St. Demetrius of Rostov
 

Self-control – the ultimate freedom

Don’t be like those people who have lost their head and don’t let any delights of this world enslave you. Remember that we were given this life for a short period of time and don’t attach too much to it. It’s better to be free than slave, choose self-control rather than fetters.

Function and social position are evanescent, kindness is forever

The ruler is the same as the rest, the same dust and ashes, he is not superior to the rest of people through nothing except the evanescent honour of his dominion. This is why you should not trade your humbleness for pride and arrogance.

My Lord, Save Me From The Waves of Life!

For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. Because all in this life is not forever and you should rather seek for the eternal things. What do I mean by eternal? Salvation. You are living in world as a ship on the sea and you are sinking as Peter did. This is why, you should cry together with him “My Lord, save me!” And our Lord will give you His hand as he did to Peter.

When Are We Surrounded by Friends?

Worldly appreciation and glory come as a consequence of welfare, as shadow after sun.

We receive meekness and humbleness only when we truly wish for it

Nothing is more pleasant and gracious before God than meekness and humbleness.