Поучение 89 102 . В третью неделю по Воздвижении. О том, что нам должно смиряться и ограждаться страхом Божиим, дабы избежать вреда от душепагубных бесов.

Brothers and Fathers! Since the Hagarians attacked us, we were immediately confused and afraid, thinking in our minds that we might fall into the hands of the atheists and murderers of the Ishmaelites. But we do not even think in our minds that we are in danger from demons, and we are not afraid, lest we become captives of evil spirits through our inattention and negligence. Moreover, harm from visible enemies occurs for a short time, and rumors about them come from afar and from different sides, so that those who wish have the opportunity to flee here or there; but we cannot say this about demons, for they attack us night and day and hourly, not giving us rest. Therefore, here we must be more afraid and watchful, so as not to be captured by them and to avoid attacks and destruction of our souls. Who should we turn to? Without a doubt, to God, just as the Divine Scripture says: “God is our refuge and strength, a helper in the sorrows of those who have come upon us greatly” (Ps. 45:2). And again: “The Angel of the Lord will encamp around those who fear Him and will deliver them” (Ps. 33:8). And: “those who trust in the Lord, like Mount Zion, will not move in the living age in Jerusalem” (Ps. 125:1). So, if we have the fear of God, we will not fear our enemies. But let us pay attention to the fact that no one can ever take a fortress, as long as bread and water there do not become scarce. What does this mean in relation to us? It means tears and the word of God, by which the soul is nourished and saved; if there is impoverishment in them, then the soul becomes corrupted and becomes a captive. So, “Let the Word of Christ,” as it is written, “dwell richly in you” (Col. 3:16), and let your tears not fail. But there is betrayal, as they say, from within. And again, what does this point to us? Nothing else but the passions that live in us, that is, the will of the flesh and evil thoughts, which, like evil traitors, come out of the heart, open the door and give entry to adversaries and murderous demons. These thoughts must be driven away and guarded with all care, so that our city, that is, our soul, is not captured. And let us not be carried away by sin and enslaved by evil passions, but let us remain in virtue, for which we were created, for the glory of God who created us, and for the praise of me, a sinner, on the day of Christ. Since yesterday I was angry with you for singing, now I ask and beg you to sing orderly and correctly, and not simply and, as it happens, disorderly. This offends not only me, a sinner, but also the Holy Spirit, for He commands us to sing wisely and decorously. Singers in the choir must ensure that one choir does not begin a verse until the troparion that is sung in the other choir is completed and ends, and that they sing neither loudly nor quietly, not too drawn out and not too quickly. And since laziness and weakness occur, and often despondency, let one help the other, but let the order be strictly observed. If decorum is commendable in other matters, much more should conversation with God be not with disorderly behavior, but with attention, preservation and sweetness; for it is said: “How sweet is Your word to my throat: more than honey to my mouth” (Ps. 118:103). Therefore, I beg you, brothers, let us try in every possible way to correct this virtue, helping each other and correcting each other in singing. For by singing in this way wisely, we will find peace for our souls, and we will use many others as a good example; and although we work for God in this way, we will be heirs of His eternal life. To Him belongs glory and power, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. See Patrolology, vol. 99, p. 637. You might be interested in: