Archive for August 4th, 2012

The Historicity of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus

August 4, 2012 | By admin | Reply More

When I first read the tale of the Seven Sleepers, I became absolutely fascinated. The tale spoke of seven young men known as Maximilian, Iamblicus, Martinian, John, Dionysius, Exacustodianus (Constantine) and Antoninus, who lived in the mid-third century. During the reign of Emperor Decius (249-251) and upon his visit to Ephesus an order went out [...]

August 2012
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Sayings of the Saints

What toil we must endure, what fatigue, while we are attempting to climb hills and the summits of mountains! What, that we may ascend to heaven! If you consider the promised reward, what you endure is less. Immortality is given to the one who perseveres; everlasting life is offered; the Lord promises His Kingdom.

Saint Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage

It is not necessary to roam heaven and earth after God or to send our mind to seek Him in different places. Purify your soul, O son of man, remove from yourself the thought of memories outside of nature; hang the veil of chastity and humility before your impulses. By means of these you will be able to find Him who is within you.

Saint Isaac the Syrian

If you abandon God and are a slave to the passions you cannot reap God’s mercy.

Saint Thalassios the Libyan

Seek God daily. But seek Him in your heart, not outside it. And when you find Him, stand with fear and trembling, like the Cherubim and Seraphim, for your heart has become a throne of God. But in order to find God, become humble as dust before the Lord, for the Lord abhors the proud; whereas He visits those that are humble in heart, wherefore He says: “To whom will I look, but to the one who is meek and humble in heart?”

Saint Nektarios of Aegina

Any circumstance in which a man finds himself unwillingly is like a prison for him. So be content with whatever circumstances you may now be in, lest by being ungrateful you punish yourself without realizing it.

Saint Anthony the Great

If you are praised, be silent. If you are scolded, be silent. If you incur losses, be silent. If you receive profit, be silent. If you are satiated, be silent. If you are hungry, also be silent. And do not be afraid that there will be no fruit when all dies down; there will be! Not everything will die down. Energy will appear; and what energy!

Saint Theophil, the Fool for Christ

Whom have we, Lord, like you? - The Great One who became small, the Wakeful who slept, The Pure One who was baptized, the Living One who died, The King who abased himself to ensure honor for all. Blessed is your honor! It is right that man should acknowledge your divinity, It is right for heavenly beings to worship your humanity. The heavenly beings were amazed to see how small you became, And earthly ones to see how exalted.

Saint Ephrem the Syrian