"Vessel of Grace: The Life of Saint Paisios the Athonite" Inspiring Bio Video--

Saint Paisios, please look over me, a sick & suffering sinner.

 

A Few Videos//Documentaries About Monasticism, Eastern & Western Christianity

Great Video! "Saint Paisios Athnonite: The Signalman of God"

This is sweet! Over three hours long and with easily readable English subtitles!

"St. Theophan the Recluse"

St. Theophan the Recluse 

Here is a rule for reading: 

Before reading you should empty your soul of everything. 
Arouse the desire to know about what is being read. 
Turn prayerfully to God. 
Follow what you are reading with attention and place everything in your open heart. 
If something did not reach the heart, stay with it until it reaches. 
You should of course read quite slowly. 
Stop reading when the soul no longer wants to nourish itself with reading. That means it is full. If the soul finds one passage utterly stunning, stop there and read no more. 
The best time for reading the Word of God is in the morning. Lives of saints after the mid-day meal, and Holy Fathers before going to sleep. Thus you can take up a little bit each day. 

The Path to Salvation

[Video] "Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer" Documentary about the Book of the Same Title

Elder Paisios of Mount Athos.....Modern Saint--

Elder Paisios is my hero.  I have a couple of books written by or about him.  He is truly full of sage, wise advice---all freely given to those asking, " Abba please give me a word."  I like to think of him secluded on Mount Athos living on locusts and honey.

Greek Orthodox Chant (You've Got to Hear These Beautiful Hymns! Amazing!!♥)

Video "Quaerere Deum: Documentary of Italian Monastery"

Beautiful & amazing! I truly, truly want to live in a monastery like this.  I think it's been my dream for years now.   And meditating on my life over the past seven years, I am convinced that God has been priming me for this kind of life (though I could always be wrong!)  My interest in books, music, philosophy, women (and lack of them!), etc.  Too many things are pointing to the monastic life.  Of course I may simply be thinking out loud right now.  But in all earnestness, this kind of life looks appealing and amazing to me.  The simple idea of giving up everything to live a life of solitude for the Lord, all feels so natural to me. My personal daily written journal has much more on this topic.  I am not comfortable yet revealing too much here on the interwebz.

Please watch this video if you have 45 minutes to spare from your hectic all-important life.

" An Excerpt From the Life of St. Job of Pochaev " Orthodox Holy Monk

Here we have a link to an interesting excerpt from the book, Saint Job of Pochaev
published by Saint John of Kronstadt Press. This link takes you to the Orthodox Christian
Information Center. I absolutely love reading about & learning about the Eastern Orthodox Christian religion!  I find it so mesmerizing & fascinating!  Who would've known all those years ago, as a small Catholic boy, that I would be this interested in theology & religion in general?!?  
The nurse at my doctor's office today told me that I should take some theology classes at the local community college, since she sees me reading different historical religious books everytime I come in there.  Not that I haven't thought of this idea before.  I just get nervous & flustered whenever I think about things having to do with school & formal education.  I mean I love learning and reading and studying, but just on MY terms at MY pace & on MY time.  Does that make sense?  I think it does.

Anyhow, check out this link by this Orthodox monk & holy man!   I hope you enjoy it! ♥♥♥


An Excerpt From the Life of St. Job of Pochaev (link)

Currently Reading This Week--

Here are a few of the MANY books that I am simultaneously reading at this moment in time. In addition to these books, I also have several magazines & journals that I refer back to, plus about six dozen books on my immediate bookshelf. I always say, one can never read too much! 


"Alien Agenda"
 - by Jim Marrs 

"Ruled By Secrecy" 
- by Jim Marrs 

"Forbidden Science" 
 - by J. Douglas Kenyon 

"The Babylonian Codex" 
- by C.S. Graham 

 "The Monk of Mount Athos" 
 - Trans. by Rosemary Edmonds 

 "Essence of the Upanishads" 
- by Eknath Easwaran 

"Papa Dimitri Gagastathis: The Man of God" 
- Trans. by Dimitrios N. Kagaris

Currently Reading--

"Gnosticism: New Lights on the Ancient Tradition of Inner Knowing"  
   --by Stephen A. Hoeller

"Papa Dimitri Gagastathis, The Man of God (1902-1975)"
   --translated by Dimitrios N. Kagaris

"The Monks of Mount Athos"
   --translated by Rosemary Edmonds

Father Symeon's Journal // Eastern Orthodox Christian Content ♥♥♥

This is an excellent blog to check out, though it hasn't been updated since August 2013.  Well worth your time, however.

Orthodox Christian Medicine   "The healing of soul and body through the ancient Orthodox Christian Way of Life."

Fr. Symeon's Journal [external link]

Russian ORTHODOX superb Monasteries and Chants

Russian Orthodox! Amazing! this was the first ethnic Orthodox I investigated. There
exists a monastery in West Virginia, English speaking but related to the ROCOR. I
received form them a few books and an incredible DVD they made of life in the Hermitage.
I love those brother in that monastery!

Some Awesome Prayers to Start Your Day Off.....Love, Always Use Love--

Prayers

Prayer at the Beginning of the Day

(by St. Philaret of Moscow +1867)

O LORD, grant me to greet the coming day in peace. Help me in all things to rely upon Thy holy will. In every hour of the day reveal Thy will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Teach me to treat all that comes to me throughout the day with peace of soul, and with firm conviction that Thy will governs all.

In my deeds and words guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events let me not forget that all are sent by Thee.

Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give me strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring. Direct my will. Teach me to pray. Pray Thou Thyself in me. Amen.

Prayer for the Acceptance of God's Will

(by St. Philaret of Moscow +1867)

O LORD, I know not what to ask of Thee. Thou alone knowest what are my true needs. Thou lovest me more than I myself know how to love. Help me to see my real needs which are concealed from me. I dare not ask either a cross or consolation. I can only wait on Thee. My heart is open to Thee. Visit and help me, for Thy great mercy's sake. Strike me and heal me, cast me down and raise me up.

I worship in silence Thy holy will and Thine inscrutable ways. I offer myself as a sacrifice to Thee. I put all my trust in Thee. I have no other desire than to fulfill Thy will. Teach me how to pray. Pray Thou Thyself in me. Amen.