Cross, which the priest holds in his hand, and kiss it. TO rest without bows:

• In the middle of the Six Psalms on "Alleluia" - three times.
• At the beginning "I believe"
• On vacation "Christ our true God"
• At the beginning of the reading of Holy Scripture: the Gospel, the Apostle and proverbs.Baptized with a bow:
• At the entrance to the temple and exit from it - three times.
• With every petition of litanies.
• At the exclamation of a clergyman giving glory to the Holy Trinity
• With the exclamations of “Take, eat”, “Drink everything from her” and “Yours from yours”, “Holy to the saints”
• At the words: "Most honest"
• At every word: “Let's bow”, “Worship”, “fall down”
• During the words: "Alleluia", "Holy God" and "Come, let us worship",
• by the exclamation "Glory to you, Christ God",
• before vacation - three times
• On the canon on the 1st - 9th song at the first invocation to the Lord, the Mother of God or the Saints
• On the lithium after each of the first three petitions of the litany - three bows, after the other two - one each.Baptized with a bow to the ground
• Fasting at the entrance to the temple and exit from it - three times
• In fasting after each chorus to the song of the Virgin "We magnify you"
• At the beginning of singing: "Worthy and righteous"
• After "We'll sing to you"
• After "It is worthy to eat" or Zadostoynik
• At the exclamation: "And vouchsafe us, Lord"
• When taking out the Holy Gifts, at the words: “With the fear of God” and the second time - at the words: “Always, now and forever”
• In Great Lent, at Great Compline, while singing "Most Holy Lady", at every verse; when reading "Our Lady of the Virgin, rejoice" and so on. at the Lenten supper - three bows
• In fasting when praying "Lord and Master of my life"
• During the fast at the final chant: "Remember me, Lord, when you come into Your Kingdom." Just three earthly bowsBelt bow without the sign of the cross: With the words:
• "Peace to all"
• "God bless you"
• "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ"
• "And may the mercy of the Great God be"
• With the words of the deacon: “And forever and ever” (after “For Thou art the light, our God”) It is not allowed to be baptized:
• While reading the psalms
• Generally while singingYou need to be baptized and bow down at the end of the singing, and not at all at the last words. Prostrations are not allowed:
• on Sundays,
• in the days from Christmas to Epiphany,
• from Easter to Pentecost,
• during the days of the Transfiguration and Exaltation (on this day three earthly bows to the Cross). Bows stop from the evening entrance until “Vouchify, Lord” at Vespers on the very day of the holiday.

MYSTERIES

• Baptism. A symbol of a person's entry into the Church. It is performed according to the faith of the person being baptized (adult) or according to the faith of the baby's parents. This is the only sacrament that can be performed not only by a priest, but (in case of need) by any lay person. Baptism is performed with water (a symbol of the washing of the spirit), but if necessary, snow or sand can be taken.
• Chrismation. The sacrament of the descent of the Spirit of God upon a newly baptized member of the Church. Usually performed immediately after baptism.
• Repentance. The sacrament of reconciliation of the sinner with God through confession and permission given by the priest
• Eucharist, or communion. Participation in the everlasting Last Supper of Christ. The Eucharist is the incarnation of Christ under the guise of bread and wine, the acceptance of which means communion with the sacrament of redemption.
• Unction, or unction. The sacrament performed over the sick for their healing
• Marriage. Sacrament of consecration of married life.
• Priesthood, or ordination. The sacrament of the transmission of apostolic grace from bishop to bishop and the right to priesthood from bishop to priest. There are three levels of priesthood: bishop, priest, deacon. The first performs all seven sacraments, the second - everything except ordination. The deacon only helps in the performance of the sacraments. Patriarch, metropolitan, archbishop - this is not a dignity, but only various forms of episcopal ministry.

CHURCH CALENDAR

HOLIDAYS

Twelfth rolling holidays
Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem- Sunday;
Easter- Sunday;
Ascension of the Lord- Thursday;
Day of the Holy Trinity(Pentecost) - Sunday.

Twelfth non-passing holidays
Epiphany- January 6/19;
Meeting of the Lord- February 2/15;
Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary- March 25/April 7;
Transfiguration- August 6/19;
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary- August 15/28;
Exaltation of the Holy Cross- September 14/27;
Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary- November 21/December 4;
Nativity- December 25/January 7.

Great holidays
Circumcision of the Lord- January 1/14;
Nativity of John the Baptist- June 24/July 7;
Holy Apostles Peter and Paul- June 29/July 12;
The Beheading of John the Baptist- August 29/September 11;
Protection of the Holy Mother of God- October 1/14.

Church calculus is conducted according to the old style. The second date indicates the new style.

POSTS

There are four long posts a year. In addition, the Church has established fasting days - Wednesday and Friday throughout the year. One-day fasts have also been established to commemorate some events.

Multi-day posts
Great Lent- pre-Easter, a total of seven weeks. Fast strict. Very strict weeks- the first, fourth (Cross) and seventh (Passionate). On Holy Week, fasting ends after the liturgy on Holy Saturday. According to custom, they break the fast only after Paschal matins, i.e. on the night of Holy Resurrection.

Great Lent is associated with a rolling circle of holidays and therefore falls on different dates in different years, depending on the day of the celebration of Easter.

Petrov post- before the feast of the holy apostles Peter and Paul. Starts on All Saints' Day (the Sunday after Trinity Day) and continues until July 12, new style. This fast changes its duration in different years, because it depends on the day of the celebration of Easter. This post is the least strict, ordinary.

Assumption post- before the feast of the Assumption of the Mother of God. It always falls on the same dates: August 14-28 new style. This - strict fast.

Christmas (Filippov) post- begins the day after the celebration of the Apostle Philip, always falls on the same days: November 28 - January 7 of the new style.

One day posts

Wednesday and Friday- throughout the year, except for continuous weeks (weeks) and Christmas. Fast ordinary.
Epiphany Christmas Eve- 5/18 January. Fast very strict(There is a folk custom on this day not to eat until the star).
The Beheading of John the Baptist- August 25/September 11. Fast strict.
Exaltation of the Holy Cross- 14/27 September. Fast strict.

very strict post- dry eating. Eat only raw vegetable food without oil.
Strict post- eat any boiled vegetable food with vegetable oil.
regular post- in addition to what they eat in strict fasting, they also eat fish.
Weakened post(for the infirm who are on the road and eat in canteens) - they eat everything except meat.

HOW TO REMEMBER THE DEAD.

The custom of commemorating the dead is found already in the Old Testament Church. The Apostolic Ordinances mention the commemoration of the dead with particular clarity. In them we find both prayers for the departed during the celebration of the Eucharist, and an indication of the days on which it is especially necessary to commemorate the departed: third, ninth, fortieth, annual Thus, the commemoration of the departed is an apostolic institution, it is observed throughout the Church, and the liturgy for the departed, the offering of the Bloodless Sacrifice for their salvation, is the most powerful and effective means of asking the departed for the mercy of God.

Church commemoration is performed only for those who were baptized in the Orthodox faith.

Immediately after death, it is customary to order a magpie in the Church. This is a daily enhanced commemoration of the newly deceased during the first forty days - until a private judgment that determines the fate of the soul beyond the grave. After forty days, it is good to order an annual commemoration and then renew it every year. You can also order a longer-term commemoration in monasteries. There is a pious custom - to order a commemoration in several monasteries and temples (their number does not matter). The more prayer books for the deceased, the better.

Days of commemoration should be spent modestly, calmly, in prayer, doing good to the poor and loved ones, in thinking about our death and future life.

The rules for submitting notes "On repose" are the same as for notes "On health"

Memorial services are served before the eve. Eve (or eve) is a special square or rectangular table on which stands a Cross with a Crucifixion and holes for candles. Here you can put candles and put products to commemorate the dead. Believers bring various products to the temple so that the servants of the Church commemorate the dead at the meal. These offerings serve as a donation, almsgiving for the deceased. In the old days, in the courtyard of the house where the deceased was, on the most significant days for the soul (3rd, 9th, 40th), memorial tables were laid, at which the poor, the homeless, orphans were fed, so that there were many prayer books for the deceased. For prayer, and especially for almsgiving, many sins are forgiven, and the afterlife is alleviated. Then these commemorative tables began to be placed in churches on the days of the ecumenical commemoration of all Christians who have died for centuries with the same purpose - to commemorate the dead. Products can be anything. It is forbidden to bring meat into the temple.

Memorial services for suicides, as well as for those who are not baptized in the Orthodox faith, are not performed.

But in addition to all of the above, the Holy Church creates at certain times a special commemoration of all fathers and brothers who have passed away from the age of faith, who have been honored with a Christian death, as well as those who, having been overtaken by sudden death, were not sent to the afterlife by the prayers of the Church. The requiems performed at the same time are called ecumenical.
On Saturday, meat-fare, before cheese week, On the eve of the memories of the Last Judgment, we pray to the Lord that He show His mercy to all the dead on the day when the Last Judgment comes. On this Saturday, the Orthodox Church prays for all those who have died in the Orthodox faith, whenever and wherever they live on earth, whoever they are in terms of their social origin and position in earthly life.
Prayers are offered for people "from Adam to this day who have died in piety and right faith."

Three Saturdays of Great Lent - Saturdays of the second, third, fourth weeks of Great Lent- established because during the presanctified liturgy there is no such commemoration as is performed at any other time of the year. In order not to deprive the dead of the saving intercession of the Church, these parental Saturdays were established. During Great Lent, the Church intercedes for the departed, so that the Lord forgives their sins and raises them to eternal life.

On Radonitsa - Tuesday of the second week after Easter- share the joy of the Resurrection of the Lord with the departed, in the hope of the resurrection of our departed. The Savior Himself descended into hell to preach victory over death and brought the souls of the Old Testament righteous from there. From this great spiritual joy, the day of this commemoration is called "radonitsa", or "radonitsa".

Trinity parent Saturday- on this day, the Holy Church calls us to commemorate the dead, so that the saving grace of the Holy Spirit cleanses the sins of the souls of all from the age of our departed forefathers, fathers and brothers and, interceding for the gathering of all in the Kingdom of Christ, praying for the redemption of the living, for the return of the captivity of their souls , asks "to give rest to the souls of those who have departed in a place of cooling, as if not the dead will praise Thee, O Lord, whoever is below in hell of confession will dare to bring Thee: but we, the living, bless Thee and pray, and we bring prayers and sacrifices to Thee for our souls."

Dimitriev parental Saturday- on this day, a commemoration of all Orthodox killed soldiers is made. It was established by the holy noble prince Dimitry Donskoy at the suggestion and blessing of St. Sergius of Radonezh in 1380, when he won a glorious, famous victory over the Tatars on the Kulikovo field. Commemoration takes place on the Saturday before Demetrius Day (October 26, old style). Subsequently, on this Saturday, Orthodox Christians began to commemorate not only the soldiers who laid down their lives on the battlefield for their faith and fatherland, but together with them for all Orthodox Christians.

It is necessary to remember the deceased on the day of his death, birth and name day.

Questions and answers frequently asked by beginning Christians.

35 short FAQs for beginner Christians about the temple, candles, notes, etc.

1. How should a person prepare to go to the temple?

To prepare for the morning visit, you need to prepare as follows:
Rising from bed, give thanks to the Lord, who gave you the opportunity to spend the night in peace and extended your days for repentance. Wash yourself, stand in front of the icon, light the lampada (from a candle) so that it evokes a prayerful spirit in you, put your thoughts in order, forgive everyone, and only then proceed to reading the prayer rule (morning prayers from the Prayer Book). Then subtract one chapter from the Gospel, one from the Apostle, and one kathisma from the Psalter, or one psalm if time is short. At the same time, it must be remembered that it is better to read one prayer with sincere contrition of the heart than the whole rule with the thought of how to finish it all as soon as possible. Beginners can use an abbreviated prayer book, gradually adding one prayer at a time.

Before leaving, say:
I deny you, Satan, your pride and your service, and unite with you, Christ Jesus our God, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Cross yourself and calmly go to the temple, not being afraid of what a person will do to you.
Walking down the street, cross the road in front of you, saying to yourself:
Lord, bless my ways and keep me from all evil.
On the way to the temple, read a prayer to yourself:
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

2. How should a person who decides to go to church dress?

Women should not come to church in trousers, short skirts, with bright makeup on their faces, lipstick on their lips is unacceptable. The head must be covered with a headscarf or scarf. Men must remove their hats before entering the church.

3. Can I eat before visiting the temple in the morning?

According to the charter it is impossible, it is done on an empty stomach. Retreats are possible due to weakness, with self-reproach.

4. Is it possible to enter the temple with bags?

If there is a need, you can. Only when a believer approaches Communion should the bag be put aside, since during Communion the hands are folded crosswise on the chest.

5. How many prostrations should be made before entering the temple and how to behave in the temple?

Before entering the temple, having previously crossed yourself, bow three times, looking at the image of the Savior, and pray for the first bow:
God, be merciful to me, a sinner.
To the second bow:
God, cleanse my sins and have mercy on me.
To the third:
I have sinned without number, Lord, forgive me.
Then do the same, entering the doors of the temple, bow on both sides, saying to yourself:
Forgive me, brothers and sisters, stand reverently in one place, without pushing anyone, and listen to the words of prayer.
If a person came to the temple for the first time, then he needs to look around, notice what more experienced believers are doing, where their eyes are directed, in what places of worship and in what way they make the sign of the cross and bow down.
It is unacceptable during the service to behave as if in a theater or a museum, that is, with your head up, look at the icons and clergy.
During prayer, one must stand reverently, with a repentant feeling, slightly lowering his shoulders and head, as the guilty stand before the king.
If you do not understand the words of the prayer, then say the Jesus Prayer to yourself with contrition of heart:
Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Try to make the sign of the cross and prostrations with everyone at the same time. Remember that the Church is the earthly Heaven. Praying to your Creator, do not think of anything earthly, but only sigh and pray for your sins.

6. How long do you have to be on duty?

Service must be upheld from beginning to end. Service is not a duty, but a sacrifice to God. Will it be pleasant for the owner of the house, to whom guests have come, if they leave before the end of the holiday?

7. Is it possible to sit in the service if there is no strength to stand?

To this question St. Philaret of Moscow answered: "It is better to think about God while sitting than about standing feet." However, while reading the Gospel it is necessary to stand.

8. What is important in bowing and prayer?

Remember that the matter is not in words and bows, but in the raising of the mind and heart to God. You can say all the prayers and put down all the aforementioned bows, but not remember God at all. And, therefore, without praying, fulfill the rule of prayer. Such prayer is a sin before God.

9. How to kiss the icons?

Lobyzaya St. the icon of the Savior, you should kiss the feet, the Mother of God and the saints - the hand, and the Image Not Made by Hands of the Savior and the head of John the Baptist - in the sacks.

10. What does the candle placed in front of the image symbolize?

A candle, like prosphora, is a bloodless sacrifice. Candle fire symbolizes eternity. In ancient times, in the Old Testament Church, a person who came to God sacrificed to him the inner fat and wool of a slain (killed) animal, which were placed on the altar of burnt offering. Now, when we come to the temple, we sacrifice not an animal, but a candle symbolically replacing it (preferably a wax one).

11. Does it matter what size candle you put in front of the image?

Everything depends not on the size of the candle, but on the sincerity of your heart and your capabilities. Of course, if a wealthy person puts cheap candles, then this indicates his stinginess. But if a person is poor, and his heart burns with love for God and compassion for his neighbor, then his reverent standing and fervent prayer is more pleasing to God than the most expensive candle, set with a cold heart.

12. Who and how many candles should be placed?

First of all, a candle is placed for the Feast or a revered temple icon, then for the relics of the saint, if any, in the temple, and only then for health or for peace.
For the dead, candles are placed on the eve at the Crucifixion, mentally saying:
Remember, Lord, your deceased servant (name) and forgive his sins, voluntary and involuntary, and grant him the Kingdom of Heaven.
About health or in what need, candles are usually placed on the Savior, the Mother of God, the holy great martyr and healer Panteleimon, as well as those saints to whom the Lord has given special grace to heal illnesses and give help in various needs.
Putting a candle in front of your chosen saint of God, mentally say:
Holy Pleaser of God (name), pray to God for me, a sinner (oh) (or the name for whom you ask).
Then you need to come up and kiss the icon.
We must remember: in order for prayers to succeed, the saints of God must pray with faith in the power of their intercession before God, with words coming from the heart.
If you put a candle to the image of All Saints, turn your mind to the entire host of saints and the entire host of Heaven and pray:
All saints, pray to God for us.
All the saints always pray to God for us. He alone is merciful to everyone, and He is always indulgent to the requests of His saints.

13. What prayers should be done before the images of the Savior, the Mother of God and the Life-Giving Cross?

Before the image of the Savior, pray to yourself:
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner (s) or I have sinned without number, Lord, have mercy on me.
Before the icon of the Mother of God, say briefly:
Holy Mother of God, save us.
Before the image of the Life-Giving Cross of Christ, say the following prayer:
We worship Your Cross, Master, and we glorify Your Holy Resurrection.
And after that bow to the Holy Cross. And if you stand before the image of Christ our Savior or the Mother of God, or the saints of God with humility and warm faith, then you will receive what you ask.
For where there is an image, there is the archetypal grace.

14. Why is it customary to put candles for the repose at the Crucifixion?

The cross with the Crucifix stands on the eve, that is, on the table for commemoration of the dead. Christ took upon Himself the sins of the whole world, the original sin - Adam's sin - and through His death, through the Blood that was shed innocently on the Cross (since Christ had no sin), reconciled the world with God the Father. Beyond that, Christ is the bridge between being and non-being. You can see on the eve, in addition to burning candles, also food. This is a very old Christian tradition. In ancient times, there were so-called agapies - meals of love, when Christians who came to worship, after it ended, all together consumed what they brought with them.

15. For what purpose and what products can be put on the eve?

Usually on the eve they put bread, biscuits, sugar, everything that does not contradict fasting (as there may be a fast day). You can also donate lamp oil, Cahors, on the eve, which will then go for the communion of believers. All this is brought and left for the same purpose with which a candle is placed on the eve - to commemorate their dead relatives, acquaintances, friends, not yet glorified ascetics of piety.
For the same purpose, a note of commemoration is also submitted.
It should be firmly remembered that the offering must come from a pure heart and a sincere desire to sacrifice to God for the repose of the soul of the commemorated person and must be obtained from one’s labor, and not stolen or acquired by deceit or other cunning.

16. What is the most important commemoration for the departed?

The most important thing is the commemoration of the dead on the proskomedia, for the particles taken out of the prosphora are immersed in the Blood of Christ and cleansed by this great sacrifice.

17. How to submit a note of commemoration at the proskomedia? Is it possible to commemorate the sick at the proskomedia?

Before the start of the service, you need to go to the candle counter, take a piece of paper and write as follows:

About repose

Andrew
Mary
Nicholas

Custom

Thus, the completed note will be submitted for proskomedia.

About health

B. Andrey
ml. Nicholas
Nina

Custom

In the same way, a note on health is submitted, including those who are sick.

A note can be submitted in the evening, indicating the date on which the commemoration is expected.
At the top of the note, do not forget to draw an eight-pointed cross, and at the bottom it is desirable to attribute: "and all Orthodox Christians." If you want to commemorate a spiritual person, then his name is put first.

18. What should I do if, while standing at a prayer service or other divine service, I did not hear the name that I filed for commemoration?

It happens that the clergy are reproached: they say, not all the notes were read or not all the candles were lit. And they don't know what to do. Judge not lest ye be judged. You came, you brought it - that's it, your duty is done. And as the priest does, so it will be asked of him!

19. What is the commemoration of the dead for?

The thing is that the dead cannot pray for themselves. It must be done for them by someone else alive today. Thus, the souls of people who repented before death, but did not have time to bear the fruits of repentance, can only be delivered by intercession for them before the Lord from living relatives or friends and by virtue of the prayers of the Church.
The Holy Fathers and teachers of the Church agree that it is possible for sinners to be liberated from torment and that prayers and almsgiving, especially church prayers, and especially bloodless sacrifice, that is, commemoration at the Liturgy (proskomidia), are beneficial in this regard.
“When all the people and the Holy Council,” asks St. John Chrysostom, - stand with outstretched hands to heaven, and when a terrible sacrifice is presented, how can we not propitiate God, praying for them (the dead)? But this is only about those who died in the faith” (St. John Chrysostom. Conversation on the last to Philp. 3, 4).

20. Is it possible to enter the name of a suicide or an unbaptized person in a memorial note?

It is impossible, since persons deprived of a Christian burial are usually deprived of church prayers.

21. How should you behave when you incense?

When burning, you need to bow your head, as if you are receiving the Spirit of Life, and say the Jesus Prayer. At the same time, one should not turn one's back to the altar - this is the mistake of many parishioners. You just need to turn around a little.

22. What moment is considered the end of the morning service?

The end, or completion, of the morning service is the exit of the priest with the Cross. This moment is called a break. During the holidays, believers approach the Cross, kiss it and the priestly hand holding the Cross as its footstool. Moving away, you need to bow to the priest. Pray to the Cross:
I believe, Lord, and I worship Your Honorable and Life-Giving Cross, as if on Him I made salvation in the midst of the Earth.

23. What do you need to know about the use of prosphora and holy water?

At the end of the Divine Liturgy, when you come home, prepare a meal of prosphora and holy water on a clean tablecloth.
Before eating a meal, say a prayer:
Lord my God, may Your holy gift and Your holy water be for the remission of my sins, for the enlightenment of my mind, for the strengthening of my spiritual and bodily strength, for the health of my soul and body, for the subjugation of my passions and infirmities through Your infinite mercy through the prayers of the Most Pure Your Mother and all Your saints. Amen.
Prosphora is taken over a plate or a blank sheet of paper so that the holy crumbs do not fall to the floor and are not trampled on, for prosphora is the holy bread of Heaven. And it must be accepted with the fear of God and humility.

24. How are the feasts of the Lord and His saints celebrated?

The feasts of the Lord and His saints are celebrated spiritually, with a pure soul and an undefiled conscience, obligatory attendance at church. At will, believers order thanksgiving prayers in honor of the Feast, bring flowers to the icon of the Feast, distribute alms, confess and take communion.

25. How to order a memorial and thanksgiving service?

A prayer service is ordered by submitting a note, drawn up accordingly. The rules for designing a custom prayer service are posted at the candle counter.
In different churches, there are certain days when prayers are performed, including blessings of water.
At the prayer service for water, you can consecrate a cross, an icon, candles. At the end of the prayer service for water, believers with reverence and prayer take holy water and take it daily on an empty stomach.

26. What is the sacrament of repentance and how to prepare for confession?

The Lord Jesus Christ said, addressing His disciples: Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven (Matt. 18:18). And in another place the Savior breathed and said to the apostles: Receive the Holy Spirit. To whom you forgive sins, they will be forgiven, on whom you leave, they will remain (John 20, 22-23).
The apostles, fulfilling the will of the Lord, transferred this power to their successors - the pastors of the Church of Christ, and to this day everyone who believes in Orthodoxy and confesses his sins sincerely before an Orthodox priest can receive permission, forgiveness, and complete remission of them through his prayer.
This is the essence of the sacrament of repentance.
A person who is accustomed to watch over the purity of his heart and the neatness of his soul cannot live without repentance. He is waiting and longing for the next confession, like a parched earth waiting for life-giving moisture.
Imagine for a moment a man who has been washing off the bodily dirt all his life! So the soul requires washing, and what would happen if there were no sacrament of repentance, this healing and cleansing “second baptism”. The accumulated sins and sins that have not been removed from the conscience (not only major ones, but many minor ones as well) burden it so that a person begins to feel some kind of unusual fear, it begins to seem to him that something bad is about to happen to him; then suddenly he falls into some kind of nervous breakdown, irritation, feels general anxiety, does not have internal firmness, ceases to control himself. Often he himself does not understand the reasons for everything that happens, and it is that there are unconfessed sins on the conscience of a person. By the grace of God, these mournful sensations remind us of them, so that we, puzzled by such a plight of our soul, come to the realization of the need to expel all the poison from it, that is, we turn to St. the sacrament of repentance, and thus would be delivered from all those torments that await after the Last Judgment of God every sinner who has not been cleansed here, in this life.
It is very useful to read the detailed life of St. Theodora of Tsaregradskaya before confession (Comm. December 30, O.S.). She became a monk and went through her feat under the guidance of St. Basil the New (Comm. 26 March). She died in 940. The student of St. Basil, Gregory, after the death of Theodora, with a prayer, asked the elder to reveal to him the afterlife of the old woman. And now, through the holy prayers of the holy father, his disciple had a wonderful vision: he talked with the Monk Theodora, and she told Gregory about what happened to her at the moment of death and after, when her soul went through terrible trials. (For the story of the ordeals of St. Theodora, see Section IV of this book.)
Almost the entire sacrament of repentance is performed in this way: first, the priest prays with everyone who wants to confess. Then he makes a brief reminder of the most common sins, talks about the meaning of confession, about the responsibility of the confessor and that he stands before the Lord Himself, and the priest is only a witness to his mysterious conversation with God, and that the deliberate concealment of any sins aggravates the guilt. penitent.
Then those already confessing, one at a time, approach the lectern on which the Holy Gospel and the Cross lie, bow to the Cross and the Gospel, stand in front of the lectern, bowing their heads or kneeling (the latter is not necessary), and begin to confess. It is useful at the same time to draw up a rough plan for yourself - what sins to confess, so as not to forget later in confession; but it will be necessary not just to read from a piece of paper about your ulcers, but with a sense of guilt and repentance to open them before God, take them out of your soul, like some nasty snakes, and get rid of them with a feeling of disgust. (Compare this list of sins with those lists that evil spirits will keep in the ordeals, and note: the more carefully you expose yourself, the fewer pages will be found in those demonic writings.) At the same time, of course, each extraction of such abomination and bringing it to the light will be accompanied by a certain feeling of shame, but you know for sure: the Lord Himself and His servant, the priest confessing you, no matter how disgusting your inner sinful world may be, only rejoice when you resolutely renounce it; in the soul of a priest there is only joy for the repentant. Any priest after a sincere confession is even more disposed to the confessor, much closer and more caring begins to relate to him.

27. Does repentance blot out the memory of past sins?

The answer to this question is given in the essay on the Gospel theme - "The Prodigal Son".
“... He got up and went to his father. And when he was still far away, his father saw him and took pity; and, running, fell on his neck and kissed him.
The son said to him: “Father! I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” And the father said to his servants: “Bring the best clothes and dress him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring a fattened calf and slaughter it; let us eat and be merry!” (Luke 15:20-23.)
The feast ends in the house of a good, merciful father. The sounds of jubilation subside, the invited guests disperse. Yesterday's prodigal son leaves the hall of the feast, still full of the sweet feeling of love and forgiveness of his father.
Outside the door, he meets with his older brother standing outside. In his eyes - condemnation, almost indignation.
The heart of the younger brother sank; joy disappeared, the sounds of the feast died out, the recent, difficult past rose before the eyes ...
What can he say to his brother in justification?
Isn't his indignation justified? Did he really deserve this feast, this new clothes, this golden ring, these kisses and forgiveness from his father? After all, quite recently, quite recently...
And the head of the younger brother bows low before the stern, condemning gaze of the elder: the still quite fresh wounds of the soul ache, ache...
With a look begging for mercy, the prodigal son falls on his knees before his elder brother.
“Brother... Forgive me... I didn’t make this feast... And I didn’t ask my father for these new clothes, and shoes, and this ring... I didn’t even call myself a son anymore, I only asked to accept me into mercenaries ... Your condemnation of me is just, and there is no excuse for me. But listen to me, and perhaps you will understand the mercy of our father...
What are these new clothes covering now?
Here, look, the traces of these terrible (mental) wounds. You see: there was no healthy place on my body; there were continuous ulcers, spots, festering wounds (Is. 1, 6).
They are now closed and “softened by the oil” of the father’s mercy, but they still hurt excruciatingly when touched and, it seems to me, they will always hurt ...
They will constantly remind me of that fateful day when, with a callous soul, full of conceit and proud self-confidence, I broke with my father, demanding my part of the estate, and went to that terrible country of unbelief and sin ...
How happy you are, brother, that you have no memories of her, that you do not know that stench and corruption, that evil and sin that reign there. You did not experience spiritual hunger and did not know the taste of those horns that in that country have to be stolen from pigs.
Here you have preserved your strength and health. But I no longer have them ... Only the remains of them I brought back to my father's house. And it's breaking my heart right now.
Who did I work for? Who did I serve? But all the forces could be given to serve the father ...
You see this precious ring on my sinful, already weak hand. But what I wouldn’t give for the fact that these hands did not have traces of the dirty work that they did in the land of sin, for the knowledge that they always worked only for their father ...
Ah, brother! You always live in the light and you will never know the bitterness of darkness. You don't know the things that go on there. You have not met closely with those who have to deal with there, you have not touched the dirt that those who live there cannot avoid.
You do not know, brother, the bitterness of regrets: what did the strength of my youth go to? What are the days of my youth dedicated to? Who will return them to me? Oh, if life could be started all over again!
Do not envy, brother, this new garment of the father's mercy, without it the torments of memories and fruitless regrets would be unbearable ...
And do you envy me? After all, you are rich in wealth, which you may not notice, and happy with happiness, which you may not feel. You don't know what irretrievable loss is, the consciousness of wasted wealth and ruined talents. Oh, if it were possible to return all this and bring it back to the father!
But the estate and talents are given out only once in a lifetime, and you can’t get your strength back, and time has gone irrevocably ...
Do not be surprised, brother, at the mercy of the father, his indulgence towards the prodigal son, his desire to cover the miserable rags of the sinful soul with new clothes, his hugs and kisses, reviving the soul devastated by sin.
Now the feast is over. Tomorrow I will start working again and will work in my father's house next to you. You, as the elder and blameless, will rule and guide me. I like the work of a junior. I need her. These dishonored hands deserve no other.
This new clothes, these shoes and this ring will also be removed before the time: in them it will be indecent to do my menial work.
During the day we will work together, then you can relax and have fun with your friends with a calm heart and a clear conscience. And I?..
Where will I go from my memories, from regrets about wasted wealth, ruined youth, lost strength, scattered talents, soiled clothes, about yesterday's insult and rejection of my father, from thoughts about gone to eternity and forever lost opportunities? .. "

28. What does Communion of the Holy Mysteries of the Body and Blood of Christ mean?

If you do not eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink His Blood, you will not have life in you (John 6:53).
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me and I in him (John 6:56).
With these words, the Lord pointed out the absolute necessity for all Christians to participate in the sacrament of the Eucharist. The sacrament itself was instituted by the Lord at the Last Supper.
“... Jesus took bread and, having blessed, broke it and, distributing it to the disciples, said:
Take, eat, this is My Body. And he took the cup and, giving thanks, gave it to them and said: Drink all of you from it, for this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:26-28).
As the Holy Church teaches, a Christian, accepting St. Communion is mysteriously united with Christ, for in every particle of the fragmented Lamb the Whole Christ is contained.
Immeasurable is the significance of the sacrament of the Eucharist, the comprehension of which surpasses our reason.
It ignites the love of Christ in us, elevates the heart to God, gives rise to virtues in it, restrains the attack of the dark force on us, grants strength against temptations, revitalizes the soul and body, heals them, gives them strength, returns virtues - restores that purity of soul in us. which was with the original Adam before the fall.
In his reflections on the Divine Liturgy, ep. Seraphim Zvezdinsky, there is a description of the vision of an ascetic elder, which vividly characterizes the significance for the Christian of Communion of the Holy Mysteries. The ascetic saw “... a sea of ​​fire, the waves of which rose and churned, presenting a terrible sight. On the opposite bank stood a beautiful garden. From there came the singing of birds, the fragrance of flowers spilled.
The ascetic hears a voice: "Cross this sea." But there was no way to go. For a long time he stood thinking about how to cross, and again he hears a voice: “Take the two wings that the Divine Eucharist gave: one wing is the Divine Flesh of Christ, the second wing is His Life-Giving Blood. Without them, no matter how great the feat, it is impossible to reach the Kingdom of Heaven.
As writes about. Valentin Sventsitsky: “The Eucharist is the basis of that real unity that we tea in the universal Resurrection, for both in the transubstantiation of the Gifts and in our Communion is the guarantee of our salvation and Resurrection, not only spiritual, but also bodily.”
Elder Parthenius of Kiev once, in a reverent feeling of fiery love for the Lord, repeated the prayer in himself for a long time: “Lord Jesus, live in me and let me live in You,” and he heard a quiet, sweet voice: Eating My Flesh and drinking My Blood abides in Me and Az in it.
So, if repentance cleanses us from the filthiness of our soul, then the Communion of the Body and Blood of the Lord will infuse us with grace and prevent the return of the evil spirit, expelled by repentance, into our soul.
But it should be firmly remembered that, no matter how necessary the Communion of the Body and Blood of Christ is for us, we should not proceed to it without first cleansing ourselves with confession.
The Apostle Paul writes: “Whoever eats this Bread or drinks the Cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord.
Let a man examine himself, and thus let him eat from this Bread and drink from this Cup.
For whoever eats and drinks unworthily, he eats and drinks condemnation to himself, not considering the Body of the Lord. That is why many of you are weak and sick, and many die” (1 Cor. 11:27-30).

29. How many times a year should one take communion?

The Monk Seraphim of Sarov commanded the Diveyevo sisters:
“It is inadmissible to confess and commune at all fasts and, in addition, the twelfth and major holidays: the more often, the better - without tormenting yourself with the thought that you are unworthy, and you should not miss the opportunity to use the grace bestowed by the communion of the Holy Mysteries of Christ as often as possible.
The grace bestowed by communion is so great that no matter how unworthy and no matter how sinful a person is, but only in a humble consciousness of his great sinfulness will he come to the Lord, who redeems all of us, even if from head to toe covered with ulcers of sins, then he will be cleansed by the grace of Christ, become more and more bright, completely enlightened and saved.
It is very good to receive communion both on the days of your name day and on birthdays, and for spouses on the day of their marriage.

30. What is unction?

No matter how carefully we try to remember and write down our sins, it may happen that a significant part of them will not be said at confession, some will be forgotten, and some are simply not realized and not noticed, due to our spiritual blindness.
In this case, the Church comes to the aid of the penitent with the sacrament of Unction, or, as it is often called, "unction." This sacrament is based on the instructions of the Apostle James, the head of the first Jerusalem Church:
“Is any of you sick, let him call for the elders of the Church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him” (James 5:14-15).
Thus, in the sacrament of the Unction of the Unction, sins are forgiven us that are not said at confession due to ignorance or forgetfulness. And since sickness is a consequence of our sinful state, liberation from sin often leads to healing of the body.
At present, during Great Lent, all Christians zealous for salvation take part in three sacraments at once: Confession, Consecration of the Unction, and Communion of the Holy Mysteries.
For those Christians who, for whatever reason, could not take part in the sacrament of the Unction of the Unction, the Optina elders Barsanuphius and John are given the following advice:
“What creditor can you find rather than God, who knows even that which was not?
So, lay on Him the account of the sins you have forgotten and say to Him:
“Lord, since it is a sin to forget one’s sins, I have sinned in everything to You, the One Who Knows the Heart. Forgive me for everything according to Your loving-kindness, for it is there that the splendor of Your glory is manifested, when You do not repay sinners according to sins, for You are glorified forever. Amen".

31. How often should I go to the temple?

The duties of a Christian include attending the temple on Saturdays and Sundays, and always on holidays.
The establishment and observance of holidays is necessary for our salvation, they teach us the true Christian faith, excite and nourish in us, in our hearts, love, reverence and obedience to God. But they also go to church to perform rites, rituals, in order to simply pray, when time and opportunities allow.

32. What does attending the temple mean for a believer?

Every visit to the temple for a Christian is a holiday, if the person is truly a believer. According to the teachings of the Church, when visiting the temple of God, there is a special blessing and success in all the good undertakings of a Christian. Therefore, it should be done so that at this moment there is peace in the soul and order in clothes. We don't just go to church. Having humbled ourselves, our soul and heart, we come to Christ. Precisely to Christ, who gives us the good in relation to us, which we must earn by our behavior and inner disposition.

33. What divine services are performed daily in the Church?

In the name of the Most Holy Trinity — the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit — the Holy Orthodox Christian Church daily celebrates evening, morning and afternoon services in the churches of God, following the example of the holy Psalmist, who testifies of himself: “In the evening and in the morning and at noon I will beg and cry out, and He (the Lord) will hear my voice” (Ps. 54:17-18). Each of these three services is composed, in turn, of three parts: the evening service - it consists of the Ninth Hour, Vespers and Compline; morning - from the Midnight Office, Matins and the First Hour; daytime - from the Third Hour, the Sixth Hour and the Divine Liturgy. Thus, from the evening, morning and afternoon services of the Church, nine services are formed: the Ninth Hour, Vespers, Compline, Midnight Office, Matins, the First Hour, the Third Hour, the Sixth Hour and the Divine Liturgy, just as, according to the teaching of St. Dionysius the Areopagite, from three ranks of Angels are formed nine faces, day and night glorifying the Lord.

34. What is fasting?

Fasting is not only some changes in the composition of food, that is, the rejection of fast food, but mainly repentance, bodily and spiritual abstinence, purification of the heart through fervent prayer.
Saint Barsanuphius the Great says:
“Bodily fasting means nothing without the spiritual fasting of the inner man, which consists of protecting oneself from passions. This fast is pleasing to God and will reward for you the lack of bodily fasting (if you are weak in body).
The same is said by St. John Chrysostom:
“Whoever restricts fasting to one abstinence from food, he greatly dishonors him. Not only the mouth should fast - no, let the eye, and hearing, and hands, and feet, and our whole body fast.
As writes about. Alexander Elchaninov: “There is a fundamental misunderstanding of fasting in hostels. It is not fasting in itself that is important as not eating this or that or as depriving oneself of something in the form of punishment - fasting is only a proven way to achieve the desired results - through exhaustion of the body to reach the refinement of spiritual mystical abilities darkened by the flesh, and thus facilitate your approach to God.
Fasting is not hunger. A diabetic, a fakir, a yogi, a prisoner, and just a beggar are starving. Nowhere in the services of Great Lent is Lent isolated in our usual sense, that is, as non-eating of meat, etc. Everywhere there is one call: “Let us fast, brethren, bodily; let us fast also spiritually.” Consequently, fasting only then has a religious meaning when it is combined with spiritual exercises. Fasting equals refinement. A normal zoologically prosperous person is inaccessible to the influences of external forces. Fasting shakes this physical well-being of a person, and then he becomes more accessible to the influences of another world, his spiritual filling goes on.
According to ep. Herman, "fasting is pure abstinence in order to restore the lost balance between the body and the spirit, in order to restore to our spirit its supremacy over the body and its passions."

35. What prayers are performed before and after eating food?

Prayers before eating food:
Our Father, Who is ecu in heaven! Hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as in heaven and on earth. Give us our daily bread today; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Virgin Mother of God, rejoice, Blessed Mary, the Lord is with you; Blessed are You in women and blessed is the fruit of Your womb, as the Savior gave birth to the ecu of our souls.

Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. bless.
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Prayers after eating food:
We thank Thee, Christ our God, O sated ecu us of Thy earthly blessings; do not deprive us of Your Heavenly Kingdom, but as if in the midst of Your disciples came ecu, Savior, give them peace, come to us and save us.
It is worthy to eat as truly Blessed Theotokos, Blessed and Immaculate and Mother of our God. The most honest Cherubim and the most glorious without comparison Seraphim, without the corruption of God the Word, who gave birth to the real Mother of God, we magnify You.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.
Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

36. Why is the death of the body needed?

As Metropolitan Anthony Blum writes: “In a world that human sin has made monstrous, death is the only way out.
If our world of sin were fixed as unchanging and eternal, it would be hell. Death is the only thing that allows the earth, along with suffering, to escape from this hell.”
Bishop Arkady Lubyansky says: “Death for many is a means of salvation from spiritual death. So, for example, children who die at an early age do not know sin.
Death reduces the amount of total evil on earth. What would life be like if there were eternally murderers - Cains, betrayers of the Lord - Judas, people-beasts - Nero and others?
Therefore, the death of the body is not “absurd”, as the people of the world say about it, but is necessary and expedient.

See where you will find answers to many questions.

Deacon Alexy (Shchurov), Sanin Evgeny. From the gates to the royal gates (advice to those who go to church).

Urgent questions of the Orthodox Christian. everyone needs to know!

1. How should a person prepare to go to the temple?

To prepare for the morning visit, you need to prepare as follows: getting out of bed, thank the Lord, who gave you the opportunity to spend the night in peace and extended your days for repentance. Wash yourself, stand in front of the icon, light the lampada (from a candle) so that it evokes a prayerful spirit in you, put your thoughts in order, forgive everyone, and only then proceed to reading the prayer rule (morning prayers from the prayer book).
Then subtract one chapter from the Gospel, one from the Apostles, and one kathisma from the Psalter, or one psalm if time is short. At the same time, it must be remembered that it is better to read one prayer with sincere contrition of the heart than the whole rule with the thought of how to finish it all as soon as possible.
Beginners can use an abbreviated prayer book, gradually adding one prayer at a time.
Before leaving, say: “I deny you, Satan, your pride and your service, and unite with You, Christ our God, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen".
Cross yourself and calmly go to the temple, not being afraid of what a person will do to you.
Walking down the street, cross the road in front of you, saying to yourself: "Lord, bless my ways and save me from all evil."
On the way to the temple, read a prayer to yourself: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner”

2. How should a person who decides to go to church dress?

Women should not come to church in trousers, short skirts, with bright makeup on their faces, lipstick on their lips is unacceptable. The head must be covered with a headscarf or scarf.
Men must remove their hats before entering the church.

3. Can I eat before visiting the temple in the morning?

According to the charter it is impossible, it is done on an empty stomach. Retreats are possible due to weakness (as well as young children, pregnant, lactating), with self-reproach.

4. How to deal with beggars who meet you in front of the temple?

Doing good to others, everyone should remember that the Lord will not leave him. Remember that in the eyes of the Savior, we can look much worse than the beggars in front of the church.
Everyone will be asked for his deeds.
Give to anyone who asks you for it.
If you see a drinking person in front of you, then give him not money, but food - an apple, cookies, sweets, bread.
Most importantly, pray for them.

5. How many prostrations should be made before entering the temple and how to behave in the temple?

Before entering the temple, having previously crossed yourself, bow three times, looking at the image of the Savior, and pray

1. For the first bow: "God, be merciful to me, a sinner".
2. To the second bow: "God, cleanse my sins and have mercy on me".
3. To the third: “I have sinned without number, Lord, forgive me”.

Then, having done the same, having entered the doors of the temple, bow on both sides, saying to yourself: "Forgive me brothers and sisters", stand reverently in one place, without pushing anyone, and listen to the words of prayer.
If a person came to the temple for the first time, then he needs to look around, notice what more experienced believers are doing, where their eyes are directed, in what places of worship and in what way they make the sign of the cross and bow.
It is unacceptable to look at icons and clergy during worship. During prayer, one must stand reverently, with a repentant feeling, slightly lowering his shoulders and head, as the guilty stand before the king.
If you do not understand the words of the prayer, then say the Jesus Prayer to yourself with contrition of heart:
"Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner."
Try to make the sign of the cross and prostrations with everyone at the same time. Remember that the Church is the earthly Heaven. Praying to your Creator, do not think of anything earthly, but only sigh and pray for your sins.

6. How long do you have to be on duty?

Service must be upheld from beginning to end. Service is not a duty, but a sacrifice to God.
Will the owner of the house you came to visit be pleased if you leave before the end of the holiday?

7. Is it possible to sit in the service if there is no strength to stand?

To this question St. Philaret of Moscow answered: "It is better to think about God while sitting than about standing feet."
However, while reading the Gospel it is necessary to stand.

8. What is important in bowing and prayer?

Remember that the matter is not in words and bows, but in the raising of the mind and heart to God.
You can say all the prayers and put down all the aforementioned bows, but not remember God at all. And, therefore, without praying, fulfill the prayer rule. Such prayer is a sin before God.

9. How to kiss the icons?

Kissing the holy icon of the Savior - you should kiss your feet,
Mother of God and Saints - hand,
and the miraculous image of the Savior and the head of St. John the Baptist - in sackcloths

10. What does the candle placed in front of the image symbolize?

A candle, like prosphora, is a bloodless sacrifice. Candle fire symbolizes eternity. In ancient times, in the Old Testament Church, a person who came to God sacrificed to Him the inner fat and wool of a slain (killed) animal, which were placed on the altar of burnt offering. Now, when we come to the temple, we sacrifice not an animal, but a candle symbolically replacing it (preferably a wax one).

11. Does it matter what size candle you put in front of the image?

Everything depends not on the size of the candle, but on the sincerity of your heart and your capabilities. Of course, if a wealthy person puts cheap candles, then this indicates his stinginess.
But if a person is poor, and his heart burns with love for God and compassion for his neighbor, then his reverent standing and fervent prayer is more pleasing to God than the most expensive candle, set with a cold heart.

12. Who and how many candles should be placed?

First of all, a candle is placed for the Feast or a revered temple icon, then to the relics of the Saint, if any, in the temple, and only then for health or for peace.
For the dead, candles are placed on the eve at the Crucifixion, mentally saying: “Remember, Lord, your deceased servant (name) and forgive his sins, voluntary and involuntary, and grant him the Kingdom of Heaven”.
About health or in what need, candles are usually placed to the Savior, the Mother of God, the holy great martyr and healer Panteleimon, as well as those Saints to whom the Lord has given special grace to heal illnesses and give help in various needs.
Putting a candle in front of your chosen saint of God, mentally say: “Holy Pleaser of God (name), pray to God for me a sinner (om) (or name, for whom you ask)”.
Then you need to come up and kiss the icon.
It must be remembered: in order for prayers to succeed, it is necessary to pray to the Holy saints of God with faith in the power of their intercession before God with words coming from the heart.
If you put a candle to the image of All Saints, turn your mind to the whole host of saints and all the host of heaven and pray: "All Saints, pray to God for us".
All the saints always pray to God for us. He alone is merciful to everyone, and He is always indulgent to the requests of His saints.

13. What prayers should be done before the images of the Savior, the Mother of God and the Life-Giving Cross?

Before the image of the Savior, pray to yourself: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner (nuyu)" or "I have sinned without number, Lord, have mercy on me".
In front of the icon of the Mother of God, say briefly: “Most Holy Theotokos, save us.”
Before the image of the Life-Giving Cross of Christ, say the following prayer: “We worship Your Cross, Master, and we glorify Your Holy Resurrection.” And after that bow to the Holy Cross.
And if you stand before the image of Christ our Savior or the Mother of God, or the Saints of God with humility and warm faith, then you will receive what you ask.
For where there is an image, there is the Primordial Grace.

14. Why is it customary to put candles for the repose at the Crucifixion?

The cross with the Crucifix stands on the eve, that is, on the table for commemoration of the dead. Christ took upon Himself the sins of the whole world, the original sin - Adam's sin - and through His Death, through the Blood that was shed innocently on the Cross (since Christ had no sin) reconciled the world with God the Father. Beyond that, Christ is the bridge between being and non-being. You can see on the eve, in addition to dying candles, food. This is a very old Christian tradition. In ancient times, there were so-called agapies - meals of love, when Christians who came to worship, after it ended, all together consumed what they brought with them.

15. For what purpose and what products can be put on the eve?

Usually on the eve they put bread, cookies, sugar, everything that does not contradict fasting (because there may be a fast day). You can also donate lamp oil, Cahors, on the eve, which will then go for the communion of believers. All this is brought and left for the same purpose with which a candle is placed on the eve - to commemorate their dead relatives, acquaintances, friends, not yet glorified ascetics of piety. For the same purpose, a note of commemoration is also submitted.

16. What is the most important commemoration for the departed?

The most important thing is the commemoration of the deceased on the proskomedia, for the particles taken out of the prosphora are immersed in the Blood of Christ and cleansed by this great sacrifice.

17. How to submit a note of commemoration at the proskomedia? Is it possible to commemorate the sick at the proskomedia?

Before the start of the service, you need to go to the candle counter, take a piece of paper and write as follows:
About repose:
Demetrius
Petra
Alexandra
Custom for…
(date of)
Thus, the completed note will be submitted for proskomedia.
About health
archpriest Michael
b. margaritas
b. Raisa
Alexandra
Helena with children
Custom for…
(date of)
Thus, a health note is submitted.
A note can be submitted in the evening, indicating the date on which the commemoration is expected. On top of the note, do not forget to draw an eight-pointed cross, and below it is desirable to attribute: and all Orthodox Christians. If you want to commemorate a spiritual person, then his name is put first.

18. What should I do if, while standing at a prayer service or other divine service, I did not hear the name that I filed for commemoration?

The main thing is to submit a note, and as the priest does, so it will be asked of him!

19. How should one behave when incense? (fumigation with a censer)

When censing, you need to bow your head, as if you are receiving the Spirit of Life and say the Jesus Prayer.
At the same time, one should not turn one's back to the altar - this is the mistake of many parishioners. You just need to turn around a little.

20. What moment is considered the end of the morning service?

The end of the liturgy is the exit of the priest with the Cross and is called "release."
During the holidays, believers approach the Cross, kiss its footstool and the priestly hand holding the Cross. Moving away, you need to bow to the priest.
Pray to the Cross: “I believe, Lord, and worship Your Honorable and Life-Giving Cross, as if on Him I made salvation in the midst of the Earth”.

21. What do you need to know about the use of prosphora and holy water?

At the end of the Divine Liturgy, when you come home, prepare a meal of prosphora and holy water on a clean tablecloth.
Before eating a meal, say a prayer: “Lord my God, may Your holy gift and Your holy water be for the remission of my sins, for the enlightenment of my mind, for the strengthening of my spiritual and bodily strength, for the health of my soul and body, for the subjugation of passions and weaknesses mine by Thy boundless mercy, by the prayers of Thy Most Pure Mother and all Thy Saints. Amen".
Prosphora is taken over a plate or a blank sheet of paper so that the holy crumbs do not fall to the floor and are not trampled on, for prosphora is the holy bread of Heaven. And it must be accepted with the fear of God and humility.

22. How are the feasts of the Lord and His saints celebrated?

The feasts of the Lord and His saints are celebrated spiritually, with a pure soul and an undefiled conscience, obligatory attendance at church.
At will, believers order thanksgiving prayers in honor of the holiday, bring flowers to the icon of the Holiday, distribute alms, confess and take communion.

23. How to order a memorial and thanksgiving service?

A prayer service is ordered by submitting a note, drawn up accordingly. The rules for designing a custom prayer service are posted at the candle counter.
In different churches, there are certain days when prayers are performed, including blessings of water.

25. How many times a year should one take communion?

The Monk Seraphim of Sarov commanded the Diveyevo sisters:
“It is inadmissible to confess and commune at all fasts and, in addition, the twelfth and major holidays: the more often, the better - without tormenting yourself with the thought that you are unworthy, and you should not miss the opportunity to use the grace bestowed by the communion of the holy Mysteries of Christ as often as possible”.
It is very good to take communion on the days of your name day and on birthdays, and for spouses on the day of their marriage.

26. What is unction?

No matter how carefully we try to remember and write down our sins, it may happen that a significant part of them will not be said at confession, some will be forgotten, and some are simply not realized and not noticed, due to our spiritual blindness. In this case, the Church comes to the aid of the penitent with the sacrament of unction, or, as it is often called, "unction."
This sacrament is based on the instructions of the Apostle James - the head of the first Jerusalem Church:
“Is any of you sick, let him call for the elders of the Church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins he will be forgiven"(James 5:14-15).
Thus, in the sacrament of the Unction of the Unction, sins are forgiven us that are not said at confession due to ignorance or forgetfulness. And since sickness is a consequence of our sinful state, deliverance from sin often leads to healing of the body.

27. How often should I go to the temple?

The duties of a Christian include attending the temple on Saturdays and Sundays, and always on holidays. The establishment and observance of holidays is necessary for our salvation, they teach us the true Christian faith, excite and nourish in us, in our hearts, love, reverence and obedience to God. But they also go to church to perform rites, rituals, in order to simply pray, when time and opportunities allow.

28. What does attending the temple mean for a believer?

Each visit to the temple for a Christian is a holiday, if the person is truly a believer. According to the teachings of the Church, when visiting the temple of God, there is a special blessing and success in all the good undertakings of a Christian. Therefore, it should be done so that at this moment there is peace in the soul and order in clothes.
We don't just go to church. Having humbled ourselves, our soul and heart, we come to Christ. Precisely to Christ, who gives us the good in relation to us, which we must earn by our behavior and inner disposition.

29. What divine services are celebrated daily in the Church?

In the name of the Most Holy Trinity - the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit - the Holy Orthodox Christian Church daily celebrates evening, morning and afternoon Divine Services in the churches of God, following the example of the holy Psalmist, who testifies of himself: In the evening and in the morning, and at noon I will beg and cry, and He (the Lord) will hear my voice (Ps. 4:17,18). Each of these three services is composed, in turn, of three parts: the evening service - it consists of the ninth hour, Vespers and Compline; morning - from Midnight Office, Matins and the first hour;
daytime - from the third hour, the sixth hour and the Divine Liturgy. Thus, from the evening, morning and afternoon services of the Church, nine services are formed: the ninth hour, vespers, compline, midnight, matins, the first hour, the third hour, the sixth hour and the Divine Liturgy, just as, according to the teaching of St. Dionysius the Areopagite, from three ranks of Angels are formed nine faces, day and night glorifying the Lord.

30. What is fasting?

Fasting is not only some changes in the composition of food, the rejection of some food, but mainly it is repentance, bodily and spiritual abstinence, purification of the heart through fervent prayer.
31. What prayers are performed before and after eating food?

Prayers before eating food:

Our Father, Who is ecu in heaven! Hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as in heaven and on earth. Our daily bread is given to us today; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Virgin Mary, rejoice. Blessed Mary, the Lord is with you; Blessed are you in women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, as the Savior gave birth to the ecu of our souls. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.

Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. bless. Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

Prayer after eating food:

We thank Thee, Christ our God, for you have satisfied us with Thy earthly blessings; do not deprive us of Your Heavenly Kingdom, but as if in the midst of Your disciples came ecu, Savior, give them peace, come to us and save us.
It is worthy to eat as if truly blessed Theotokos, Blessed and Immaculate and Mother of our God. The most honorable Cherubim and the most glorious Seraphim without comparison, who without corruption gave birth to God the Word, who is the Mother of God, we magnify You. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.

Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

32. Why is the death of the body necessary?

As Metropolitan Anthony Blum writes: “In a world that human sin has made monstrous, death is the only way out. If our world of sin were fixed as unchanging and eternal, it would be hell. Death is the only thing that allows the earth, along with suffering, to escape from this hell..
Therefore, the death of the body is not “absurd”, as the people of the world say about it, but is necessary and expedient.

33. Why is a spiritual leader needed?

It is impossible to live sacredly on earth without the closest leaders. You will find them in the Church, where the Holy Spirit supplies them to shepherd the flock of Christ. Beg the Lord to grant you a suitable confessor at the right time, and without your request, he will speak a comforting word to you. The Spirit of God will teach him what is proper to say to you, and you will hear from him what is pleasing to God.
What is a spiritual father for?? In order to march without error with his help and reach the Kingdom of Heaven, and for this it is necessary, mainly, in practice to fulfill the instructions, advice and instructions of the confessor, to spend one's life piously. There were examples of how some people, having the opportunity to often visit the elder, constantly heard his instructions and instructions, lived with him and remained barren, and some, rarely having the opportunity to be with the elder and briefly hear the instructions, succeeded. So, the strength lies not in visiting the spiritual father often, but in fulfilling his instructions and not being fruitless.

34. How often should you contact your confessor?

As often as possible. It is useful to write down your sins daily and then, at least once a week, confess them to your spiritual father. Know that what you reveal to your spiritual father in confession will not be written down by the devil.

Since salvation is in a lot of advice, it is good and beneficial for the soul to ask for advice from the pastors of the Church. However, we must remember: if it happens that a young simpleton speaks about the Divine or in general about the essence of salvation, one must listen and fulfill according to strength, and if anyone, even a priest, has a white beard, but teaches the opposite and disagrees with the Holy Fathers, then there is nothing to listen to him

36. Is it possible for everyone to reveal their sinful thoughts?

Do not reveal your thoughts to everyone, but only to your spiritual father.

37. Is it necessary to read any prayer when you go to the confessor?

When you go to ask your spiritual father about something, read: “Lord, my God! Have mercy on me and inspire the spiritual father to give me an answer according to Your will.

38. How should one behave when one hears the condemnation of the priests?

When priests are blasphemed, one must defend them, not sympathize with those who speak evil, and express one's displeasure and indignation in order to receive a great reward from God. One should not analyze the life and deeds of mentors, but only accept their instructions if they agree with the word of God. When you heed the advice of the fathers, be not a judge of their deeds, but a student and enlightener of their sayings.

39. Do all people need to be loved?

All people, even enemies, must be loved for God's sake, but, of course, mainly spiritual fathers, benefactors, mentors, friends in spirit. And all this with God and for God.

40. How to find a confessor?

With prayers and tears, ask the Lord to send you a righteous leader.

41. How should sorrows be endured?

Sorrows should be endured in secret, like any feat. Then we will not lose our reward in heaven. Only with a spiritual father can we talk about sorrows, asking for his advice and praying to God to patiently endure any temptation.

42. How to overcome shame at confession?

To be ashamed at confession to reveal sins is from pride. Having reproved themselves before God in the presence of a confessor as a witness, people receive peace and forgiveness.
Remember that unrepentant heavy sins after death will bring great and eternal punishment. First of all, you should confess that which most disturbs your conscience. Many talk about the insignificant, but keep silent about the important and, thus, leave unhealed from sinful ulcers and unresolved.

43. How do I know if God has forgiven me the sins confessed in confession?

No one should ever approach repentance and confession unless he has a firm hope that by sincerely confessing and accepting penance, he will be completely forgiven.

44. How to behave in case of mental abuse?

Great happiness when, in the midst of mental warfare, you have a person to whom you can confess. The enemy of the human race hates the path of revelation of thoughts and tries in every possible way to prevent the servant of God, who wants to acquire the mercy of the Lord by frequent confession of his sins. Such an act begins to kill little by little the passions. Conquer false shame on earth, so that you will not be ashamed in heaven.

45. What is penance?

Penance mainly consists in what Christ commanded in the words: “Go and do not sin to that”. But at the same time, it is still necessary to make bows, prayers, almsgiving, fasting during the time indicated by the priest. It is better to receive penance from a priest for a serious sin than to expect God's punishment. Penance cannot be ignored. The bishop himself cannot resolve it.

46. ​​What sin is called mortal?

A mortal sin is such a sin, because of which, if you do not repent of it before death, then you go to hell; but if you repent of this sin, it will immediately forgive you. It is called mortal because the soul dies from it and can come to life only from repentance.

47. What should I do if my conscience does not calm down after confession?

If after confession the conscience does not calm down, then it is good to undergo some kind of penance, according to the definition of the confessor.

48. Why is repentance so important?

Repentance, according to the teaching of the Holy Fathers, opens the eyes, opens the sight to sins. Having repented of some, a person begins to see others, thirds, etc., begins to consider as a sin that which he did not consider as such before, recalls unrepentant sins, long past, long forgotten, and the sins themselves begin to seem harder and harder. Because of this, the saints wept over their sins, already being holy miracle workers.

49. What does it mean to be guilty of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?

Whoever sins in the hope of repentance is guilty of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Deliberately sinning with an unreasonable hope for the grace of God and thinking: “It’s okay, I will repent” is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. It is one thing to sin fearlessly, consciously, and not repent, but another thing is when a person does not want to sin, cries, repents, asks for forgiveness, but sins because of human weakness. It is human nature to sin, to fall, and one should not lose heart and become excessively sad if one has to sin, but it is natural for demons to lead a person away from repentance, so it is necessary to repent.

50. What should one do during rest hours?

Indulge in spiritual affairs during your hours of rest: prayer, reading divine books, holy meditations.

51. What is the beginning of salvation?

The beginning of salvation is the condemnation of oneself in perfect unrighteous deeds.

52. What strengthens the soul?

The Word of God strengthens the soul, and it protects from sins.

53. What distracts thought from God?

Talking about worldly topics with worldly people diverts thought from God.

54. From what does a Christian receive sanctification?

From reading the Holy Scriptures, spiritual literature and spiritual hymns you receive sanctification, and the words of hymns purify the soul (St. John Chrysostom).

55. What else should one think about?

Reflect more often on the Kingdom of Heaven

56. What is the highest virtue?

The highest virtue is to be able to forgive.

57. Who is a true Christian?

Who forces himself to pray for his enemies.

58. About what and whom should one ask?

Question the spiritually experienced about everything divine and saving.

59. Why are misfortunes allowed?

God heals His friends with misfortunes in order to cleanse them from sins.

60. What should be the main thing in prayer?

Thanksgiving must be contained in each of our prayers (St. John Chrysostom).

61. Which is higher, almsgiving or thanksgiving in affliction?

Giving thanks in sorrows and troubles is a greater merit than giving alms (St. John Chrysostom).

62. What especially propitiates the Lord?

Nothing appeases the Lord so much as the confession of sins.
Nothing appeases the Lord like love for enemies

63. Is it necessary to remember the sins spoken earlier in confession?

Sins forgiven in confession do not need to be remembered, but in your prayer.

64. Which is higher - righteousness or the bearing of offenses?

To endure insults without malice is a higher virtue than to be righteous.

65. What should be read after the morning prayer?

After the morning prayer, read the Holy Gospel.

66. What should thought be occupied with?

May your thoughts be occupied with God, eternity and good deeds.

67. For what should time be set aside every day?

Set aside time each day to meditate on your sins and ordeals.

68. As soon as you wake up in the morning, what prayer to read?

As soon as you wake up, you should cross yourself and say: “In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and vouchsafe me, Lord, to remain without sin on this day”

69. To what should one force oneself?

You must force yourself, even though you don't feel like it, to prayer and everything good.

70. Where is the beginning of sin?

Watch your thoughts - this is the beginning of sin.

71. What is the most important thing for a believer?

The believer has the main object of his desires - to glorify the name of God here on earth, to benefit others and be worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven.

72. What are the greatest gifts of God given by God to believers?

The greatest gifts of all the gifts of God are the communion of the Holy Mysteries, confession and Holy Scripture, explained by the Holy Fathers.

73. Is it necessary to dwell on important thoughts in prayer?

Do not engage in thoughts that come during prayer, no matter how important and necessary they may seem.

74. How to get rid of bad habits?

Only sincere and pure confession can free you from sinful habits.

75. When the Lord does not forgive us sins.

When we ourselves do not forgive others.

76. What should you do before going to bed?

Every day before going to bed, one must check about all the violations of the commandments of God that were committed during the day.

77. What prayers are holy?

Those prayers are holy that come from a reverent, contrite, and humble heart.

78. How to gain peace of mind?

Reproach yourself for every sin, every bad thought, and immediately repent and gain peace of mind.

79. How to seek benefit for yourself?

You must look for your own benefit in the benefit of others.

80. What kind of people should we move away from?

Let us depart from those who hinder and harm our salvation.

81. How to help the deceased?

Pray for his soul. Work hard for the church or in the monastery for the sake of the deceased.

82. What is the reverence for icons?

Reverence for domestic icons is expressed: in keeping them clean, in lighting lamps in front of them, in kissing them only in bodily purity.

83. What power does the image of the sign of the cross have?

When with faith you depict a cross on yourself, then none of the unclean spirits will be able to approach you.

84. What should one resort to first during an illness?

In case of illness, first of all, resort to spiritual healing: the sacrament of confession, communion, unction, and holy things. But don't forget to see your doctor too.

85. Are there any signs by which we can know whether we are on the path of salvation?

The signs by which we can know if we are on the path of salvation are as follows:

• Love for the word of God
• Love for prayer and the sacraments, like confession and communion,
• Acceptance of sorrows, as from the hand of God,
• Inner disgust from all grave sins.

86. How should one maintain spiritual joy in oneself?

Spiritual joy must be maintained in oneself by the following means:

1. Reading the word of God
2. Visiting the Temple of God
3. Mercy bodily and spiritual,
4. Moderate eating and drinking
5. prayer
6. Presentation of the blessings of eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven.

87. What is meekness?

Meekness is expressed in the patience of insults, condemnations and troubles from others.

88. What to do when despair from many sins attacks?

The sin of despair is one of the gravest mortal sins of a Christian. Should never despair. St. John Chrysostom says:
"The ocean has limits, but God's mercy is infinite."

89. How should one pray to God?

We must pray to God in such a way that there is nothing between the soul of the one praying and God, no thoughts, nothing but God.

90. Is it possible to shorten the prayer rule as needed?

Can. And when this need has passed, again return to your rule.

91. How can a demon be defeated?

A demon can be defeated by kindness, humility and long-suffering. Fasting, prayer, love and faith in God

92. What should a person who asks God know?

The praying God must observe two rules: the first is to ask hard, the second is to ask for what is due.

93. What is better for us to ask God for our own needs or others?

God wants us in our needs to ask Him more than others intercede for us.

94. If the heart sympathizes with an evil thought, what should be done?

It is necessary to drive away the bad thought with the Jesus prayer “Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me a sinner” and confession.

95. What is better, a large rule of prayer, but not always fully fulfilled, or a small one, but always fulfilled?

Let the prayer rule be small, but performed constantly and carefully.

96. Is it a sin to believe signs: for example, an unlucky day, someone met, the hand itched, the cat ran across, the spoon fell, etc.?

You should not believe in omens. There are no clues. Whoever believes in prejudice is hard at heart, and whoever does not believe is happy. Faith and superstition are incompatible things.

97. Can the sign of the cross be replaced if necessary?

The Jesus Prayer will replace the sign of the cross, if for some reason it cannot be placed.

98. How should a holiday be dedicated to God?

A festive day should be spent like this: to be in the temple, pray at home, read divine books, conduct pious conversations, engage in Divine thought and do good deeds.

99. Can I work on Holidays?

It is possible only after visiting the Temple, as well as for the benefit of the sick, poor widows and orphans. And you can't work like that unless absolutely necessary. The day is holy and things are sleeping.

100. What does it mean when loved ones appear in a dream?

If close people appear to us in a dream, then this is a sign that we need to pray for them.

101. When should one pray in one's own words?

Prayer in your own words is allowed outside the church. It is not advised to pray in your own words during the service. You have to pay attention to what you read.

The Jesus Prayer during church services can be said during breaks and when you can’t hear what they are reading or singing ...

103. How should one treat one's neighbors?

How you would like to be treated. One must treat one's neighbor kindly, without even doing any kind of insult.

104. When do we push God's help away from us?

When we grumble. Let us never grumble, for by grumbling and despair we repel divine help from ourselves.

105. Who benefits for the soul from their sorrows and sufferings?

One who suffers complacently and thanks God.

106. How to look at those who offend me?

Pray for the offenders: they are your friends, through them the Lord will give crowns, and if you grumble, you will lose your crowns.

107. How to humble yourself?

108. Does everyone have to endure sorrows?

Every person must endure temptations and tribulations. They are sent either to stop evil, or to admonish, or to cleanse for former sins, or for greater glory in the future life.

109. Is it enough just to endure an insult?

No, we must also take care not to become angry with the offender.

110. What should one especially ask the Lord God in prayers for?

Pray, firstly, to be cleansed of passions, secondly, to be delivered from ignorance and forgetfulness, and thirdly, to be delivered from every temptation and abandonment.

111. What does God require of us?

He requires that we always remember Him.

112. Who should be loved more: God or your relatives?

Love God, and be no more attached to your own than to Him.

113. How to know the will of God in life?

All those who want to know the will of the Lord should, having prayed to God, ask experienced spiritual fathers or brethren and take their advice as from the mouth of God.

114. What is the virtue of withdrawing from the world?

The virtue of withdrawing from the world is not to occupy your mind with the world, but to fill it only with God.

115. How to acquire the fear of God?

A person acquires the fear of God if he has the memory of death and eternal torment; if every evening he will test himself as he spent the day, and if he will be in close fellowship with a man who fears God.

116. Under what condition will a person improve?

Those who want to be saved should not pay attention to the shortcomings of others, but always look at their own, then they will improve.

117. What gives rise to humility?

Work for God, self-restraint in everything and silence gives rise to humility. Humility asks for the forgiveness of all sins.

In every spiritual need, repeat the prayer: "God, seek my help, Lord, seek my help." And it will be for you deliverance from all evil and the protection of all that is good in you.

119 What special virtues are dear to the Lord?

Of all the virtues, nothing else is more pleasing to the Lord than meekness, humility, and love of neighbor.

120. Is it possible to pray at any time and in any place?

At any time and in any place you can pray: raise your mind to God.

121. How to achieve good prayer?

In order to achieve good prayer, one must first drive away all thoughts that are alien to God, and even attempts to represent spiritual things.

122. How to overcome anger in yourself?

A great victory over the spirit of anger is gained by the one who prays for the offender.

123. How to deal with sadness and depression?

To do this, one must resort to prayer, confession, communion, to the word of God, to visit the temple of God and spiritual conversations.

124. What is the best remedy for discouragement?

This is the opening of the heart to an experienced mentor.

125. What is the most necessary and useful knowledge?

To know oneself (one's weaknesses, shortcomings, habits) is the most difficult and most useful knowledge.

126. What is the best way to pray - standing or kneeling?

Sinners, when they pray on their knees, urge God to mercy more than when they pray standing up.

127. Can a good deed be achieved by bad means?
A good deed cannot be achieved and achieved by bad means.

128. Is it possible to have a passion for a person, to desire to see him?

Desire not the vision or presence of a loved one, and delight not in the thought of him.

129. How should fasting days be spent?

During fasting, one should deviate from worldly fuss; think about your sins and mourn, weep for them before God. The days of fasting should be devoted entirely to works of mercy; visit the sick and the afflicted, and learn the word of God.

130. How to decide to follow Christ?

Tell yourself "Alas, soon death". One, another dies near you; behold, your hour will strike. Turn to God and place yourself, defiled and burdened with many sins, before the face of Him, the All-Knowing, the Omnipresent. Will you still offend the eye of God with your vile appearance of sin? Ascend mentally to Golgotha ​​and understand what your sins are worth. Will you still bruise the head of the Lord with the thorns of your sins? Will you still nail Him to the cross, pierce His side, and mock His longsuffering? Or do you not know that when you sin, you participate in the torment of the Savior and for that you will share the fate of the tormentors? After all, one of two things: either perish forever if you remain like this, or repent and turn to the Lord. Look! Everyone has already gone to the Lord ... and he turned, and another, and a third ... Why are you standing and procrastinating?

131. What prayers should be uttered to the Lord in order to help one to embark on the path of salvation?

Do not think, do not compose prayers. Come in simplicity with your one need, as a sick person to a doctor, as a bound to a liberator, with a sincere confession of your weakness and impotence to overcome yourself and with surrender to God's omnipotence. Fall on your face, bow down - many, many. And do not depart from prayer while the prayer is moving. Prayer grows cold, take up meditation again, and from this again go to prayer. And for prayer, pick up short appeals to God:
“Have mercy on Your creation, Lord!”
“God, be merciful to a sinner!”
“Oh, Lord, save me! Oh Lord, hurry up!"
Remember church songs: "Behold the Bridegroom is coming..." - "My soul, my soul, rise, that you sleep..." and the like. Thus laboring thyself, strike unceasingly at the doors of God's mercy.

132. How should one believe?

You have to believe in simplicity of heart. God Himself commanded to believe so. For what God has said is, of course, the most perfect truth, against which even objections are inappropriate. In the fullest sense, true faith is that when one believes only because God has commanded it, and when, in order to believe, he does not seek anything else, how to find out how God commanded, and as soon as he knows that God commanded so, and so believe, and rests on that complete calm, not allowing any hesitation.
This is a children's faith, unquestioningly believing in God the Father! The Lord demanded it when He said: "Unless you are like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven"(Matthew 18:3). From this you can conclude for yourselves that whoever otherwise believes in any way cannot but doubt whether he will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Such a childish faith is not blind, but seeing, and seeing with pure eyes, not powdered with anything. She only does not embark on mental research, and as soon as she finds out that God said so, she calms down. This is her most faithful, most solid and most reasonable basis for all beliefs. Blind faith is that which does not know what to believe in, or if it knows, then it is not complete, somehow; neither does he know why he should believe, and he does not care to know either one or the other. Such is for the most part the faith of our simple people.

133. How to relate to the disease?

God sent sickness. Give thanks to the Lord, for everything that comes from the Lord is for good. If you feel and see that you yourself are to blame, then start with repentance and pity before God that you did not save the gift of health. given to you by them. And then, nevertheless, reduce it to the fact that the disease is from the Lord, for every combination of circumstances is from the Lord, and nothing happens by chance. And after this, again thank the Lord. Illness humbles, softens the soul and relieves its usual heaviness from many worries. But in all cases, do not forget to consult a doctor.

134. Is it possible to pray for recovery during illness?

Praying for recovery is not a sin. But we must add: "If you will, Lord!". Complete obedience to the Lord, with submissive acceptance of what is sent as a blessing from the Good Lord, and gives peace to the soul ... and propitiates the Lord ... And He will either heal or fill with consolation, despite the deplorable situation.
But there are such illnesses, the healing of which the Lord imposes a ban, when he sees that illness is more necessary for salvation than health.
Of course, in case of any disease, any treatment must be carried out only under the supervision of a doctor, through whom the Lord will fulfill His Will.

135. Can God forgive such sins as theft, deceit, fornication?

These sins are great, very great. But there is no sin that overcomes the mercy of God. Forgiveness of sins is given not according to our merits, but by the grace of a philanthropic God, who is always ready to forgive, as soon as someone turns to Him with repentance. And it is not the greatness and multitude of sins that makes unworthy of forgiveness, but one impenitence. As soon as you have broken down and repented, forgiveness is already awarded to you in Heaven, and at the moment of confession, this Heavenly decision is announced to you. The handwriting of all the sins of all people, the Lord Savior, carried on His Body to the Cross and there tore it to pieces. The application to each of these actions of mercy is performed in the Sacrament of Penance, and it happens really. He who has received permission from his spiritual father stands without guilt before the face of God's truth.

136. How can you strengthen your faith and hope in the Lord?

Hope and faith cannot be strong without works and labors in the cause of salvation. Kindly apply these active labors, and faith with hope will immediately begin to come to life. What are the deeds and works?
To have disgust for all sins - not only deeds, but also thoughts and sympathy for them.
Define yourself for things that are opposite to them.
You have to find and install it for yourself.
The main thing is to avoid the flesh of the land ... It must be severely punished - to kill.
Prayer order to establish home and church ...
To streamline external relations and avoid cases that can excite the movements of passions.
I guess you have strong pride and rebelliousness. Seek humility and obedience...
Keep the memory of God and the memory of death, do not let go of the thought that God sees you, you are standing under His eye, and beware of everything that is objectionable to Him.
Remember that what is needed for salvation, no one can do for you for you. You must do that yourself. Help from the Lord is always ready, but it does not come to the one who does nothing, but only to the one who does, works, but cannot bring the matter to the end.

137. Is it saving when others pray for you?

It is saving only if you yourself pray and work for your salvation. You need to know that someone else's prayer can only help your own, and not replace it. This is our common lot - to pray ourselves and ask others for prayer. And the Savior promised that prayers together are always heard.

138 When can I read the rule of Seraphim of Sarov?

The rule of St. Seraphim of Sarov for the laity

This rule is intended for lay people who, for various reasons, do not have the opportunity to perform the prescribed prayers.
Saint Seraphim of Sarov considered prayer to be as necessary for life as air. He asked and demanded from his spiritual children that they pray unceasingly, and commanded them to pray the rule, now known as the Rule of St. Seraphim.
Waking up from sleep and standing in a chosen place, everyone should read that saving prayer that the Lord Himself conveyed to people, that is, Our Father (thrice), then Virgin Mary, rejoice (thrice), and, finally, the Creed once. Having completed this morning rule, let every Christian go about his business and, doing it at home or while on the road, should read quietly to himself: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner. If there are people around, then, doing business, say only with your mind: Lord, have mercy, and continue like this until dinner. Before dinner, do the same morning rule.
After dinner, doing their job, everyone should read quietly: Most Holy Theotokos, save me a sinner - what to continue until nightfall.
When it happens to spend time in solitude, you need to read: Lord Jesus Christ, Mother of God, have mercy on me a sinner. And going to bed at night, every Christian should repeat the morning rule and after it, with the sign of the cross, let him fall asleep
At the same time, the holy elder said, pointing to the experience of the holy fathers, that if a Christian clings to this small rule, as a saving anchor amid the waves of worldly fuss, fulfilling it with humility, then he can reach a high spiritual measure, for these prayers are the foundation of a Christian: first - as the word of the Lord Himself and set by Him as a model of all prayers, the second was brought from heaven by the Archangel in greeting to the Blessed Virgin, Mother of the Lord. And the Creed contains all the dogmas of the Orthodox faith.
He who has time, let him read. Gospel, Apostle, Lives of the Saints, other prayers, akathists, canons. If it is impossible for anyone to fulfill this rule, then the wise old man advised to fulfill this rule both lying down, and on the way, and in deeds, remembering the words of Scripture: Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Acts 2, 21; Rom. 10 ,13)

139 What is the Lives of the Saints?

The “Lives of the Saints” is nothing else than the life of the Lord Christ, renewed in every saint to a greater or lesser extent, in one form or another. Or more precisely: this is the life of the Lord Christ, continued through the saints, the life of the incarnate God Logos, the God-man Jesus Christ, who became a man in order to give and transmit His divine life to us as a person, in order to sanctify us as God with His life, and make immortal and eternal our human life on earth. For both he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified, all are from the One (Heb 2:11). The lives of the saints are in reality the life of the God-man Christ, which overflows into His followers and is experienced by them in His Church. His life continues through all ages; every Christian is a co-corporeal of Christ (cf. Eph. 3:6), and a Christian is that he lives the divine-human life of this body as its organic cell. Living by Christ, the saints do the works of Christ, for by Him they become not only powerful, but also omnipotent: I can do everything in Jesus Christ who strengthens (Phil. 4, 13). Lives - Nothing but a kind of continuation of the Acts of the Apostles. They have the same gospel, the same life, the same truth, the same love, the same faith, the same eternity, the same power from above, the same God and Lord. For Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Heb. 13:8):

The same for all people of all times, distributing the same gifts and the same divine powers to all who believe in Him. This continuation of all the life-giving divine forces in the Church of Christ through the ages and ages and from generation to generation constitutes the living Sacred Tradition. This Sacred Tradition continues uninterruptedly as a grace-filled life in all Christians, in whom through the holy sacraments and holy virtues the Lord Christ lives by His grace, who is wholly in His Church, and she is His fullness: the fullness of Him who fills all in all (Eph. 1:23) .

Therefore, the "Lives of the Saints" is both proof and evidence that our origin is from heaven; that we are not of this world, but of another; that man is a real man only by God; that on earth they live by heaven; that our residence is in heaven (Philippians 3:20); that our task is to infuriate ourselves by feeding on heavenly bread, Who came down to earth (cf. John 6:33:35:51), and came down in order to feed us with eternal Divine truth, eternal Divine goodness, eternal Divine truth, eternal Divine love, eternal Divine life through Holy Communion, through living in the one true God and the Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Jn 6:50:51:53-57).

140 What is the "Acts of the Holy Apostles"?

These are the deeds of Christ, which the holy apostles did by the power of Christ, or, moreover, they did by Christ, who in them and works through them. And what is the life of the holy apostles? The experience of the life of Christ, which in the Church is transferred to all the faithful followers of Christ and continues through them with the help of the holy sacraments and holy virtues.

Thank God for everything!

From the Practical Guide for the Orthodox Christian

1. Waking up in bed, first of all remember God and put the sign of the cross on yourself.
2. Do not start the day without a prayer rule.
3. Throughout the day, everywhere and in every deed - pray with short prayers.
4. Prayer is the wings of the soul, it makes the soul the throne of God, all the strength of a spiritual person is in his prayer.
5. In order for God to hear a prayer, one must pray not with the tip of the tongue, but with the heart.
6. None of those around you will be left in the morning without your sincere greetings.
7. Do not stop praying when the enemy makes you feel insensible. The one who forces himself to prayer when his soul is dry is higher than the one who prays with tears.
8. You need to know the New Testament with your mind and HEART, learn from it constantly; do not interpret the incomprehensible yourself, but ask St. fathers.
9. Take holy water with thirst for the consecration of the soul and body - do not forget to drink it.
10. Greeting of gratitude to the Queen of Heaven - “Virgin Mary, rejoice ...” say more often, although every hour.
11. In your free time, read the writings of the fathers and teachers of spiritual life.
12. In temptations and misfortunes, recite the Psalter and read the prayer canon to the Most Holy Theotokos "We contain many misfortunes ...". She is our only Intercessor.
13. When demons shoot their arrows at you, when sin draws near to you, then sing the hymns of Holy Week and Holy Pascha, read the canon with an akathist to the Sweetest Jesus Christ, and the Lord will release the bonds of darkness that have bound you.
14. If you cannot sing and read, then in the moment of battle remember the name of Jesus: "Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner." Stand at the cross and heal with your weeping.
15. In fasting times, fast, but know that God is pleased with fasting not only of the body, that is, abstinence of the womb, but abstinence of the eyes, ears, tongue, and also abstinence of the heart from serving the passions.
16. A person embarking on spiritual life must remember that he is sick, his mind is in error, his will is more inclined towards evil than good, and his heart is impure from the passions seething in it, therefore, from the beginning of spiritual life, everything must be aimed at acquiring mental health.
17. Spiritual life is a constant unceasing struggle with the enemies of the salvation of the soul; never sleep in your soul, your spirit must always be alert, be sure to always call on your Savior in this battle.
18. Be afraid to unite with the sinful thought approaching you. He who agreed with such thoughts has already committed the sin that he thought about.
19. Remember: to die, you need to be negligent.
20. Constantly ask: "Your fear, Lord, plant in my heart." Oh, how blessed is he who has a constant trembling before God!
21. Give your whole heart to God without a trace - and you will feel heaven on earth.
22. Your faith should be strengthened by frequent repentance and prayer, as well as by association with people of deep faith.
23. Get yourself a memorial, write down there, if possible, all living and dead acquaintances, all those who hate and offend you, and remember them daily.
24. Seek unceasingly works of mercy and compassionate love. Without these works it is impossible to please God. Be the sun for everyone, mercy is above all sacrifices.
25. Don’t go anywhere unless you need an emergency (do not spend time in idleness).
26. Say as little as possible, do not laugh, do not inquire with idle curiosity.
27. Never be idle, but honor church holidays and Sundays according to the commandment of God.
28. Love holy solitude (in full measure for monasticism, partly for the laity).
29. Endure all insults in silence, then by reproaching yourself, then by prayer for those who offend.
30. The most important thing for us is to learn patience and humility. With humility we will defeat all enemies - demons, and with patience - the passions that fight against our soul and body.
31. In prayer, do not show to anyone, but only to God, your tears of compunction and zeal for salvation.
32. Honor an Orthodox priest as an evangelizing angel sent to rejoice you and bring you deliverance.
33. Treat people with the same care as with the messengers of the great kingdom, and with the same care as with fire.
34. Forgive everyone and sympathize with everyone in their suffering.
35. Do not rush about only with yourself, like a chicken with an egg, forgetting your neighbors.
36. Whoever seeks rest here cannot have the Spirit of God in him.
37. Anguish and embarrassment attack from lack of prayer.
38. Always and everywhere call on your Guardian Angel to help you.
39. Keep always the weeping of your heart about your sins, and when you confess them, you partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ, then quietly rejoice in your liberation.
40. You should know only your own indecencies and shortcomings, CAREFULLY beware of other people's sins and think and reason, do not ruin yourself by condemning others.
41. Do not be self-willed, seek spiritual advice and guidance.
42. Every evening, confess to God all your sinful deeds, thoughts, words that happened during the day.
43. Before going to sleep, in your heart, make peace with everyone.
44. You shouldn't be telling dreams to other people.
45. Fall asleep with the sign of the cross.
46. Night prayer is more expensive than daytime.
47. Do not lose touch with your spiritual father, be afraid to offend him, offend him, do not hide anything from him.
48. Always thank God for everything.
49. Human nature must always be divided into one's own self and into the enemy who is attached to you because of your sins - and watch yourself carefully, check your thoughts and actions, avoid what your inner enemy wants, and not your soul.
50. Inner sorrow for one's sins is more salutary than all bodily exploits.
51. There are no better words in our language than "Lord, save me."
52. Love all the statutes of the Church and bring them closer to your life.
53. Learn to vigilantly and constantly (always) watch yourself, especially your feelings: through them the enemy enters the soul.
54. When you recognize your weaknesses and impotence to do good, then remember that you do not save yourself, but your Savior the Lord Jesus Christ saves you.
55. Your faith must be your impregnable fortress. The fierce enemy does not sleep - guards your every step.
56. We are brought closer to God by the life cross: sorrow, tightness, illness, labors; do not grumble against them and do not be afraid of them.
57. No one enters heaven by living well.
58. As often as possible, partake of the Holy Life-Giving Mysteries of Christ with tenderness of heart, you live only by them.
59. Never forget that He, the Lord Jesus Christ, is near at the door, do not forget that Judgment and retribution are coming soon at what hour for whom.
60. Remember also what the Lord has prepared for those who love Him and His commandments for those who do.
61. Read this alphabet, Christian, at least once a week, it will help you in fulfilling what you have written, and will strengthen you on the SPIRITUAL PATH.

(Priest MIKHAIL Shpolyansky)

Watch the video about the rules of conduct in an Orthodox church

Life According to Christ - Christian Day

According to the nature of the present life, the end of the day is usually spent in absent-mindedness, so harmful to the soul. Most townspeople now positively cannot sit at home in the evenings: some kind of force draws them to familiar houses, to evening meetings or to theaters. And, positively, you are surprised, considering in your mind the number of theaters, large and small, and cinemas - how is there enough public for all of them?

Meanwhile, the evening is a time that can be used for spiritual life. All daily affairs are over, cares are postponed for tomorrow, and in the evening calm God is somehow felt closer.

This is the time when you can open the Holy Scriptures, spiritual books, and when, while reading such pages, bright images of holy people will surround you, calling you there, on high, into the radiance of the mountain light.

Happy is he who, having set his soul high with such reading, longs for prayers and, standing before the icons, first reads the prescribed evening prayers, then, having fulfilled this rule of his, begins to pray in his own words: and he will tell God about everything that fills him, that he is agitated and seething, will tell Him all his desires, giving himself to God's full disposal. He will remember all those who are dear to him, and pray that God will keep them and prolong their attachment to him. As an affectionate child of his mother talks about everything, so he will tell God everything he would like - large and small. He will also remember those who have departed from the earth and whom he, unchanged amid the general worldly variability, has not forgotten ... And then he will go to sleep, signing his pillow with the sign of the cross, crossing all four walls and asking himself in the psalm "Alive in the help of the Most High" God's night of protection.

And the Guardian Angel will stand at the head of such a person with a quiet smile of love, rejoicing that here God's property is resting from the daily struggle in the creation of God's will ...

We have not sufficiently analyzed the question of the influence of spirituality on the forces and life of a person, and this influence is undoubted. The kingdom of grace in which a person moves gives him a special life, while a person who lives outside of grace undoubtedly reduces his life and his strength.

How, if not by the beneficial effect of grace even on the physical side of a person, to explain the fact that the righteous in the most terrible living conditions, in caves without the sun, in dry eating, lived to a hundred or more years? And people who constantly take care of their health and do everything to prolong life rarely exceed six or seven dozen?

If the bodies of people who have lived righteously exude, after their death, some gracious invisible currents that revive people who come to them for help, then what can be said about the very life of people led by grace?

All this life is permeated with currents of such grace, which works miracles in a person. Here is the elder Ambrose of Optinsky, approaching the age of eighty, who, after a day of work and a night spent almost without sleep, in the morning, half-dead, rises to his daily feat, during which he will listen to the most terrible confessions, see many mournful, weeping people, weak in body and spirit, instruct a hundred monastics. Here it is, in which there is a slight glimmer of life, which exists in an incomprehensible way; here he is, frail, dying every day, pouring the miraculous power of life into the souls of people.

Here he is, John of Kronstadt, in the daily sermon, in the ministry, on the road. Late, well after midnight, returning to Kronstadt, when the lights in the whole city had long been extinguished, he quickly runs pen over paper, sketching line after line of his diary. And after a short sleep, while the stars are still burning in the sky, intending to burn out for a few more hours, he will go out of the house and, unseen by anyone, raising his eyes to this mysterious sky and to these God-glorifying stars, he will begin to pray a silent prayer. And there is the matins, during which he reads from the service books and sings on the kliros a mass with many communicants, a tour of the sick and dead in Kronstadt and a long ride from house to house in St. Petersburg with requests for healing, with a confession of serious sins and infirmities ... they almost tear him to pieces, seize upon him, torment his heart, but, all imbued with currents of grace, having sated in the morning with the miraculous brush of the Body and Blood of Christ, he is young in his old age, light, mobile, full of strength for this human hard labor life that he gave him God. In exactly the same way, those Angels who stand - bend over the headboards of people who called them before going to bed to keep them invisibly pour strength into people ...
* * *

Here comes the day. In spring, summer and at the time of the first autumn, a person awakens in the rays of the sun and joyfully gets up to do his work; in winter, the sun has not yet risen, when a person should rise, using some effort on himself ... What to do - nothing in life is given for nothing.

One righteous teacher of our time, Bishop Theophan the Recluse, advises you to always go against yourself: if you want to lean on your elbows, it’s better to sit up straight.

Just as the first thought of a loving person upon awakening will be the thought of a beloved being, so let our first thought upon awakening be the thought of God... And let the sign of the cross be the first movement of the hand. And this sign, under which we must fight faithfully and stubbornly, will serve for us as the call that the sound of a military trumpet is for a soldier.

Russians, by their nature, cops, interfere with one thing with another: instead of quickly dressing, some people indulge in different thoughts at the wrong time while dressing ... They start pulling on a stocking, do not finish this business, think and think for five to ten minutes. Everything in life must be done quickly, decisively, clearly.

Those who do not care about their appearance are wrong. The Lord dressed the whole world with beauty, giving her a crown in man... The tree, submissive to God's will, stands and flaunts in its inviolable decoration. Why, then, should a person violate with impurity, lack of care for himself, God-created and God-like beauty? When the whole person is washed, then the soul is somehow cleaner.

And the man is dressed...

Prayer should not be approached in a disorderly manner. In monasteries they dress for prayer. A person must be picked up morally and physically, and not stand before God in a disheveled form.

“Raise us up, O Lord, to praise and to the doing of Thy commandments…”

In order to put yourself in a prayerful mood, it is good to read some spiritual book before reading, but reading the Gospel is a must for a person.

In addition to the fact that the Gospel teaches us everything necessary for the soul, it also contains a miraculous power: by delighting the soul, the Gospel calms us, brings the soul into a state of grace-filled silence and drives away the tempting enemy from us.

According to the disposition of the present life, city dwellers spend part of the morning reading newspapers describing everything that is happening in the world, describing all sorts of incidents and crimes that have occurred in recent days ... reading is unnecessary, even harmful, because it dispels the soul, introduces it into range of vital interests, worldly vulgarity. Whereas spiritual reading, a description of the life of the saints, which we will think about in the morning, has an uplifting effect, setting our thoughts in a high mood for the whole day. Worldly temptations will have less influence over us when bright images renewed by reading in the morning will stand before our eyes, those who were glorified in earthly humiliation: in humility they acquired high, in poverty rich.

Happy is the one who has developed the habit of going to bed earlier and going to bed earlier for this - daily, or at least several times, at least once a week on weekdays, to attend the Divine Liturgy: he is happy at the hour of solitude in the church immersed in semi-darkness where it is easier for the soul to go into prayer, where God is felt closer.

And there the earthly work will begin.

Whatever we do, let us recognize ourselves as God's workers and do our work as if God had given us a lesson for today and will ask us for an account tonight. Children at the beginning of their studies read the so-called prayer before teaching.

There is a little-known prayer before the beginning of any work

“Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of Your Father without beginning, You said with Your pure lips, as without Me you can do nothing; My Lord, Lord, by faith the volume is in my soul and the heart spoken by You, I fall down to Your goodness; help me to accomplish this work, which I am starting, about You Yourself, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen".

The mood of a Christian should always be even, the relationship with people - affectionate and kind. In addition to people who depend on us, whom we can constantly offend with our arrogance, rudeness, harshness, how many cases are there to be kind to strangers, completely unfamiliar to us, to be pleasant or unpleasant.

The person walking in front of us has dropped something - the duty not only of courtesy, but also of Christian love, will be to pick up this thing. I once had a chance on Nevsky Prospekt, at a time when there are a lot of people there and in the middle of the street rushing, overtaking each other, horses and cars, to see an ancient old woman who was helplessly marking time, obviously wanting to cross the street and not daring to indulge in it. terrible sea for her.

A general, a very rich man who belonged to the highest circle, approached her, offered his services to the old woman, took her by the arm and confidently began to lead her across the street. It was an act not only chivalrous, but also an act deeply Christian.

When we pass by churches, we must not forget to take off our hats in front of them and put the sign of the cross on ourselves, so as not to deserve a reproach at the Last Judgment that we were ashamed of the Son of Man on earth.

It is strange how proud a person feels when the tsar approaches at a crowded meeting to say a few words to him, how usually such a person is surrounded immediately after, showing him all sorts of signs of attention. But to show that we are trying to be close to the Lord Almighty - we consider this a shame. Why is a person full of such madness and such vileness, for which it is even impossible to find a name?

... How nice it is to enter an open church from a noisy street, where inextinguishable lamps are quietly burning in front of some revered icon and everything is full of some kind of holy concentration. How good it is to breathe this air, which captures the prayers poured out here, miracles performed here, in which there is an echo of the great words spoken here, in which there is some kind of breath of eternity ... Stand for at least a few minutes, breathe this air, renew your connection with heaven - and move on...

Along the way, we will have many chances to offer even a small sacrifice to God. It is a rare day that we do not meet on the way a collector asking for a church building. Unwinding big money for ourselves, can we really spare a copper coin for him!.. In general, let the thought of God and eternity be constantly alive in us, directing our actions.

In our time, more than ever, people have developed a desire for luxury and swagger. And out of a desire to keep up with others, they make incredible expenses, completely unnecessary, and even fifty dollars will be spared for a good deed. As if nothing had happened, they spend tens of rubles at any hour to decorate the dinner table with luxurious fresh flowers on those days when guests are invited to the table. They dress up beyond any need, turning everyday life into a continuous irreplaceable holiday, eating thin, expensive dishes, drinking drinks brought from different European countries for crazy money.

Why all this? And will these or other “brands” of wine serve us well, will the gates of paradise open? A Christian cannot live a big life. At every step he must compel and humble himself. And before you arrange luxury around you, remember that there are churches in Russia in which paper images are in the iconostasis.

The abyss of entertainment that is now offered to the townspeople is also not good for the soul. All these gatherings and spectacles, of which most are directly calculated for the sinful impulses of our corrupt nature - all this sitting for hours at cards, with excitement developing over them, these dancing parties that also inflame a person - all this can be replaced by healthier and smart entertainment.

And most of all, a person should look closely at that Divine face, which is reflected in the wondrous creation of God's hands - in nature.

When you are tired of earthly labors, instead of looking for noisy companies, go outside the city or in the city itself look for some pleasant places. Here the river rolls its waters in front of you - think about how these drops of water are carried away by the current to another large river that carries its waters to the ocean, so a drop of your existence, together with other people, irresistibly strives into one great ocean of eternity.

Look at any hour to the heavens, which speak aloud of God. Try in the whisper of the leaves of a sprawling grove to hear the quiet, reverent prayer to God created by the trees.

As for the evasive and swift birds, think about how much good, clear and beautiful the Lord has invested in these lovely birds, carefully making their nests and raising their chicks. Over a meadow blade of grass or over a flower quietly shaking a fragrant cup on a thin stalk - once again marvel at the wisdom of Him Who developed this plant with His own hand so wonderfully and beautifully, as even thousands of hands of the greatest earthly masters cannot do.

To look at nature and understand it is almost like praying. And for the ascetics of all times, nature in those beautiful places that they almost always chose for their exploits was the best companion and stimulus to their prayers. And if during such a walk you are “in the spirit”, that is, inspiration of prayer and thoughts finds on you, hold on, stop this mood ...

…You have reached the evening.

How good is the prayer that poured out at this hour from the soul of Basil the Great, touched by the beauty of nature plunging into rest.

“Blessed are you, Lord Almighty, enlightening the day with the light of the sun and clarifying the night with fiery dawns, Even the longitude of the day has made us worthy to pass and draw near the beginning of the night; hear our prayer and all your people, and forgive us all voluntary and involuntary sins. Accept our supplications in the evening and send down the multitude of Thy mercy and Thy bounty on Thy inheritance. Bless us with Thy holy Angels. Arm us with the weapons of truth. Guard us with Your truth. Keep us in Your strength."

Holidays should be marked by a special aspiration of the soul to spiritual objects, a particularly vivid reminder to oneself of those great events that are celebrated, of those holy and wondrous people who are revered on this day.

Nothing in life comes without effort. So in order to brightly celebrate the holiday, it is necessary to prepare for it from afar. The Church knew what she was doing when she established fasts before the great holidays - Easter, the Nativity of Christ, the Assumption of Our Lady, when she established a one-day fast before the feast of the Baptism of Christ, and another fast in honor of the apostles, not without a secret, perhaps, the thought to honor everyone with this fast generally glorified holy followers of Christ.

Fasting refines the body, which usually crushes the spirit, seeks to enslave it and, as it were, suppress it. Fasting gives us freedom from the bonds of the world, from all sorts of temptations and temptations. Fasting brings us closer to heaven, makes us more sensitive and receptive to the phenomena of the spiritual world.

The holiday aims to give rest to the soul, tired of worldly fuss, among strong spiritual impressions, to bring heaven closer to us, to renew in our souls so easily forgotten images of Christ, the Mother of God and the saints.

But during the holidays, we not only do not strengthen our soul, but only weaken it, and the holiday passes with us in the exact opposite way as it should and as the Church wishes. Instead of attending church services more often before the holiday, strengthening ourselves in spiritual reading, reading, for example, the life of the saint to whom we are going to celebrate, at least before the days of our name days, we scour the shops to update our clothes and buy a myriad of provisions for holiday food. At the same time, we completely forget that it is not with a new dress and not with an extra heavy dish and a large amount of wine that we can please God and attract festive grace to ourselves.

And the whole ecclesiastical side of the matter on the feast is completely in the background with us. So, it happens that a person who has been busy with festive preparations to the point of fatigue will not get to church at all either for the Christmas vigil or for mass. It would be as if someone, called before the face of the king, began to prepare in advance for this occasion a big reception for relatives and friends, and in the fuss about this reception would miss the day when he was appointed to appear before the king.

In general, among the stupidities of our life, one of the biggest is that people perform certain external rites, completely indifferent to the events by which these rites are caused. For example, people do not believe at all either in Christ or in His Resurrection, but celebrate Easter: on this day they dress up, prepare the Easter table for breaking the fast - this is just as pointless as if a Christian began to celebrate a Mohammedan holiday.

The holiday is usually marked by aimless staggering to visit each other, congratulating their acquaintances on something, although these acquaintances would be unbelievers, a great consumption of food and all sorts of sweets - in a word, the complete victory of worldly life and worldly principles, worldly vanity.

All this should be just the opposite. Festive preparations should be shortened as much as possible, because a Christian is full every day, and should not mark the holiday with a feast. Before a big holiday, you need to say goodbye and commune a few days before it or on the very day of the holiday, and spend the entire holiday time in this atmosphere of spiritual abstinence. Russian tsars on holidays went to the graves of their ancestors, visited the clergy and prisons, and we should at least celebrate the holiday with some good deeds, which none of us does.

Recently, among many wealthy families, a custom has formed on the day of their name day, when they used to call guests, spend a lot of money on it and get very tired from it, to leave the city altogether for some place nearby: for example, from St. Petersburg for the whole day to Pavlovsk , Vyborg or Helsingfors. This avoided festive fuss, fatigue and expenses, and something useful was acquired in these cities with the money saved from the abolition of the festive reception.

Even more correct is the custom to commemorate your holiday with some kind of pilgrimage.

Especially when the soul is wounded and hurts, when you are far apart from the people you love, when you are worried about some deep and prolonged emotional excitement - then the festive fuss is completely unbearable for you and you are drawn somewhere far away, away from the usual situation, away from this festive scope, which only offends and torments you.

I knew two cousins ​​who went through intense grief at the same time. One lost her beloved mother, with whom she lived soul to soul, and whose disappearance left an unfillable void in her life. Another loved one person whom she wanted to consider her fiance, but her parents did not give consent to this marriage, and therefore the situation was unbearable, strained and painful.

This young man was abroad at the time, and they were in daily correspondence. Their relatives lived noisily and cheerfully, and the holiday in their state of mind seemed to them torture.

Hearing from their acquaintances how good winter is in Sarov and Diveevo at the Monk Seraphim, they both decided to leave for Sarov from the New Year. Two days before the New Year they left Petersburg for Moscow, and in the evening on New Year's Eve they left Moscow for Nizhny.

Tired of the day, they calmly went to bed in their department at ten o'clock and were in oblivion at that time, when there, in noisy Petersburg, to the clink of glasses and a splash of champagne, people spoke to each other hackneyed phrases about new happiness.

On New Year's Day, they crossed the Oka in the predawn darkness on a sleigh, boarded the Arzamas train, and all day on January 1 they rode in a cart from Arzamas to Diveevo, where they arrived in the evening and defended the solemn vigil, since the other day, January 2, was the day of repose great elder Seraphim. They arrived in Sarov for a late mass, visited all the places marked by the exploits of the elder, spent the night there, bathed in the healing spring of the elder Seraphim, returned to Diveev and lived there until the evening of Epiphany.

The orphaned daughter found satisfaction of her grief there and returned from there revived, and the bride made a vow: if her wedding takes place, to be with the elder with gratitude along with her fiancé ... Everything soon settled for the better.

How such a celebration of the holiday differs from that meeting of the New Year, which is completely inconsistent with Christian dignity, which has now become fashionable. Thank God, people faithful to the Church are standing at this hour in the temple for the newly introduced prayer service. And others sit in a restaurant from ten o'clock among the clapping of wine corks to the sounds of a softening orchestra and at the stroke of twelve o'clock with loud wishes on the tongue they clink glasses. They will meet the New Year without even crossing their foreheads. Of course, it happens here and not without scandals.

It was said above about the joy that solitary prayer gives to the soul on weekdays - in the darkness of winter, early mass. Participation in national celebrations has a completely different impression on the soul.

What happiness, for example, to look at the magnificent celebrations of the Moscow religious processions, where the earthly Church is crowned, adorned, exalted.

Under the loud chants of the prayers of the mighty choir, the solemn procession slowly moves, and in front of it is a huge lantern carried on a stretcher with a burning candle, depicting a temple. Then a whole forest of banners stretches out: some are light, others are barely restrained by strong banner-bearers, swaying heavily on their strong shafts. Holy faces shine in the sun, heavy and sonorous metal pendants ring. Glorified by miracles, icons, some of enormous size, seem to be floating in the air above the crowd, raised high from the ground on a stretcher.

And then - in solemn robes, a bright, brilliant host of clergy. And it is felt to the soul that the heavenly Church has risen above these visible churches, and another wonderful procession is unfolding above this earthly procession ...

All such Orthodox impressions support the faith, nourish the spirit and make one feel the realm into which the soul will be absorbed in the next century...

Evgeny Poselyanin
From the book "Ideals of the Christian Life"