| Studying was more complicated then than now because at first it was simply a specialized theological high school; in the fourth and fifth years, when it was changed to a seminary, we also had to learn subjects from earlier seminary-years. And so there were a lot more exams, and studying was thus more difficult; but we helped each other prepare for the exams and lectures. Six or seven of us would gather in someone’s cell [monastic room]; one would read and the others listen. This warm setting was a small reflection of the spiritual unity which exists in church between the worshippers when they are all praying together. Father Nicholas, what obediences [monastic chores] have you had during your time at Sretensky Monastery? When I first got to the monastery, I was immediately given an obedience at the administration building’s entrance-desk near the father-abbot‘s office; there were also other small obediences. The future Father Cleopa and I painted the monastery walls, and he told me lives of saints. I clearly remember how we collected humanitarian aid for Chechnya. I would rise at 6 am and organize the work sites for the people who would be collecting the donations; and until they arrived, I myself would do the collecting. The work consisted not only of receiving the donations but also of recording the names of the donors for future remembrance [in prayer] at the monastery. I took this work on as essential for my spiritual growth, and fulfilled it with special enthusiasm. I also worked in the monastery’s publishing department. And in the library, when at first the person in charge was Father Arseny, and then Father Adrian. During this time, its basic stock of books was collected. Now the library has books not only from our publishing department, but also all the other different books that the students need for their seminary education. These other books were bought at the request of the instructors. Sometimes we had to buy very expensive books in single copies, only for reading in the reading hall. Also during this period, the seminary began long-distance teaching, with its base at our library: lectures were given in the library, the instructor was filmed by three cameras, and his lecture was broadcast live by satellite to other seminaries. Since this broadcast was live, at the end of it, the listening students could ask questions and hear the answers. |
| That " s how it is… Many demons gather around a man of prayer, and they can bring him various visions. One day, I needed to go to confession to Fr. Cleopa—it was at the time when I was not allowed to go into reclusion, but I did live for a few months by myself, and the demons appeared to me in the form of various people. That day, much snow fell, and when it had frozen a little, I went to the elder and told him about all my temptations. He advised me: If I should understand that a demon in the form of a man has come as if to teach me, then I need to say, " If you are from God, then say along with me, " Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner, " " for the enemy does not want to say, " Have mercy on me. " All who have the Jesus prayer can bind the demon with it; however, the enemy nevertheless prepares many temptations for such a person, and the enemy can only be completely conquered through humility and repentance. It is important to go to sleep with prayer of the heart. The demon can take the form of a man in order to distort my prayer and draw me into heresy. All who wish to learn prayer of the heart must confess more often, so that they might be delivered from the spirits that disturb us. These spirits want to distort our faith, and corrupt it. If the demon manages to do this, he will then take you away in his cart. Therefore, it is very important to have a spiritual father, who possesses experience both in prayer of the heart, and in stillness. The most healthy stillness is the one in which you are able to weep. When you go to pray, have nothing against anyone. May the Lord help you! Let all who have the possibility to help the Church not neglect to do so, for this is a very great thing. If a person has the condition of weeping over his sins, then he must make use also of this. One father told me that if times are peaceful, and I use them to the glory of God, then when temptations come, I will get help from the Holy Spirit. If I do not make use of peaceful times, then a long period of temptation will come, which can be survived only through repentance, confession, and a good foundation. |
| There are historical reasons for why many of our parishes have been legally organized along the lines of a dues paying club. But this understanding brings with it several unhealthy and unchristian attitudes. Where, for instance, do the Gospels teach us about rights and privileges? And who besides perhaps the Mother of God or the Apostles can really be thought of as " members in good standing " of the Church? In short, clubs have dues, not churches. The concept of a dues system is antithetical to the Gospel. By itself, this fact should be enough to abolish a parish dues system. Confidentiality and Practical Concerns Because money issues are sensitive, church leaders must keep confidential who gives what. Discussing such matters divides a church community and is only from Satan. Avarice may keep people from tithing at all, but vainglory can be the motive behind what looks like charitable giving. " Do your good works in secret " , says the Lord. Even the manner in which we collect tithes can help or hinder our efforts: Boxed envelope systems are good mainly for collecting dust: people misplace or forget that they have them. Tithe envelopes mailed monthly are effective because they remind the faithful of the tithe. A priest may congratulate someone for giving above the tithe to the Church, but never thank them. How can you thank someone for being obedient to the Holy Spirit? Praise can lead people into various temptations. In this regard, the recently reposed Elder Cleopa of Romania used to assign almsgiving as a spiritual discipline, but more frequently to the poor (for whom it was a real sacrifice) than to the rich, who could easily donate large sums. The priest must be alert: are parishioners giving in order to hear the thank you or because God put the call to give in their heart? Either way, the priest must find the proper way to encourage and affirm his people for doing God " s work and taking part in His ministry. We see in the Old Testament that when Israel withdrew from God and stopped tithing, they lost their blessings. God through the prophet Malachi even declared that the people were robbing God when they withheld tithes! (Mal 3:8-11) It was not their own money that they withheld from God, but God " s in the first place. St. John Chrysostom, in talking about how Israel gave tithes says " if there was a danger then (i.e. at that time) in omitting tithes, how great it must be now.” Responding to a situation where there was a lack of tithing, St. John reminds us that, as the New Israel, we have a greater responsibility to tithe! (St. John Chrysostom Homily IV, on Ephesians 2:1 ft) |
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