490. Старайся жить, как Бог велит, а не как все живут. В близкую дружбу не сходись ни с кем

Your letter and 2 r. I received and am praying for you, for Anna, Pavel, for Domna and Paraskeva. It was in vain that I did not write for so long, because the enemy does not like the affirming voice, and therefore in every possible way deviates from this. There are two paths: the narrow and sorrowful path, strait, leading to the Kingdom of Heaven; and there is a broad path that leads to destruction, which very many follow. Try to live as God commands, and not as “everyone lives,” because the whole world lies in evil and also: many are called, but few are chosen. The enemy attacks you with melancholy and other passions because you do not want to submit to him, and when you submit, it will be even worse - to be his slave. Do not form close friendships with anyone, and when you have to endure someone, then pray for those who offend you. Whenever you are tempted, pray more carefully the Jesus Prayer using the rosary, and you will be comforted. When you are offended, do not grieve, but when you sin, then regret and grieve before God for your sins, but with hope for God’s mercy. Let slave Anna pray for her husband. If he left her and lives with another, then she can separate from her son, but her husband must be warned about this - maybe he will repent and correct himself. If her son did not drown on purpose, then he is now among the martyrs, and it is necessary to remember her at prayers, at proskomedia and at funeral services in order to have mercy from the Lord for this. Let her not complain about her fate, but endure everything complacently, then this will be counted towards her as an acquittal at the Last Judgment. Let R.B. Domna consider herself a sinner and repent to the Lord, who came to earth and suffered not for the righteous, but for sinners, and therefore the sinner is then disgusted with God when he despairs of his salvation. Let him trust in the Lord and be saved by His great mercy. She needs to repent better in confession and partake of the Holy Mysteries during all 4 Lents of the year. Let him learn to pray while working. Let R.B. Paraskeva ask for patience and not complain, so as not to lose eternal peace. You can worship her with oil. Invoking the peace and blessing of God, I remain with sincere goodwill. You might be interested in: