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Success in business comes from the everlasting memory of God. Advice on maintaining a clear conscience God's mercy be with you! God bless you on the path you are walking. The Lord is everywhere, and sees everything that anyone actually does for Him. He is always ready and with help to anyone who runs to Him for it. Thus, if you always make it in your heart to listen to the Lord who is inherent in you and in you, and direct everything to please Him alone, and then turn to Him with every bewilderment, with every spiritual need, with faith and complete devotion to Him, then be sure that all your affairs, both internal and external, will go in the most successful way. It is a great thing to realize that without Him we can do nothing; and even greater is to only resort to Him with faith, expecting undoubtedly help. Let your conscience always be clear. But the conscience must be enlightened with the Word of God, otherwise it often worries about things that should not be stood up for. To do this, you need to read the Gospel and from there draw rules by which your conscience should then be guided. You are a wife, you are a mother, you are a housewife. Responsibilities for all these parts are depicted in the writings of the Apostles. Look through them - and take it upon yourself to perform them conscientiously. For it is doubtful whether salvation can be achieved apart from the fulfillment of the duties that are imposed by rank and fortune. For since both are from God, both can be turned either to please Him, if fulfilled correctly, or to insult Him, if not fulfilled. God bless you. I ask you to pray for my unrepentant many sins. Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. 24 Apr '74 Letter 1220. In the morning we must establish ourselves in attention to God. How to read books profitably Try to do this: in the morning, during your prayer rule, try to establish your attention before God so that then you can be before Him all day, no matter what happens. If you settle down like this and begin to contemplate the Lord before you with the prophet - with the corresponding feelings, of course - then you will pray unceasingly. And then you won't be bored. Do not depart from the prayer-rule until contrition is reborn in your heart with devotion to God. You are a wife, mother, housewife. The responsibilities related to this are your salvation. Reading the Gospel and the Psalter is a good deed. Do not leave the books until you have learned some lesson or rules for life. Peace be with you! God bless you! God's blessing to your husband and children. Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. 1874 Aug 25 Letter 1221. The connection of the soul with the body and their separation by death. About the Above and its inhabitant May God bless you to receive Holy Communion. The Mysteries of Christ to renew your spirit. Your clever beauties, who together with you are preparing for this saving task. May the Lord establish this custom in them forever. What tricky things do you see in the words of Climacus? The soul does not have existence from the body, but receives it together with the body - and in order to live with the body. And death will come to separate them. And it’s amazing how the soul will live without a body, having become accustomed to living with the body. The separation of the soul from the body is a punishment, and it must be sensitive. Saints, due to their close communion with the Lord, either feel little or not at all this inconvenience. God bless you for a safe trip to Moscow. Your sister wrote you an empty rumor. Above can only be exchanged for the Kingdom of Heaven. My general health is not bad. But my eye is getting weaker and weaker, and will very likely go completely blind, which is what I’m preparing for. Save yourself! God bless you with every blessing. Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. 20 Nov '74 Letter 1222. On the fulfillment of family responsibilities. Barren Solitude Thank you for your well wishes. I wish you all the best too! Whoever lives in a family receives salvation from family virtues. But the point is not to present everything in an excellent way, but to do everything possible. Once everything is done, there is no need to torture yourself. Of course, you shouldn’t act carelessly, but you shouldn’t torment yourself either, leaving everything to the Lord. That children in institutions are no longer the same - what to do? Time is tricky. With all this, one cannot think that everything he inspires will disappear or disappear. Everything remains and will bear fruit in due time. Don’t abandon yours; do whatever you can to help ensure that they don’t completely go astray; and success is all from the Lord. Pray more, help those in need more, trusting your children in their prayers. This prayer is powerful. God bless you and have mercy! You mentioned the superiority of solitude. It's good. But you can sit behind the walls and not know with your mind where to be. Next, in itself it is an insignificant thing! I ask for your prayers for me, a great sinner. God bless you! Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. 9th Gen. '75 Letter 1223. How to use moments of solitude Here you are alone, but you’re bored! You are bored because there is a lot of distraction, and when you are left alone, you don’t know how to fill the time. Minutes of solitude must be used, turning them exclusively to the work of God - prayer and contemplation of God. These same classes, as long as they go at least a little smoothly, will not let you get bored. For they exude spiritual consolation, which nothing on earth can give. I mean when, while reading, for example, the Gospel, questions arise, and when, after proper deepening, the soul finds a satisfactory solution to them. There is a lot of spiritual consolation in this. And it’s all the more pleasant because one success irritates you even more, and then comes the skill for such activities. The soul will then become broad, fast-flying and thoughtful. God bless you for your work. The job of monks is to purify thoughts; and for the laity, the main thing is to keep their intentions in good order; and what do they care about cleanliness? And God will not punish you. This is not their order. Save yourself! And pray to God for me, a great sinner! Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. 6 Feb. '75 Letter 1224. About the fight against the world That the Gospel cannot be reconciled with the world, the Lord knew this when giving the commandments; but nowhere did he say that it was possible to make concessions to the world. Concession is betrayal of the Lord. It is only necessary to distinguish between an explicit commandment and what is not determined by the commandment, but is left to our freedom. In the latter case, the measure of concession is determined by prudence, which sometimes requires it. The struggle should not be stopped, but only the means should be used. He doesn’t take one thing, come up with another, and even better pray to the Lord to admonish him and give him strength. Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. 20 May 75 Letter 1225. About success in spiritual life God bless your pilgrimage. I ask you to pray for me, a great sinner, before the saints of God. Whether someone succeeds in life, and how much he succeeds, is not possible to notice, because otherwise everyone would eat himself out of sight. This ignorance keeps us at bay and constantly renews jealousy, assuring us that nothing has been done yet and that there is a trace. we need to start again. Beginning again is the law of spiritual life. Every day must be considered the first day of life in the fear of God, forgetting everything behind, except for sins, which must always be repented of. Difficulties of the path, obstacles, relaxation, despondency - all these are accidents that come and go. There is nothing to pay attention to them. We must contrast them with the conviction that the goal ahead is true, and that the means we have been given reliably lead to it. From this, all worries will go away, filling the soul with trustworthiness. Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. July 13, 75 Letter 1226. Instructions on raising children It is the parents' duty to admonish children, and it is also yours. And be afraid of what? The word of love never irritates. The commanding only does not produce any fruit. In order for the Lord to bless children to avoid danger, they must pray day and night. God is merciful! He has many means of preventing that would never even occur to us. God rules everything. He is a wise, all-good and all-powerful Ruler. And we belong to His kingdom. Why be sad? He will not allow His own to be offended. We must take care of one thing, so as not to offend Him, and He does not cross us out from among His own. Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. 1875 Sept. 21 Letter 1227. Sorrows are God's medicines It’s hard to endure everything, no matter what happens to endure, but the heaviness is felt only in times of vain or misfortune. Afterwards everything smooths out. What you now endure will also be smoothed out. Be inspired. Everything will pass. Meanwhile, strengthen your faith that everything is from the Lord. It’s not just a major disaster, but every meeting is from Him. And He has one thing in mind – our salvation. Accept everything as life-giving medicine, although bitter, but useful. When the Lord strikes, isn’t it righteous to think that what is right is for a reason. So look at what is there, why they beat you, and correct it. Sorrows are sent to the righteous to test them, but to us – rather as punishment and a call to repentance. If you believe that the Lord is a doctor, and a doctor who will not waste medicine, then when you turn away from what is wrong not in deeds, but in feelings and thoughts; then the sorrows will cease. It is not difficult for me to write to you, and it is not boring for me to read your letters. Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. 11th Gen. '76 Letter 1228. What to do if you fall. Hot-tempered speeches. About food As soon as you see a wrong thought, feeling or word, repent immediately. It's good the way you do it. Add to this an observation of how the fall proceeds, and from this inspection learn a lesson for yourself on how to overcome yourself in such encounters. Experiences in abstinence will give you experience in self-control, and falls will be less and less frequent. God will help. We need more humility. Speeches or outbursts of words that are upsetting to others are not from the nobility. The consciousness of lordship is pride, a thing very displeasing to God and the most harmful in moral life. Delve deeply and pull out this root of sorrow and vegetate if it appears. Talk - God bless. If you cannot abstain, eat fish - just not during fasting. And at other times, sometimes - deprive yourself of this sweetness. Look, now all doctors abroad insist on eating plant foods for health. And they have been arguing for a long time that one can live with this food. Save yourself! I ask for prayers. Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. 21 Feb. '76 Letter 1229. Where does joy and sadness come from in the heart? May He who consoles everyone in the hardship of existence comfort you and pour joy into your heart. The Feast of the Comforters is coming soon. May the movements of the gracious Spirit within you be warmed in your soul! While warmth comes inseparably with a ray of sunshine, consolation will also come with the movement of the Spirit of grace. No one has the power to control the heart. It lives a special life. In itself it rejoices, in itself it makes it sad. And there's nothing you can do about it. Only the Lord of all, who contains everything in His right hand, has the power to enter into it and put feelings into it, regardless of the natural course of its changes. May the Lord make you wise in everything. I wish you all the best from the Lord. Be healthy and cheerful. Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. 16 May 76 Letter 1230. About smoking tobacco Smoking is a stupid thing; There is as much moral here as there is empty bias and perceived harm. The last two features are difficult for smokers themselves to recognize, and difficult to explain to non-smokers. Strongly indecent; but decency and indecency, just like people, change. Tolerate the bad habit; but don’t make her a sin. Praying for your daughter to lose the habit is a good thing. But there is no need to put this in a special form. Whenever you pray, cry out to God. And He will arrange it as His holy will pleases. God bless those who have the opportunity to go to college! Here is her icon of St. great martyr Catherine. Better not. What was the problem, Alexander couldn’t make out. Whatever it is, I will pray my sinful prayer, that the Lord will avert His punishment from her. Who can say that he is free from this damned pride. In what forms does it not appear? Lord, have mercy on us! May the Lord bless you with His blessing. Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. July 7, 76 Letter 1231. About sailing in the sea of life Those sailing in the sea of life need to take good care of their boat and steer it properly, avoiding shoals and pitfalls and destructive collisions. The storm will attack, you don’t need to lose your spirit and look at the lighthouse in order to quickly hide in the marina. All this you know exists. God bless your daughter - learn and learn everything good. Here are two books by St. Chrysostom. Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. Aug 11 '76 Letter 1232. Response to concerns about the fate of a deceased mother I don’t see anything for which one could be extremely worried about the fate of your mother. The goodness of God called her in the end to repentance, of course, in order to have mercy on her. If she sincerely did what the Lord expected of her, then there is no doubt that she received the mercy of God. Your recent dream means nothing, just like the previous ones, in which you saw her in painful seizures that no longer happened. It is better to accept from this dream an incentive for yourself - to prepare more diligently for death, which comes without asking us. Of course, it is never superfluous to pray for your mother. If nothing comes for her from this prayer, then something will always come for you, for through prayer we enter into communion with those who have departed. And this cannot but be beneficial for us. I will remember her in my sinners’ prayers. Everything else must be endured, and endured complacently, thanking the Lord for everything, who arranges everything for the better for us. Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. 22 Sep. '76 Letter 1233. Prayerful warmth does not come without difficulty. Desired pain in the heart Congratulations on completing your pilgrimage. May you be saved. We commemorated the departed saints: follow in the footsteps of their Christian life. Prayer that is not collected and the soul is cold should not have a limit or end. As fallen ones we have grown cold; and we need to rub ourselves for a long time to warm ourselves up. Labor trace. inevitable. And if it continues constantly and wisely, then it is always crowned with success, not from us, but from the mercy of God, of which there is no end. Whether the Jesus Prayer or some other short prayer is a good thing if it sticks on the tongue. Just take care not to pay attention in your head, but in your heart, and do so not only while standing in prayer, but at all times. Try to create a sore in your heart. Constant work will soon do this. There's nothing special here. This is a natural thing - (the fact that the sore will appear). But this will also make you more focused. And the main thing is that the Lord, seeing the work, then grants His grace-filled prayer. Then things will come to their own hearts. Happy belated holidays and happy new year. Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. 9th Gen. '77 Letter 1234. A wise remedy against resentment. About Magdalene and John Congratulations on your post. Spend it soul-savingly, in tears of repentance and heartfelt contrition; speak well and take holy communion. Christ's Mysteries. It would be nice - and more than once. However, how do you arrange it! It seemed to me that you were coddling yourself like a child. It is best if you completely forget yourself, and only have in your mind how not to anger God with something that is displeasing to Him in thoughts, words and deeds. If you are not careful and pay a lot of attention to people’s speech and gaze, you will make yourself (sorry) a boil, the most sensitive even to air movement, and not just to touch. Look at both – for yourself. Here is the measure: he who is humble cannot see that anyone treats him below his dignity: for he considers himself so low that no one can treat him below, no matter how he manages. This is wisdom! I send books: September, October, November. – I recently received December and haven’t looked at it yet. Yes, there is nothing there that you want to read. What kind of living soul was this Magdalene? Hold no. God gave her such grace! And everything comes from faith and decision. For having once made up her mind, she did not turn back, even in her thoughts. I prayed for John. God bless her! The Lord is near and ready to give everything to everyone, just stretch out your hands to receive and open your lips to eat. Come to the Lord with contrition in your heart. That's it. Be healthy and cheerful. And may the Lord comfort your sister. Salvation is patience. I have no legends about Feofaniya. Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. 14 Feb '77 Letter 1235. On frequent communion Congratulations on your acceptance of St. Christ's Mysteries. And it will be good to take communion the second time. The more often the better! Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. Mar 3 '77 Letter 1236. On humility, Psalm 118 and artos You congratulated me on the Resurrection of the Lord, and I congratulated you on the Ascension. May the Lord direct your way there, where the Lord is seated at the right hand of God. The surest path to the inheritance of the kingdom is humility. When it takes root in the soul, it will bring the hope of salvation. Psalm 119 is not over yet. Will end by the end of the year or so. The editor promised to send me proofs, and if he does, I will deliver them to you. God bless you and have mercy. And bless you with every blessing. Artos is given. See if you have any superstitious fortune telling on it. Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. 4 Apr. '77 Letter 1237. About God's long-suffering It grieves you to see the violation of God’s commandments. But how the most pure, omnipresent, all-seeing God bears our sins. On the outside we all look like something, but on the inside - alas! And yet the Lord endures, waiting for us to come to our senses someday and begin to correct our souls. May God bless you to receive Holy Communion. The Mysteries of Christ for salvation. I’ll wait for the book, I don’t need it now, look at something else. Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. July 31, 1877 Letter 1238. Advice on patience God's mercy be upon you! When you find sorrows, what else can you do but endure? Establish yourself in the thought that without God nothing happens, and that therefore everything happens for our good. It is up to us to take proper advantage of everything that happens. But if we show only patience, then good self-control is self-control before God. May the Lord protect your little one! Book 118 ps. hold it completely. She is one of those designated for distribution. You give away your thoughts for every day, but you won’t have any left. Here's more for you. God bless you, both the blueberry and the little one. Like grains, drops are also used. As many grains as you prescribe, add as many drops and shake, or stir with a spoon. Others think that the drops have a stronger effect. Save yourself! Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. Letter 1239. Common and blessed cures for diseases My head hurts! There are doctors: ask them, and they will treat you. There is homeopathy, which gives the most innocent drops and grains, and to great surprise drives away the disease. Would like to try some of this. What you are thinking of doing may be better: but it takes a lot for it to be better. The main thing is that God does not always want to rely on His extraordinary means, but has surrounded us with ordinary means, which are also His essence. They switch to unusual ones when the usual ones are exhausted. Of course, this is not a law either: for God, independent, acts as His holy will pleases. One old woman from the common people was sick for a long time from a cold. Exhausted, she began to cry; and after crying, in some inspiration of faith, she ordered her granddaughter, her little girl, to hand over the lamp that was burning in front of St. Nikolai, anointed herself with oil - and got up healthy. This is in our province. It’s good to run to Kyiv. Yes, cast iron is worth nothing these days. A week or two and home again. Be grateful. Patients have the advantage that they do not feel the urge to be in society; Sitting at home, they involuntarily pray to God. Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. Letter 1240. The meaning of patience. Well wishes for children and messages about your health It was not in vain that St. Pavel: I will require patience. And be patient. Through patience the soul is acquired, as if it were bought at a bargain. May God grant your son to pass the exam well and enter the gymnasium. The military field is the best. It teaches a lot of patience, without which it is difficult to live on a poor land. God bless your squirrel on a new path. Great solution! There she will find sweet peace. It can be difficult sometimes, but the work itself has a source of consolation. May God bless you to receive Holy Communion. Mysteries for the good of the soul. My eye is going blind. The operation will take place when he becomes completely blind. You don’t have to resort to it at all if your left eye doesn’t weaken. Letter 1241. On the patience of sorrows. Well-behaved wives Continue to cope with sorrowful feelings with patience, and even more so by surrendering to the Lord all your fate, drawing consolation from the confidence that everything happens according to God’s will, and everything is for our good - the present. In a place from St. Peter I don’t know what requires explanation. Obviously, the Apostle has in mind husbands who do not believe the Gospel, and he tells wives to be the most good wives, in the hope that, looking at the excellent good behavior of the wives, as a result of the Christianity they have accepted, unfaithful husbands will be convinced of its truth and will be converted. Now, if you want to make an application, then add to yourself: if such goodness should be shown to unfaithful husbands, even more so to faithful ones. Letter 1242. Blessings. Drawing lesson Have you received communion? May you be saved! Have you rested at Vyshe? May you strengthen your spirit. I accompany you with full good wishes, both spiritual and everyday, and civil, and domestic. Mother Blueberry! Do you see now what the power is? I forgot to tell you that all the first work will be focused on the skill of wielding the black potion. Take one figure and draw it all. Otherwise, just draw whatever you want. Send out a piece of paper for this, similar to the one I stained. When you get used to using the black potion, then the yellow one is not difficult. God bless you and the little one and the whole house! Letter 1243. About letters to Magdalene I don’t remember where the letters to Magdalene were published in the Wanderer. But here is a book about Magdalene. Here are the letters. There are two authors here: the first ones published in the Wanderer - they are from high pr. Joseph; and the second are the Vyshinskys. This is the only book I have. Therefore, after reading, take the trouble to return it. Yes, it seems I gave you this book a long, long time ago. I also send “Invisible Warfare”: one to you, and the other to Blueberry. If you please, manage to save yourself. God bless the boy’s path and the road of Chernichka and Belichka to Vyshi. And may the Lord bless all your deeds! Letter 1244. On the issue of children. The saint's attention to military news Thank you for your congratulations and well wishes. I am sending you, on my part, a wish for every good thing from the Lord for this year and beyond. Thank you for the icon and prosphora. May the Lord comfort you. Children need to be taught and treated. Ten years. Just look and it will outgrow. That your husband has taken root in the village is in the order of things. What is life like in the city? Emptiness of emptiness! But when the need is urgent, you should not be guided by this taste. And it seems to me that he could agree for you to live with the children in Moscow; and he would come, like time and hunting. Convince him. Wise times these days. An unlearned person cannot make any move. Why didn’t you say anything about the war? Or are you also an English-Turkish woman, like others?! Having read the terms of peace, one cannot help but talk about it. Now all over Russia they are shouting hurray! until hoarse. God bless! Letter 1245. Various small messages Thank you for your congratulations! Celebrate yourself. And the Mother of God will extend the floor of Her cover to you too. The husband is the head. And let him do as he pleases. Or maybe in his old age the Lord calls him to do good for society, which will leave a good memory and prayer for him. I was not at all offended for remembering Tarbyeva, but wrote to you that I wrote so that you would not be inflamed with unrealistic hopes. You are not to blame for anything here, but Tarbyeva is to blame for babbling, when she was strictly ordered to remain silent. God will forgive. God bless the blueberry to succeed in what he started. It is desirable that Squirrel finally be seduced by her example. Worldwide travel, the third year has already ended. Instead, the same publisher publishes Nature and People. I am sending you the first three issues of this year. Letter 1246. When sending books. About patience The book of Galatians is no more. I send the message to the Corinthians and the Philokalia. Please keep them without returning them. Behold, and Basil the Great, first volume. We must endure everything complacently, without despondency, according to the faith that everything comes from the All-Good Lord and everything is for our true good. To speak and receive communion - God bless! Good. Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. May 24, '77 Letter 1247. Why children are sometimes alienated Yes - this is a collection I compiled - the Philokalia! And I have no reason to read it! Please read and delve deeper. The alienation of children is wonderful. But see if it's not your fault. If you are either reading or doing handicrafts, but don’t do much with your children, so that they don’t see affection from you, then is it surprising that they are alienated from you? You cannot save your soul alone. Part of this is urgent care for children, affection for them, maternal tenderness, silent admonition. We would talk to the doctors about our eldest daughter. Now it’s summer, fields, forests, gardens, swimming – natural medicine. God bless you and have mercy! He who trusts in the Lord is never put to shame. God bless you and all yours. Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. 25 June 77 Letter 1248. Explanation of the words: “Make a servant of the son of the light” Se - 2 books. Plot. on Ev. from John St. Chrysostom. Eight Nos. of the Wanderer, Gen. – Aug. World. put. 2 books, gen. and Feb. Reverend I have no Innocent. Make a servant of the Light of the Son. The Light of the Son is salvation arranged by the Lord and given to all of us - for the sake of faith and life by faith. A servant of this Light is one who diligently serves the Lord with faith and every good deed. The strength to be such is given by the Lord, in Whom we put on ourselves in Baptism, and with Whom we sincerely unite in the Holy Spirit. Communion. Make a servant of the Light of the Son - it will be: through Holy Communion, fill me with strength to believe and live, as the Lord and Savior has legitimized, so that I may be worthy of salvation. God bless you! Pray to God for me, a sinner! Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. Aug 13 '77 Letter 1249. Advice on treatment Your husband needs to rush to the doctors. There is catarrh, but there is also rheumatism in the lungs and even in the heart. Here, without a doctor, it’s a disaster. Either to Moscow, or here to talk with the doctors. But of course it’s better and more certain to go to Moscow. Try to soften your little son with gentleness. But don't push too hard. This is worse. Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. Oct 21 '77 The psalm has not yet been sent to me. As soon as they send it, I’ll send it. Letter 1250. Reply about the severity of her husband. Should I pray for death? Your letter is dated November 18th, and now we have December 11th. Are you writing from America?! May the Mother of God give you every consolation. Your husband loves you deeply; its severity is only visible. This is how people are. And don't look at it. Let him be as he is. And you be as you are. God has brought you together: it is right for you to do so; there is the best way of life on earth. Others prayed for death and were heard. But it is better for us to accept from the Lord with humility what he gives - whether life or death. Health or illness. Prosperity or poverty. And give thanks for everything. Finally they sent me Psalm 118. I'm sending it to you. Be edified if there is any edification in it. I had to talk about patience very often; maybe you will find something more useful for yourself. God bless you! Pray for me, a sinner, too. Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. 11 Dec '77 Letter 1251. About the war with the Turks. The world is about mundane things and is busy May God help your daughter get healthy! The current war is not terrible. It continues due to errors - in the initial orders. But as soon as the troops arrive, they will beat the Turks so hard that they won’t even get a tooth. What happens in the world is also in the order of things. This is what the world is for, just to worry about worldly things. He does his job, and we need to do ours. The outer world is not yet as terrible as the inner world: for it gets into it too. And when it climbs in, that’s our misfortune! God bless you with every blessing. Letter 1252. Advice on teaching the Law of God to minors. Saying of St. Simeon about grace. About your eye The Old Testament must be transmitted first, and then the New. The Old is preparing for the New. It's not bad that you don't force me to memorize it. Let him tell it, but you need to force him to repeat the story more often so that it becomes firmly established in his memory. We also need to exercise our memory. Let him memorize some sayings of Scripture. It's better here from the New Testament. What simpler psalms can be taught. Let him learn morning and bedtime prayers. Tell us how God is visible in nature. What does St. say? Simeon, that grace makes you forget and despise everything earthly and heavenly, temporary and eternal; then by this he means everything created, every creature. For when grace is kindled, then the heart is filled with love for God, and true love for God means that for the soul there is nothing except it and God. This is what Saint Simeon says. I have no pain. The right eye began to close due to cataracts. This is not a disease, but a growth that will be removed by surgery in due time. The fact that you cried about your daughter is not unnatural. God bless Chernichka’s work. And Squirrel flutters among the flowers?! Letter 1253. About fasting. The saint's joy at the successful end of the war with the Turks Lord help you to fast for salvation, to pray and to receive Holy Communion. The Mysteries of Christ are worthy. And take care of yourself and put your affairs in order, and enjoy the peace of God - the grace of the Lord our Savior, when you are more sincerely worthy to accept Him into yourself. Politician about the war under fresh impressions. God bless! The goal of the war has been achieved. And this is all the more comforting because the expected conference or congress does not threaten any changes in what has been achieved. God bless you! Pray for my all-repentance. Your pilgrim E. Feofan. 4 Mar '78 Letter 1254. Blessing, encouragement and response about the card Lord grant that you too may rejoice in pure joy, unmixed with any bitterness. I would gladly fulfill your wish, but I don’t have the custom of keeping cards. Be healthy and cheerful. Why darkness? Why despair? Your pilgrim E. Feofan. 21 Apr '78 Letter 1255. Sorrow and joy alternate. About children. The machinations of Russia's enemies This is what earthly life is designed for, so that the sorrowful in it will tear you away from inappropriate attachments, and the comforting will nourish hope for the desired better. So they alternate almost every day. It’s good that your son is a militiaman. A soldier's life gives bearing, introduces one to need and teaches patience. But, of course, everything depends on the soldier himself. I rejoice in your joy that your beautiful college student is doing well. God bless her! Yes - our enemies do not sleep. But ours don’t yawn either. They make efforts to avert war, but are ready to meet it. The comforting thought often comes to me that we will emerge from the new war unashamed. But God's will be done! It's spring! use her consolations, given by God, either to relieve mental burdens or to strengthen your health. Your pilgrim E. Feofan. 21 May 78 Letter 1256. About entering military service So thank God! Two warriors from the same house. In my opinion, a military career is the best. Our teaching is almost entirely lied to. Judges only practice to tilt the scales of truth. All that remains is to live as a private landowner, doing whatever good he can around him, or join the military. The whim also comes to the military; but the guns knock everyone out of their heads, and there everyone involuntarily remembers God and is baptized. The fact that the youngest is so young and has already gone to learn how to fight is all the better. Let him roll up his fists tighter. We need to beat up the British and... If not today, it will inevitably happen tomorrow. And if you didn’t have to bear the youngest child on your knees, sacrifice this tenderness to military severity. You will be stronger. The Home Conversation stopped due to the editor's illness - a very serious one. There was a blow to the head. Behold the Wanderer – 4 books. and Soul Floor. Readings – 6 books. Your pilgrim E. Feofan. July 11, 78 Letter 1257. Truth and the kingdom of God. About Blueberry, who visited the world Happy New Year! May God grant you something new, but pleasant or, better yet, soul-saving. Behold the book of St. Chrysostom - letters to the Olympics. Imprints of the words of St. Simeon will be. Then you will receive it. The truth you are asking about means nothing more than what truth means—a righteous life, pure and holy, without which no one will see the kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is behind, and in front of it is truth. We must first take possession of the truth, and then the kingdom of God will fall into our hands by itself. That Blueberry was spinning, there is no big trouble. If only I didn't get carried away. Is there a trace left? let him clean it out, just as one cleans out something written that should not have been written. If the trace remains, then call someone tomorrow, she won’t cross it. And the third time she will ask herself. And if there is no trace left, and it is completely cleaned, then nothing. However, she should be demoted and instead of Chernichka, call her Serichka (gray). Letter 1258. Blessing to go for treatment May the Lord bless your path, and may he send a guardian angel to guard, guide and protect you. May God help your daughter and her to benefit from treatment. Let him pray and ask the Lord to enlighten the doctors, so that they can guess the disease and come up with the proper medicine. For the Lord heals. The healer is a tool. God grant that the book brings you significant spiritual benefit. Letter 1259. False rumor. Blueberry - rosary, Belichka - advice The old lady told you a lie. I did not leave the house, neither under the Intercession, nor after. Here are the rosary for Blueberry - white. There are no others. But these are stronger. Belichka's classes - God bless! Let her mentally turn to the Lord more often, and let him arrange her path according to Him, and for her good. Read - read the Gospel, and think about it and apply it to yourself. Letter 1260. Bored militiamen Help you, Lord, to maintain your peace by trusting in the Lord. The militia are sad that they didn’t have to fight. But it seems that we should thank God that we didn’t have to. They too will see this and calm down. Now it is not clear to them there. May God grant him to return in good health. God bless you. And your whole family. Letter 1261. To the returning militiaman. Open Vysha. About letters to the beauty Congratulations on the return of the militia. He got acquainted with the campaign: he will know and prepare ahead. However, may the Lord save you from the need to ever make use of your acquired experience. We wish peace, it seems, to every single soul. Would you like to breathe the Vyshinsky air? Who's stopping? Our gates are always open. And you are not far away. I am sending you World Traveler - three books. And two books of letters - one for you, the other for your beauty. The letters were written to a beauty - very pretty in both face and character, at the request of her parents. May the Lord comfort you in everything that confuses you! Save yourself! and pray to God for me, a great sinner. Letter 1262. Easter greetings. About correspondence with S. St. About reading prayers for the outcome of the soul. About Chernichka I congratulate you on the Bright Resurrection of Christ. May God grant you more of all joys - both earthly and heavenly. I rejoice that everything went well in your spirit. May the Lord strengthen you more and more in this current. Moscow wisdom lied a little. I wrote to her only twice; and in such cases one cannot say: several letters. And if I write again, I still can’t say that. “It is absolutely necessary to write to her.” There is hope of setting her up for the abbess. Won't you?! Let it spin. Her will. It is inconvenient to prescribe a prayer for the outcome of the soul. Here's what to do. Read the rule for the outcome of the soul, and make up your own prayer, using the words there, applying it to your situation. I am very grateful for Chernichki’s card. You can see from her face that she was destined to be a Blueberry. “However, the world will cry, having lost such a beauty from its hands.” - Well, let him cry his eyes out. And Blueberry must stick to her decision. I am sending you the next book of Soulful Reading. Letter 1263. To the question about small baptism. The harm of wine. About playing cards and how you can replace them Small baptism - this is the first time I’ve heard about it - if there is a reduction of the rite of Holy Baptism laid down in the missal, without omitting essential parts, then, I think, it will do. That your son-in-law stopped drinking and decided not to drink is a good decision. Without drinking anything, you will always be fresh and live longer. Drinking and eating little things eats away at your life, and it’s not much like slow suicide. They play cards. I remember they said that Yakov Ivanovich Rostovtsev played at home almost every evening, with his own people. They played for points and kept a record of who owed whom how many points. And the settlement was postponed until bankruptcy. Then the price of the point will be determined, and by this definition the payment. It seems they counted, by the way, one hundred points is a penny. Also - so that there is no winning above one hundred points. Playing cards is idleness and idleness. “It’s a big problem that our young people don’t learn to work.” If they knew one or another job, it would attract them and keep them busy. There would be no boredom. Beauties are better educated: they always have work in their hands. One young man who visited the monastery complained about idleness. I suggested that he learn sawing. He learned, and now he builds magnificent things. And carpentry and turning could bring so much pleasure! For the owners, like the owners, this helped a lot with the housework. Your son-in-law is already the owner. I would snatch the cards from him and assign him to either a sharpening machine or a carpenter's workbench, as it is called. I really regret the wisdom that has taken over me. May the Lord preserve and prosper the blueberry. I wish you the most pleasant good mood. Save yourself! Letter 1264. Unfulfilled dream. Close comforts I am very glad that you have gathered to pray in our monastery and talk. God bless you! And I received your letter, but did not have time to answer. I apologize. I reminded you of the funeral in connection with your dream, which prophesied my death in early August. But, by the grace of God, the first days have already passed, and death has forgotten about its threats. It’s true that this does not apply to this year. However, everything is in the hands of God. He commands, and life is over! That you know how to find solace in your inner moods during various changes in life, this gives me a lot of comfort. May God help you and always be so close to finding the means to pacify yourself. Blueberry - I send my well wishes. Letter 1265. About the Jesus Prayer. A way to always be on top You have a good idea of ​​doing the Jesus Prayer properly. – Diligence and work will overcome everything. – Pray to the Lord to help you with this. “You yourself, through your own efforts, can only learn to constantly repeat this prayer.” And the Lord will introduce it into the very heart. This last is the main point; and the first is only a vestibule. Blueberry - God's blessing. Give her a commandment - to immediately engage in the Jesus Prayer. Let him work, and let him rotate the name of the Lord, keep it on his tongue, in his mind and in his heart. I received the books. It's August. Soulful Reading. Make a wish for Vysha. It won't be bad if God wills it. Keep your heart on high, and you will always be on High. My health is fine. God bless you! Save yourself! Letter 1266. One thing needed I don’t remember what I wrote last time. That’s why I find it difficult to add to what has been said. The only thing that is needed must be planted in the mind and heart: faith and life by faith in the hope of eternal life. What a disaster that you keep writing about the same thing. After all, we have the same thing. What else is there to talk about if not about him? You hit the heart of pleasing God well by pointing out humility with patience. God bless your success in this. Here is the Wanderer 4 books. and Spirit. conversations No. 30. Psalm 118 is not available in a special print. When the whole psalm is over; then it will be. So much for exercises in patience! May God bless you to pray more earnestly with us, and pray for me more warmly. I wish you all the best from the Lord. Letter 1267. There is no patience without pain. About placing my daughter in an educational institution When you endure, it means you endure. And why does it hurt, how could it be otherwise? If it weren't for the pain, there would be nothing to endure. It’s true that your heart is very impressionable and is deeply affected by what happens. This is not arbitrary; therefore it is not blamed. Guilt will come from what happens as a result of feelings. If you are angry, annoyed, scolding, complaining. If, even though it hurts, you endure it without grumbling, then it’s impossible to do otherwise, depending on your mood. Most of all, practice love - in deeds and feelings - without excluding anyone from those who come into contact with you, no matter how insignificant someone may be. Regarding my daughter. If you really need to give it to an institution; then why think about it? – Deviations from the right path are possible everywhere. Your job is to foretell, warn, and then constantly observe, reminding both in word and in writing of what should be done. And you can visit more often. Yes, pray more for her. Letter 1268. Consolation on the death of a young daughter. When can I sit in church? Welcome, come naturally. May the Lord grant you Holy Communion. Tain. It will be to the rescue. Lord send you every consolation! That the Lord took your daughter early is, in truth, the mercy of God. It is becoming more and more difficult for people to stay on the good path of faith and life according to faith, especially for young people. Homemade - be patient. The Lord will count this among martyrdom. If you sit down - nothing. I think that people will not immediately judge. Just choose the time. The middle of the liturgy is from Izhe Cherubim to Our Father. The middle of this middle - let us become kind, until it is worthy to eat as truly (the Mother of God). Don't sit here. You can sit down at Vespers and Matins at any time. - Just pray wisely to the Lord. Letter 1269. About boredom and reluctance to pray. Explanation of the parable of those called. Wavering jealousy taunting the enemy The fact that you had to stay at home all the time could be turned into something beneficial for your soul. If you didn’t pay attention, it’s your own fault that the time passed was boring. How to be bored with the Lord. And how to even desire any entertainment. And don't pray. It means they became angry with the Lord, or self-satisfaction took over. Full! - And you don’t want to ask. When you get tired in the evening. Start praying on your knees, or even sitting, then standing. And everyone needs to pray. Thank the Lord for the day, ask for good night, repent of the bad. The parable is clear. The King is the Lord, His kingdom is the Church of those who are being saved. The Callers are the Apostles, and now everything that takes their place. Evil and good are all kinds of people - both in external and internal state. Whatever they were before the calling, this does not prevent them from being called: for, having followed the calling, they do not remain as they were before, but are remade by grace in the baptismal font. That Blueberry became Squirrel means that the previous decision was shallow - it was feigned, and did not enter the heart. She only provoked the enemy, and for this he will come down on her more severely as a traitor. But if there was something of God in the previous decision, then the enemy cannot defeat the Lord. He will still snatch His chosen one from him. Your pilgrim E. Feofan. 3 Feb 79. Letter 1270. Consolation about my daughter's illness May the Lord comfort you! The disease does not seem to lead to death. There is great supervision there: skilled doctors. They will cure. Recently my nephew, a law teacher at the gymnasium, was exposed to this disease. And nothing; God willing, he recovered. - Here is your Maria, God willing, she will recover. You shouldn't torment yourself. Do not grieve, how not to grieve. But there is nothing to kill. Of course, the future is unknown - it is unknown what God judges; but judging by human affairs, you can not kill yourself, but slowly grieve and pray to God. But if God wanted to take - pure and holy - before she tasted the bad goods of the world, will you really fight with God? “If you’re not going to fight, why kill yourself.” According to your pious devotion to God, you only need to say: Thy will be done, Lord! How kind you are; arrange it that way. For I believe that whatever you arrange will be for the good of my daughter and me. - When you pray like this, take on complacency. You think that if you don’t ooh and ahh, it will be like a reproach to the mother’s heart. This is an empty belief. Get it out of your head. One grief of the mentor, which should be deeply mourned, if the child loses faith and falls into sin. – And God will arrange everything else for good, for the sake of the devotion of believing hearts to Him. God bless you and comfort you. Your pilgrim E. Feofan. February 14, 79. Letter 1271. Home fasting and penance It is inconvenient to leave home; fast at home. You can do the work of fasting at home; and then confess and receive communion in church. Bear with complacency the troubles and everything that you have to experience in grief, and the merciful Lord will count it as penance, which everyone should bear for their sins according to the order of the Church. May the Lord give you, in proportion to your patience, consolation to joyfully endure sorrows, and to drive away all despondency, which the enemy does not skimp on pouring into the souls of those who suffer anything. Save yourself! and pray to God for us! Your pilgrim E. Feofan. 2 June 79. Letter 1272. Spontaneous Sorrows Again and again crying and lamenting! Will there ever be an end?! “I’ve already said everything that can serve to console you.” Now, if you please, manage to resolve your grief yourself as best you can. There is a human weakness, due to which others arbitrarily irritate themselves. Sadness has a certain pleasant side, at least in that it represents variety in the once established, unchangeable life. So go ahead and tease yourself. Fortunately, there is something. - Well, if you please, practice this if you want. We'll see what happens in the next world. We’ll all gather in one place and it’s no surprise that we’ll get the opportunity to see each other. God bless you with every blessing! Be healthy and cheerful. Letter 1273. Consolation on the death of a young daughter Isn't it time to scold you?! It’s high time that you, like a little child, accept whatever comes into your mind as reality, and begin to torment and torment yourself. The daughter died, she was good and kind. We must say: thank you, Lord, for removing her as quickly as possible, not allowing her to become entangled in the temptations and seductive pleasures of the world. And you grieve - why did God deliver her from these hobbies and take her into His holy kingdom - pure and immaculate. “It turns out that it would be better if she grew up and went all out,” which is very surprising nowadays, especially for such pretty people as, as you say, the deceased was. - Here is a wise mother - regretting that her daughter was saved and not destroyed. They advised against keeping my daughter at home, but they did it very kindly. – Can you say that it would be better if she stayed at home? “Maybe it would have been something a thousand times worse.” And God delivered her by instilling in you the idea of ​​insisting on sending her to college. That the disease has fallen on the brain cannot be blamed on anyone; it cannot be foreseen, just as a blow cannot be foreseen. And there is nothing to think about it. The Lord decided to take her and sent her sickness. What to talk about the disease that he took. Thank God for taking it. Please serve a prayer of gratitude that the Lord has deigned to take your daughter as soon as possible. No one can escape the ordeal. They lie on the road to heaven, but other souls pass them like lightning. I impose penance on you: if you please, make three prostrations in the morning and the same number in the evening, saying: Lord forgive me, the unreasonable sadness about my daughter, that I am contrary to Your definitions. And do this until the grief passes, and you will look complacently at the death of your daughter. Support repentant feelings. “For it is impossible to say when death will come.” But after death, judgment and decision are urgent. Therefore, we must be ready at any hour. God bless you to speak again. And make Belichka fast, if she hasn’t already. Cry, cry. – There is nothing unnatural or reproachful in this. It would be a miracle if the mother did not cry about her daughter’s death. – But at the same time, you need to know when to stop: not to kill yourself and not to forget those concepts about death and the dead that are given to us by Christianity. She died! - She didn’t die; the body died; but she is alive, and also lives, like us, only in a different way of being. She comes to you and looks at you. And one must assume that she is surprised that you are crying and killed, because she is better. That way of being is higher than ours. If she appeared and you asked her to enter the body again; she would never agree. Why would you enter into such a disagreement with her? - Want something that disgusts her? - What kind of love will there be? You can’t help but regret that you didn’t have to look into her eyes for the last time, to hear the last word from her, to give her the last embrace of motherly love. Well, then cry. Only everything is a little bit. Her bodily eyes are closed, but with her spiritual ones she looks; look at it with your soul. Don't imagine her in the grave. She's not there; her body is there, and she is outside, and now she may be standing with you,” her tongue fell silent; but she is not deprived of the ability to speak to your heart. Listen and hear: Mommy! don’t worry and don’t kill yourself. I'm with you and I feel very good! Answer her: well, thank God! what's best for you. - Her embrace froze - it will not extend any more. But she, like a soul, can embrace your soul - and just as warmly as ordinary embraces are warm. Answer, too, with a calm, undisturbed, warm memory of her. I am very glad that Blueberry fasted. May the Lord strengthen her. ? Squirrel isn’t even fasting?! - A pagan, it turns out. - It's a pity! – Everyone must fulfill their Christian duty. I am sending you Francis de Sales, if you read French. At the end of the book there are letters on the occasion of the death of various persons. Another 4th part of Ephraim the Syrian. And here are chants for the death of various people. Choose your comfort! Crying is nothing. Cry. But there is no need to kill yourself. There is crying that is not tormenting! God bless you and comfort you! Letter 1275. Comforting dream. Regarding a sore leg. About incoming ridiculous thoughts and various small notes Thank you for your congratulations and good wishes. May the Lord grant you all comfort and joy. The dream of your deceased daughter is very gratifying. You see that she feels good. Why mourn? After such notification, even minor sorrow is a sin, and not just major one. Please rejoice and thank God in every possible way for taking your daughter to Himself early. The fact that your leg hurts is, of course, unpleasant. God willing, a doctor will come across and cure you. In the meantime, take advantage of this time to arrange solitude for yourself so that you can have a more peaceful conversation with the Lord. Let Blueberry behave like this regarding absurd thoughts: as they seem, meet them with hatred and contempt and abuse of the damned enemy, for this is his job. Then let him immediately turn in prayer to the Lord, asking Him to drive away thoughts and complaining to Him about the machinations of the enemy. And they will pass. Belichka doesn’t care that there are difficulties. I see that she's doing great. May God grant her to always be so smart. I’ll write to her especially. The letter has been received by mail. There was no answer, because at that time we were flooded with water. It is not a great task for me to write to you. Write and write. And you don’t have to go to Moscow. What grief! Well, take comfort in the fact that you will take a walk on Above. By then she will surely be dressed in green. May the Lord send you every comfort. And when there is no consolation, let patience grant. No matter how life flows, as long as it is led with humble submission to the Lord, who arranges everything, then every case will bear fruit for salvation. Manage to be rich in these fruits. God bless you! Save yourself! Letter 1276. On frequent communion It is good that we took communion with such conviction. Communion is a great blessing. And you would do well if you arranged to receive communion more often, not only during Lent, but also between Lent. If you sense that death is close, then all the more you should draw closer to the Lord more diligently. Arrange and cry about sins! Now, tomorrow is death, and after death there is a report. God bless you! Be grateful! Letter 1277. Various small replies and messages I received your letter the other day. I am very sorry that you were exposed to danger, and I thank the Lord that He saved you from the possible great trouble. That Squirrel has found something to do at home is not bad at all. May God grant her success in this direction. In your first letter you wrote only about Anna, but did not say anything about Varvara. Lord, save Anna from trouble. If she turns to you for help, then you should vigorously act to rid her of those unkind people. You can't watch this with folded arms. And even if some trouble was foreseen, act like this, praying to God. God bless! Thanks for the warning. My eye does not suffer from old nervousness, but from the fact that the lens has begun to become clogged. Here the action of light does not add anything. The disease runs its course. Save yourself! God bless you! Letter 1278. Congratulations and blessings Tomorrow is the beheading of the Forerunner, and the day after tomorrow is the transfer of the relics of St. Blessed Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky. - May God grant you to honor these days with reverent memories and prayerful offerings to God. The Lord freed your head from pain: bow this head before Him, giving thanks and surrendering to His holy will. May the Lord protect the little one and strengthen her strength. God bless her kind and gentle nanny. God bless you all! There are quite a lot of people here now. And everything is simple, and everything is beautiful. - And how elegant they are! Letter 1279. Greetings and Blessings I rejoice in you that your son passed the exam well. God bless him! God bless and Squirrel. I wish her a good journey, not only to travel to Moscow, but also to act in it. A small icon of St. Sergius was found. I am enclosing it in the letter. May his prayers accompany her and help her. My eye is doing well, i.e. He is becoming increasingly blind, as he should be. And then whatever God wills. Travel to St. there is not a single book in some places. And what about Blueberry? Is it turning white? - I wish her success in blueberries. Letter 1280. To a visitor to Vysha God bless your stay here. May the Lord grant you the saving communion of His holy and most pure Mysteries. Your poems are good. Accept the book and enjoy the great contemplations of St. Simeon, the new Theologian. Rest a little longer with us and have some fun. Let the coolness here remove all burden from your soul. Letter 1281. About the ways of Providence. Resolution from promise And thank God that your stepdaughter began to adjust to the path of God. May the Lord strengthen her. Perhaps then the external supports were destroyed, so that, having nothing to rely on, she would seek the Lord, the powerful and all-good supporter of souls burdened with grief and failures. If you don’t write to the novice, it won’t be a big deal. What did they promise, what to do? It rolled off the tongue. Repent to the Lord and rebuke yourself. May the Lord bless you with every blessing, both your Blueberry and Belichka, and the whole family. Letter 1282. Consolation about the death of Varvara N. May the Lord rest the soul of the newly deceased Varvara! Not to grieve - how not to grieve; but a little. For we have comforting and sure promises that those who depart in the spirit of faith and sincere repentance after a life of unfathomable labors of good deeds and self-sacrifice will be mercifully accepted by the Lord, as He Himself said: where I am, there will My servant be. And everyone will be there. We must learn from those leaving how to face the last minute ourselves. May God bless you to spend your time in Moscow with both consolation and spiritual benefit. I wish the same for those who exist with you. Congratulations on the upcoming holiday. Save yourself! Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. 17 Dec '79 Letter 1283. Returning from a trip Have a safe return! – Your own corner is like paradise after being away. This is how everyone experiences it. It also happens when someone, after being distracted, returns to attention and inner life. When we are in the heart, then we are at home; when we are not in the heart, we are not at home. And this is what we should be most concerned about! That we went to Sergius was very kind. Thank you for the blessing from him. And I regret that Belichka did not have to confess to that skilled confessor. But may the Lord turn this for the better. Surrender yourself completely to the Lord, and He Himself will arrange everything in the best possible way. What you write about children is worthy of pity. But evil is spreading and will flood poor Russia. May God bless you to find pleasure or satisfaction in doing things for God that you have the opportunity to do in your environment and in your circumstances. God's blessing to Belichka and Blueberry. Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. 12th Gen. 80 P.S. There were two letters from Moscow. You were hoping for Psalm 119. He is not in his arms. I'll send it soon. Letter 1284. Easter greetings Thank you for your congratulations. I also send you my best wishes, so that the days of your life may pass in the light of the resurrection - in the light of which holy baptism has made us partakers. God bless you! The fact that you move more and more away from the world is not a loss, but a big profit. Therefore, I congratulate you on this. God bless your beauties - may they appear as beautiful brides of Christ, in whom even the keenest eye would not find anything to reproach. I am sending you two books - a brochure and a portrait - very bad. Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. 24 Apr 80 Letter 1285. Where to find the best? The saint's decision to complete seclusion God bless your holy communion! Be to the rescue. Squirrel herself doesn’t know what she wants. Her soul seeks something better, being excited by God; but she is looking for the worst: for she thinks to find it outside of God, where it is not better, but worse. She must seek God, cleave to God, and the soul will calm down, satiated with all-encompassing good. And she doesn’t know where she’s turning her eyes. She has a great sense and willpower is not small. Why not reason and find this to be proper,” and then he stamped his foot, “and that’s the end of all calculations.” Your grief or insult that Tarbeeva was there for a minute - further confirms me in the accepted procedure not to accept anyone. I knew that I accepted one - open the gates for everyone. How out of place this last one is in relation to me; then it’s better to hold on to: no one. Bear the sorrows you encounter complacently. The Lord sends - and never for harm, but all for good. P.S. Illustrated I’m not writing out the world. Letter 1286. Easter greetings, about local mail, etc. I greet you with this general Christian greeting, and I pray to the Lord that He will grant you to taste with your heart the joy of the resurrection and thereby sweeten all your bitterness. I received both your letters. Thank you for your tireless memory. Do not consider my non-response as inattention or oblivion on my part, but as a simple accident, without going far beyond explanations. We were drenched in water, and only once were we sent to the city. You all get sick from time to time. I wish you good health. Summer or early spring will fix everything for you. Help you, Lord! I thank Chernichka and Belichka for their congratulations. God bless you! I wish you all the best from the Lord. Letter 1287. Before Lent. About a boy incapable of science. Family Prayer and Reading Congratulations on your post. Thank you. With us, the transition to fasting is almost imperceptible. A little makes a difference. Lord, help you to gather your strength and deeds - to speak and receive Holy Communion. Christ's Mysteries. – You can celebrate all Lenten services at home, according to the prayer book. Just pray for warmth. “And it will be the same as a church service.” And such preparation is real preparation. I wish your boy success. But if science doesn’t suit him, don’t torture him. Maybe there is a gift for some kind of art - drawing or something else. Or maybe carpentry - sharpening, sawing. This will keep him busy. Or maybe you want to pray to God. “And let him pray and walk along this road.” You should paint a picture of your common prayer at home. God grant you to compose it more often. “The angels look at her and rejoice.” You get bored in the evenings. There would be readings and stories. Whoever comes across something good, let him suggest: if you want, I’ll read it to you, and let him read it better, more enthusiastically. “And it’s better to invent good stories yourself - edifying ones, and the time will pass entertainingly.” Sending – November. And just recently I received letters. This is for your library. Don't worry about shoes. I have one for this year. I wrote then without trying it on. And in the morning it turned out. Letter 1288. Congratulations. The root of Chernesky life Happy New Year to you too! May God grant your thoughts to recover, and your Squirrel with you. You were probably informed about my illness. This is a common mild stomach upset when changing food. There was no need to talk about anything. I wish Chernichka to succeed in her life as a chernichka, surrendering herself to God, and especially learning to walk in the presence of God - which is the root of Chernichka’s life. God bless you all. Save yourself! Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. 8 Gen. '81 Letter 1289. Vyshinskaya guest If you find that it is good for your soul here; then you can stretch it out until the celebration of the Presentation. The soul will rest and breathe the local air. Maybe you want to take communion and you can, and that’s really good! However, the choice and decision is yours. If you cannot cast all your domestic sadness on the Lord, so that it does not in the least disturb your soul, or some other inconvenience you see and expect to encounter, so that you do not hope to be in a peaceful frame of mind; then you will have some reason for not extending your stay here. If there is nothing like that, but there is only ordinary indecision, awaiting a decision from the outside; then my thought is on the side of the Candlemas being here. The household chores have been started, and nothing has been lost in just two days. The head of the family, if he decides to get bored, then only before your arrival. Maybe he’ll mention it in passing. But there can be nothing serious here. Finally, your last postscript, imaginary grief. The Mother of God comes here. Don’t look through it with your eyes on the outside, without any significant benefit. I wish Blueberry all kinds of consolation from the Lord. Letter 1290. To the question: where to go. About the position of sisters of mercy I also received your previous letter, but have not yet had time to answer you. I am sending the letter via rural mail, and it was sent from the volost government of a neighboring village. That's why it slowed down. But there is no harm from this. To your question about whether to come to Vysha, I could not answer anything other than: as you wish. Now you have decided to travel to Moscow. God bless! It's better than Vysha. There are so many shrines there! There is something to warm up. May God bless you both to receive Holy Communion. The Mysteries of Christ in the revival of the spirit. Squirrel would do no harm if she decided to become a nurse. “It’s a comforting thing, but at the same time it’s not very difficult, given the normal course of things.” There is such an establishment in Moscow - Princess Shakhovskaya. Everyone is accepted there and is not bound by a vow for life, but only one vow is required - to serve the sick while the sister is in the institution. If he doesn’t like it and changes his mind, he has the freedom to leave whenever he wants, in a month, two or three. So Belichka could give it a try. “If you’re in Moscow, you can talk to the princess,” of course, having taken away Belichka’s desire to do so in advance. - Its establishment is in the Lefortovo part, it seems, 4 square meters. own princess's house. That you want to give your youngest son to a famous family in Moscow is not bad. God bless. Letter 1291. When sending books. What does pain mean, etc. Thank you for your well wishes. May God grant you to speak better, better. Endure your headaches with complacency. It means that there is a One who loves you, who reminds you of Himself! I thank Blueberry for her handicraft work. Behold, a new edition of a book on prayer for you. Last year's wanderer has not yet returned. Here are two of his books for this year, and three books of Soulful Reading. Letter 1292. To the question about the boy’s education I hasten to answer you about my son. If he is young, then take him back. Let him grow up some more. You didn’t give me a year then, but only said – youngest son. But again, see for yourself. Perhaps, despite his youth, he is capable and alive, and requires work. In this case, no doubt, leave it there. How's the little guy? - Yes, you have nothing to be embarrassed about this matter. Whatever you find better, do it. After all, there will be no trouble if you identify it early. And then there will be no trouble if he lives at home for a year. - Decide like your soul - without hesitation, then what is there to think about? It’s hard for me to decide without knowing the boy or his abilities. Thank God we made it to Moscow, despite the obstacles. – The Mother of God consoled you. I wish you to be healthy and complacent throughout your journey. Blueberry, your joy is God's blessing. Your pilgrim E. Feofan. Aug 17 '81 Letter 1293. About the same thing. Advice to see a doctor I wrote to you as soon as possible. And it’s good that your husband agreed to send your son to school as soon as possible. It’s difficult for me to decide such matters - I never took it on. I ask God’s blessing for everything you decide in your current affairs. You're having some kind of seizures. Don't miss the chance to have yourself checked by doctors in Moscow. There may be a little that needs to be done to avoid such troubles. Either way, do what you think is best. I am writing to Moscow, although I think that my letter is unlikely to find you there. Did St. Sergius vouchsafe you to reach him and venerate his relics? Your pilgrim E. Feofan. 2 Sep. '81 Letter 1294. Regarding Blueberry’s illness I’m very sorry that Blueberry fell. This disease is definitely dangerous; but when it passes, it leaves good consequences after the weakness has passed, which continues for some time after that, especially in the legs. But you need to watch it. It seems that the movement of air must be averted, and the patient must be given rest. But how can we keep the temperature in check now? – So that it’s neither hot nor cold. Heat is more harmful. – Fill the air with vapors of toilet vinegar, moisten a towel and wave it around the room, then hang it here to add more of this smell. I was sick - very sick. God gave it, it passed. This is still in St. Petersburg. – We must wait for a thunderstorm – on the 7th, 14th day, or sometimes between them. Letter 1295. Regarding the case of Belichka’s wedding Congratulations on completing your pilgrimage. Thank you for the blessing from the shrines! What confuses you in your surroundings and what you are unable to put aside, leave it to the will of God - humbling yourself, as you wrote from Peter of Damascus - before the finger of God, who does not allow anything for us from which we cannot derive spiritual benefit for ourselves. Therefore, in such cases, it is only appropriate to sit down and consider what the Lord would like to teach me with them, praying together, so that He does not neglect to enlighten your mind and let it see tangibly the intentions of God. When this is achieved, then the cry will naturally come from the heart: Glory to Thee, Lord! - and at the same time, all bitterness that has crept into the heart will disappear. Why aren’t you allowed to do this, etc.? - Because the Lord finds it unnecessary, useless, and perhaps even harmful for you. Make sure this is the case and calm down! The future happiness with which you are trying to console yourself, what is it? – Here or beyond the grave? – If it’s here, then, of course, there’s nothing to expect from it. And if it’s the future, then I don’t understand how it can be disappointing? - Those who suffer and endure their sorrowful life with humility before God are also like martyrs, for whom such blessings are prepared, in comparison with which real sorrows are not worth anything. On the contrary, you will do better if you are more often transported there in thought and heart, in the hope of finally being consoled there. For this undoubtedly awaits you if you do not allow grumbling and always cultivate humble submission to the will of God, which awards you this and that. The Lord will not abandon the younger children. He Himself will replace for them obscene caresses and hugs. Pray about this. God bless Squirrel with a happy life. What about Blueberry? - Doesn’t it really console you? Soulful Reading – three books at home. I’m sending them! Thank you for the parcels. Your pilgrim E. Feofan. Oct 31 '81 Letter 1298. Thoughts and feelings befitting those who are sick God sent the disease. Give thanks to the Lord; because 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 regret before God for not taking care of the gift of health that He gave you. And then, nevertheless, reduce it to the fact that illness is from the Lord, for every coincidence of circumstances is from the Lord, and nothing happens by chance. And after this, thank the Lord again. Illness humbles, softens the soul and eases its usual heaviness from many worries. May God grant you to recover. May God grant that your high school student also recovers. Let him walk more, have tea and bathing. Solder with milk. God save painful love! To the one who wrote the letter to Blueberry, I wish all success in life to God. God bless you all. Save yourself! I am treated with milk, and apart from milk there is no food. - This is for blood renewal. Letter 1299. About the proximity and suddenness of the second coming God bless your journey to Moscow and to St. Sergius. “Reverend Sergius will be your guard.” It’s good that Blueberry is going too - to breathe the monastery air. God bless! Is it time to identify your youngest son? I think the sooner the better. There have been predictions so many times that the end of summer is just around the corner. And everything is out of place. – The Savior said that no one knows the time. Therefore, there is no point in guessing and being embarrassed by the fortune-telling of others. That there will be a second coming is certain. And it is certain that it will happen suddenly, with all the great omens. All that remains for us is to continually wait for the Lord and prepare for the meeting, without guessing about the time. A wreath of flowers is beautiful. Thank you. Just in time. Tomorrow is for the cross. Letter 1300. School for the Wise. Encouragement for Belichka and a lesson for Blueberry So what kind of niece is that?! And I threw it to God knows where. So she is a wise professor! Let her prepare for a strict monastery, where the abbess would train her well, so that she could later become an abbess herself. I'm sorry for Squirrels. However, nothing decisive can be deduced from what is happening. Now the time is such that people are hunting everywhere. Here they will sip a little. When the hunt ends, everything will end. “I don’t think anything bad will come out of this.” God save them! Encourage Belichka so that she doesn’t hang her nose and grumble at her husband, but always greet him cheerfully. Grumbling and frowning will only irritate him. It’s as if he approves of his hunting exploits. And let Blueberry worry about everything that happens in a fickle world. “And shake like a maple leaf every day and every hour.” And you yourself - what joys are you expecting?! When the soul looks up peacefully to the Lord, that is joy. With external joys, what should you do? Haven't you forgotten what they are? I'm returning the book. Very edifying, I have it in the Wanderer. Letter 1301. To a visitor to Vysha And thank God that they found solace in our monastery. After remembering, you will be comforted that the Lord is always near those who call on Him—those who call on Him in truth. I wish you a good journey. - Let this be a consolation for Belichka. - However, you are very stingy in distributing consolations. Two days! Not enough?! If they ask, don't be stingy. Give me at least one more day. However, how else will it be for you?! Will Blueberry get carried away again?! It's time to impose penance on her for this. “And please let her do it if she makes a mistake.” - God bless her! I wish you all the best from the Lord. Save yourself! Letter 1302. Various minor replies and reviews I rejoice in your joy that you rode safely, and are comforted by everything you see. God grant that the good relationship between Belichka and her husband lasts until the end of their stay on earth. May the Lord open a path of education for your children that will not lead them astray from God’s path. You ask about milk feeding. There is no sin in using during fasting when your health requires it. You can even use broth. Blueberry came to her senses. If he is going into military service, let him learn military affairs from here. God bless you and bless you; My health is absolutely fine. Letter 1303. To a visitor to Vysha. Answer about a trip to visit Belichka May God grant you to rest with us and enjoy the spiritual air of the monastery. I received your letter, and I kept meaning to write. But things got worse with my amiable laziness, and I didn’t get around to it. I apologize. Are you going to talk and receive Holy Communion? Christ's Mysteries. God bless! And God bless Belichka to come. To get sick - why? – On the contrary, a change in air will have a beneficial effect on your body. – But as if the people there (Belichkin’s father-in-law and mother-in-law) didn’t work miracles. – Arm yourself with patience in advance, and most importantly, make it a law not to notice their antics, or whatever they come up with. And bow and blessing to Squirrel! I wish her worldly wisdom; but not at the expense of spiritual wisdom. Without faith there is no peace or order in life. God bless you! Letter 1304. About caring for a spouse who has a cough They were exhausted caring for the sick. God help you to get him out and put him on his feet. Cough from a cold. - But this doesn’t seem to be a tricky disease! Sit in a warm place, apply mustard to your throat or chest and back, put your feet in the bath, or sprinkle dry mustard into your stockings and put them on so that the mustard touches the soles of your feet - and something else like that. But just ask a doctor as soon as possible, and that’s the end of the matter. Without a doctor you will miss a long time, but with him in spirit you will correct the patient. I think that one should not expect much danger from this. “But our fate is in the hands of God.” And you will do well if you persuade the sick person to confess and receive Holy Communion. Tain. Be grateful. Change courtship or alternate with Blueberry. – If you don’t get enough sleep at night, reward it during the day. Holiday in the yard. Congratulations. And I wish that you all, including the sick, celebrate the holiday in good health and general joy. Your pilgrim E. Feofan. 22 Dec 81. Letter 1305. Congratulations and blessings I wish you a happy holiday and a happy new year. I rejoice in your husband’s recovery. God save him from all ill health in future. May God's blessing accompany the blueberry, preserving it from all slander of the enemy. Thank you for the news about the dream. An incentive to prepare for the next world. Pray! The picture is very good. Thank you. Your pilgrim E. Feofan. 26 Dec 81. Letter 1306. In view of the upcoming Lent. Comfort for Belichka and reassurance for the mother Thank you for your holiday greetings. “Lord, help you too to meet the Lord here, so that you can have a guarantee that His meeting there too is beyond doubt.” Behold, the post is in the yard. May the Lord grant you the strength to conduct it as strictly and Christianly as you can. - Fast and receive communion - three times: at the first, at the veneration of the cross and at the passionate - of course, if you do not encounter any obstacles. It’s hard for Squirrel. It’s a pity, but it’s comforting that she’s learning a lesson about God’s providence. “Well, well, Mother Belichka, everything is from the Lord, and everything is for our good.” Now it's a little difficult; and then the sweet fruits will appear. Help her, Lord! Mother-in-law - let him. How's your husband?! He is the main thing for her. And what about that one? – You can do your job without interruption. Let him be angry: it’s worse for her. - May the Lord make you wise. You have experienced the speedy hearing of your prayers by God's Matter, and glory to God! - Therefore, the eyes of the Mother of God rested on you. - Why not think that they continued to rest, and in this draw the warmth of peace under the cover of the Lady! Save yourself! God's blessing to Blueberry! Your pilgrim E. Feofan. 1–2 Feb. 82. Letter 1307. Easter greetings and good wishes. Praise for Belichka I congratulate you on the occasion of the Holy Resurrection of Christ. I wish you all kinds of joys, more than those in the Lord the Savior. I received your letters. Thank you. I didn’t answer because we were busy at that time. I am very glad that we received Holy Communion. Christ's Mysteries. - Be to your salvation. - Instead of penance, let ill health come - just don’t complain, but rather be grateful! And Blueberry fell ill. I wish her well too. Because toothache is the most sensitive. Thank you for what you sent. Pokrovets - will go better under antimins. Well done Squirrel. If, on her instructions, the husband fasted, then this means a lot. God bless her! I wish you all the best from the Lord. I am sending you small books. Your pilgrim E. Feofan. 11 Apr 82. Letter 1308. You can always take communion. The path of salvation is not blocked anywhere. There can be a sound mind in a frail body When it was inconvenient to fast at the first one, fast as you intended. The cup of the Lord is always open, and everyone is invited to it every day. Therefore, one can never say that time is irretrievably lost. Missed now, ready tomorrow. You hope that Belichka will turn to the Lord. But even now she has not run away from Him; she remembers Him and wants to please Him. Those who are bound by everyday affairs are also the Lord's. And they can please God completely, and receive complete salvation. Let him turn everything into the glory of God - and that’s all there is to it. Did Blueberry start looking into the forest?! It's a pity. I saw no need. She'll see enough, but you're doing well not to believe her. That's how it should be. And there the path to salvation is not blocked. Everyone, everywhere can be saved. That you are weak. They are talking about health, not about their relationship with the Lord. Khila, what's going on here? - It's already summer. - This is how the soul, look, when it cleaves to the Lord in health; then she became not frail, but vigorous. If so, what else is there to worry about? My health is fine. One eye no longer serves; and the other just started to get cloudy. God bless you! I wish you all the best from God. Save yourself! Letter 1309. Means for taming a despot husband and on various other subjects Happy birthday. May the Mother of God comfort you with lasting consolation. It was a good idea for you to receive Holy Communion. The Mysteries of Christ on this day. May this communion fill you with new spiritual life! May the Lord Himself be with you! I rejoice in you that everything is going well for you in all parts. May the Lord continue this order. It’s just hard for Squirrel. - Let him manage to outwit him. I think this can be achieved by not letting anyone notice that despotism is unpleasant, and by pretending that its antics are recognized as being in the order of things. Without encountering opposition, despotism will become quieter and quieter. It will finally calm down completely. Then you can take it back into your hands without changing your humble tone and demeanor. A well-read woman should never object; but to completely agree, as if to learn - even though it is obvious that what is untenable is affirmed. God help her to pass the test! Blueberry, it seems, returned with new reasons for leaving the world because of its unsatisfactory nature. God grant! You did a good job in telling your dream. An empty dream, or not an empty one, we must take advantage of it in order to look more often into the door of the common outcome. That's what it's all about. Nothing can be said about the book based on the advertisement. But it seems good. There won't be any trouble if you write him out. And the benefits are very possible. Thank you for the wreath. Behold, books for you! Letter 1310. To one who mourns the lack of spiritual attention. Remedies for relieving boredom May God and St. be your salvation. Communion! What could we do wrong in paying attention to ourselves? What should we do? The Lord sees that this is not so much from negligence as from your circumstances, and forgives you for the sake of your grief about it. One cannot demand from everyday people such concentration as is obligatory for those who have left everyday orders. It can be hard, such is earthly life! – Who is free from this!! But manage to fill all hours of the day with your activities, so that you don’t have time for everything, and there will be less boredom. - Otherwise, get used to being with the Lord. This is the highest way to not notice the flow of life. May the Lord order your inner life! I am healthy and everything is fine with us. I wish blueberry to delve deeper into blueberries. Your pilgrim E. Feofan. 29 June 82. Letter 1311. Easter greetings. A recovering son-in-law. Benefits for Blueberry The blessed holiday is still ongoing. May the Lord grant you to continuously experience festive joys. You did well that you overcame yourself for the holiday in order to celebrate it with everyone in the church. This is the head and root of all holidays. It is very comforting to hear that your son-in-law fasted and received communion, and kept his tongue on a leash. It’s true he was chatting in the wind; just to show off. Blueberry at the ball. It should be published in the newspapers, to the surprise of the whole world. However, she is still allowed some benefits. And the world will see what he is like. If only he did not manage to cloud her bright thoughts and feelings. May the Lord protect the little one. According to the calendar, spring is already on the way, but we haven’t put out the winter windows yet. Maybe you too. – This winter is dragging on for a long time. I wish you happy and healthy days - and all yours. Letter 1312. How to treat your neighbors. About arnica It is difficult to tell you anything decisive about how to deal with your neighbors. There is only one law for this: to communicate with those of like mind, for mutual support in action on the path of salvation. Therefore, if you happen to recoil from those who think little about God and salvation, there is nothing to regret about it. Communication with them will remain only in everyday life. But if you have the courage, then they too must be sacrificed. Consider these principles. I gave your old man arnica, and Evlampius - formic spirit. Arnica tincture - in all bruises - even with broken bones is the most effective remedy. It is available in pharmacies. This is a non-homeopathic remedy. Add a tablespoon of arnica to a glass of water. I’m pouring until it turns a little yellow. Then wet the rags and put them on the bruised area, and tie them with another rag. As soon as it dries firmly, moisten it again. So until the swelling and pain go away. I am sending you two more books of Souls. Thurs. and a letter to the Olympics. Letters to various people will soon end. There will be prints! And also - books - short thoughts for every day, and what the penitents need. - Keep these with you. Ask the Lord for peace of mind. – May the Lord guide your path to the Highest in August. Are you really going to bury me?! Your pilgrim. July 8, 82. Letter 1313. Sorrows are God's medicines. On the attitude towards the guilty husband You have all the regrets and regrets! These are God’s saving medicines, and a testimony of God’s attention to you. Be grateful. Give thanks to the Lord. - and get medical treatment, - or do not interfere with the medical effect of these medicines by any kind of complaining. We will feel sorry for the squirrel and pray to the Lord that He will inspire her to courageously endure what happened. The husband is gloomy - he really missed it. Well, now he’s shaking his head, and he makes vows in advance that he won’t do that. “Let her not sharpen him, but feel sorry for him and inspire him, that maybe everything will somehow get better little by little.” If he starts to grind, there will only be discord and trouble, but there will be no sense. May the Lord strengthen Blueberry! So let her say how sweet life is, Save you, Lord, all of you, and have mercy! Your pilgrim E. Feofan. Oct 31 82. Letter 1314. About treatment with homeopathy May Archangel Michael protect you on all your paths. Congratulations on purchasing a homeopathic doctor and a first aid kit. - Now all diseases are over. Especially for a little one, how useful this will be. You'll see. You ask about receptions. I have more than one homeopathic book. And the methods indicated are different. Mostly one grain per teaspoon. There are those who order three grains directly into your mouth and wash it down. And these that you have are 9 cereals, for 6 tablespoons. You need to act as directed by your doctor. – I showed you aconite belladon – from another book. Now take it - nux vomica. Take a little closer look and get used to how to use what. “Moscow Wisdom” (Sofia N.S.) fell ill. - I'll write. May God grant her to recover! Letter 1315. Influence of St. Petersburg. About the books sent It's good that you took communion! May this be your consolation and strengthening. This is what your niece is like?! And I thought she was going to hell! What a misconception! But I didn’t know that she had tasted St. Petersburg. This is a whirlpool! “You did well to see her off as quickly as possible.” Messages to St. Timothy is not alone. But it will. Then you will receive it. I send you – September Shower. Thurs. and I return the stories, enclosing another copy for Chernichka (Prince N.I.K.). Look at them often. And how in the Philokalia they say about this St. fathers, look in the letters about the Spirits. Life, from the 15th letter, and keep this book with you. God bless you! Letter 1316. The Lord loves those who voluntarily devote themselves to spiritual life I hasten to answer you. You should not be forced to take this difficult road. Let her enter it at will, out of the deepest conviction of the superiority of this road and its suitability for her. And tell her: you yourself have age. Partially experienced both roads, And look where you should direct your steps. If you want to devote yourself to the Lord, then there is no need for you to deal with a world in which there is no spirit of Christ. If you don’t want to, do as you wish. The Lord loves brides who come to Him willingly. How long have you been tempted? - And she hasn’t wasted away yet - and again in this stupefying haze! Say this, and you’ll come up with something else. Then, goodbye: as you wish. I am very glad that Belichka finds herself happy. God bless them! And God bless you all! Your pilgrim E. Feofan. 10 Dec. 82. Letter 1317. Congratulations. Lesson for young men I congratulate you both on the holiday of the Nativity of Christ, even if it has already passed, and on the new year, which is already in the yard. May God grant you health and complacency. Be grateful! And always ask the Lord for this gift. There will be no sorrow with him. Everything will be accepted as joyful and favorable. Here is the power of God for the peaceful course of the path in this life, which is always almost obstinate. God bless your son. Now explain to him more that everything that unrestrained young men usually talk about will later be reflected in illnesses and infirmities in old age. While restrained young men prepare for themselves a supply of strength and information - like food for life. I am sending you Gregory the Theologian, but not the first, but the last book. I think it will be more convenient. If you feel like it, you can send others in ascending order. How do you like the letters from Rev. Gerasima; then I enclose the December Shower. Thurs. I am sending you new books too. Letter 1318. On the news of the son's success. About the adopted girl. Praise for Sophia S. We are glad that our son passed the exam and moved on to the next grade. - I rejoice in you. May God grant him to also successfully pass the exam next time and move on to another class. Only spare him, Lord, from crossing from God’s side to the enemy’s. Ex-prompt, with which the child is accepted - half-orphan for now - means that this decision came from the depths of the heart, without any outside influences. The matter in itself is commendable; because of it, one can praise the heart that gave such a decision. What will come of this? “If the mother gets up, she will take the child and will be grateful to you.” And if she doesn’t rise, you will raise the child, put her on her feet, and arrange her life. Those. you will do a wonderful job. In this matter you will be the abbess, and the blueberry will be a novice. Moscow wisdom seeks true Christian wisdom, and not tawdry - secular, and not worldly - destructive. May the Lord direct her path. God bless you and Blueberry and the little one. Your pilgrim E. Feofan. 11 May 83 Letter 1319. Explanation of correspondence. Instruction about the adopted baby. Taking care of Sofia S. I received your mail; I could send you an answer only on the same day on which your ambassador arrived. Through the prayers of St. God grant the prophet Elijah, that all may go well with you. The little one worries you. Be patient. This is God’s order to you - to raise her. And Blueberry does good and kindness in taking care of her; one must treat nannies very carefully. If I had come across a proven one, it would not have been bad. The sermons you write about are not new, but selected from previous ones. Printed by the people of Athos. And they will send it to me; but haven't received it yet. Sending I t. St. Demetrius of Rostov, - and the continuation of Souls. Thurs. The Wise One does not write. And I don’t know what she has. And what matters delayed her. Maybe you wanted to go for a walk and have some fun. Save her, Lord! Please do not be embarrassed if you do not receive, or do not receive, a response to your email soon. The trouble is small. Sometimes we don’t send to the city for a week, and sometimes something happens. God bless you! And Blueberry - and everyone. Letter 1320. About children and Sofia Sleptsova I received your letter, but did not have time to reply. Thank you for your kind memory. You feel sad for your children. Naturally. But they are about to arrive, perhaps in good health, to the day of forgiveness. Maslenitsa would not tempt me. Maslenitsa is okay for Belichka, but it’s not very favorable for Blueberry. How did Sofia the Wise become Moskovka? – I see a good sign in this, because St. Petersburg is riotous, unbelieving and revolutionary, and Moscow is pious, humble, and faithful. May it also be in the spirit of Moscow! It happened that our people were now planning to send them to Shatsk. I answered her and sent her directly. It was not clever to write only Sofia Sleptsova on the envelope - as according to the priest, it is not indicated anywhere. Write it down another time. Sofia has a good build. The Lord is calling her: but her determination has not yet matured. The poems you wrote again are good, too, but the first ones are especially good. May the Lord comfort you on the inside, if the outside is not always sweet. If the travelers returned, God’s blessing is upon them too. And everyone. Your pilgrim. E. Feofan. Letter 1321. Feedback on the message about children Jealousy of St. may your heart be filled with the prophet Elijah! Worries about your son absorb all your attention. This cannot be otherwise when you are a mother. May the Lord rejoice you, after these labors, with the kindness of your son. Are you planning to go to Vysha to relax? Not a bad thing. Our gates are open to everyone. If only those who wish to be in our monastery have enough zeal. I’m very glad that Belichka’s situation is comforting. Work is a saving medicine! May the Lord reward Blueberry with consolation and moral strength for her labors on the orphan baby. God bless you all! What is Moscow wisdom?! Letter 1322. About chores around the house. Orphan - everyone's favorite And I congratulate you on the holidays – and on your recovery. Grant, Lord, that you always be healthy. In the hands of God, illness can sometimes be like threshing. Be smart! I don’t know what troubles looking after your garden and estate will bring you. That's why I can't say anything about this. In general, how can you live without hassle? And there is no such law. The biggest hermits started vegetable gardens, and of course they fussed about them. You just need to conduct business so that troubles do not consume you - and go into them, not as the main thing, but as an afterthought. They are taking care of the baby: are you jealous? If everyone surrounds her with love, then she should be happy about it. She is like a tree when waters come out. I can’t imagine anything that could be unsuitable in handling a baby. See for yourself! There was no time yet to answer your letter. It was received only in the last mail. There is aconite. I don't know what division it is. May the Lord bless you with every blessing. Save yourself! I thank Blueberry for the air and the handkerchief for the sacramental cup. - Yes, I will write to her. Letter 1323. When sending “letters about spiritual life” May God bless you to receive communion for salvation. What is written in the Letters about spiritual life can be done by everyone. Because this is the essence of the Christian matter. I wish you good health. God bless you and Mother Blueberry, the future abbess. Save yourself! Letter 1324. Unread rule. How to pray for relief from grief. On the attitude towards a callous husband and disobedient children You did well to take communion and give the little one communion. It is not unexcusable that we did not read the prayers when the opportunity was lacking. Omitting reading can always be rewarded by turning to God in prayer and, if possible, with bows, so that God will bless this action of prayer, with contrition and faith - the main thing, and reading what has been received is only a means to this. Praying for coolness - why not pray? Only adding: “But Your will, O Lord, be done!” - and always be ready to endure. Patience is of great value to the Lord, and stands alongside tears. Pray about your husband’s dislike, may the Lord tame him. - It’s hard, of course, that you cried and he laughed. But, take a lesson from here: go ahead and hide these treasures - tears, without showing them to anyone, imitating St. David, who wet his bed with his tears at night. And pray for the children. The Lord is able to correct them. “As you can see, it’s better not to tell them if they’ve become like that.” Unless you notice their willingness to listen. It is very comforting that Blueberry is in her rank. God bless her! Your pilgrim, E. Feofan. Letter 1325. About the benefits of sorrows. Sadness from my son. About raising someone else's baby. Taking care of Sofia S. Say: thank God for everything! - Thank God for sending us to endure: for this is the same as providing an opportunity to deserve the kingdom of God, which is promised to those who endure, and in patience to those who are content. Be patient, but also add complacency. This is from God, and this is from you: and you will have a point of contact with the Lord. What hurts most is my son’s clumsy act. “I think it’s not out of anger, but out of youthful lack of meaning.” A little later, explain to him that what he considers to depend on you does not come from you at all. And add that you, more than anyone else, wish him every satisfaction. When he is convinced of both, his heart should soften. Then it will be appropriate to say something for edification - not so much an imperative word, but a benevolent one. God bless you to raise an orphan. What about work? What can happen without it? And God bless Blueberry to help you be more successful. The Wise One has not written for a long time. I'm afraid she might have revealed something contrary to wisdom. It’s good that she’s coming to you. I received your letter by last mail. There was no time to answer yet. Letter 1326. To a visitor to Vysha Congratulations on your fast and on reaching the monastery where the Mother of God abbesses. May God grant you to stay here for health and salvation. I received your letter; but did not answer, waiting for your arrival. May the Lord protect your little one, your adopted child. You write about flowers; but where are they? – Even though I’m small, that is. not a note taker, a hunter of flowers, however, asked Evlampiya, he says that he forgot to take it. Fasting and preparing for St. communion. May this be your salvation, and with Blueberry. I don’t have anything new that I could deliver to you. – Here is the next issue of Soulful Reading. God bless you! Save yourself! Letter 1327. Peace of mind drives away external sorrows. Caring for Blueberry Bring the protection of the Mother of God over all of you! Everyone took communion. Thanks be to the Lord, who gave the desire and allowed it to be fulfilled. May this be your salvation, strength of spirit and consolation. When your soul feels good, external bad things go away as if they never happened. Trust in the Lord, and always ask for His intercession, and you will get away with everything easily. I’ll tell you in your ear: you endlessly think about living, or you think that you will die. If, as I believe, you have the latter... then it wouldn’t be a bad idea for you to have Blueberry with you in some monastery. – She will be left alone: ​​who will help her then? However, see for yourself what is best. This is our answer both before God and before people. Letter 1328. About homeopathy and its manuals. Caring for Sofia S. and Blueberry May the good celebration of your name day attract the blessing of the Lord upon you! - But you all hurt. Do you want to try homeopathy? Good! “I hear that the grains help a lot of people.” “And they take it from me, and it’s as if they benefit.” – There are a lot of books on this topic. Here, I think, are better: – Homeopathic home remedy by Dr. E.K. Shepmel - price 1 rub. 50 k. with postage. – But that’s not all. – In addition to the Homeopathic Doctor of Dr. Hering, – with postage of 3 rubles. For the first, there is also an adapted pharmacy, containing 36 bottles of grains, which costs, I don’t know, it seems – rubles. – 15 or more. Write about this to the Wise One, and she will arrange everything. If you write to her, scold her for not telling me the new address. “I’m very glad that she snuck into the monastery.” May the Lord direct her path. That Blueberry stands her ground - thank God! God bless her. I am sending her a book about the virginity of St. Chrysostom, translation by the beautiful Maria Ivanovna Vinogradova, the daughter of an archpriest - 20 - some years old. Here are some grains for you - Aconite and Belladonna - take alternately. During seizures, after – 1:2, 3, hours. And not during seizures, if there is a desire - one in the morning, another in the evening, dosage: one grain per teaspoon, or take a grain in your mouth - and take it inside with a sip of water. Letter 1329. Congratulations on communion. A warning to Blueberry. Caring for a sick orphan and Mamaev. About the Sacrament of Anointing Thank God that you managed to receive Holy Communion. Christ's Mysteries. May this be your salvation, the consolation and strengthening of your spirit on the path of Christ. And I really regret Blueberry that she was not with you. I think you know what happens to her. But still I wrote to ask her to be frank with you. Who is closer to her cause if not you? Maybe all this is nothing, or it will crumble into dust on its own; however, since the enemy is cunning and cunning, one must keep a sharp ear in everything. Help her, Lord! Why are you treating an orphan, please? You won't heal. I heard that homeopathy is more beneficial for children than for anyone - and for the common people. The case with Mamaev is very worthy of regret, may the Lord help him to wake up, even for confession and St. communion, if the Lord has now judged him to pass into another life. The priest speaks the truth about the consecration of oil. But I don't remember if there are any exceptions. For those departing, it is not so much the blessing of oil that is needed, but rather confession and communion. – The Blessing of Oil goes to the sick, who is hoping for recovery. It is not a parting word for the next world; and healing for this life, so that he may live in repentance. May the Lord pacify your heart and strengthen it against all worries. I am sending you a Soulful Reading. November. Letter 1330. Uneducated objectors to the truths of faith. Instruction for students high on the list. About the priest who did not resolve the objection What you said about your son-in-law made me wish that he would not be able to move into your neighborhood. – Questioners are an evil trick of the unsound! This is also blasphemous thoughts planted by the enemy. There the enemy is active, and here he has half-scientists at his side, who, without understanding in what sense others write this and that, take it for a decisive finding of science, while those who write it are only assumptions, thoughts, temporarily invented to solve some perplexities, also foolishly invented. – There is a lot of empty talk in our natural history books. The half-educated people are picking it up and flaunting this rubbish. And many are confused. – Your son-in-law is crazy. You will do well if you forbid him to ever open his mouth about such things. And especially with Chernichka and under Chernichka. How long will it take to ruin her wonderful mood? God bless her and keep her safe. I rejoice with you in the good successes and good character of your son. A high place in the class makes a student respectable, and forces him to carry himself as befits a person who is given weight among others. God bless him! It’s no wonder that the priest was confused. The seminary teaches positive doctrine predominantly; so it’s not surprising that he couldn’t find anything to say. But this may give him a reason to pay attention to this gap in his knowledge and fill it. Or maybe, having thought about it, he himself will be able to confound the questioner. May you and Blueberry be in the monastery for the Presentation - God grant! I wish you all the best from the Lord. God bless you! Save yourself! Letter 1331. The success of homeopathy. To the question about the newspaper extract. How to deal with harsh tongues I am very glad that homeopathy helped you and that you decided to have a homeopathic medicine cabinet and first aid kit. Now all diseases will be afraid of your home - and will stay away - assuming that they have some kind of sense. Do you want to subscribe to a newspaper? Good! I know the newspaper Neva, with the addition for family reading of a sheet of stories and stories, which are all edifying, and which not only Belichka, but also Chernichka can read with benefit. Price 6 rub. in St. Petersburg. Addressed to the editorial office of the illustrated newspaper Neva. A weekly newspaper with beautiful pictures and a prize for pictures. There is also a section on current affairs. I really regret that Blueberry can be harsh. We need to teach her so that she can control herself. - Do this. When this illness breaks through, you don’t say anything to it. “Because you, too, can be a little restless,” and she is in some kind of embarrassment or excitement. “No good can be said in such a state.” But when you both calm down, whether that day or the next, start talking to her in a motherly manner. Do you want to be smart, reasonable? Never allow weakness to come out of your mouth, or a movement to appear that shows that there is some kind of turmoil in your soul. It always humiliates and shows that you don’t know how to control yourself. “It pains me to see this in you.” Loving you, I wish you to be perfect in everything. This is not at all difficult to do. Do this: when the soul begins to move, tame this movement and then speak and act; and while there is confusion, keep silent. Several experiments - maybe not entirely successful - will lead to successful ones, and that’s the end. I wish you success in everything with all my heart. God bless! Save yourself! Your pilgrim E. Feofan. Oct 21 '83 Letter 1332. Comforting dream. Congratulations, good wishes and warning Thank you for your congratulations and good wishes. Please accept both from me. Your dream is very comforting. He shows you thrones, with the meaning and virtues for which they are given. The fact that this is shown to you makes it clear that these thrones are intended for you if you succeed in those virtues. If you did not have the germ of these virtues, this would not have been shown to you. It is shown that you bring those virtues of which the embryo is to perfection. After this, it is a sin to complain about impatience. You must feel inspired and soar as if on eagle’s wings. Thank you for the cross. On Christmastide, I wish you holy consolations. Thank you Belichka for your congratulations. And I congratulate her and her wife. I wish them that their expectations will be fulfilled, and that their life will flow as quietly and brightly as they desire. And before, illness drove her away from the church, and now. I'm very sorry. How can you get used to running from church? Lord save her and strengthen her. Save yourself, everyone, and pray to God for me, a sinner. Your pilgrim E. Feofan. 26 Dec '83 Letter 1333. Explanation of correspondence. About raising someone else's baby Received a letter; and postponed the answer to one email, i.e. for a week. Guilty! I was lazy. I wrote to Mother Treasurer before she complained to you about me. I had a little time. I’m very sorry that you have all the troubles and troubles - and in addition, a headache. Arm yourself with patience and be complacent. Now you have received communion correctly. May this be your salvation. May the Lord give you strength for everything - both internal and external. God strengthen Mother Blueberry. Let him look at the work of caring for a baby not as a task assigned by people and done for people; but as a task entrusted by the Lord himself, and pleasing to Him. Let him see the Lord and in his consciousness say to Him: For Your sake, Lord, I do this. Help me and accept my work favorably Your pilgrim E. Feofan. 23 June 84 Letter 1334. Arriving at Vysha. Encouragement and guidance for a student Congratulations on your arrival on the pilgrimage. May God help you to rest here and be refreshed in spirit. "It's boring to lie down." - How to lie down? Are you sick? - The wind must have caught you cold on the way. - And in general the weather is not good at all. I asked about the Wisdom of Moscow in passing. It would be a shame if she made a fool of herself. Your son is afraid to go to school. Explain to him that when dad leaves Murom, his comrades will not let him be bored for even one day. Maybe it will be a little boring for a day or two, but then everything will go quietly and peacefully, and Berestenka will forget about her. Advise him to prove himself a good student the first time. From the very first time he will stand on his feet - both in front of his mentors and in front of his comrades. And then it will be easy. God bless him! Two things: listen carefully to the interpretation in class, and then memorize it at home with understanding. What is unclear, let him not be ashamed to ask his comrades and elders. Letter 1335. Miscellaneous short messages and replies May the Mother of God rejoice in you, in memory of Her miraculous birth, which was the dawn, the harbinger of the rising of the Sun of Truth, Christ our God, on our spiritual firmament. I received your letter. But I didn’t have time to answer. What you wrote about did not leave any trace, like a simple tale about an ex. That your little one is putting up with his new life, that was to be expected. God help him! What you wish to receive communion on your name day is a good deed. Be to the rescue. God bless the blueberry! I wish her the most peace of mind! Conversations of the soul with God b. Augustine - no. Save yourself! God bless you all. Letter 1336. Congratulations. Guidance and Encouragement for Blueberry It’s good that you said a fast and received Holy Communion. The Mysteries of Christ - and you are going again. May God bless this for salvation. I am very glad that they have calmed down about Moscow Wisdom. God save the blueberry. Her time is young, the needs of soul and body are in living movement. How much attention she needs! But the Lord is near, and the Guardian Angel, and the Protection of the Mother of God. Let him pray with sighs, and he will be like a lamb in a strong fence. – And let the mother’s prayer be like a covering, or a warming shade. I wish you to celebrate this bright holiday with spiritual joy. But first we must labor and grieve with the Lord in His sufferings. P.S. I am sending it with your neighbors, who were so kind that they themselves wanted me to write and convey it through Eulampius. Letter 1337. Sympathy for those who rejoice. Caring husband. About prayer without bowing You are grateful. It is very pleasant to meet in you, often, if not always, feeling yourself in the burden of beings. May God grant you to constantly have a joyful heart. I am very glad that Belichka is finally consoled. I expected that they accidentally got something stuck there. God bless! That your husband is worried, afraid of leaving you in a difficult situation, is doing good. It is his duty to arrange that, having lost the head of your family, you at least sit peacefully in your corner. But why mope?! You need to arrange it by getting down to business well, and that’s the end of it. “And then it’s enough for you to calm him down: you see, everything is in order.” And I won't be in trouble! Who is this little guy?! I completely forgot. - I thank him for his prayer. - God bless him and teach him everything good. For yourself, if your head prevents you from bowing, pray without bowing: bowing is a part of prayer that helps, and not the prayer itself. Prayer is what the mind and heart have towards God. Bow occasionally. When praying, stand on your feet, then on your knees. If you say the Jesus Prayer; then start not with 3000, but with 1000, and even 500, and then add. Don't go beyond 3000. Will there be a need? But it’s better to do everything at once, and at night. During the day, it’s so interspersed, it doesn’t count to often do the same prayer. God bless the blueberry to prosper. Sending you October Shower. Thurs. Thank you for taking care of warming my feet. Letter 1338. On the proper execution of the Jesus Prayer and its fruits It's good that you took communion. May this be your salvation! God rest and Elder Alexandra! If your heart warms up when reading ordinary prayers, then in this way kindle the warmth of your heart towards God. The Jesus Prayer, if done mechanically, gives nothing, like any other prayer that is only spoken with the tongue. During the Jesus Prayer, try to think more vividly that the Lord Himself is near and present to your soul and is listening to what is happening in it. At the same time, awaken in your soul a thirst for salvation and the confidence that apart from the Lord we have nowhere to expect salvation from. Then cry out to Him, mentally visible before you. G.I.X.S.B.p.n. or: merciful Lord, save me in the image of fate. It’s not a matter of words at all, but of feelings for the Lord. The spiritual burning of the heart towards the Lord is love for Him. It lights up at the touch of the Lord on the heart. How He is all love; His touch on the heart immediately kindles love for Him. And from love the burning of the heart for Him. This is what you should be looking for. The creation of the Jesus Prayer is only a tool for this, or better yet, only work that shows the strong desire of the soul to find the Lord. Let there be the Jesus Prayer on your tongue, in your mind - contemplation of the Lord before you, in your heart - a thirst for God, or for communication with the Lord. When all this is constant, then the Lord, seeing how you force yourself, will give you what you ask for. Please understand all this and take it as a guide and read it often in order to refresh your memory of how you should act. And explain all this to Blueberry. My soul aches for her, in the desire for her to be more firmly established in the inner man. For then no waves can shake it like a solid rock. Your pilgrim E. Feofan. 29 November 84 Letter 1339. On receiving communion with a good conscience May God bless you to partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ. In order not to be in sin, you must cleanse your sins by repentance, and when approaching, approach with faith and fear in contrition of heart, without dreams of any advantages over others who do not partake, but always with humble and self-abasing feelings. – The main thing is to have the desire and zeal to please God, and not yourself. For by doing good you can please yourself. Letter 1340. Means to kindle the grace of the Holy Spirit within oneself. Praise for military rank The grace of the Holy Spirit is with us from the moment of baptism and confirmation. Church prayers, home prayers, works of asceticism and good deeds develop this gift and give it scope to act in us. The best means for this is heartfelt prayer, which itself must be considered a fruit of the Spirit, and at the same time an attractor of the Spirit. In this sense, church prayer for the Holy Spirit is attractive to the Spirit. God bless your children - the warrior of the present and future. The military path is the best - pure, honest, selfless. May the Lord comfort you with His consolations in what you have to endure. Letter 1341. The best way to protect yourself from attraction to earthly things Our spirit is restored by the grace of God in the strength to resist attractions to the earth from the soul and body. He has already been restored among Christians. But inattention to him and his work means that earthly things manage to captivate us and obscure the sky like a fog. The best way to strengthen our spirit in its struggle with soul and body - with attractions to earthly things - is the memory of the exodus and the subsequent judgment and predetermination of our fate. Take the trouble to put yourself in the state of someone who is dying - now, - and now has to face judgment - and at the same time arouse the corresponding feelings - and see what happens? I believe that all earthly threads will be torn by this, and only one cry will remain in the heart: O Lord! Save me! - Teach this to Blueberry too. Nothing revives the fear of God with all its fruits more than putting oneself in this state and feeling it. You need to tease your heart with various stimulating thoughts. And if you leave it like that, it will become overgrown with thorns and thistles - insensibility, negligence and inattention. God bless your high school student! Clever Belichka - why would she not think of leaving everything for herself to seek peace in the Lord Jesus Christ, in Whom all the treasures that satisfy the soul are hidden. Letter 1342. We must thank God for Gehenna. It is in our power to renounce sin. I am very glad that your high school student gave you pleasure. Like St. Father is grateful for Gehenna?! - According to our consciousness, what a great good it is for us in the fact that God revealed to us about Gehenna. Even if, knowing that Gehenna exists, we sin so carelessly, what would happen if we did not know about it? - Now, nevertheless, someone else sins - he sins - and begins to think about it. Is it in our power to renounce? - In ours. If you want, you can do anything. For if you want, you will seek, if you have sought, you will pray, and by praying you will receive help, and with this help everything is possible. Thus says the Apostle: I can do all things through Christ the Lord who strengthens me. But of course, one must not ask feebly and not hope somehow, but both strongly, deeply, whole-heartedly. My health is good. The eye is still holding up. Save yourself! God bless you and your beauties! Letter 1343. To those who are sick. There is no need to force the flow of events I wish you a happy holiday and a happy new year! May the Lord grant you all that is good and comforting both in spiritual and everyday situations and circumstances. In illness, learn humility, patience, complacency and gratitude to God. That impatience comes is a human matter. When he comes, he needs to drive him away. That's why there is a feeling of hardship, so that there is something to endure. If the burden is not felt, then there is no patience. But when a feeling of burden comes and is accompanied by a desire to throw it off; then there is nothing wrong here. This is a natural feeling! Sin will begin when, as a result of this feeling, the soul succumbs to impatience and begins to incline toward grumbling. A feeling has come, we need to drive it away. Thank God. I’m very glad that Belichka is getting better. And Blueberry decided to sit by the sea and wait for the weather. One should never force the course of events; but watch carefully how they flow, and use it to save yours. May God's blessing be upon you and your children! Letter 1344. The Lord places everyone in an everyday situation most favorable for salvation. What is a winning thought? Spiritual meaning of salt. Instructions for Chernichka about reading. Doctor and prayer If you believe in the Providence of God, which determines the earthly fate of everyone in the way that is most convenient for him to be saved, then you must also believe that your entire everyday situation is the most suitable for you to arrange your salvation. As far as I can see, she gives you complete freedom to engage with your soul. This is a big advantage! Having this confidence, thank God for everything, both pleasant and unpleasant. By graciously enduring the unpleasant, you get a little closer to some of the martyrs. But if you grumble, you will not only be far from this part, you will also give an answer. What's a winning thought? When someone turns to God, then a struggle occurs - self-love and peace on the one hand, and God's truths on the other. A person goes through these truths and overcomes the self and the world; But not all of these truths have the same effect on everyone: one has a greater effect on one, and another on another. But among them there is one for everyone, which, as soon as it comes into consciousness, immediately inclines a person to the side of God. This truth ends in victory in the first struggle, and in private struggles it also drives away enemies. What are these truths? Please, read the second part in the book: The Path to Salvation - about confession and repentance. And you will see. -What is salt? There's a catchphrase there. Since the Savior Himself did not give an interpretation, everyone is free to understand this as he or she judges, for his own edification. I think this is love for God - ardent. Salt drives away rottenness, and love for God destroys everything sinful and contrary to God. Salt penetrates the salty; and love penetrates all the structures of the soul, both spiritual and physical, and imparts strength and integrity to everything. God bless the blueberry mother-in-law on the path she has begun. Let him think carefully about the book - the last letters... and the one that is the path to salvation. It is good to read the Gospel in the morning and the Apostle for the day: they are indicated in Gatsuk’s calendar of the cross. And not just read, but come up with a warm thought so that you can spend the whole day with it. And the doctor does not interfere, and devotion to God is needed. Let both go. If you don't get it, change the medicine. Pray that the Lord will give him some wisdom... If he doesn’t, it’s probably better for you to live with a headache. May the Lord bless you to speak for comfort and strength. And may the Lord protect the warrior Paul. Letter 1345. About the meeting of the Lord. Instructions for Chernichka and Belichka, etc. Behold, the preparatory weeks for fasting have begun, and at the very beginning Candlemas, which very significantly indicates that those who wish to meet the Lord can achieve this only through fasting labors - publican humility, sincere repentance, as indicated for the prodigal, the memory of the Last Judgment, weeping about the fall in Adam and about our own - and crying out: have mercy on me, O God, have mercy me!.. Please stand at the beginning of this path, look through it all day... and then set out to walk it to the best of your ability, as the Lord desires. May the Lord grant Squirrel to fully restore her strength, and begin the normal course of life... to God - to look more often at the end, which can come very unexpectedly. May the Lord strengthen Blueberry’s complacency more and more! Let him learn to be in the memory of God and the memory of death. These are two songs that are strong enough to excite even the laziest. I don’t understand the meaning of the division of the estate for you. Therefore, I don’t see whether you should groan or rejoice. Best of all – God’s will be done. The wanderer is not at home, even though he is being discharged. Letter 1346. About the feeling of resurrection. Instruction on admonishing the youth The power of Christ's resurrection is inexpressibly great! We need not only to have a bright understanding of Him, but also to enter into sympathy with Him: for the Lord rose not for Himself, but for us; co-resurrected us. To see this co-resurrection by faith, and to receive joy from it, God grant. Don't worry too much about your son. Look what the temperament is; and then life will force you to cross yourself. - That he loves money is not a great misfortune. It will be more gradual. It is impossible not to have, because you need to eat, drink, have shelter, etc. If you have something, you must place your hope in God, and give some of it to the poor. Teach him to give a penny to the poor, even if only on Sunday. Starting with this, it will go further. And do not bother with prayer; you can get bored. Advise him, at least a little, to pray morning and evening, without reading any prayers, but intelligently raising his eyes to God. In the evening - thank God for the day, in the morning ask for the day - in your own words, as you know - if only with deeds. And that's enough. Bow three to five times with such thoughts. – And sometimes during the day let him turn to God with a short prayer – Lord have mercy, God bless, God help. There's no need for more than that. – Is it difficult, tell him. - Well, then give me consolation - that you will do this. Young people want to live on earth and in earthly ways. – After all, it’s impossible without this, because we are earthly. Just don’t forget that we are on earth for a while – and a short one; - became, although earthly, they did not receive existence for the earth. Letter 1347. Miscellaneous short messages May the grace of the All-Holy Spirit overshadow you continually, and may it be for you what the pillar of fire was for the children of Israel! May God help your son get healthy. It would be better to take the exam along with others. But if God wants this to be different, God forbid that he should not forget what he now knows well, and teach him if he knows something not quite right. I will look at your book and return it with a review. Translated, it seems, by a beauty. Will the tongue dare to say that what is not good is not good? Spring is just around the corner. - Stock up on strength. Manage to wean your little one from whims. Otherwise you will have to cry afterwards. Letter 1348. Consolation about the death of her husband May the Lord rest in peace the soul of his newly departed servant John! May the Lord comfort you! It is the mercy of God that you are crying. Crying half relieves the grief of the heart. Have a cry; and then look for consolation! “This is not an unexpected misfortune, but a common destiny for all of us.” Sorrowful separation; but it is not endless. Today or tomorrow we will go there too. The obscurity of the position of the departed is sorrowful, but the faith that the departed passes into the hands of God dispels any darkness. With the righteous Lord no good is forgotten; and you say that the deceased did a lot of good. When someone goes to the Lord, the Lord seeks not to condemn, but to justify. From this side, consolation is close. The situation of all of you left, I am sure, is not bad. - And thank God! But a new order will begin. Place love and mutual reassurance as its basis, and it will be strong, having a heavenly foundation under it. May the Lord make you wise! Pray more for the deceased. What he needs most of all now is prayer. Prayer is also an intercessor before God, and has a direct effect on the departed soul, inspiring it, warming it and strengthening it. Ask for a book. Which one? I remembered that I have one book - a small Rev. Hermogene. It was he who consoled himself after the death of his wife. I'm sending her. Is Mother Blueberry crying? Let him cry. It's good to cry hard. - The heart softens. God bless you and your children. Your pilgrim E. Feofan. May 15, 1986. Letter 1349. About the icon worn by nuns. A word to the sick person. About the orphan and the nanny I congratulate you on the related celebration of St. Ave. Elijah! And the prophet Elijah sees, and your parents feel your prayerful remembrance of them. An icon walks!! But this is a simple icon, not marked by anything. This is a copy of the significant Athos icon, but it itself is not marked by anything - And the nuns are doing a bad job walking with this icon. - You did well, piously meeting and seeing off St. icon, like the icon of our Most Holy Mother. Mother of God. Our Lady will not forget this. Your neighbor is exhausted under the weight of illness, may the Lord grant her peace in the will of God! In all our adversities we cannot find any other consolation than in the faith that everything happens according to the will of God. The will of God wants nothing for us more than our salvation, and directs everything that happens towards this goal. - May the Lord give her some understanding! I am very glad that the orphan is cheerful. But her nanny - Blueberry, having taken care of everything, seemed to not get distracted, and did not forget that there is also another garden that needs to be looked after - our heart. Your pilgrim E. Feofan. July 20, 65. Letter 1350. A kind word for a recovering woman And I was starting to worry that there was no news of the sick woman. Well, thank God the danger has passed. Now only caution - in everything, especially in food, drink and air movement around the sick person. The sick woman did very well to receive Holy Communion. The Mysteries of Christ, which are true medicine for soul and body. May God grant her complacency and patience. Peace of mind is a great aid to recovery. How well she would do if she could stop thinking. There are so many trifles that pop into my head. - Let him pray a short prayer - to the Lord, Savior, Mother of God and Guardian Angel. Then let him read from memory any psalm that he knows, and meditate on it slowly. It would be good to read the Gospel to her a little, and she would listen. Don't leave her alone. Sit nearby, and then work on something, and others would be here. She would have more fun, and her thoughts wouldn’t run wild. These are now great enemies. You are very tired. Now you will rest. “And it’s fun to look at someone recovering.” Your pilgrim E. Feofan. August 29, 1985. Letter 1351. More instructions for the sick woman I am very sorry for your hardships and bad hopes. Be inspired by hope and arm yourself with patience. May the Lord comfort you. Let the son who comforts you comfort you even more; more! Let your sick neighbor surrender her fate into the hands of God, and let her rest in the confidence that everything is from the Lord, and everything is for her good, whether she sees it or not. We are all children of the Lord. He has neither stepsons nor stepdaughters. What does illness mean, it’s better not to delve into it. It means the mercy of God, invisible to us, but nevertheless real. There is no need to rush into making a vow to enter a monastery. When God gives health; then judge and do it. And now it’s enough to say: Thy will be done, Lord! Grant me, Lord, patience and complacency! From all the sins of which she repents, and sincerely laments and promises to avoid them - I forgive and give permission. God be merciful to her! Communion to St. The Mysteries of Christ are very good. Let him do this more often. Here is the Assumption Fast, or even without fasting. Let him repeat some short prayer more often. Letter 1352. Good wishes to the sick Blueberry. Good advice for drinkers. About joy in sadness And thank God that He allowed you to fulfill your desire - to pray to the Mother of God on Above. Blueberry also fell ill with another disease. And I thought that now she had completely recovered. May the Lord grant her complacent patience to endure weakness and the labors of recovery. What your guys are sipping on can be very alarming. But perhaps they will understand that there is no good in drinking to the bottom. And health is stronger and more reliable when you don’t drink at all. A non-drinker is always fresh and agile in action. I'm very sorry for Belichka. But let him learn to always be content with what God gives. It is much better to be cheerful than to frown and sigh when something is not quite right. God give her the reason to be so determined. The little one is doing well; nice to hear that. May God grant her health and ignorance of grief. Letter 1353. Imitation of monastic practices at home What you said about the monastery, how the church service there creates, then you can model it at home. There are two of you - you and Blueberry. If you perform morning and evening prayers together in the morning and evening, with attention and feeling, you will always feel the same grace-filled effect of prayer on your heart. God is everywhere, and the same everywhere. Our mood makes the difference, and our mood is in our hands. However, I’m not prescribing this commandment for you, but I’m saying this as a matter of fact. Prayer separately may be more convenient for you. Letter 1354. Easter greetings. Reproach of the Wise Woman and Praise of the Child I congratulate you on this Holy Day too. I wish you all kinds of joy! And I congratulate you on your guests, and I wish you and them to be comforted and to live together in kindred mutual dispositions. Moscow wisdom - Sophia S., I think, the time will come when she will shake off the darkness that surrounds her. I can’t name what’s happening to her by any other name. Please convey my best wishes to her! Little Masha is smart! - Conscious of bad - bad! I wish that she fulfills her promise exactly: I won’t. God bless her! Letter 1355. Various brief responses to the news received And thank God that you calm down and complacently enter into a new order of life. May you have peace and love among everyone! Then there will be no difficulty or difficulty in anything. Your dream and Belichka’s dream mean one thing - that you need the help of prayer and alms - not without hope. - And do so. This is an order from above for you. And I can repeat with complete confidence that the Lord will show His mercy to her. I’m very glad that children are around you, like chickens around the womb. When such feelings remain, God’s blessing will remain strong on you and on them. I am returning your book to you. It didn’t occur to me then. You spoke correctly about her. - Shower floor. Thurs. I haven't received it yet this month. It's nice to hear that your little one has moved to another class, God bless him to succeed as a consolation to you. Your ritual of remembrance is well organized. That Blueberry was weak could not have been expected otherwise. And the illnesses will continue for a long time. But then she will become a hero. Let him be complacent and wait patiently for the end of his illness. That your son, a rather rude Muscovite, will pass as you hope. May the Lord pacify his soul. Little by little, your everyday affairs will sort themselves out. And you will finally rest on your laurels. Grant, Lord! About the trip to Shatsk and Vysha - surrender everything to the Lord. And He will do what is good. Letter 1357. A good cure for boredom for young people Your son did not act smartly. “But now let him go the way he turned.” Dangling dangerously. That's when it would be saving if he knew any skill! - Let him learn carpentry. Call a carpenter, hire him for a year so that he can teach your Andrey. - And he will learn. This is both healthy and economical. Induce him to do this, and there will be no time to be bored. I’m very glad that Blueberry and the baby are calm. God save them! What is Moscow Wisdom?! I don't hear anything. Letter 1358. Everyday affairs and holidays Please accept my sincere congratulations on both the holiday and the New Year! May you be renewed like a newborn child in the Lord the Savior. May the Lord build your children - and may he attune them - according to the spirit of Christ. That everyday affairs do not respect holidays is in the order of things. Attribute this also to the definition that says: by the sweat of your brow, and accept all such troubles as penance, patiently, complacently, as a cleansing agent. I am sending Ev. History. Invisible. Scolding will be a special book. Letter 1359. Congratulations on communion. A special kind of martyrdom. Proud unbelief and its future. About Leo Tolstoy Congratulations on your fast and communion with St. Christ's Mysteries. May this be your confirmation, consolation and enlightenment! God bless the little one with the good beginnings of faith. And may Blueberry emerge from communion with the Lord in the sacraments with the strongest strength of spirit to steadily move along the path she has begun - into the eternal kingdom of glory! Oh St. Lotte the Apostle said that he was tormented in soul looking at the wickedness of the Sodomites, and he was counted among the host of martyrs. This is your rank. Tormenting your soul at the meeting of rude unbelievers, you partake of the grace of martyrdom. Unbelievers usually raise their noses high, thereby expressing their triumph over the faithful. But faith stands, and the faithful, in their humility, do not lose at all the faithful promises of God in their aspirations. And now it is clear whose side the truth is on. But there will be a day when this will be solemnly announced before all creation, for the endless consolation of believers - and for the irreparable eternal destruction of unbelievers. Leo Tolstoy somewhere picked up evil thoughts like a child - and spread them furtively, in manuscripts. But these manuscripts contain only his nonsense without any evidence. Since our youth do not know the faith, they are easily carried away by this nonsense on the mere assumption that such a writer has the right reason to say so. And in his head the jackdaws spent the night. Your pilgrim E. Feofan. 20 March 86 P.S. Keep the articles that were included. They sent me several prints. This is the Athos edition. Letter 1360. About the views and writings of Leo Tolstoy Thank you for your congratulations. We didn’t have time to talk. - May God grant you time to do this. “Maybe during the Week of the Cross, it will be possible.” Your son’s speech about Leo Tolstoy amazes me. This Leo was an atheist until the age of 81. Then I decided to take up faith - and fell into the depths of Satan: St. Does not profess the Trinity; the most absurd concept about God; The Lord Savior is a simple son of man; The Church blasphemes; no prayer, no sacraments, and nothing churchly is needed; and there is no future life. What good can we expect from such wild teachings? – There is no bad thing in moral rules, but there is little good either. Without faith, how can you live a good life? What works of Tolstoy does your son understand? Until the age of 81, he wrote only novels. And from that time he wrote a Gospel, which is a distortion of the true Gospel; – wrote: What is my faith? And here I posted all my nonsense. Everything is unproven, all lies lie; - wrote the Confession, how badly he lived, - how he reached despair, - and how he believed in something, but not at all in the truth of God. He also has something else. There is nonsense everywhere - the most careless. Doesn’t your son have these essays?! The poison is real for young people. Without telling your son about the works I mentioned, ask him what works he is talking about, whether he has them, whether he has read them, or just heard them. “They say that these works are lithographed and are secretly distributed.” Magazines began to expose his nonsense. In the general book Soulful Reading – article: The trial and the oath are directed against him. The editor wrote. In the magazine: Faith and Reason and in Orthodox Review - they began to sort it out in a row, but they just started. You have nothing to read here. And it’s better not to read. I am indignant at heart every time. Letter 1361. About everyday affairs. Treatment of the baby with homeopathy. Taking care of Sofia S. Strict policy with liars May the Lord bless your fasting and St. communion! Everyday affairs are never without hassle and confusion. But they can almost always be turned into acts of love, patience and submission to the will of God. And prayer can be kept in the soul even in the very performance of troublesome tasks. Pay attention and be patient! A small one can be treated for fever, I think, just like the big ones. Let's aconit. This is a comprehensive remedy. May the Lord make the wisdom of Moscow wise. If there is still a little bit of non-response, repeat it, lovingly expressing that this worries you very much. Your son-in-law will start lying again?! “Tell him in advance so that he doesn’t dare to lie, and that if he starts to lie, you will blow him by the hair, which doesn’t hurt and you can actually do it in due time?” I am sending you all the books of Souls. Thurs. Letter 1362. About the adoption of an orphan. A Warning About Orphan Money I offer my sincere gratitude to both you and the future mother Chernichka for your well wishes and congratulations. May God help you to perform the holy Pentecost well, and to fast to your heart’s content, and to be satisfied and strengthened with the holy mysteries of the Lord. But the main thing now is about Belichka’s assumptions. She asks if I give my blessing to accept her niece Lisa, whom I am hearing about for the first time. – You didn’t say anything about it. Why? - Well, that's your business. I believe that, if true, in what position Lisa is described; then you need to take her - cure her, teach her something, and make her fit for the life she chooses. - Why, with this blessing in mind, I say to Belichka: I bless with both hands, but here’s what I add to this: - 1) Having taken an orphan, have her as your own daughter - and like a daughter, feed and water, dress and put on shoes, and correct other needs, doing such a work of God - unselfishly, on your own. 2) Use all your strength to get the 1000 rubles bequeathed to her. preserved intact, will they be transferred to Belichka for storage, or will they be stored somewhere else? They must be placed in a safe place where they can give the interest that should be applied to the fund without being spent. 3) If this amount goes to Belichka; then the law states that not a single seventh of it should be taken to cover one’s needs. – This is what makes me write this. My uncle took the orphan, also with an inheritance larger than this, and out of sincere love for her. There was a need; he, with her consent, covered it from her inheritance, with a sincere desire to return, and with interest. The interest was not yet covered when another need arose, and more was done. In two or three years everything was sorted out. And there was no thought to send my orphan niece, my beloved niece, around the world. Of course, everything would be returned with interest. And I sincerely wanted this. - But year after year, my uncle went bankrupt. – There was still a desire to satisfy my beloved niece. But the uncle died, and the niece went around the world. That's why I propose to make it a law not to touch an orphan's money, no matter what the extreme. Take the trouble to read this with Belichka; without telling her husband about it. And decide in general. Squirrel has nothing to fear; but her husband can. Letter 1363. The world has long been bitter for the faithful Congratulations on your arrival under the protection of the Mother of God! May She make you feel how much it pleases Her when someone works to honor Her - somehow. For Her prayer does not remain in debt. What can we say about the bitter state of the world? From time immemorial he is like this, and until the end of the century he will remain like this. “But no matter how cunning he is, no matter how malicious he is, he cannot stop the true flow of those who are sincerely zealous for salvation. For there is more in us than in the world. Letter 1364. About establishing Chernichka in a monastery, etc. God bless your good intention to find a home for Blueberry and it will come true. Vaughn A.T. received in Diveyevo. And where God will arrange our Blueberry. And your intention to settle closer to her is good. May the Lord arrange everything as it pleases His holy will. You are going to die. And this is how God will arrange it. And the little one needs to be put on her feet. There is no harm in drinking a cup of tea after breakfast when it contributes to a calm minded business. Letter 1365. Blessing for the journey and reassurance about the deceased husband and worries at home God bless your path! May the protection of God be upon you, both on the road, and in those places where you will be, and on the way back! May God rest your husband. The people there feel when they are praying for them from the heart. And this serves as great consolation and joy for them. Again, worries - at home! May the Lord give you patience! “What sin we have committed in this regard, God will forgive!” “Maybe you’ll finally get used to it and be able to bear everything complacently.” God bless you! I sincerely wish you all the best from the Lord! Save yourself! Letter 1366. Response to news of a sick unbelieving son May the Lord grant the sick person to come to his senses regarding the illness, and to enter into the order of life indicated by God, and leading to an ever-blessed life. What's hard for you is a mother's heart. Remind him sometimes of death, after which there can be no amendment. How he didn't want to know God here; so God does not want to know him there, and will leave him outside of His mercy for all eternity. I wish you every consolation. Letter 1367. How to tune yourself in the face of failures I am completely sorry for your sorrows. – May the Mother of God console you and cover you with Her protection from all troubles! But what to do? God's will is to submit. However, do not lose your complacency, surrendering your fate to God’s providential care. Is it possible to say with certainty that what you assumed would bring you true peace?! I think not. But in this case, if obstacles are erected, doesn’t this mean that God’s care wants to turn you away from the grief of not receiving what you expected, if not from something worse?! Thoughts are creeping in! this is usually always the case. – Instead of thinking about current troubles, do this so that you think about the goodness of God in everything – big and small, pleasant and unpleasant. Can't a cold room be made warm?! - Take care of this, and decide to endure the rest better. Letter 1368. Regarding Blueberry’s illness. Well wishes and various useful notes I am very sorry about Chernichka’s illness. God help her cope. - It’s good that they captured it soon. This must be inflammation of the liver, or some other damage to it. The danger here can only come from neglect, But like a doctor is at hand, and treatment has begun; then in 5 days everything will pass. Just give me patience, Lord. I looked at Homeopaths. They do not shy away from this pain. Their main ones are Aconite, Belladonna, Colocynth, Homomilla, Mercury, but when the doctor indicated his remedies, it’s all the same. May the Mother of God come closer to you with help! and may your Guardian Angels cover you with their wings! I knew a general in St. Petersburg who caused all his illnesses from mental states. – But still – and this is the mercy of God, although not sweet, but soul-saving. There was another doctor who did not undertake to treat until the patient had confessed and received Holy Communion. Christ's Mysteries. It happens that illness seizes in order to awaken a sleeping soul. I wish you and the sick person all the best. Letter 1369. Thinking about the fate of her deceased husband. Farming is a gift from God Everyone is grieving. This is par for the course. But it will pass. Sorrowful feelings will subside, and a quiet memory will remain. Any mortal can pronounce a decisive verdict on the fate of the deceased. But in the spirit of our faith we cannot help but cherish the hope that the merciful Lord will show His mercy to him. This hope is supported by the good mood in which the deceased was all the time before his death. Housekeeping is not a tricky thing. Soon take a closer look and nothing will bother you anymore. Just don't be lazy. The economy and everything that belongs to it is a gift from God. We must take care of it and cultivate it. Only the goal must be the glory of God. Observe sacredly, to allocate a portion to the poor - according to your strength, but not more than your strength. And everything will go well. There are enough memorials for the deceased that have already been ordered. Pray harder yourself. Letter 1370. When sending icons. Praise to the boy for his diligence and Chernichka for the memory of his nanny What a great mercy of God - that the fire was not allowed to go ahead! Let us give thanks. Your little guy is great. Praise him. And let him not lose his enthusiasm. Competition is a great thing. How it strengthens your strength! - God bless him! I am sending an icon of the Mother of God. I’m sending more - three icons of St. Panteleimon. Little - to a little beauty; - which is a little larger - for Blueberry, and what is even larger - for you. The people of Athos sent this. I am sending more of the wanderer’s stories in a new, corrected form. Mother Blueberry. You are doing a good thing by remembering your nanny. Both love and justice require it. And remembering the ordeals is a good deed. There everything will be revealed that is now hidden, all thoughts and feelings. May God grant you with this thought to keep your thoughts and feelings in order. May the Lord protect you. Letter 1371. Christmas greetings. Regret about Belichka's carousing husband I congratulate you both on the holiday and on the new coming year. May the Lord grant you all the good things that could help you in every possible way in achieving the salvation of your soul. I rejoice with you over your children. God bless them! I really regret that Belichka’s husband began to go on a spree. - If you called him and gave him a good push, maybe it would have an effect. Maybe he does this in the confidence that everything is sewn and covered. God save him! Thank you Belichka for the towel. May the Lord comfort her! God bless you all, big and small. Save yourself! Letter 1372. Mutual forgiveness. Various short messages Forgiveness day! I'm sorry for what I did wrong against you. I have nothing to forgive you for; but in general, according to custom, I will say: God will forgive! May God help you to speak your fast and, in general, to spend the fast in due reverence. Chernichka's progress is excellent. Let him not lag behind until he completes the formation of the skill. I am sending her something useful. – Your neighbor may have a simple illness. I would take a ride to Moscow and find out what kind of disease it is. “It’s better to copy out the Gospel from the Synodal Shop, the Liturgical Gospel, on a quarter sheet of paper.” There will be capital letters, and readings are indicated for every day, and calendars, indicating on what days to read and other conceptions, besides ordinary ones. This is the Slavic Gospel. There are no Russians with large font. I am sending you a Soulful Reading for January. God bless you with every blessing. Save yourself! Letter 1373. An embarrassing accident. To a neighbor about patience I received the letter by mail. Thank you for your desire to share with me the joy of the Resurrection of Christ. That the Lord has vouchsafed you to receive Holy Communion. Christ's Mysteries - let this be for salvation. What an embarrassing accident! - Flame from a lamp. Thank God there were no tragic consequences. It was the Guardian Angel who brought you into the room. May the Lord grant patience to your neighbor. Let him be in good spirits. It is the Lord who arranges for her to be cleansed. And if he becomes faint-hearted and grumbles; then he will suffer in vain. God bless you! Here is the second volume of the Philokalia for you and Chernichka: everything is there. Letter 1374. Blessing for the journey You make your plans, and God builds His. Submit and calmly walk the path of God. May the Lord bless your path. I wish you a great trip, enjoy communication with heavenly things and return in a strong mood - to lift the burden of your affairs. May the Lord protect the little one. God bless your other sick people too. May the Lord arrange all your affairs for the best. Save yourself! Your pilgrim E. Feofan. Aug 6 Letter 1375. Congratulations on communion. Willingness to resolve embarrassing thoughts May St. be your salvation. communion, and may the merciful Lord abide in you and with you, preserving you from all evil and strengthening you in goodness, especially in trusting in His holy providence and protection. I once told Blueberry to write down everything that was embarrassing and send it. I would explain everything to her. Let me look at: Letters about what spiritual life is. Letter 1376. Why is the effect of the sacraments sometimes not felt? It's a bad time for young people. Taking care of Sofia S. Thank you for your congratulations. God bless you! Thank God we took communion. The fact that the beneficial effect of this sacrament was not witnessed in the senses must be attributed to ill health, and as a result, perhaps, to a lack of spiritual tension. But the effect of the sacraments is not always reflected in the feeling, but acts secretly, which of course was the case with you, as usual. For the son who took the wrong road, feel sorry and pray. What to do? These are bad times, and young people see and hear a lot of bad things. That is why they themselves are bad. God willing, he will come to his senses. He wrote to the wisdom of Moscow (Sofia), victorious of the people (Nikolaevna), convincing her to become a world conqueror. I don't know how she is. There was still little time for an answer from my writing. Sunday Reading – I don’t write it out. I am sending again Soulful Reading. Letter 1377. Easter greetings I greet you on the bright holiday of the resurrection of Christ the Lord! – May the risen Generator enrich you with bright thoughts and even more so with bright feelings and dispositions! I take comfort with you in how you spent Holy Week and celebrated the bright holiday. May the Lord prolong your consolations, and with them may he strengthen your heart for inevitable patience. Do you dream of visiting the Above? You have the power to make your dreams come true. Our gates are always open. The book the pilgrim is talking about, I believe, will be useful, judging by the items indicated. Try to buy. The trouble is not great if it turns out to be unsatisfactory, which, however, I do not expect. Let Squirrel's pet exercise. And you can earn money with this. I received the mail. Thank you! Save yourself! I wish you all the best. Letter 1378. Vyshinsky pilgrims. About night prayer while lying down. good weather May your visit to our monastery be for your benefit! And Blueberry! If you force yourself a little, you will not encounter insurmountable obstacles, even from your laziness, to receiving Holy Communion. Christ's Mysteries. What I wish for you with all my heart. When I wrote to you to pray more at night, I meant prayer before going to bed; - and when you wake up, - and pray while lying down, this is not a bad thing, - but a good replacement for empty dreams, in the intervals of sleep. It is good to know a few Psalms by heart so that you can read them at this time. The weather is definitely good. May it be as light in your soul as it is light in the yard. And let your sun - Christ the Lord - shine brightly in your soul, like this sun in the sky. I wish all this for Blueberry too. Save yourself! Letter 1379. On the impact on a wavering son Congratulations on receiving the Lord in the Holy Mysteries! May the Lord Savior be with you forever, as he promised! Tell the truth with your son, it’s better not to talk about religious matters. Just pray more earnestly, and the Lord will have mercy on him, sending him the light of grace, enlightening and admonishing, and driving away all hesitations. You are going to Moscow. God bless! Go to any nunnery, as if in passing. My health is nothing. It's been a while since I've had any sleep, and what I have is disorganized. But that's okay. Letter 1380. The heavy feeling from the presence of unbelievers and what to do when they talk. About correspondence and so on. God bless your arrival. Congratulations. I received the letter by mail. You were not embarrassed in vain. Persons who have lost God leave a heaviness on their souls with their very presence. But take heart. That time is still a long way off; and when the time comes, maybe he won’t be able to come. When he arrives, be friendly to him in everyday ways; but as soon as he continues his idle talk, immediately cut him off, forbidding him to speak in such a tone. If he doesn’t listen, make a strong demonstration against this - namely, get up with Blueberry and retire to your room, or to another, so as not to hear. Talk to Chernichka about this. And do this every time, without allowing yourself to remain in this idle talk for even a minute. In explanation, say: “I don’t want to defile my hearing and my thoughts with such ungodly speeches and suggestions.” Pray and God will arrange everything for the best. Welcome. Stay: rest and pray! Are you thinking about taking communion? God bless. I regret that I did not have to answer your letters; but this time it’s not my fault. – I didn’t answer with the nun: because I didn’t know that she would go to your village again. I didn’t answer the mail because there was only one mail from us, and there was so much work to do that there wasn’t enough time to answer you. You have a lot of family worries, and you can’t think about death calmly. But arm yourself with trust in the all-good Providence of God. Whatever happens, everything will be for the good if we meet it wisely. There is nothing stopping you from praying for Olga. This is a matter of love and faith in Divine mercy. May the Lord bless you and your children with every blessing. Save yourself! Letter 1381. Various short answers about household and family matters I received your letter by mail. I didn’t have time to answer, and, to be honest, I was too lazy. Please excuse me. Your desire to receive Holy Communion. Tain is a good wish. May the Lord cause it to be fulfilled for you! There's still time. The whole world is now complaining about economic infirmities. We must be patient. The Lord will have mercy and all will go well. I really regret Belichka’s situation with her husband, and especially in the sense that Blueberry also has to endure from them. However, what can we do, God’s will? May the Lord build with us whatever His holy will pleases. This is always the best thing. May God grant you peace of mind, despite external troubles. Letter 1382. Home treatment of the saint I bring you great gratitude for your compassion. But the trouble is not at all great. – The rash is a natural consequence of rubbing and belongs to the treatment. But Evlampius, my paramedic, rubbed too hard, and the pimples appeared in too many and with a burning sensation. Now, as you guessed, the pimples have already dried up, only new ones appear here and there - and they burn. Therefore, your lard will not go to waste. They'll have to rub their feet. The doctor from Tambov said that you need to rub it with lard to quickly get rid of acne. Your lard has arrived just in time. Yesterday I just received a letter from Tambov. May the Lord prosper your family affairs! I wish blueberry good health. The gate to Above is open. You are welcome. Thank you for the cotton wool and so on. Letter 1383. Regret for the erring and precaution May the grace of the Holy Spirit richly overshadow you and Blueberry - and your children! I regret the mistakes of your son. If he sincerely sympathizes with the poor, then this can attract God’s mercy to him - sobering. Or fix your life. When he arrives, tell the boy quietly: don’t listen to your brother; he began to talk a little. May God grant you and Blueberry a speedy recovery. The enemy sows his weeds everywhere, which swirl in the air and fly into the souls of those who stand with their mouths open, i.e. don't pay attention to themselves. May the Lord arrange your path to the Highest. Be patient and pray! And give thanks: for God, and all is for good. Letter 1384. Misunderstanding with notes from visitors to Vysha. Experience of treatment with Vrevsky water May God bless you to receive Holy Communion. The Mysteries of Christ for salvation! Evlampius has confused you. I wanted to stop accepting notes and questions from fans who come here, but are completely unknown to me. Not knowing them, you find it difficult to answer them, and you write mostly general thoughts. Sometimes they write business, and sometimes they write wasteland. “But I immediately changed my mind; because whatever it is, the answer is still given. Refusal is always offensive. This riddle of mine did not concern you or anyone you know. Please impose penance on Eulampius, because he sinned against you. I don’t see the effect of water yet. – This is simple Neva water, saturated with electromagnetism. It comes in different voltages, which are indicated by numbers. God bless your way back. They didn’t pray enough! Letter 1385. You can also treat yourself with milk during fasting. About Sofia N’s letter and regret about her son Congratulations on this bright holiday! Give you, Lord, all consolation, both spiritual and worldly! I rejoice with you in your joy about St. Communion, let this be for salvation! Are you going to milk the milk? Good! May there be good health. since this will be like a course of treatment, then there is no sin if the fast is broken. Sofia does not write anything about herself; and I don’t know the people she mentions at all. But as much as this makes you happy, I rejoice with you. Let us mourn and pray for your son, the owner. The Lord, who wants to save everyone, will save him too. I received your letter. But since that time we have only sent one to the city. I was so lazy that day that I didn’t write a single line to anyone, although there were a lot of letters that required an answer. P.S. I am returning Sophia’s letter so that you don’t think that I forgot to destroy it. Letter 1386. Blessing to the Vyshinskaya pilgrimage. Different children. Spiritual sowing of the saint God bless your stay here! May it be beneficial to you both mentally and physically. Pray for your wild son. God will let you calm down. This is his inspired youth. In the meantime, his taming will come - God grant you patience. - You are comforted by your other sons, and be content with that. - May the Lord grant them to remain unchanged in their good moods. Your Pavel is a miracle that he goes to church. You can’t drag today’s students there with a lasso. Our teaching has taken such a bad direction. Here are a dozen brochures about prayer. Give it to your friends and to others who want to learn this. Your good friend Bp. Feofan. 25 May 87 Letter 1387. More about the wavering son It’s good that you fasted, and even kinder that you are going to repeat it together with Blueberry. “It’s a profit for you, but it’s more fun for her to fast.” That your son was tossing and turning with good intentions is a comforting sign. His apostasy was inspired from outside, by the nonsense circulating among young people. Life among ordinary believers will bring him to his senses. Make your prayers worse. – Prayer without words can have an effect on the soul. It’s not a big deal that you didn’t have to visit Above. The Lord is nearby everywhere and communicates with hearts open in faith and love. Surrender to Him, and in Him find peace and complete satisfaction of your heart. Letter 1388. How to combine everyday affairs with serving God. About the magazine Rodina. Why do you dream about the dead? The holidays are over. Now let's get down to business. - Worldly for worldly; and those who have renounced worldly things - for heavenly things. You and Blueberry are half worldly and half worldly. - How to walk along this middle?! A friend of the world is an enemy of God. – There is no middle ground. Meanwhile, it is impossible to live without everyday and worldly affairs. How can this be? - You need to touch one side only visibly - without the heart. Which side should I choose for this? Of course, everyday and worldly. “And then she will cease to be like that in spirit.” I forgot to say about Motherland that this is a very complex publication. There is farming, travel, and children's reading. And 12 more books of stories and novels, and also fashion, and something else. I found a pie on the master's sheet and told the cook to make it. Anything will do. Dream about an old woman. Pray for her. She is looking for prayer. Save her, Lord! Letter 1389. When sending the Motherland. Kind words to Belichka and Blueberry The Lord never takes away opportunities from you to show patience. Be obedient to Him and demonstrate what He expects of you. I wrote out my homeland. But I didn't read anything. I’m sending you the last few issues so you can see what he’s like. – I don’t think it’s bad. I don’t have a print of the icon of the Sign of the Mother of God. May the Lord make Squirrel wise with worldly wisdom, and may he give her faithful direction that is more useful, even in everyday life. Mother Blueberry was exhausted. Nothing; it will be more peaceful. Menial labor is among the means to humility. Let the fear of God, the memory of God and the memory of death not forget. God bless you all. Your good friend E. Feofan. 13 Dec '87. Letter 1390. Praise for energy. Advice from the wise one. About a capricious little one I congratulate you on the feast of the Nativity of Christ, and wish you every blessing and grace from our incarnate for the sake of the Lord. You see how? “They broke themselves, were inspired by courage, and God’s help was immediately ready, and then the holiday in the church was celebrated not callously.” Convey my good wishes to the prevailing wisdom, so that she drops her turbulence and comes to her senses. It's time! now and tomorrow death. And there no apologies will be taken into account. You are returning your homeland; but she didn’t return. Riot! There is something unusual with the little one. Then baptize her and sprinkle her with holy water. But don't scold. Be healthy and cheerful! Save yourself! Your good friend Bp. Feofan. 24 Dec '87. Letter 1391. Change of priest. About my son Ilya. Moods change like the weather Congratulations on your acceptance of St. The Mysteries of Christ! Let this be for salvation. The change of priest, although not always pleasant; but the trouble from this is not too great. The Lord rules the Church and everything in it. Priests are His instruments. Whatever is needed for anyone, the Lord will give through the priest, whatever he may be, as long as the seeker seeks with full faith and diligence. Pray for Elijah. And the Lord will guide his spirit. Thin things are sticky. But perhaps the bad breakthroughs in him are accidental, and do not constitute an established character. "My heart is heavy." - Such is our lot on earth, sometimes the weather is bad, sometimes it’s light, sometimes it’s cloudy. No one can change or cancel this. Our job is only to use both for the salvation of the soul. One thing is to endure and lament, another is to be consoled with thanksgiving, but without forgetting. Your good friend Bp. Feofan. July 8. Your letter of June 28. Letter 1392. Don’t dream of living generously. About raising a baby May God grant you a speedy recovery with your baby too! God sent this to you so that you do not forget that there is nothing to wish for on earth to live widely. The narrow path is the real path. Blessed be the name of the Lord forever! I really regret that you have to be strict with the little one. Avoid them as much as possible. May God help Belichka to recover. I regret the situation of her husband. Yes, he prays! And may the Lord give you all patience. Your good friend Bp. Feofan. February 28, 88 Letter 1393. More about the hesitant son. The answer to the fear of losing the church, etc. I didn’t have to stay on Above now. – That’s how God judged. Be patient. And do what the dream told you. “It’s very comforting to hear that Elijah is not like others.” – What kind of Andreev’s side is this?! After all, this is not something everyday? “It must be the religious side.” Well! he chose the bad side, if it is not yours. The Lord said: those who gather not with Me scatter; and: whatever is not with Me is on Me. But it’s hard to eat against the grain of food. “I think, however, that if Andrei ever believed, then someday he will return again.” The spiritual emptiness of unbelief will lead him to this. If he is gloomy and irritable, it is because of lack of faith, which dissatisfies the soul. That you will be deprived of the church when you lose your legs - nothing. God is everywhere. Then, inevitably, you will learn to be with God in thought and heart. And when you get the hang of it; then this will completely satisfactorily replace a church for you. What do the words mean: “we hope to get out of Berestyanka?” - And where is it? - Isn’t it to the monastery? - It would be: thank God! May the Lord rest the soul of the one for whom you grieve. And he will put you to rest if faith is intact. Sophia seems to have wised up a little. But for how long? - Save her, Lord! Your good friend E. Feofan. May 22, 1988. Letter 1394. The Science of Patience. About Sophia S. Extracting from books you read Disease again! – The Lord sends science to patience! Please study the lesson well so that you get a good score when answering. Communion of St. May the Mysteries of Christ give you strength and strength. Sophia wanted to go to Optina. It's a shame if you didn't get ready. What a sophisticated moral system she has. - May the merciful Lord arrange her path. She has a spirit of repentance. That you and Chernichka copied something from the charter of St. Venedikt, you shouldn’t blame him for this, but rather praise him. Others, while reading books, keep a notebook or white book under their hands. And if they like it, they write it out. And then, when they feel like it, they re-read it again. “And these extracts serve as a library for them.” There are lucky people for whom memory serves as a library. Your good friend Bp. Feofan. July 8, 1988. Letter 1395. A lesson in patience. A special kind of madness. Meaning of a wreath Trouble - and - deliverance! The Lord reminded you that we are surrounded by troubles, and deliverance is near. Glory to God's love for mankind! You always have plenty of opportunities to be patient. Be grateful and patient. And it is the mercy of God that He will arrange for you a narrow and regrettable path that leads to your stomach, if you properly meet and see off these cases. May God grant you such an attitude towards them! Vasily yours can remain naked, like a falcon. I hear that it’s rare that anyone is happy here. But there are wins, and this irritates the hope of success and empties your pockets. - He's crazy! Thank you for the wreath. It reminds us of immortal life and how one should act to make it blissful! Your good friend E. Feofan. July 31, 1988. Letter 1396. Well wishes on the prophet's day. Elijah. About M. Leonid Be inspired. Jealousy of St. May the prophet Elijah fall on you like the mantle on Elisha, and with it the protection of God and all the mercy of God. Lord remember your parent and the newly deceased Alexandra. May God's blessing be on Elijah, your son. Let him learn the ways of God and walk in them. Leonid’s mother, Anosinskaya’s treasurer, wrote to me. She remembers that I once wrote to her. I don’t remember when I wrote it or what I wrote. Save her, Lord! She has a strong zeal for salvation. May the promise spoken by the Lord for those who seek be fulfilled over her! And let all who seek find what they seek. God bless you, and Blueberry, and the little one. Save yourself! Letter 1397. A word of sympathy for the sick woman. Blessings on the way. Persistent orphan. How to control your drinking husband You are sick again, or you still hurt. Lord grant you patience! We were in the church: thanks be to the Lord! Whenever the opportunity for you to visit the church - the house of God - the father's house is never cut off! Chernichka wrote that they decided to go to Moscow on the 13th, i.e. now. Therefore there is nothing to write to her. I wish them to get there safely, get what they are going for, and return from there completely healthy and strong. Mother Chernichka remembered the orphan who was angry and persistent, but who prayed well. This last closes the first, and one can hope that it will not have bad consequences. Life will be corrected, and all that will remain from this is moral and everyday firmness. This is what she can wish for. Belichkin's faithful began to sip again. I'm very sorry. I wish Belichka patience. Let him pray, and on occasion, hint either about the loss of health from this, or about the breakdown of household economy. May the Lord improve your family affairs so that your soul suffers less. Letter 1398. About a son who shows no hope. Advice about a typical orphan. Books for Lisa N. It’s true with your son, there is nothing more to do than pray. And the Lord will arrange for his salvation if he encounters even the slightest compliance. Ilya - well done! – How does he understand things wisely?! God bless him! - The little one is typical. All the more carefully we must act with it. Somehow manage to arrange her affairs so that she does your will, but thinks that she is doing it for her own reasons. “But by the way, forcing her to fulfill her own will is also very beneficial for the structure of her character.” Naryshkina’s brother Vasily (died) is married to an Englishwoman. She and her husband led the children in such a way that their whole day was divided into activities - and they did not dare not do what was determined at the appointed hour, or do something else. Here they had games and that was it. You could train your little one to do this too. God help Blueberry in this matter. Lisa is smart for reading such books. Here it is - “Letters about the spirit. life." – Are there any other books of mine? What is spirit? life? Invisible abuse. The path to salvation. Get up and sleep. If not, I’ll give you these too. I forgot what I gave her then. Your good friend E. Feofan. November 8, 1988. Letter 1399. When sending a book. Various tips for those who are sick May the Lord grant you all spiritual consolation in these days, bright because of the memories in them of God’s untold benefits to the human race. Ilya loves to read spiritual books. It's very nice to hear this. Isn’t he being disingenuous though?! – I am attaching 118 ps. But wouldn't he rather have a book about prayer? “Ilya thought it was better,” and I enclose it. Help him, Lord, in his studies, and even more in his good character. Identify your headache well, and then you can undoubtedly benefit from homeopathy. A godly director is a great treasure, especially in these times. Blueberry was again seized by pain. “Now, when, God willing, she gets better, we need to tie her up and keep her motionless on the bed until she becomes a hero, and she breaks the cords that bind her with just the tension of her muscles.” Letter 1400. Encouraging a mother asking about her tottering son Evlampius told me that you told him in words about your son. - This is exactly what you saw in your dream. – Don’t grieve too much, but pray more. It is clear that it is as if the Lord is walking around him and moving him. But he is still unable to follow that. “May the Lord grant him to be touched and contrite in heart, and to set good intentions, and then fulfill them.” May the Lord comfort you with His heavenly consolations! Little Masha and big Liza - bring a spiritual breath from here - and with words about what you experienced here, revive their thoughts and feelings. God bless you! Save yourself! Your good friend E. Feofan. Letter 1401. Various brief responses to messages about family matters The protection of the Mother of God be upon you. Andrey had a good idea to continue his studies, not just for the reason that you prescribed, but in general. Sound concepts are great capital in life. The orphan is smart and kind. May the Lord prolong her good mood and strengthen it for her forever. The books you subscribe to are good. But of course, it will be necessary to make a selection from the stories. I am enclosing two advertisements for books. Here you can choose. I haven’t seen the magazine – Malyutka. I really regret Belichka. Of course it's all her husband's fault. God grant her patience. With Chernichka we began to share secrets. Why is what is written attached to it in a special envelope? The soul-helping Reading for September has not arrived yet. Letter 1402. About the stock of homeopathic remedies. Interpretation of the case. Note to Chernichka. Practical advice. Joy for the one who is reforming In the first place I put - a request to forgive me. “Last time I messed up the order in my letter. – You wrote that you noticed how useful the medications were to you. I thought that you noticed this on a special piece of paper, so that you could be guided by it later. Based on this thought, I wrote to you that I can give you a few grains, meaning when you tell me which ones you need according to your note. And he added that it is better to have a first aid kit. – About two days later I thought, how did they notice this? Isn't this in the book? I unfold it and see that it’s exactly in the book. - How did I grieve?! Because it might seem to you that I don’t want to help you at all. But when I later reviewed all the indicated medications, I saw that you really need to have a whole pharmacy on hand, because up to 40 medications are indicated there. - Then I was glad that I was mistaken. We need to fix this matter. - Now use your drops for now. – Yes, if they help, there is no need to change them. – Homeopathy can help with all sorts of diseases, but you need to find the right medicine. You can guess by the symptoms, or by how the disease manifests itself. – You can be treated with homeopathy without seeing a doctor, through correspondence. – Describe to me everything that happens with a headache. On reflection, maybe I’ll write to the doctor and ask him to determine the medications. Then you can act more boldly. Now about your letter. The incident in the family of your friends is truly amazing. But how can one not see the finger of God here; then we must recognize the special mercy of God in this. “It was the best thing for all of them, and that’s the way it was arranged for them.” – Mother Chernichka, who is not careful in food and in relation to air influences, is subject to the strictest penance. But we will judge this later, when he gets better. Now we feel sorry for her and wish her a speedy recovery. – I haven’t heard that high prices for rye are expected. - Your son would talk to the merchants, or other providential owners. Otherwise, it may happen that when all buyers are satisfied, the rye will remain on hand, and instead of a profit in prices, a decrease will occur. - And that the enemy in your son’s relationship with you weaves absurd thoughts in your mind, this must be resisted. - Why is that? - You shouldn't ask. - God's will, - and for good. The most satisfying and reassuring answer. – When the martyrs were tyrannized, the Lord Himself appeared and said: be patient; I'm with you! Keep this in mind. “Keep this in mind,” and repeat to yourself these words of God. I thank Belichka for her work. I'll take a look. It seems like it can be adapted to something. - That her husband accepted a good intention, thank God. And you will be healthier and smarter in managing your affairs and relationships. What's the point of deliberately driving yourself crazy? Because all drunks are a little crazy. Help him, Lord! - Blueberry tolerates it graciously. Good! God help her to endure to the end. - All this is science to her. – I received the Philokalia after your last send. – Now I’m sending you 2 copies. No. 3 copies. One is for Belichka. - I remember Alexei. I will remember Lyudmila and Lydia. God save them! Letter 1403. Greetings to the guests of Vysha Welcome to Vysha! Sofia, Vera, Hope and Love! Nowadays everyone prays to them. Divide them by lot, who will get which patroness. Or better yet, everything. May this visit be a blessing to you! Letter 1404. Joy about the improvement of Belichka’s family affairs. To the wise woman - freedom May the Lady, who always prays for us, cover you with Her cover! I’m very glad that Belichka’s face has brightened, - May God help the World in business and in life. - Now he will inevitably be abstinent. – It’s very inconvenient to appear to judge in an unreal form. God bless them all, and Lisa. And thank God that Belichka and Lisa began to get along. – Peace and harmony – God’s grace! I wish you all the best. Let Mother Blueberry not worry when she has no time, or has nothing to write about, or doesn’t want to write about. She is allowed complete freedom in this regard, in respect of her prudence. Your good friend E. Feofan. 1 October 88 Letter 1405. Miscellaneous brief notes Congratulations on your communion with St. Tain! – Let this be the strengthening and peace of your heart! May the Lord prosper you in your everyday affairs! What a good saying by Elder Ambrose. And - we will endure! “And may the Lord arrange for you to stay with your sister.” You will go to Anosin. It occurred to me - wouldn’t it be better for you to settle near Anosin instead of Moscow?! Now you are the birthday girl. Congratulations, and I earnestly wish you all the best and joy. I really like the cup. Thank you. I will use it and remember you too. I wish Blueberry to be with the Lord. For the little one, be obedient and study diligently. Letter 1406. Advice for daughter and mother. For God, prayer never fails May the Lord give you His consolation and strength to endure everything. It would be nice to take cover, you say. This has already occurred to me. You need to place Blueberry with you. Anosin, it seems, the monastery, attracted her. Place it there. And somehow you too will sit down next to her. If there is a village, rent a house in the village; and if there is a hotel at the monastery, then it would be even more suitable to rent a room. I don’t know how to make sure that income is delivered to you without hindrance. But this is the main thing that should be arranged. It’s a pity that there is no one among our own to believe this. And I forgot: what about the younger sons? “We need to get them back on their feet.” Prayer will never be in vain, whether the Lord grants the request or not. Out of ignorance, we often ask for unhelpful and harmful things. Without doing this, God will give us something else for our prayerful work, unbeknownst to us. - That’s why the speech: “So you pray to God, but what did you get?” - clueless. – The person praying asks for a benefit for himself, pointing to it. Seeing that what is asked will not lead to good, God does not fulfill the request and thereby does good: for if he had fulfilled it, it would have been bad for the petitioner. Behold how dangerously you walk in the midst of this evil age! I'm very sorry about Belichka. May God bless her and give her peace! Your good friend E. Feofan. 13 May 89 Letter 1407. Comforting Abba. On money matters The Lord has shown mercy to you by canceling the auction. But the debts still remain around the neck. Do they care about finding ways to get out of debt?! This book of the Philokalia, more than any other, will give consolation and reassurance. Read Avva Zosima. He has great consolations for the insulted and mourning. May the Lord calm your soul. I’m very glad that Liza’s money is in safe hands. And I’m happy for Blueberry: let him not let go of her hands. Borrowers are now unreliable. And God help you to taste Murom. Murom is the promised land for you. May your wait not be in vain! And we ask for mercy from the Highest. Talk, or at least refresh yourself, with a change in air. Your good friend E. Feofan. 4 June 89 Letter 1408. Milk treatment. More on money matters I don’t have any illness; but I drink milk, and besides milk I don’t even put water in my mouth. Somehow my pulse was intermittent. I asked a doctor friend. He said that it was not a problem, but it could be a disaster, and advised him to drink milk. “I’ve already drunk it before—six weeks, skim milk, and nothing else.” Start with two glasses a day and work your way up to sixteen. The first days are a little difficult, but then it’s bearable, and even fatty. – The fruit of this is the purification of the blood. Already drink Wednesday and Friday. I’m very glad that everything has calmed down around you. At least for a while, that’s good. Or maybe the Lord will dispose of your troublers and completely restore order. I don't know what to say about money. I couldn't believe these gentlemen. It’s someone else who gets there, but the other one was refused. Isn't this a fake from the first one? - If Blueberry gets lucky, then let him protect the loan in a legal form, so that in case of emergency it will be possible to legally proceed with collection. – Hasn’t he already missed everything? Your good friend E. Feofan. June 8, 89 Letter 1409. About changing apartments. Praise for Ilya and regret for the wayward little one Congratulations on your arrival at Vysha. May God grant you rest here and strengthen yourself. So how are you doing?!! Smoke eats your eyes, the roof is leaking, a restless wind is blowing through the windows: you have to run. – Well, if it’s inevitable; you have to run away if possible. God bless and help you! By the way, I said that Murom is the promised land. But for you now the promised land is everywhere, where you will live in peace. May the Lord arrange this. Ilya does well not to look at his bad brother. God help him not to stray from the good road! I really regret the little one. God have mercy if such a character becomes established. But maybe he will change when he comes to his senses. Your good friend E. Feofan. 11 June 89 Letter 1410. More about the baby. Practical advice. Blessing for solitude. About headache Have you received communion? - Thank God! May this be your consolation and strengthening. May the spirit of complacency and patience dwell in you and remain with you! I’m very glad that the little one behaved well here. Maybe this will continue. You can remind her of this whenever necessary; and if, in addition, she is pleased here, then we can say that you will not take her to Vysha. I think that with such characters, severity is not the best remedy. God bless her and guide her. Last time I wrote to Chernichka about my brother being denied a loan. Then I wondered if this would be cool. But the thought returned to the same thing again. - He says that he has the rest of his money, or estate. Fine. Let him show the fix with this. The remainder is of course enough to live, although not luxuriously. So let him show that he knows how to live. Then you can help. You can always buy a property. God bless you! I find your intention to start living a special life very beneficial for your health. Headache and other attacks of weakness are due to anemia, or the depletion of particles that make the blood red. And I think this comes from grief. The grief will stop, the blood will get better, and with the blood, the head will get better. Letter 1411. How to deal with sorrows caused by those who have lost their common sense. Feedback on money difficulties I fully share the sorrow and tightness of your heart. May the Lord comfort you. He alone is strong enough to avert what is so painful to you. And pray to Him. This alone remains. He will transfer your pain into the hearts of those who cause it to you. And then, if they do not fall into despair before that time, they will wake up and correct themselves. There is no point in reasoning with them; because their minds are corrupted. As long as a person still has sound concepts, one can still act on him; and when he loses them and accepts false ones, there is nothing to act on them, because against sound concepts they have unhealthy ones, which, however, they like better because they indulge their sensual passions. It’s good to go to Sarov if you have enough money. I would willingly lend you a loan, but I’m short of money, and there are still inevitable expenses ahead. Why not take it from Chernichka, if she has it. - It’s the same thing to owe what to her or to the other side. But somehow my soul feels less burdensome. Surrender everything to the Lord! “He’ll give you some consolation.” The belt is consecrated. “I have a lot of them, and they lie idle.” Blueberry - wishes for all the best. - May the Lord strengthen her! Your good friend E. Feofan. 24 June 89 Letter 1412. What to say to youth who have gone astray. More about headaches May Michael, the Archangel of God's power, protect you from everything unpleasant and sorrowful. There is nothing marvelous, that your fellow is well done - and he will come to his senses. He was confused by the thoughts circulating among the students, empty and windy, but pleasant thoughts of youth. Repeat to him often that fashionable teachings do not have solid foundations and do not bring any good, and what they are deprived of is precious and irreplaceable - having solid foundations for themselves. Don’t say any more, just say this in simple words and conclude: make sure you don’t lose everything. Seeing the deception, but not having time to correct the mistake... Headache, most sensitive. - Why do you have it? Is it from the stomach? - Isn't it because of the locked seat? (Get outside more often). – Is it because your nerves are irritated by troubles? – The latter cannot be healed by anything except complete devotion to the will of God. God bless you and Blueberry, and the little one, and the young man, and the other children, and everyone you know. Save yourself! Your pilgrim E. Feofan. November 8, 89 Letter 1413. About Tolstoy's ravings Mother Blueberry, save yourself! You did well to refuse to read Tolstoy's nonsense. – And don’t pick them up. Look, read what is written by him, by this roaring Lion, who to devour. I forgot to write down that Leo only recognizes the Gospel, and then in a distorted form, like his. Epistles of St. He does not recognize the apostles, nor the fathers and teachers of the Church. He has his own mind. Don't pick it up. If you have enough strength, it is better to fast. Letter 1414. About spiritual reading. Chatterboxes should not be listened to. About self-attention May you be saved! Read the Gospel and other spiritual books every morning after prayer. If you have your own corner, then don’t leave it without reading and praying. From this you will have strength of spirit and heart. My son-in-law has arrived. He'll start chatting again. Don't listen. As soon as he starts speaking badly, get up and leave without saying a word. Pay attention to yourself so that no evil thought enters your heart. As soon as it seems like something is wrong, turn to the Lord, asking him to drive you away, and he will drive you away. Letter 1415. Preliminary explanation. Books for guidance. One thing you need. About devotion into the hands of God You did a very good job of writing about yourself, briefly and clearly. “I express my full readiness to write to you about everything you want to know.” I am sending you a book: Letters on what spiritual life is. Take the trouble to understand, and ask if there is anything that seems to require explanation. – The letters were written to the beauty, and were accepted by her. What one beauty did, another can do. I believe that you often have the question: what to do, what to do? “I also believe that the answer to this is also given in your heart: what to do other than save your soul.” – And this is the answer to all accidents. When the soul is saved, everything else be gone, or whatever, the salvation of the soul is reconciled with all the orders of life, and not only reconciled, but also revives and sanctifies them all. The princess wrote that this is exactly what you are thinking of taking up. - Well, God bless. The letters will show you the program that you need to follow in this matter. You must surrender your life into the hands of God. And He will arrange everything in the best possible way. But He is already building. And everything that has happened to you until now is His Providence for you, whether you believe it or not. But if God builds everything about you, but you don’t believe, don’t confess; then you see for yourself that holding yourself in this way in relation to God is a very wrong thing. – We must accept everything from the hand of the Lord, and give thanks for everything. Please write this on your heart. And the first thing to do is make sure of this. Review all the accidents of your life, and you will see the beneficial finger of God in everything, and thank the Lord. God bless you and have mercy. Letter 1416. Disappointment and boredom with life is a bad path. Patience is everyone's lot. What to do with yourself May God bless you to pray more earnestly with us. May the Mother of God cover you with Her protection. So that’s who wrote – Belichka, but I thought – Blueberry. It’s written there in a way that doesn’t sound like blueberries, something like disappointment, and I wanted to remind you that according to this feeling, leaving the world is not reliable. And it was good that he didn’t remind me. And you would have done well if you had not given her that letter. But that's a thing of the past. Or maybe she too will be tempted and become carried away by blueberries. Chernichkin's system is very reliable. Apparently the Lord is calling her to Himself. Let her develop the fire that glimmers in her heart. For music, it is the piano; there are church pieces set to notes for this instrument. You buy Turchaninov - and let him sing or play. What to do with yourself? – The main thing is to always have a job. Then read. Also: learn to enjoy nature: every season has its charms. Be able to find them and feel them. This is wisdom. Do you want to be wise? If you please, manage to do this. What else is possible? – Make yourself a sister of mercy for your village: go where there is poverty, illness, sorrow, and help as much and as you can. This is the most rewarding activity! – Are you the only one who is a seasoned egoist?! “But if you are exactly like that, then don’t expect happiness, even if you were showered with gold and silver.” This selfish villain must be killed. If you don’t kill yourself, then the Lord will send hammer after hammer (all sorts of failures) to break this stone Letter 1417. Advice to serve as a nurse With both hands I bless you on your chosen path. There's nothing better. You will see how the suffering of the sick squeezes the heart, and immediately what consolation comes to the heart when you manage to somehow calm one of them. And your work will be varied, and at the same time much comforting. Go to Princess Shakhovskaya. She herself is so compassionate! She will accept you with love and will not let you feel for a moment that you are some kind of stranger. You won't be tired there. Duty and rest go regularly, so you won’t experience fatigue - unless by chance! So, God bless! You can write directly from Moscow to the city of Shatsk, to the Vyshinskaya Hermitage. Letter 1418. Blessing of the one entering into marriage. About outfits God bless you for the way of life that you have always imagined as the best. Behold, the Lord fulfills the desire of your heart. – Marriage has many consolations, but it is also accompanied by many anxieties and sorrows, sometimes very deep. – Keep this in mind, so that when something like this comes, you don’t greet it as a surprise. Now you two are alone. And the joys are stronger, and the sorrows are lighter, they are divided in half. Lord help you not to share anything, but to have everything in common - and one heart, one path. What you are asking is so unclear to me that I cannot tell you anything in response. - If I were you, I would do as others want, without thinking, an outfit for others, and not for you, well, and let them dress you up as they want. I wish you complete happiness! Letter 1419. Instruction regarding embarrassment by a short confession. God's exam. Various minor answers Who in the world lives without sorrows? There is no one who has not met them. And you are not alone in carrying them. Countless comrades and companions. Take comfort in this; for in the world, they say, even death is red. Another consolation for you is that in your sorrows you held and carry yourself as a reasonable Christian should. That brother is a soldier, what’s the problem? “Nowadays everyone is a soldier.” “And look how much of a hero he turns out to be.” Write to him that it’s a shame to be depressed. Let him imagine that he is taking or defending Shipka. That the beloved turned out to be a fool in time - thanks be to the Lord. You acted very wisely in relation to him. God bless you! If I haven’t heard anything about my friend, this is no small damage. Something happened. Be patient. Perhaps communication with her will return. My sister died. God bless! “It’s true, it’s true that she’s better there.” Whatever you write about your father, pray. The priest did not act well in spirit. But you could also ask him to wait a minute. - However, don’t be embarrassed. What was not said is not a concealment of sin; Therefore, the Lord will not place those sins in such a way that you should be considered to have received communion unworthily, for the sake of your intention to confess everything. Next time, don’t indulge the priest and tell him everything—tell him what you wanted to say but couldn’t. But the biggest defeat for you is that you can’t go to Moscow. If you endure this graciously, you will be a real heroine. I think that if you humbly and complacently accept and live this time; then the Lord will show you some mercy or send you some consolation. Be complacent. You always do your own thing, and what comes from outside is not from you. God sends and God sends this to the exam. Having sent it, he looks to see what you do. If you act wisely and fairly, He gives you better marks; and if otherwise, other points are given. Then the score will be compiled. And what happens in the end is why you will be issued a certificate. The certificate is written not on paper, but on the forehead. In the next world, the gatekeepers will immediately see where you should go. This is not the place for you, it will be sad to hear. Letter 1420. Desirable qualities of family life I sincerely wish you peace of mind despite all your troubles. God bless your stay in your home. The present is now the beginning of your family life! - Lay him down with the fear of God - and lead him to the glory of God! And everything will go well. Don’t chase shine and make others groan when they look at you! - Quiet and quiet! Without noise and shouting, without riddles and building castles in the air. Peace among ourselves, and with all our cohabitants, and neighbors, and a little contentment is enough. The Apostle writes: having food and clothing, we will be content with these. God bless you! I wish you all the best. Letter 1421. Blessing for spouses and consolation for childlessness God's blessing to Squirrel! If they find that it will be more peaceful for them to live around you, God grant them to settle down according to their desire. I rejoice in their happiness. May the Lord prolong him until the end of his life. The fact that there are no children is, of course, boring. But we must submit this to the will of God and submit to Him. Maybe the time will come, and there will be children. Letter 1422. Brief greeting and blessing Have you prayed?! And thank God! Refresh your soul more often by visiting monasteries. – If you can see the light of God anywhere today, it is only in monasteries. Here are a few more books for you. Maybe you will find something suitable in them. You go to your previous place of residence. Bow down to those there. And mom and Blueberry. It consoles me a lot that your husband is of the same mind with you in religious terms. God bless him with every blessing. Your good friend E. Feofan. 14 July 82 Letter 1423. Condition for marital happiness It's good that your husband loves you. You love your husband, and this is your paradise. The fence of this paradise is mutual confidence in each other. Keep it like the apple of your eye, and your happiness will not be shaken. I always pray for you, remembering you along with yours in my prayer. May the Lord arrange your life in such a way that the salvation of your soul will be created at the same time. Letter 1424. About the pupil Lisa. Advice about everyday life May the Lord bless you to continue to eat the fruit you received from Holy Communion! Orphan Lisa worries and burdens you. Go to Nadezhda Ilyinishna, fall at her feet, and beg her to take pity on you and the orphan and take her from you. The answer for it is yours, both before God and before people. Got it? “We must present her to society and the church as a member good for every good deed.” You, of course, took it for this purpose. But, as it turned out, it is not possible for you to do this; then it’s up to you to find and deliver her another place. You can't find a better place than the princess's. And bother. I don’t understand your business affairs. Set yourself up as you find best. I don’t think it would be better to give it out for rent. - Living in the city is ruinous. - Your riddle is no good. Letter 1425. Take care of clear weather. An orphan is a child of God. Blessing I’m very glad that you have such bright days and flowers all around. God grant that the sun does not disappear again and the flowers do not wither. - If you please, manage: for not a small part here depends on yourself. I'm happy for Lisa. By force you got down to business as you should. God help you in this part of your business too. – An orphan is a child of God. Just look at her. May the Lord bless your Peter to quickly enter into the essence and order of this new work - and do it for the glory of God. Letter 1426. The main technique against temptations My good Belichka! I rejoice and congratulate you with all my heart. Your husband made a wise turn. And happiness returned to you. Now - may the Lord strengthen you! - Both of you and pray! The Lord is always a helper to good decisions and undertakings. And here it will help. Experience has taught me how evil this pleasure is. And there is no point in teaching that you need to keep your ears sharp in front. It keeps itself together, especially at first. Doesn’t it hurt to remind you that a new temptation will appear again and pull you in? This is where you need to take care of yourself. The enemy arranges everything. Therefore, when this comes, you must quickly remember at the very first appearance that the enemy and the enemy is offering here, and reflect it with anger and immediately turn to God, and the matter will be over. This is the main technique against all temptations. And I won't talk about it any more. Just remember this in case. God bless you and your husband. Letter 1427. When sending a card. The Pledge of Longevity I am very glad that your husband has such good intentions. May the Lord grant him to fulfill them. If he lives abstinently and piously as a Christian, he will live a hundred years. Here's a card for you! And another one for Lisa, and a book for her. Letter 1428. Blessing to the walking pilgrim and her companions. Qualities of Proper Prayer You did well to come on foot, and with so many companions! Both the Lord and the Mother of God will graciously accept the sacrifice of your labor - and will reward you with the gift of what you need - for your salvation, and not what your will seeks. Your desire to confess and receive Holy Communion. May the Lord bless you with success in fulfilling this desire! Confess to the monastery confessor, Fr. Hilarion, or someone else. – The Lord Himself accepts confession, and the confessor is only a witness, his ears, tongue and hands blessing, but the Lord acts and permits; just as the Lord gives communion. How good your companions are – in your soul. But behind everyone there is one sin, they will bow to another, and give them what they want, take it out and put it in. If it is not given according to their desire, they raise a murmur and blaspheme God’s providence. - So they don’t get anything. - This - take it out and put it down - means commanding God. It doesn’t need to be like this, but like this: “Lord, You see that I need this and that, that this and that weighs on me. Help me and arrange me as Your holy will pleases, and not as my will desires!” Having set yourself up in this way, you need to pray for a long time, - not for a long time at a time, - but for a long time over time, now; tomorrow, week, month, year. Everyone is screaming and shouting: Lord, deliver me! Lord help me! However, not my will, but Your will be done! Thus the Lord spoke in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the widow in the parable pestered the judge, and she received what she asked for. The saints have this word: we must bother the Lord and His saints. Olga herself assigned these books, three for you, Lydia and Elisabeth - 1) Collection. 2) Soul and angel 3) Miterikon, divide by lot. Little books, whatever you like. Another 3rd. Miterikon. – N.I. - Blueberry, and mother Leonida. Letter 1429. Blessing to the bride and groom We came to whitewash ourselves at Vyshe. God bless your intention and work. And God bless the bride too! Let him talk and think about his step. God bless her and her groom, and their marriage, and their future cohabitation. There are many experiences that revelers settle down by getting married. God grant that her fiancé, having become a husband, becomes sedate. Letter 1430. About the sale of the estate and the pupil Lisa You are asking about the sale of an estate. I don’t understand anything about these matters; and I can’t tell you anything useful. N.I. is about to return; talk to her and other businessmen. Talk to your people about Lisa. They wrote to me that her father wants to assign her to the farm; but she doesn’t want to, but rather wants to become a sister of mercy. I believe that the latter intention is very good and incomparably higher than management. - That’s what I wrote. Don't cross her if she wants it. I didn’t write about you that you were giving bad direction to Lisa, but I asked you to tell me that you will answer before God and people if you give her such direction. This is not the same at all. I’m very sorry about Lisa, that her brother taught her something bad. Now this infection is spreading rapidly. This is an enemy's trick. I am very grateful to you that you turned away from this the unaware how much evil lies in this shameful matter. May the Lord strengthen her! Your good friend E. Feofan. 17 Oct 90 Letter 1431. Advice to those who want to give up a bad habit So, it’s dawn for you. May the sun shine on you with full light. Blessed be your Peter! Help him, Lord, to overcome himself. It would be easier for him to do this than for Ilya. It's not a natural habit. Just as you get used to it, you can get out of the habit. But for this, it is not enough to want to break the habit, but you must immediately begin this good deed. The fact is that when a habit begins, one lacks the courage to refuse it; and courage is lacking from self-pity; and self-pity is supported by thinking: maybe, or: I’ll just take one bite. When would he take it all apart and smash it to pieces with his reasoning!! You already have guests! God grant peace! – It doesn’t matter that they are Catholics. “But there are some who are obsessive with their faith, especially women.” But there is nothing to be afraid of. Your good friend E. Feofan. Aug 29 '91 Letter 1432. About the same thing. Blessing and guidance to the Vyshinsky pilgrims It is very good that you came to us, to the house of the Mother of God, to refresh yourself, become whiter, and be renewed. - May the Lord grant you to accomplish this in such a way as to receive the full effect of the saving sacraments. – O. Hilarion is a wise old man and confessor with a fatherly spirit. - Yes, your husband will stink at him. If he has realized the need for correction and has begun to do so, it is better to do it in such a way that the determination to resist evil and always adhere to goodness is forever entrenched in his mind and heart. Tomorrow you have the whole day of freedom to prepare for the sacrament. - Here are the books for you. Read the Words - page 141 - on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday first. weeks. And all these seven words come to you. You can take the book home if you want to read. May the Lord strengthen and sanctify you and your spouse. Your good friend E. Feofan. July 18, 92 Letter 1433. General instructions on how to save the soul God's mercy be with you! Are you looking for saving lessons or an answer on how to save your soul? The Savior was asked this question, and He answered: if you want to be saved, keep the commandments. – This is what I offer you. What are the commandments? - All. Read the Gospel, read the Apostle, and notice what applies to you there, take it as a rule for yourself; and since it is impossible to have success in anything without God’s help, then most of all, pray. If you are free to go to church, go as soon as possible. And if every day is possible, go every day. Give alms. Be humble, meek, respectful to everyone, don’t argue or scold, don’t judge anyone. Be flexible. A broken spirit, a broken heart, a humble heart, have it. Letter 1434. To the widow Evdokia. Blessing. How to choose a bride I will remember Sister Praskovya - and remember yourself. God hears every prayer from the heart. God bless the brothers' efforts in teaching. And God bless his marriage! Let us begin choosing a bride with prayer and fasting. God bless you and your whole family. Letter 1435. To her. About the charity of a granddaughter. The answer to the sorrow of staying too long in girls Take your granddaughter to you and let her live with you until God shows her where to place her. One - and how much does it take? It will work. And it will be hard for her father and mother. “You didn’t say her age.” Otherwise, you could be assigned to some kind of community, or to a monastery, but - see for yourself. That the daughter is a maiden is not a problem. What joy is being married? Only burden, labor and need. How can she be homeless when she is with her father and mother? Let him live honestly and work, and at least for the rest of his life. Letter 1436. The one whose son Mikhail and his wife Evgenia. When asked about accepting my son. It's not good to sue the clergy The one whose son Mikhail and his wife Evgenia. Without knowing your circumstances with your son, I can’t say: take it or don’t take it. - See for yourself. - If he has improved, why not accept him, but still see for yourself. I don’t have to write to him. It's not good that he's suing the priests. “If I’m not guilty, I’d give in for the Lord’s sake.” And if he was guilty, he would confess and ask for forgiveness. And that's the end of it. But maybe the circumstances are not like that. Letter 1437. Asking about marriage Asking for an answer and blessing to get married. If you find it suitable for yourself, God will bless you. Letter 1438. NN. The answer to someone who has fallen into grave sin God's mercy be with you! There is no sin that overcomes God's mercy. - God will forgive your sin too. But go to your confessor and confess. Ask him to give penance. And do it. God bless you! Save yourself! Letter 1439. NN. What is salvation? May God's mercy be with you too, God's servants - Demetrius and Evdokia! Fear God and fulfill His commandments. For this is salvation. Love the Church of God. Be on good terms with everyone, don’t forget to give alms within your means. Be patient as God sends you to be patient. Letter 1440. Inquiring about marriage. Should a mother give her son consent to marry a bride she doesn’t like? You ask about your son's marriage. God bless! He loves his bride, and she loves him truly. This is the power of marriage. - And what do you say: we don’t like it, it’s not you, but him living with his wife. If he likes it, what do you care? – And parents should rejoice at such a marriage: for it is clear that it is good. You doubt that it won't help. It doesn't depend on marriage. If he is good, he will help wherever he lives. And if it’s not good, then what can you do with it? If in such an important matter you, the mother, do according to your son’s heart, then he will remember all his life and repay you with benefits within his power. So I don’t see anything bad in this marriage. Ep. Feofan. 2 April 83 Letter 1441. Two letters to nun Ambrosia. Good sleep. General instructions on the path of salvation for a nun The one who appeared to you in a dream was your Guardian Angel. Seeing God’s mercy towards you in this, I dare not be unmerciful myself. – I am sending with this mail a book of sermons about repentance and correction of life. - Isn't she good for you? The path of salvation is of course known to you. Having repented and set the intention to live properly, one must, without any concessions, bear the fruits of repentance in fasting, prayer and helping others. – You must love solitude, silence and work so that your thoughts are less distracted. Mind wandering weakens good intentions. It is inadmissible to go to services and bother yourself with bows at home. It is good to read soul-saving things; but not much. It is necessary to remember a little of what you read so as not to read in vain. - Show all obedience to the monastery authorities. With sisters, be at peace with everyone, but not make special friendships. Anything you can do to help is good; but no, so be it. Don’t go visit and don’t invite people to your place. Have a constant conversation with the Lord Savior. Know your corner, and the Lord, and nothing more. Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. Mar 6 1871 Letter 1442. Instructions before tonsure. Church obedience. About absent-mindedness during service Tonsured! - Bless, Lord! Of course, you understand what this is. Therefore, approach with fear and trembling, without losing heart before the greatness of the matter, but inspired by the hope in God’s quick help for those who seek it from Him with all my heart. All who trust in the Lord will not sin. First tonsure at the monastery! Take care to be the first nun, just not with worldly exaltation, but with humility before everyone, according to the word of the Lord, Who first commanded us to be slaves for everyone. Your Church obedience is very good - and you understand well what it requires. The church is the house of God, and everything there is God. Treat every thing there as if it were God’s, and act with it as if you had received a command to do so from the Lord Himself, remembering that the Lord Himself immediately watches how you act - and is either comforted by it or offended. Your spirit. Father said the truth that there is no need to suffer if during prayer and service your thoughts run away to matters of your obedience. However, it cannot be said that this was in the order of things, and that such a disorder could be overlooked with carelessness, as if it were nothing. – You can understand how inappropriate this is with this example. Suppose you came to a big person to ask him for something, and instead of asking, walk around the rooms, look at what is on the walls, stare at the windows, etc. What will that face do when it looks at you? He will call the footman and order you to be escorted out without honor. – We do exactly the same thing when, having gathered in a church for prayer, we dream about third-party things. Applying this to yourself, will you say that it’s nothing when you remember that you dreamed almost the entire service? – Your conscience rightly worries you. And don't bother her; let him worry. But it’s better to do your best to strain your attention so that it doesn’t wander away from prayer and service. And pray to the Lord about this, to help you. So that the mind does not run away during prayer, we must try to remember God all the time - both at work, and while walking, at home and outside, and alone and with sisters. When this happens, then during prayer the mind will stick to the work being done, remember God, and reverently ascend to Him. Letter 1443. To a university student. Answer to the question about entering monasticism Throughout the entire course of your life, it is clear that the Lord is calling you on the path of repentance. And I believe that you will not find peace unless you step into it. You are doing well to kindle this desire in yourself. But whether to carry it out now, or at a later time, is something I’m not comfortable deciding. And now you can, and you can after completing the course at the University. – My first thought was to suggest that you complete the course if you hope that the current bad teachings will not affect you. Then the thought came to mind: shouldn’t you go to the Academy and then finish your studies and enter monasticism. – Both are possible. And it will be useful for you. Knowledge doesn't work. And now we need more knowledgeable figures. With your mood and knowledge, you could be saved not only by bowing, but also by admonishing those who go astray - which is of great value to the Lord. So, if it's not inconvenient for you, do it. Reason with your spiritual father, and God will bless you to do what you find best. I am not against entering the monastery now. What about your habits and hobbies?! – Do you think that the walls of the monastery will protect you from them? - Oh no! - Please prepare for the most difficult struggle! From a distance it is very difficult to give you decisive advice. See for yourself. What about parental blessing? Discuss everything with your spiritual father. Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. 2nd Gen. '76 Letter 1444. To Archpriest NN. Characteristics of the Khlysty sect and instructions on interviews with them I am sending you 4 books. against your sectarians. These are not Molokans, but Khlysty, or Skoptsy. A Molokan will never hold icons or sacred images, and will not go to church. And the whips go to church and do everything; as well as eunuchs. The Skoptsy degenerated from the Khlysty. The Khlysts seek to extinguish lust, which repayment is considered among them to be a spiritual resurrection before the general one. But as lust takes over, one of them managed to brush off the restless member with a razor. He found imitators, and things took off. This is not listed in real books, but I read it somewhere, now I don’t remember. They look exhausted and slobbering. They say quietly, insinuatingly, “You can’t learn anything from them, because their first point is not to reveal anything about the sect, even if they tear off the skin.” “That’s why there’s no point in torturing.” At their meetings they do zealous movements, spinning, each individually or all like in round dances, and different ones do movements until they get tired. This warms the blood, irritates the game of life, which responds pleasantly. They call this pleasant state the presence of the Spirit (nakatil). But there’s nothing spiritual here. And the dancers become pleasantly excited. The same for them, and nothing more. That they have a bad sin is not true; at least the articles sent say this. Sin may happen to others later, but not at meetings, and do not remember it. When interpreting with them, and when explaining yours, talk more about how grace is obtained, and how grace is manifested in power. It turns out through St. sacraments, not otherwise, but becomes obvious in those who mortify passions with well-known deeds. (In the Philokalia, see extracts from St. Mark the Ascetic). This clarity consists in a special understanding of faith, in a peaceful disposition of the heart, in deep prayers, in self-sacrifice for the good of others, in imperturbable patience, so that those who watch cannot marvel. A distinctive feature of the influx of the Spirit is deep peace and detachment from everything visible - inward before God. Here all bodily movement is stopped, and the feeling of use ceases, i.e. Everything happens completely opposite to what happens with the Khlysty. The whips, having come into a pleasant excitement from the spinning, others go into ecstasy. Those who are talkative will scream and begin to seethe. Since he has nothing in his mind, but only an excited state and a desire to speak out, he seethes without expressing anything definite. Others consider all this to be revelations of God. Come in from the other side. With them, Christ continues to appear in people. When someone appears to them as good in their opinion, they say: “Christ has manifested himself”; and direct your speech against this. But you will see everything in the articles. Don’t reproach them in any way for the fact that they behave well; they don’t drink, they don’t go to round dances, they don’t party, all this is good. And scold your own people that their wild life makes others move away from the church, believing that it does not know how to raise real Christians and indulges in vices. But she does not indulge, but demands a strict life - and collect more texts of this kind. So you see, conclude, there is no indulgence, but there is condescension for weaknesses. “The Khlysty have these weaknesses, and not small ones at that.” And then slowly remember what was found out about them through investigative procedures. – But this is not suddenly, but much later. And add, we sin, but sin is considered a sin, but among the Khlysty, it’s as if the spirit orders them to sin (they had a guy), of course, the spirit - but not God’s. Please act as God instructs you. Only by the signs you indicated know that these are whips, or eunuchs, and push on them. Not in church, but in a simple conversation, understand their caring songs. Ah - yes, here's how to recognize them. In front of him, begin to read their hymn of honor – Kelsiev has collected skopcheskie and Khlystov’s songs. His eyes will sparkle now, just do it by chance. From the books of the Interlocutor - look at the article about the people of God, - from the Kelsiev collection - about eunuchs. Make the necessary notes and return the books when no longer needed. Congratulations on your archpriestship. God bless! But if you convert even one whip, it will be equal to the bishopric. These are the most persistent sectarians. The enemy keeps them in the charm of their apparent serviceability - and those flattering pleasantries that are obtained during their whirling. May the Lord bless you with every blessing, and all yours. My eye prospers. Cataracts mature and vision decreases. But the left eye serves as it should. Your pilgrim E. Feofan. 2 July 79 Letter 1445. To. Archimandrite Mitrofan. Instructions on how to rule the monastery Most Honorable Fr. archimandrite! Congratulations on your new place! - May God bless you to see good in this monastery, so that, having shown the ability to rule a small society, you will be worthy to accept a larger one. You ask me for advice on how to rule the monastery. - To rule the monastery is wisdom that exceeds my mind. I don’t understand anything about this matter, and no matter what I tell you, it will all be bookish, not businesslike. Take a closer look, and discuss every matter, and do it according to the discussion. If it goes well, let it go; and if it’s not good, discuss how to change it. So, learn everything by doing, not from books. - A year or two will pass, you will know all the ins and outs of the abbot in detail. There is no point in building theories in advance. What a big deal, sometimes you make a mistake. Make mistakes and learn. Saving is not as important a matter as telling the brethren how they should and where they should go. In this, hold on to the faith that everyone who enters the monastery desires to be saved. Take this leash and lead him. The message is for everyone together, and for everyone in parts - That commonality is no wonder. Maintain strict monastic rites, and be everywhere yourself - in the church, in the dining room, and sometimes walking through the cells. - Everyone's news is very tricky. You need to find out your character and act accordingly. You have to be strict and not let anything go; but with severity and mercy there should be. And severity alone is no good, and mercy alone is no good. Both are needed. You can start readings at services like this - And choosing articles yourself, and choosing a message according to what turns out to be necessary for the brethren - will teach you everything. The first time, be less jealous, take a closer look, and then act. There will be a lot of time left. Start writing something. Conversations for example: on the Psalter. In the services, everything is the Psalter - but it is very sophisticated in its concept; - so go ahead and send them to the report, you need to feed your soul with something, and through this it will be very useful. “If you start writing, you won’t have enough time.” And without this, there will be nowhere to put it, and it will be boring. I wish you all the best from the Lord. - Pray to God for me. O. Bow to Nicholas when you write to Kiev. Your pilgrim Bp. Feofan. Oct 23 1874 Letter 1446. To. Abbot of Optina Pustyn. A page from the history of the Philokalia. Greek and Latin text of Abba Isaiah. Request to send a translation of Elder Paisius. Bow and address of the saint Your Reverence, Most Honorable Fr. abbot! I apologize for disturbing you. Need forces you, but confidence in your kindness inspires. Here's the thing. When compiling the paternal collection, the Russian Philokalia, when the turn came to Abba Isaiah, I considered it suitable to include all his words, and since they were known to me only in the Latin translation, I translated them from this Latin edition. Then the elders of the Athos Panteleimon Monastery found the Greek Abba Isaiah on Athos, and last year they copied him for their monastery library. At the beginning of this year, it occurred to me to ask them if Abba Isaiah in the original was there on Mount Athos, and they willingly sent it to me for translation. And now I'm sitting over this. Sorry, I didn’t know about your publication at all. And only now I got it. I see that both your and my translations were made from Latin. They are very similar. But they are very far from Greek. Not only expressions, but also thoughts largely disagree with the Greek original. The Latin translator is half to blame for this, however. Because the original is very difficult to translate. And this is where I need your help. Your translator had at hand a translation of the Wise Elder Paisius. As can be seen from the passages quoted in the footnote, and from the additions in the text, this translation agrees with the original Greek, and represents the real Abba Isaiah. So here is my humble request. If that manuscript is in your hands, and in your power, please send it to me for a while. I translate many passages by guesswork, several are left completely untranslated due to the invisibility of the thought, and in general I cannot boast that I fall into the thoughts of the saint. Abba. As Elder Paisios proved himself to be the most accurate translator of the patristic writings, I hope that his translation of Abba Isaiah will help me correct my shortcomings and fill in the gaps I involuntarily made. Help, for God's sake! I will no longer bother you with my writing. I ask your saints. prayers, - and with true respect I have the honor to be your most humble servant. P.S. - Please convey my regards to the hon. O. Ambrose. I ask him to pray for my all-repentance. My address: in the city of Shatsk Tamb. lips to the Vyshinskaya Hermitage - in my name. 1 Jun 82 Received 7 Jun. Letter 1447. Two letters to monk NN. Answer to the questioner about the transition to Athos and about evil thoughts being expressed The mercy of God be with you, Most Venerable Fr. N.! I am very sorry that my letter confused you. I apologize. I don't remember what you wrote or what I replied. I always answer according to the content of the letters to which I respond. It’s true that your words gave me a reason to write the way I did. Now you are asking about the transition to Athos. I can’t give you a decisive answer: I can’t do it. But I will say what I think - I think that it is better for you to live out your life in your monastery. Regarding evil thoughts, it is known that as soon as such a thought is noticed, it is decisively rejected; no matter how bad it may be, it is not imputed to the one who experiences it. Keep this in mind, and you will be at peace. I ask for your holy prayers for my many sins. E. Feofan. 24 April 91 Letter 1448. Under what conditions is a change of monastery allowed? I don’t know how to say which is better for you - to live in this monastery you live in, or to move. “But I think that it is better not to change places when the temptations that you mention are ordinary temptations that are found in every monastery and place. - Overcome them, and you will be an ascetic hero. If your temptations are such that they are only found there, and you do not see in yourself the strength to overcome them, then of course you should move away from evil. E. Feofan. 16 Feb '93 Letter 1449. To. Hierodeacon Varlaam. To seek salvation means to seek the Lord. When to switch to silence. Books useful for monks You are looking for salvation: you are looking for a good deed; the soul is more valuable than the whole world. But nothing is easier than finding salvation: for we have a Savior - all-wise, all-good and all-powerful, Who desires nothing more than the salvation of each of us. Turn to Him; Ask and pray to Him alone, and He will bring you to salvation, according to the message of fate. Seeking salvation is the same as seeking the Lord. “And the Lord is everywhere, and wherever the one who seeks Him is, here He is, and is ready to give Himself to the one who seeks Him. Open the door of your heart to Him, and He will enter. This is the finding of the Lord and with Him salvation. Know this and seek this. The Lord Himself will teach you everything. God help you! Don't sleep! You are crying in your cell. Cry; it's good, but don't show it to anyone. You say that when you leave your cell to do the work of obedience, everything falls apart. - Pay attention to yourself - and try not to leave your heart: for the Lord is there. Seek this and work on it. You will find it and see how precious it is. Have you heard that silence is better? But you also want it. Seek and you will find. But first you need to undergo a course of novitiate, so that the soul is ground into powder and becomes soft. Then there is silence. Until then, try to remain silent in your heart. Ask and the Lord will give. Have a spiritual father, and do everything with his advice. Decide with him how to take communion more often, and what is good to take communion often, there’s nothing to say about that. Read books and learn to live from them if you can’t find the elder. Read Abba Dorotheus, - Answer of the great elders Barsanuphius and John, - Ladder, Macarius the Great. – Isaac the Syrian, Ephraim the Syrian and Philokalia, Basil the Great. I think that in the Yuryev Monastery there are elders who can kindly show you how to live. Letter 1450. Four letters to T. A. K-vu. On the study and teaching of civil history. Practical advice From the first words, I agreed to your intention, even though it was very unexpected. However, it is necessary to thoroughly explore what can be found on this road. Of course, you will be able to take the exam, especially after preparation. But what next? - You were told that this is the place. – Are there always places? In all educational institutions - there are, and there are no. Let it be, but where? – Cadet corps is not in St. Petersburg only in Moscow. Are there any in Siberia, the Caucasus, or Poland? Poland is worse than Siberia. - Then, will they ask you if you would like to go to Sakhalin? or somewhere else, or they will send it directly. – And when they determine without asking, whether they will respect the presentation that you are uncomfortable in that place. So you need to scout out such things and prepare to meet them. There may be other things you'll have to find out. So - God bless. But don’t plan to volunteer for history, but to teach everywhere the truth of God, which alone exists. I have the history of Schlozer and Weber, and also the French Contu (Spaniard). “If you don’t find it there, I’ll send you some.” But maybe now there are newer ones. History is probably not taught as widely in cadet corps. However, the principles are historical and should be included in teaching. – Who is leading humanity and where? - A Christian solves this differently than the learned bashi-bazouks. God leads humanity to its final goal; The historian must recognize and point out this. It would be good if you saw this. The fashionable idea of ​​history - development is empty, because there is nothing to say. This is something like fate, fate and fate. Help you, Lord, to prepare and take your favorite path, and to prosper on it. Letter 1451. Sources and aids for teaching church history. Characteristics of Neander. Instructions on the proper teaching of this subject Now, if you please, put in some work and prayer, and everything will go well. It is a pity that the Right Reverend Macarius did not finish (Russian) history. There is a history of the Russian Church - His Eminence Philaret of Chernigov. – Of course it is in your seminary library. If, by chance, it is not there, write quickly, I will send it. He has a whole book of this period (i.e., Synodal), although it is not large. Please, less cunning and German wisdom. According to the Orthodox, philosophize as much as you want, i.e. It has always been this way and it should always be so. I am very glad that you had to deal not with general church history, but with Russian history. There is no place for evil wisdom to spread here - as is done there. “Afterwards, although you may have to take the universal one into your hands, before that time all the soap bubbles with which German historians fill your heads at the academy will have time to burst. Regarding the general one, the best source is the history of Fleury. This is a collection of ancient tales about church events. The worst is Neander. This damned little Jew ruined the whole story with his wisdom. For him, everything was organized by the struggle of opposing sides and parties. And he only follows this and often builds an entire system and even an entire school on one word. - Thus, he has no place for the Apostolic Tradition, continuously preserved by St. Church. The same is true of all his followers. Please note this in your memory and think that everything went according to the Apostolic Tradition; disputes were raised by more than one party against another in the Church. And vain wisdom arose against the Apostolic tradition. The Holy Church, his guardian, stood for him and struck down the superstitious, and expelled them from the Church. Letter 1452. About the same thing. Christian dogmas are not the result of the disputes that arose Well – what then? history, so history. As the guardian of the Apostolic traditions, she stands alongside Scripture as the main source and protection of Orthodoxy. “That’s the idea of ​​church history for you.” I think I wrote to you that the best resource for you is Fleury’s church history. This is a complete collection of historical monuments about church antiquities. He is a Catholic; but does not reach out to the Catholics. – Do you read French? But Fleury is also in Latin. Maybe there is one in the seminary library. If you read French, I would send you Goethe, a French Orthodox doctor. I only have three volumes, but it seems the fourth book has come out. Everything covers no more than 4 centuries. He is a merciless hammer for Catholics. I also have Protestants. But these are real bashi-bouzoukis; especially the little Neander. This one ruined the whole story. His dogmas are the result of disputes between church parties. And they believe him. In reality it was like this: the Church always defended the Apostolic teaching when superstition rebelled against it. – When Arius spewed out his bullshit; Patriarch Alexander - from the very first time he set forth the teaching of the Church betrayed by the Apostles, which he set out throughout the entire continuation of Arianism was a rebuff to it, and in the end remained victorious - not as the result of disputes, but as the everlasting belief of St. Churches. – Also, with the advent of Nestorianism, Saint Cyril (of Alexandria) expounded the Orthodox teaching of the Church, which remained even after Nestorianism was overcome. The same applies to icon veneration. From the first moment of the appearance of iconoclasm, Saint Herman expressed the full teaching of the Church on this matter. So in everything, the Apostolic teaching preceded disputes, armed against them, and remained after. Please keep this in mind. I remember this on purpose. Letter 1453. When sending books and cards. On maintaining health during scientific work Happy past holidays and happy new year! I rejoice at your diligence and work in familiarizing yourself with the subject of teaching, which fell to your lot. God bless! The first course is always difficult. Then course after course it will become easier and easier, and a complete science will be compiled. Where can I get benefits? I have Neander, Gieseler, Schaff. If reading them is not difficult, I will send them to you. But I’m afraid that their bashi-buziness will turn your head. In your volume of the Philokalia, under the first octagon of the 20th printed sheet, there is a photograph of me in my office, as a souvenir for you. Work hard, work is a sacred thing. But you also need to take care of your health. Health is like a horse. If you drive it, there’s nothing to ride on. Be in the fresh air for an hour every day, get plenty of sleep, eat less, and don’t drink wine at all; When you're not writing, you walk around the house more than sit. – And labor will not leave a ruinous trace. If you can add to this bodily exercise - sharpening, sawing, planing, chopping - then you can become completely inaccessible to infirmities. There is a book - indoor gymnastics - different movements are indicated - with arms, legs, torso, head. Very good for hygiene. I had it, now I don’t, and I don’t know where to turn. The goal is not to let a single muscle lie idle, but on the contrary, to twitch and strain every day. Hence the measured flow and nutritional output of the body. God bless you with every blessing! Save yourself! Letter 1454. The work of caring for an orphaned family. About self-pity and self-indulgence. An important obstacle to the acceptance of prayer help Worry about an orphaned family falling on your hands is ruinous for spiritual life. And of course it would be better if he didn’t exist. But since this matter has already caught your attention, and not by will, then we must submit to the will of the One who arranges the course of our life. The nephews must be put on their feet, and the widow must be encouraged to go on the good road. At the same time, you just need to take care of yourself, and take care of the orphans in such a way that they do not ruin. If you please, arrange this within yourself, with God’s help, whenever you encounter anxiety. – Do your best. That this concern has come at all can be beneficial. It will save you from being hardened in selfishness: you are alone and everything is only about yourself. And here about others. This accident will not cause any great harm. – And the self-pity that you complain about is already dangerous and harmful. – If you have to indulge yourself due to illness, then that’s okay. And if under the pretext of illness; then this is bad. Here you can see deceit in front of yourself - the most evil of all deceits. You seem to look at self-pity very lightly, considering cases of yielding to it as unimportant actions. You have a big mistake here. Cases of self-pity are definitely insignificant; but the presence of this self-pity in the soul is not insignificant. Because what does it mean? - This means that self-pleasure in you and I is stronger than pleasing God. We decided to do this and that, realizing that it was necessary in the matter of arranging a saving life, and therefore pleasing to God; and then we refuse this for no other reason than because this refusal is more pleasant for us, body or soul. This means that this time we are moving from pleasing God to self-pleasing. Conscience sees our wrongness - and worries. - She's right. I shouldn’t have tied myself down: I would do this and that in forms of asceticism when I didn’t have the confidence to overcome myself every time. For example, they decided not to drink tea, and then drank a cup. - And you worry. It’s not a big deal to drink a cup, but the big thing is that your conscience is offended, and that things are allowed to happen that violate your previous decisions and consciousness. This destroys the internal structure, and the habit of not listening to conscience when it indicates what is due is formed. – And then fearlessness will come, and complete indifference to pleasing God: it is better not to bind yourself to the smallest detail with rules, but to have one thing in common: to act contrary to the demands of self-pleasure every time. And if we allow some kind of benefit to the body, then it is not out of indulgence, but out of awareness of the need for health. – It’s good not to drink tea, and that’s great. But as in other cases it gives vigor to the body, then you can drink a cup. So it should be put: I will abstain from tea from time to time. Because sometimes it's very easy to get around. – Otherwise, it’s best not to tie yourself down with such details. And keep the general thing: not to please the flesh, and act in this spirit, making decisions every time. I used tea as an example; but you need to act this way in relation to everything - food, sleep, walks, rest, and so on. Anything that interferes with the internal order should not be allowed under any circumstances. This is why you need to have an old man nearby. The best person for this is a confessor. Whenever you come across something, ask immediately. Your conscience will be calm. “Otherwise she’ll be legally teasing.” No success, you say. – And it won’t happen as long as there is self-indulgence and self-pity. – Self-pity and self-indulgence directly indicate that I, and not the Lord, predominates in the heart. Self-love is the sin living in us, from which all sinfulness comes, and which makes the whole person sinful, from head to toe, as long as it takes place in the soul. And when the whole person is sinful, how will grace come to him? It will not come, just as a bee will not go to where there is smoke. The presence of self-love is a sign that the first decision to work for the Lord was formed incompletely and unsuccessfully. - This decision has two ends: one - let him deny himself, and the second: let him come after Me. – The first requires the complete suppression of egoism or pride and, therefore, the prevention of self-indulgence and self-pity, neither great nor small. Therefore, in whomever they are, the solution was not complete. Such a decision makes a person similar to those persons about whom the Apocalypse says: neither warm, nor cold, neither this nor that. – I want to be saved, but self-resistance is not allowed. God and mammon cannot work. I bring all this to your mind, so that you censor yourself and carefully determine what you have in your heart - me, or the Lord. Then sit down and decide what to do. You write to ask me to pray to deliver you from self-indulgence. What should we pray about? God won't hear. He hears prayer only for those who are not self-pleasing. - And God hears the person himself - everyone only when he does not suffer from these firstborn daughters of sin. For not self-pity and not self-indulgence, the Lord only gives grace and prosperity. He does not give them himself, but demands that the person himself take them, as a deposit that he should be shown mercy. Letter 1455. Qualities of a good dean of monasteries May God bless you to pass through the position of dean. “We must act without any hassle, slowly.” There is nothing to dust. The main thing is to love the brethren, both great and small, and act in the spirit of love. The weaker someone is, the more you need to have love for him. If you act this way, love will teach you everything. Be afraid to act out of passion like fire. Where there is even the slightest shadow of passion, there is no use there. The enemy is hiding here and will mix everything up. When you have to demand discipline, avoid that movement of your heart that would cause the dean to consider certain indiscretion an insult to himself personally. How dare he when I ordered? “How dare he do this in front of my eyes?” – I need to reject it in all its forms. The dean is not the superior, and must act in subordination to the greater. A dean will be good if he is the first to cause disorder through his disobedience or inattention to the rector. Let the dean not drown out the monk. That rank is accidental, but a monk is by vow and will die a monk. So a monk must be watched over more than ever. You can throw off a deanery, but where can you throw off a monk? You have to think a lot, and every evening carry out judgment on yourself, judgment without mercy. And thus study, and become a dean, and become a monk. God bless you! – Turn to the Lord with every need! The Lord is near and ready with help. Now you need to have more fear and humility. Save yourself, and pray to God for me. Letter 1456. Various answers and instructions to the monastery dean - Restless NN. You can ask about. take the archimandrite into your monastery, and appoint another in his place, if necessary. – There is nothing to embarrass one’s conscience here. This is done for the benefit of that – and for the good of the monastery. – Movements of rage in the event of troubles must be driven away by prayer and reflection each time until they completely disappear. And there will be no harm; otherwise it will be. – You shouldn’t think about other obedience: for after all, there is one’s own will. - When Fr. the archimandrite asks about whom in a commanding manner - you must speak frankly, as the matter is, this is your duty. You should not be embarrassed by this: for it is not good to act otherwise. How can the abbot know?! – Don’t ask for confession, but don’t refuse either when told and when the need is visible. - It's hard not to sleep. The service will be worthless. - You can try. If it works, you can continue. - You have to work hard for this. Add abstinence: don’t eat at night, and drink less: weak tea. - Writing is worse than being a dean. We should get away from him. But since I don’t know what you have done there regarding this, I don’t say anything. - Regarding change in general, stick to the rule: do not move yourself, - answer the proposal - neither yes nor no, - but if they move where - go, without wincing, as if by God’s command. We must endure - and endure everything without exception - accepting it as from the hand of God. One should not expect that once an order is given, everything will go as desired; but on the contrary, expect resistance in everything and prepare to meet it without embarrassment, with reasonably devised means of counteraction. We must do everything with all diligence, and leave the success of the work in the hands of God. Why, when there is no success, do not rage, but reproach yourself for having come up with a bad idea, and come up with a new means. Not everyone thinks about it, however; and also to be unceasingly concerned with your soul. Let prayer always be in your heart. In the evening, the soul must be cleansed of everything and abolished, so that it remains empty with the Lord alone. - And so go to bed. Don’t leave without this, but work on yourself. Letter 1457. The boss should not become dusty, but act with patience. Means to achieve mental prayer That's how long I haven't answered you. Guilty! I got lazy, and there was a little business. I think that you have now become accustomed to the deeds of your obedience, and the deeds themselves are going tolerably well for you. God grant that everything goes better and better. Wisdom is small! Don’t get too dusty, be patient, and little by little move everything forward. The Lord wants this and there is always an all-powerful helper in these matters. Just don’t ever allow: I want, but the order requires it; I am your servant! They wanted to learn mental prayer. Good! And before that, what kind of prayer did you have?! Prayer is essentially a mental action - and if you didn’t pray smartly, then you didn’t pray at all. “And I’ll tell you that there is no one who doesn’t pray intelligently.” Everyone is praying smartly. When everyone prays, they mentally imagine God as present and express their needs to Him. Even though they read prayers, everyone tries to mentally ascend to God. If anything should be said, it is that they do this not perfectly, not continuously, even during prayer, and most importantly, without feelings. Thus your wish will be; how to achieve perfection in prayer - raised intelligently to God? – The answer to this is: seek and you will find. How did you learn to write?! The labor of writing with the desire to write correctly according to samples. Do the same in prayer, and you will learn. She won’t come on her own; need to study. 1) Learn to walk in the presence of God, before the eyes of God, with corresponding feelings. 2) As soon as there is freedom, bow down in feelings of contrition and humility. 3) Read books all about prayer - and think about it. 4) Above all, try with all your might to conduct church services in the memory of God, and then do the home rule. You need to rub your soul and get warm. When the warmth comes, then the thoughts will subside, and the prayer will become pure. Still by the grace of God. That’s why we need to pray to the Lord to give us prayer. Letter 1458. One should not bind oneself to special rules. General instructions on maintaining attention to God and successfully navigating the spiritual life I can’t give you a rule. What's the rule?! Just do this one thing and that’s it. Let me just add to this: very few things upset and weaken the effect of attention to God - remove them without pity. Do only what helps to retain and strengthen it. To this end, direct reading, meditation, and bowing. Every type and every order of occupation is good as long as it contributes to this. There is no need to schedule classes. If one activity does not nourish prayer, you need to leave it and take on another. For example, they unfolded the book and began to read, but it didn’t work. Leave it, take another. If it doesn't work, take the third one. If this one doesn’t come, stop reading and bow, or meditate. You must have handicrafts that do not entertain attention. The ancient Egyptians sat at their needlework all day long, not giving it up even when someone came. From time to time they only bowed. The main prayer was performed at night. One says: pray in the evening for two hours, then sleep for six hours, and then get up and pray until light. When attention to God is alive and prayer occurs internally; then it’s better not to start doing anything (at home), but to sit, or walk, or, better yet, stand in front of the icons and pray. When attention begins to weaken, warm it up by reading or thinking. Rules are needed for those entering the monastery, so that they become accustomed to monastic activities or activities. Then, when they reach certain internal sensations and especially warmth of the heart, they don’t strictly need rules. In general, one should not be attached to the rules, but should be free in relation to them, with one intention, no matter how reverent attention to God does not depart. The body must be constantly kept in line, like a soldier on parade, without allowing oneself to loosen the limbs, not only when walking and sitting, but also when standing and lying down. Do all things - both big and small - as if the eye of God were watching how things are done. Everyone who comes or everyone you meet must be accepted as a messenger of God. The first question will be within myself: what does the Lord want me to do with this or for this person. Accept everyone as the image of God with respect, and desire to do good to him. When it comes to eating, reduce your nutrition a little, and also take away something from sleep. How it is - see for yourself. There is no need to bind yourself, but to act freely, sometimes this way, sometimes that way; keeping one thing in mind - not to please the flesh, and not to be self-pleasing in anything. And you can also sleep or stay awake in different ways, having one measure: do not fall asleep deeply. God gave you tears. This is good! But temporary tears are not everything. There needs to be constants. There are tears in the heart that are better than those flowing from the eyes. The flowing eyes feed the worm of vanity, but those from the heart are known to God alone. In public, it is better to hold back tears, remaining with heartfelt contrition. Read Barsanuphius and John. All contingencies are defined there and you can find an indication of everything you need. Please keep in mind that the only teacher of all good is the Lord, our Savior. In an hour of reflection, or while bowing, saving thoughts, or guiding, or explanatory thoughts will suddenly appear - you need to notice them - and write them down. If you surrender yourself wholeheartedly to the Lord, then He Himself will teach, or through the Guardian Angel, all Christian science. Learn a few psalms from memory, those that are more to your heart. And then, during bows, you can read them and from each verse make up your own prayer to the Lord. One person told me this, who started Matins from the beginning - “God have mercy on me” and did not have time to finish it until the end of Matins. This method, more than any other, develops the spirit of prayer. Compassion for oneself, readiness for any service to others and surrendering oneself entirely to the Lord with prayerful abiding in him - these are the producers of spiritual life. Letter 1459. An expensive rule for avoiding hostile relations with neighbors I’m very sorry that some things aren’t going well for you. But this is the usual course of human affairs. Having undertaken to please God, one must, firstly, accept everything calmly and endure complacently, and secondly, be able to behave and act in this regard. The first is easy: grit your teeth and be silent, but the second is very difficult, especially because a restless spirit immediately creeps out through word, and through deed, and through movement, and through a face; this circumstance spoils everything, as you can see. – But if you have experience, please study, science is simple, but difficult to learn. Namely: in unpleasant cases that give rise to unpleasant feelings against others, one should neither speak nor act. “We must first calm down, and completely remove the trouble from our hearts, so that there is no trace of it.” Nothing more is required. Then both speech and business will go well. You can then speak sternly and sternly, even scoldingly, and the speech will not produce a bad effect: for the spirit in it will not be irritable, but peaceful and loving. Let me now take a lesson from that incident. Sit down and look at what you need to think about in order to erase the unpleasant feeling, and then act on it. You think badly of them. This is the source of unpleasant feelings towards them. Learn to think well of them, and arouse in yourself respectful feelings towards them. Be sure to do this - bring yourself to the same feeling for them that you have for any respected person - and keep this feeling and walk with it. “Then there won’t be any trouble.” That’s how you should be disposed. What do you care about their behavior?! The authorities are there, and read them. May the Lord make you wise for salvation. Letter 1460. Means for maintaining spiritual warmth. You shouldn't measure yourself. About memorizing psalms and akathist before communion I am very glad that your troubles are over. God bless! Grant, Lord, that they do not repeat themselves. The warmth of the heart that you write about is a good state. And we must protect and support it. When it becomes weak to warm up, do as you do: gather stronger inside and cry out to the Lord. In order not to move away, one must avoid scattering thoughts and impressions on feelings that do not agree with this state, avoid letting the heart rest on anything visible (not only bad things, but everything in general), and no concern absorbs all attention. Attention to God will be constant, and the tension of the body will be unrelenting - in order, like a soldier in formation. The main thing is to pray to the Lord to extend this mercy. As for “is this it?”, then once and for all make it a rule to drive away such questions without pity as soon as they arise. This is the enemy's creation. If you dwell on this question, the enemy will immediately give you a solution: oh, of course, this. You're great, after all. Then the young man will rise on stilts, begin to dream about himself, and not consider others at all. - And grace will go away. But the enemy will keep him thinking that she is with him. - And this is - imagining to have, when there is nothing. The Holy Fathers wrote: “do not measure yourself.” And to undertake to solve that question means: to begin to measure yourself, how much you have grown. - So please run from this like from fire. May God's mercy be with you. It’s good to memorize psalms. Choose which ones suit you best and memorize them. Then, as you walk, read them thoughtfully. From the Gospel it is good to memorize the words of the Lord word for word, and remember the rest. Everything - without fuss - so as not to undermine attention. It's the main thing. And everything must be directed towards maintaining it. I haven’t read the Akathist before Communion. If it edifies, you can read it. But whether it contains anything nasty, it seems to you that you can find out. When there is something, then it’s better to quit. Patience and work endlessly. Save yourself. Your pilgrim E. Feofan. Letter 1461. Signs and method of acquiring gracious warmth in the heart. The harm of eating and sleeping a lot for spiritual life. About humility and love. How to recover from blows inflicted by the enemy and spiritual cooling. The Lord's penance for the guilty I owe you an answer. Guilty! It happened. I will answer in a row. To the letter dated 8th Gen. I wrote to you. – Don’t think: here it is! You write later: “I’m listening, is it warm? Maybe this is not necessary.” – Warmth must always be maintained as much as possible. But there is nothing to listen or look closely at. This speaks for itself. Both external cold and internal cooling are felt directly. When this is felt, you need to warm yourself up - by deepening your attention and intensifying your cry to the Lord: do not forsake me, Lord, do not depart from me. To this we must also think about amazing truths, the fall, the dispensation of salvation, death, judgment, retribution - and so on. Real warmth is a gift from God. But there is an unnatural warmth, the fruit of one’s own efforts and free moods. They are separated from each other like heaven from earth. Which one you have, it’s invisible. Afterwards it will open. “Thoughts tire us and prevent us from paying attention before God.” This is a sign that your warmth is not God’s, but your own. The first fruit of God's warmth is the collection of thoughts together and their aspiration towards God, which does not waste. The same thing happens here with bleeding. That one hundred people have blood, but here the flow of thoughts stops. - What do you need? – Keeping your natural warmth, do not impute it to anything, but only honor it as a preparation for God’s warmth; then to be sick about the poverty of God’s action in the heart, and in illness to pray to the Lord unceasingly: be merciful! - Do not turn away Your face! - Enlighten Your face! This can be aggravated by physical deprivation, in food, sleep, work, etc. Still, put the matter into the hands of God. “I sleep a lot, eat a lot.” - Sybaritism, it turns out, is Mohammedanism. Have you seen an electric car?! Near the wheel she has a copper cylinder, into which electricity passes from the wheel through friction and accumulates in it in such a force that it can kill if touched carelessly. But if you put a chain from this cylinder into the ground, then there will be no electricity in it and the sign, because at the same time it enters the cylinder, it goes into the chain and goes into the ground. This is exactly the situation you are in with your sleep and food, no matter how much you have time to gather the spiritual, everything dissipates through them, goes away: and you are empty. No, the body needs to be constrained by little sleep, and little food, and overexertion. Which of our fathers had success without constraint of the flesh? – I think I wrote to you that the body must be kept in line, like a soldier at the front. This is what I am saying now. While you are resting the body, do not expect anything good. Executing yourself by will is required, but this will not bring you the desired benefit. What St. Meletius told Simeon the Stylite when he was still young and chained himself to a stone? - The same goes for you. However, it doesn’t hurt to have a rougher rosary in your hands - and as soon as the body desires indulgence - either to eat, or to sleep, or to lounge on armchairs and the sofa - treat it with such rosary on the shoulders until it sobers up. “How to imagine the Lord—either sitting on a throne or crucified?” – When you think about the divine, then you can imagine the Lord as needed. But during prayer you should not hold any images. The Lord is everywhere. Stand in this conviction - that He is everywhere, therefore, in you, and not just around you - and sees and hears everything. Call upon Him, who is omnipresent, all-seeing and desiring our salvation, prayerfully, without any image, without imagining Him in any way. This conviction must be confirmed by constant thinking about it. - And he will come. “Stand above the heart, - become the mind in the heart, - go from the head to the heart,” - all this is one and the same. The essence of the matter is to concentrate attention and stand before the invisible Lord, but not in the head, but inside the chest, towards the heart and in the heart. When God's warmth comes, then all this will become clear. “Sometimes attention goes to the heart, but I’m afraid to keep it here.” On the contrary, you need to hold on to it, and the longer the better, not allowing yourself to be distracted by any thoughts. “There is no humility and love.” Until they are there, there will be nothing spiritual. The spiritual is born and grows along with their birth and growth. They are for the soul what constraint of the flesh is for the body. Humility is acquired by deeds of humility, love by deeds of love. Please do so. To the letter dated March 7. A very sad situation has happened to you. But the whip is not torment, but forward science. This happened from conceit - that we were high enough, not like those non-veglas. That's enough! Conceit went along with vanity. Together they gave birth to laziness. Laziness says: what do we need? We can give ourselves a free pass, and let’s go free. And then the enemy sent a book, and raised questions about it. This entire path is written down for you. “Laziness has overcome me, so I don’t want to look at anything.” If you have reached the clouds above, then what is the need to force yourself? “Vanity, whether to serve, whether to pray, or to read teachings, overcomes.” How can you and I not be vain? We know the smart prayer. And well, walk along. Either you and I lounged on the sofa like a spiritual millionaire (laziness), then from the bell tower we began to look at everyone as if we were small fry worth a penny (vanity with pride). And here, as soon as the enemy appeared, we went into the bushes, or even worse: take it, we didn’t lift a finger. And now please see what a spiritual hero and rich man you are! Then the Lord allowed this cooling so that you could tangibly see how insignificant your strength and your firmness in good are. You call it misfortune. It's true: it's like breaking a wall. When the enemy breaks through a wall protecting a city somewhere, then even though the townspeople will repair it, the place cannot be considered strong, because the repair is only stuck to the wall and is not deeply connected to it. The hole is sealed. But this seal is fresh and fragile. The enemy stands on the side and looks out. As soon as he sees some mistake, he will again shy away from his bombs. This is your position. But let him shy away. You can make all his attempts fruitless. The hole in the wall, so that it does not fall off again, is propped up from behind with abutments, and more soldiers are rushed to that place. The enemy then, seeing this, does not at all attempt to break through the wall here again, but retreats to another place. So you need to do the same. Supports need to be made: this is increased tightness of the flesh, deprivation of sleep, food, labor - especially any kind of derogatory work (throwing snow and the like). And catching up with the soldiers means getting more good, sobering thoughts into your head and sorting them out with your attention. The command over all this must be entrusted to zeal for salvation, with devotion to God, from which all saving power comes, with the determination not to succumb to such a whim anymore, even if it means dying. Please be sure to arrange this. Pray to the Lord not to deprive you of your former mercy and help. And it won’t deprive you. But there will be penance. The Lord has His own penance for every guilty person, which consists in the fact that He immediately accepts the repentant person into mercy, but does not return the former to him immediately, but waits for contrition and humility to develop. If someone torments himself mercilessly, he will soon return, but if he gives himself some indulgence, then not soon. Here's the program for you. Please keep all this in mind and work. Above all, hold yourself in humility and in faith and surrender to the Lord. And everything will come to its order. The valet was at fault. The master kicked him out and drove him out of the yard. Then, when he burst into tears, the gentleman took pity on him and accepted him into the house, but not as a valet, but said: live in the kitchen for now. I’ll see how things work out for you, and then maybe I’ll take you on as a valet again. This is the situation you are in. If you please manage, and get down to business. “Hands have given up.” Don’t give up, but on the contrary, roll up your arms and raise your legs. For the Lord is near, and is ready to give everything, only more labor and diligence must be applied. Letter 1462. About the fight against doubts. Reflection of doubts about the existence of God, religion and the freely rational soul. How to combine God's foreknowledge with human freedom So this is where the source of all your gloominess is! “Thoughts that are not your own, but someone else’s, from outside, appear, and darken your spiritual lordship.” This is the main feature of your current state. It is not your mind that gives birth to nonsense thoughts: someone from outside creates them. Your mind is intact and sound, and everything, presumably, is in its own form. “It’s all this that you need to pay all your attention to now.” Consider yourself such a person as one who experiences suggestions for some sinful deed or evil lust. And learn to also act in relation to doubts, as he acts in relation to lusts. – The first method for one experiencing evil inclinations is not to consider the suggestions as one’s own, but as the all-things, to put a separation between oneself and this all-things and, recognizing it as alien, treat it not as one’s own creation, but as an enemy’s creation. Hence, the compulsion to act according to the suggestion of the experienced is not immediately weakened in the soul, but the compulsion completely departs from it. They usually believe: one’s nature demands - how can one not satisfy? But whoever immediately recognizes the born wish as an alien creation, it is not this situation that comes to mind, but something completely different. He turns to desire with questions and subjects it to analysis and criticism. This simplest technique dispels temptation: it disappears like smoke from the wind. – This is exactly what you should do whenever you have doubts. With each of its creations, do not formulate it in your mind, as if it already exists in reality, as it suggests; stop him at the very entrance, like an uninvited guest, and subject him to inspection. How in wishes not to be combined with them - the heart - is the first; So, in doubts, not to formulate your mind with them is the first thing. – You will say that it suddenly embraces and covers the whole mind. It's nothing. And it also happens in desires that they suddenly embrace the whole heart. But this does not mean that they have already won, but only means that the attacker is shameless. If someone accidentally rushes at you and wraps his arms around you, you do not surrender to his power, but push him away: so it is here. Let doubt engulf your entire mind, strain to push it away so that it becomes external, and you can deal with it as with another alien person. If you begin to act this way, many doubts will immediately disappear as soon as you tear them away from your mind and demand them to be judged. If they persist, start driving them away. In relation to wishes - according to the awareness of the enemy's approach to us in them, among all saints - the second method is assumed: instead of fighting them on your own, turn to the Lord Savior, and they disappear. I think that the same should be done in relation to doubts. Contact the Lord wisely and pray to Him to drive away temptation and the tempter. - And it will be. The third technique is to restore the good in yourself to its usual strength. “Your mind and heart are intact.” Don't slander them. What happens, happens from the enemy. Now you have something to take on within yourself. And take it upon yourself. Whatever good thoughts and feelings you experience, you rush to restore. It seems to me that all the trouble you have is because you accept the doubts that arise as friends and let them in, and cherish them, taking their side. This means, without raising your hands, surrendering to the enemy in full power. And you hold the conviction in advance that doubts do not represent anything true, and when they are born, drive them away, straining in every possible way to remain on the side of the good and truth that you have experienced. When you restore your good state, then you can analyze doubt. Here it will be very weak, and victory will always remain yours. I’m going on about this on purpose, because I think this is the main point of your infirmity. You seem to have begun to think that you have no faith left at all: for you write about it as if it were a thing of the past. Empty. This is what the enemy is telling you to do: lower your hands and not rebel against him. You have everything intact: faith, conviction, and a good conscience. And the Lord is near you, and salvation is prepared for you. You just need to be inspired and stand in the face of the enemy in the position not of a humble servant, but of a brave opponent. - And that's it. – You have heard, of course, that everyone has both a Guardian Angel and a tempting enemy. There truly is. – The enemy constantly slips in thoughts and desires of his own kind. Don’t listen to yourself and watch out, you’ll be lost. It will make you foggy and dizzy. Everyone has a special enemy: some are lustful, some are selfish, others are proud – with different shades. You have a spirit of blasphemy and doubt. There is an enemy nearby, not in order to submit to him, but in order to fight him, and through the fight to develop the opposite good in oneself: instead of lust, chastity, instead of pride, humility. Instead of doubts, you have sincere, firm and reasonable faith. This is the task of your life. Please do it. Doubts! – Who doesn’t experience them? – And I tested them. But if you start to take it apart, it will fly apart. Doubt is also an objection. An objection - suddenly - can be confusing; but after taking a closer look and thinking about it, they refute it. Same with doubts. If you start thinking about it, you will come to a decision: no, this is empty; There is nothing solid, everything is only apparent, illusory, like everything enemy. But there is a way to get to the point where doubts are not born at all. One told me how someone taught him how to achieve this. Imagine, he says, the truth, and pray about it, or rotate it in your mind during prayer, and compose prayers from it. The moment will come when this truth will enter the heart and embrace the entire being of the soul; nourishing her and cheering her up. This is the affinity of the soul with the truth; and after this, doubts can no longer shake her. They may pass through the memory, but they are far from the soul, like talk or whispers behind a wall. “Someone taught me how to create.” I began to do this, and by the grace of God, although I am a sinner, my mind floats calmly in the realm of truth and is consoled by it. What prevents you from doing this, especially in view of the enemy who tempts you so much? I’m writing all about this because I don’t see any certain doubts in you, and I think that when you write, you don’t have them. They come and go. – And get out of your head that you doubt the way inveterate unbelievers doubt. The enemy inspired you that you have it, and you believed it. Stop believing the enemy, and peace will begin to settle in. I asked you questions about what the soul is, why everyone knows and seeks God, and is tormented by doubt and unbelief, so that having thought everything over properly, you would come to this conclusion: the soul, a spiritual being, is not a manifestation of another force, like a rainbow, but is an independent, special personality, free-minded, the normal state of which is life in communion with God, who honored it in creation with His image. – Because it is desirable, because in this position the basis of faith and life. – And first of all, try to root and strengthen this truth in yourself. You have no doubts about the soul. You have it and it reveals higher aspirations that are not satisfied by anything earthly. That's good! – Stop at this and develop your thought further. If the soul is not satisfied with earthly things; then you should satisfy her with unearthly things. “And look around to see if there were people before, or even now, who find their highest aspirations satisfied.” – If you see such people, figure out what satisfies their insatiable soul. “I tell you in advance that you will find and make sure that they have a contented soul because they believe in God, seek Him and have testimony that God graciously accepted their search and communicates with them. In fact, all people seek God. Therefore, being with God is the norm of life for our soul. This is so tangible that it is impossible to argue against it. The unbelievers strained themselves to either reject the commonality of the feeling of the Divine or explain it in a crooked way; - but unsuccessfully. Believing in God and being in communion with Him is a man. And whoever deviates from this does not think and have a human attitude. Established in this thought, you will find God within yourself. And having gone outside with this truth, you will see it outside. God's creatures proclaim God. If there is rationality in the arrangement of things, then there is also a rational being who arranged them. This is an irresistible conclusion, the power of which all minds experience, not excluding those who are puffed up not to believe. So you will have God both inside and outside. And you will understand the need to be in communication with God: for your highest aspirations express precisely this need. – All that remains for you to figure out is how to enter into communication with God and be in Him. - Here is Christ the Lord, Who said: I am in the Father, you are in Me and I am in you. – This is the chain connecting us with God. “That’s the whole system of faith.” And I see no doubt in your mind about this. - I believe that they are not in you. You are seducing yourself by classifying yourself as an unbeliever. I don’t see how any doubt can be attached to the fact that others are drunk. “And whoever overeats looks like a drunk, and whoever overeats will become very angry.” – These are not normal conditions. Nothing can be deduced from them against the soul. Likewise, nothing can be deduced from the fact that animals have other actions similar to the actions of our soul, and we have other actions similar to the actions of animals. Animals have a soul, but an animal one. But a person has a human soul, higher, like the person himself. Animals have their own rank, and humans have their own. The creations of God are so arranged that every higher class combines in itself the powers of the lower classes, and in addition to them has its own powers, assigned to its class and characterizing it. In the world, or its composition, it is necessary to distinguish, in addition to the elements, a system of forces arranged in a ladder - from lower to higher, going from lower to higher. – The lower force is the one that acts in dead nature, and whose higher products are phenomena of chemical combinations and crystallization – (for example, snowflakes-stains on windows in winter and so on). Above this stands the plant force, which in its power holds both the crystallizing force and the force of chemical combinations. Above the plant force is the animal, which in its power holds both the plant force, the crystallizing force, and the force of chemical combinations. – Above the animal-soul power is the power of human nature, which contains all the forces lower than it in its power, and acts by them. What wonder is it that we have something similar to animals? There are similarities with plants: for the nutrition and growth of the body is a plant matter; but what can be deduced from this? “Nothing is possible, except that to each there is a rank.” In a person it is necessary to distinguish between soul and spirit. The spirit contains a sense of Divinity - conscience and dissatisfaction with anything. – He is the power that was breathed into the face of man at creation. The soul is a lower force, or a part of the same force, assigned to conduct the affairs of earthly life. It is of the same rank as the soul of animals, but exalted for the sake of combining the spirit with it. The spirit from God, combining with the soul of animals, raised it to the level of the human soul. - And the man became twofold. One thing pulls him down with grief, the other drags him down. When a person maintains his rank, he lives in spirit, i.e. He is guided by the fear of God, listens to conscience, and seeks things above. And when he succumbs to the desires of the soul below, he leaves his rank - and what the spirit wants, he thinks to get among creatures. He fails to do this, and he languishes and collapses. The spirit here is like a prisoner in chains - in the service of barbarians, lustful passions. – He himself is not satisfied, and makes passions unsatisfactory, giving them a boundless overflow. Why do animals have animal needs in their own measure: but in a person, when he indulges in sensuality, the sensual needs have no limit and measure? – This immensity is communicated to them by the spirit that has been captured by them; and the spirit with this immensity seeks to quench its thirst for the infinite, in whose image it was created, and in which alone its goodness is found. So you see that we also have functions of animals, and in their very movement something completely unusual for animals is manifested. No matter what you think about, you will always come to the conclusion that man has a spirit, whose true life is life in God. There only he finds peace, there is his paradise and the promised land. You attack freedom, as if everything is built in such a way that you want or don’t want, but do it. “You just have to take a closer look at your affairs, even in one day, or half a day, and you will see that we do everything ourselves, and we do it because we want to.” Who brought you to Vysha? – Who brought you tied up, or did you decide and come? What you call compulsion is an impulse without which free deeds cannot be done. But the incentive is not a necessity - to do, but a proposal to do something. The matter is proposed, the soul discusses whether to do it and decides whether to do it or not. No one can force this decision from the soul. She decides for herself. Divine power does not enter here and does not bind the soul to freedom by any wave. The ancestors have fallen. Why? – They found that it was better not to fulfill the commandments and broke them. The serpent suggested. Eve reasoned and found that what he was proposing was not bad, and with this intelligence she decided to pick the fruit and taste it. “No one forced this decision.” The spirits also fell, of course, as a result of reasoning and a personal decision that it was better not to listen to God, but to live according to one’s own understanding. They thought so and fell away from God. No one forced this decision. This is how every soul acts. There can be many motives, the most powerful and compelling ones, but the decision always depends on the will of the soul. She can decide in defiance of all compulsory impulses. Take the martyrs! “Instruments of torment are presented, a peaceful life is promised, sometimes a mother and father stand at the side and persuade you to throw some incense into the brazier in front of the idol, - sometimes, in addition to this, a young, beloved wife, and also with a child. How many compulsions! - And the martyr decides completely contrary to them. – Isn’t he free?! – And the one who falls falls by free decision. Having thus realized that the free decision is always from us, you must assume that God’s omniscience does not have a determining influence on it. “Yes, this issue was resolved a long time ago, and very satisfactorily.” Precisely, God foresees because He sees the free decisions of the will. These decisions constitute the subject of omniscience, and they constitute it in the form in which they are, namely, as free decisions. Not everything that God foresees is what God determines. Theologians distinguish in God - determination and permission. What God determines happens as He determines, and what He allows may not happen as it happens, although God foresees it happening. Such is the fall of the ancestors and spirits. They fell freely, although God foresaw it. Everything has been done on God’s part so that we don’t fall. He clearly told his ancestors: do not eat. And he indicated the consequences. – Similar things must be assumed among fallen spirits. Didn't listen, who's to blame? Why did God allow it? - Because otherwise it would be necessary to take away freedom, or destroy the free creature in the world. But without this, the world would be much lower than it is now. “And God allowed it to fall,” creating an image of rebellion from the fall. – We are moving towards an uprising by fighting opposition. - This is the law! “And everyone who follows him is crowned with success.” Please act as prescribed in the beginning. When doubts arise and persist, sit down and describe them in detail. I'm sure they will dissipate immediately. - You are fine. The enemy creates empty ghosts. Letter 1463. Minutes of the highest state of grace of spirit. About confusing thoughts and worldly worries. About idiots and dying without baptism The good state that you have experienced is the fruit of the grace of God that has overshadowed you. It is given to everyone who sincerely turns to the Lord. This is what St. says about this. Macarius of Egypt. And it is given at the beginning, and then it is hidden. The Lord only allows us to understand in this way what there is - what to work from and follow in His footsteps. This state cannot be equal to any natural delight. It is exclusive, and is experienced only by the touch of the Lord on the soul. Did you notice the place where it was felt. You need to notice this well so that you can pay attention to that place later. Try to remember - and pay attention to everything there. It's in the heart. It is not in our power to prolong this state; but it is possible to produce something similar to it through sobriety. How can you not thank the Lord, who has shown you such mercy. - And thank the Mother of God, - and St. Guardian Angel. Nothing belongs to me here except rejoicing with you and thanking the Lord with you, who saves everyone. Any confusing thoughts that come, drive them away without talking to them. Now you can already see tangibly that all this is the enemy of suggestion. How can you waste time with enemies? – We must drive him without slowing down. Everyday thoughts - try to settle them. Look for such a mood to do ordinary things with your body, but always be with the Lord in spirit. The merciful Lord gives carelessness, according to which everything is done in due time, but nothing bothers or languishes. Seek, ask, and it will be given. It's good to still be here. But see for yourself which is better. It’s not good for you to move to the village. Ask for a room, and they will change it. - This is true because of the frost, otherwise there were working stoves there. Idiots! - Yes, they are idiots only for us, and not for themselves and not for God. Their spirit grows in its own way. “It may happen that we who are wise will turn out to be worse than idiots.” – And children are all angels of God. – The unbaptized, like everyone outside the faith, must be left to God’s mercy. “They are not stepsons or stepdaughters of God.” Therefore, He knows what and how to establish in relation to them. - The ways of God are endless! “We should resolve such issues if we had a duty to look after and accommodate everyone.” Since this is not entrusted to us, let us leave the care of them to the One who cares for everyone. You need to save your soul. “The enemy, the destroyer of souls, through zeal for the salvation of all, leaves in destruction the soul of the one to whom he entrusts such thoughts. St. Anthony the Great once thought about the fate of people. - An angel of the Lord appeared to him and said: Anthony! pay attention to yourself! Otherwise it's none of your business. Letter 1464. On driving away doubts. Samples of prayers that strengthen faith in Christian dogmas. About the lot of shepherding God bless your path! Take care of what has been given to you from the Lord, through the intercession of the Lady Theotokos and St. Guardian Angel. This is a simple matter and does not require any special instructions or preparations. Make it a law to never accept any doubts or bewilderments, but to drive them away from their first appearance, without talking, no matter how thorough and no matter how impressionable they may be. “This will put an end to all enemy approaches.” Get used to prayer so that you pray not only at the time when you are standing in prayer, but as often as possible, by raising your mind to God and His saints. And this prayer will be a fence protecting you from the attacks of the enemy. Compose a prayer from our dogmas - and repeat it more often, at least in this form: Glory to Thee, our God, worshiped in the Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Soul. Glory to You, who created everything with a word and provides for everything. Glory to You, who has honored us with Your image. Glory to Thee, who taught us in our fall. Glory to You, the Son of God, who deigned to be incarnate, suffer, die, rise, sit at the right hand of the Father, and send down the Holy Spirit to us. Glory to Thee, Holy Soul God, who through the Apostles organized the Church of God and gathered all the languages ​​into it, and who populated heaven with chosen saints. Glory to Thee, O God, who called our (Russian) people into Thy kingdom. Glory to You, who has favored me to be born among the believers. Glory to You, who has shown me Your mercies many times. Glory to You, who has arranged the path of repentance and conversion for me. Glory to You for everything. With the skill of this prayer, the very dogmas will descend into the heart. Your choice of shepherding is good. “There is no higher service than saving souls.” There is nothing to be afraid of: they can all be done conveniently. The very work of saving souls is the work of God. Just don’t interfere with the work of grace. Have strong faith, good conduct, a prayerful spirit and prudence in external relationships. - And God will arrange everything. – Above all, prepare for preaching. Find the writings of the saints about shepherding - and read them. Also a book about the positions of parish priests. When you need something, write. I will be happy to answer you as much as I can. Here are my books for you. Maybe now it’s best for you to read Letters on Spiritual Life. God bless you! May the protection of the Mother of God always overshadow you. May the Guardian Angel accompany you. My prayer for you will always be. Letter 1465. In the fight against the enemy one should not lay down arms. About freedom. Interpretation of sleep. More about the fight against the spirit of blasphemy and doubt. The saint's confessor I wrote about the fact that everything is intact with you in full conviction that everything is so. This proves the whole course of the matter, as you wrote and as you act. Why there is no reason to doubt this. The spirit of blasphemy and doubt lurks; but don’t think that he will leave you so soon. Accustomed to finding access to you, he will keep approaching you, to see if he can somehow confuse you even more. Everyone experiences this. That’s why they write that in the fight against the enemy you should never lay down your arms, and always be ready to resist him. “The elders write that when temptation strikes, one must fight it off from the heart with hostility toward it, and then, or at the same time, turn to the Lord in prayer. Hostility is the same as punching an enemy in the chest. – This is a powerful and unpleasant remedy for the enemy. – We must prepare for it in a peaceful state. We must truly arouse in ourselves hatred against the enemy and his creatures. What you do not understand about the method by which the truth should be carried out in the heart, you will understand when you experience it. Here's how to do it! – Take any truth and understand it more fully in your mind, as it is confessed, and then pray to the Lord, may He write it in your heart, as it is confessed. This is a simple matter! – It’s also not difficult to compose prayers from the truth. Our prayers all come from dogmas. The Lord came to earth for our salvation. Confessing this truth, pray: Lord! Just as then, walking on earth, you healed all sorts of ailments, cleansed lepers, gave sight to the blind, come now to me and enlighten the eyes of my mind, and take away the leprosy of sins from me. This is true in relation to all truth. When all the truths enter the heart; then all doubts will end. They themselves will bounce off like arrows from someone who is covered in armor. In other words, this means is: to taste the truth, to rejoice in it, to remember it with consolation and sweetness, and to turn it around in the mind with warmth of heart. Help you, Lord, to achieve this. About freedom. No matter how strong the excitement, the entire decision of the case belongs to the person acting; and everyone is aware of the moment when he says inside: this and that must be done. “This is the essence of freedom.” And no force can wrest this from the soul. Your dreams are very comforting. They mean that the Lord is watching over you and is working to drive the enemy away from you. - What they didn’t miss further - this either means the degree that someone is awarded: for not everyone is the same. Either it is given to see this - as an incentive that one should not stop halfway, but should seek and seek - or, like the Apostle, to drive everything forward. And it is obvious that the one who saw this dream was accepted into the house of God. If he had not been accepted, the servants would have driven him away from the gate. - So, the mercy of God meets you and embraces you. Please stand complacently in the truth and, following its direction, stretch forward. - God bless you. – What the Mother of God told you is the height of consolation and inspiration! “She is the Mother of all of us Christians.” And just as we are all dear to the Lord who died for us, so are we to Her. – Replay these comforting messages from above in your mind more often. What other shortcomings do you have, what is marvelous, and who doesn’t have them? – But the spirit of blasphemy and doubt must be assumed to be the main one. Because it interferes with doing things for others. Blame and doubt are the same as when the ground shakes under your feet: when you feel it, you immediately fall from dizziness. When is there anything else here? “If you take the trouble to overcome and drive away this one, then the others will give in too.” Selfishness is the root of sins. He who falls away from God can stop at what else but himself? – and stops. Here is the self. “Perhaps the spirit of blasphemy is given the power to bother you so much for the reason that there is selfhood—in excess.” - So start fighting it right away. Humility is the root of all good things, for all good things come from God; But He resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Here is tactile proof that the spirit of blasphemy in you is the enemy. With what hostility does he treat the Lord the Savior?! – It’s natural for him; for the Lord has destroyed their power, so that His name alone is terrible to them. Why should we listen to these infusions of evil potions from the enemy! Pray that the Lord will remove from your heart the very possibility of such thoughts. Communion to St. Tain - very good. God bless you. - You need to confess fully. My confessor Fr. Joseph. Take it. “He is an old man of strong faith, but without any philosophies. – Tell him everything and ask for prayers. His prayer is strong because of the simplicity of his heart. And I will, although I am very sinful, pray earnestly that the Lord will drive away this spirit that torments you. Writing to you, or to someone else, will be a pleasant rest for me, despite my always monotonous activities. Read the article by St. Demetrius of Rostov about blasphemous thoughts. And here is the life of St. Nifont - how long he was tormented by a spirit similar to yours. Letter 1466. To a question from someone living in a monastery about entering the priesthood. Admonition to those who are accustomed to condemn. About memorizing psalms and handicrafts I think I already wrote to you that I can’t decide what’s best for you. See for yourself. Torture and torture. The merciful God will finally show you the straight path. - There is still time - for you. But first you need to acquire freedom of action - by asking the Lord for permission from this vow. What is definitely said cannot be interpreted crookedly, but kept as it is said. – And that embarrassment is experienced on the way to fulfillment, this is in the order of things. The enemy is at hand; and his job is only to stir things up. Isn’t that why you have to go across it because it’s muddy? Do you see how?! Either the monastery is bright for you, or the priesthood. Now the priesthood is bright for you, because you are in a monastery, and when you move into the priesthood, monasticism will become bright for you. You see how you love your parishioners, and the attention of parishioners, and so on, everything goes like clockwork. And the family, children and the entire everyday situation, so complex and annoying, were forgotten. And when you arrive, not everyone will find flexible branches. I suspect that in this light image you are drawing, there is something very similar to - you can see the red - where does it look as red?! But it still doesn’t hurt to acquire that freedom. Just don’t rush after that. - Or how it will work out. Your family circumstances are a big reason. But as long as the father is alive, the matter will be tolerated. If you drink a cup of tea and at the same time eat a piece of bread, what sin is it when you are weak? If only this were not done to please the flesh. Church services must be performed in every way, just as the brethren do everything. But the fact that you stand in church like a log, and even worse, nothing excusable can be found in this. Everything is arbitrary. You should always be with God in your thoughts, as much as you can; and even more so in church. This needs to be fixed. And you know how. And don't indulge yourself. The condemnation must be stopped decisively. Please repent to your confessor and ask for penance. And he will go away. It is the enemy who is annoying. The mercy of God departs from the condemner. The condemner becomes his own enemy. Where did you get the idea that monks only outwardly fulfill everything churchly?! - God alone knows. Therefore, you have slander here, diabolh' - which is sown in you by those who are diábolo_s. He does his job. Why do you accept these thoughts and assent? If you just do everything outwardly, without feeling how the soul is nourished by it; then no one would have stayed in the monastery even for a month. – Do you see how others rush to church? - From what? - Because God gives them a taste of sweetness there. - They are in a hurry. “And you yourself will sit around absent-mindedly and become cold: and then judge everyone by yourself.” Meanwhile, their soul is nourished and not cold, even though it sometimes doesn’t seem that way. You are a big talker! “Don’t keep it in your mind that everyone is cold and are carrying me away, but this: everyone is burning in spirit, only I am a fool who allows myself to get distracted and be cold.” It is good to learn psalms. Memorize and read when you walk, or have nothing to do, or fall asleep. – The incomprehensible – let it remain so. But you can always connect with it the thought of which is more beautiful - in the course of speech - without giving it only the meaning that it is certainly real. Learn needlework. Choose which one is more convenient. – There’s someone making spoons. This is not surprising and is good for health. - There are those who knit with one needle or crochet. You can knit stockings, gloves, shawls, napkins for tables, sweatshirts and many different things. And it’s all simple - just one hook - and there’s only one trick, you look and you know. – Evlampius knows how to do this. – You can’t escape boredom without needlework. Albeit in the priesthood. I know 5-6 handicrafts. There is a time when nothing is done, neither read nor written. There is nothing to fill it with except handicrafts. That's all! - May God help you to settle down. Letter 1467. Advice to a mother grieving for her children. About the lack of service. Can a deacon and psalm-reader preside over church services? You grieve for your children. “That’s why you’re a mother, to grieve about your children.” “But add prayer to your grief.” And the Lord will provide for the children. Remember the blessed mother. Augustine. I cried - I cried, I prayed - I prayed! and she begged and cried that Augustine would come to his senses and begin to behave as he should. You are going to Vysha. You are welcome. Rest and be comforted by the Mother of God. There is no service; but pray, and God will send. Don't you have any other clergyman besides the priest? The deacon and psalm-reader can preside over Vespers, Matins and the Hours, and the people gather for them. I remember there were such orders in our countries. I invite Mother Chernichka to impose penance on herself for not saying anything about herself – for a long, long time. Here is a book - conversations about the passions of the Lord - part one. I couldn’t find the second one, it was stuck somewhere. Letter 1468. Advice on relocation to another place of residence. More about milk treatment What you are now guessing is incomparably better than Murom, even if there was no fear that turns you away from it. - May God grant you to arrange it this way. It occurred to me myself to offer you the same; but held back, believing that you knew better how to make yourself comfortable. Lisa is with you! - How nice it is. Take it with you when you move, if it is not difficult. He stopped milk treatment because he began to feel chills every morning, something like feverish attacks, in which case he was ordered to stop drinking milk. This had never happened to me before. We will be waiting for you with fasting, fasting and receiving communion. It would be nice to fry Pavel and Sophia with nettles. Your good friend E. Feofan. July 30, 89 Letter 1469. Blessing to the speaker I’m very glad that you have recovered so much that you can talk. May the Lord bless your work, and may He reward you by granting you full grace, which is determined to be granted to those who receive communion. I ask the merciful Lord for every blessing for you! Letter 1470. Blessings. About embarrassing little things Have you received communion?! May this be your consolation, strengthening of your strength and peace of mind. God bless Elijah to be an imitator of St. prophet in zeal for faith and pleasing God. The Saints of Murom will influence him with their prayerful overshadowing of Murom. Lisa is smart! God bless her. Spiritual reading calms the soul. – The Guardian Angel guides her in reading and in everything else. The fact that you are confused by little things such as the color or cut of a dress is an enemy’s trick; just to make fun of you. Don’t attach any importance to it, and it will pass. Do you want to go to the Highest?! - The gate is always open. You are welcome. Your good friend E. Feofan. Aug 21 '89 Letter 1471. Mother's prayer. Is it a swear word, bad, etc. Elijah's speech is wonderful to hear. Help him, Lord, to fulfill his good intentions. Add your fervent prayer to this. No one’s prayer for children is as inaccessible to the Lord as a mother’s prayer. Your sin on the occasion of the old woman’s words: “bad”, arose from a sinful concept of this word. Poor, frail means poor health, either from illness or old age. You have both. Therefore, it is a sin to see anything offensive in this review. Or are you still looking young?!! If you don’t want to go to Arzamas, go to Moscow; if you don’t want to go to Moscow, go to Anosin, to Leonid. – The whole world is open to you and all paths are open. I am sending the book to Lisa. Let him delve into it. A lot of bad things have been said here. Your good friend E. Feofan. Aug 29 '89 You might be interested in: