St Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church

∼ Words from the Church Fathers ∼

Put up your prayers, all your cares to God. He cares for you. Do not become faint-hearted, and do not distress yourselves. He who searches out the hidden depths of a man’s soul, knows your desires too, and has the power to fulfil them as he knows. For your part, ask of God, and do not lose your courage. Do not think that, since the longing you have is holy, you have a right to complain, when are not heard. God fulfils your longings in a way that you do not know. So be at peace then, and call upon God.
– St. Nektarios of Aegina

In times of affliction, unceasingly call out to the merciful God in prayer. The unceasing invocation of the name of God in prayer is a treatment for the soul which kills not only the passions, but even their very operation. As a doctor finds the necessary medicine, and it works in such a way that the sick person does not understand, in just the same way the name of God, when you call upon it, kills all the passions, although we don’t know how this happens.
– St. Barsanuphius the Great, Instructions 421

∼ Words from the Church Fathers ∼

Do not say that faith in Christ alone can save you, for this is not possible if you do not attain love for Him, which is demonstrated by deeds. As for mere faith: “The demons also believe and tremble” (James, 2:19). The action of love consists in heartfelt good deeds toward one’s neighbour, magnanimity, patience, and sober use of things.

St. Maximus the Confessor, Chapters on Love, 1.39-40

………………
If you find that there is no love in you, but you want to have it, then do deeds of love, even though you do them without love in the beginning. The Lord will see your desire and striving, and will put love in your heart.

St. Ambrose of Optina

∼ Words from the Church Fathers ∼

Many think that the saints are far from us. But they are far from those who distance themselves from them, and very close to those keep the commandments of Christ and have the grace of the Holy Spirit. In the heavens, all things are moved by the Holy Spirit. But the Holy Spirit is on earth too. He lives in our Church. He lives in the Mysteries. He is in the Holy Scriptures. He is in the souls of the faithful. The Holy Spirit unites all things, and therefore the saints are close to us. And when we pray to them, then the Holy Spirit hears our prayers, and our souls feel that they are praying for us.

St. Silouan the Athonite, Writings, XII.3