Saint Dimitry 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.

We make so many mistakes and yet we never learn

Remember that you were wrong more than once and wish for yourself to not be wrong again, so that you don’t become your own cruel murderer.

God forbids the fulfilment of wishes that can hurt you

It is not possible, but also it is not good for you that all be done according to your wish. Many times, your thought is lost, your wish is vicious and your will is selfish. . And the all-knowing God sees it, even if you don’t realise. This is why he doesn’t allow that all your wishes be fulfilled, so that your soul – your biggest treasure – will not be hurt. Therefore, entrust yourself in the hands of God and into His will.

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.

What Is True Repentance?

The repentance of those who think that through a day of fast they will redeem the sin of their repeated intoxication with food and alcohol will be in vain!

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.

Three Reasons Why Your Prayer Will Not Be Listened

Consider a great joy my brethren when you encounter various temptations knowing that the test of your faith will give birth to patience.

When Are We Surrounded by Friends?

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

Be diligent in the work of salvation!

Therefore, you need to be diligent and watchful, don’t waste in vain the time of your life, because it is a gift in raising the soul towards the achievement of the eternal goods. Bear in mind and watch so that a single day doesn’t pass in vain, because you will lose it and nobody can guarantee that you will have another one. If the day has passed, it is gone, and time once you’ve lost it you cannot bring it back.

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

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