On the devil…

When the devil reminds you of your past…remind him of his future.

- St. Teresa of Avila

On sin…

The worst kind of sin is not to acknowledge that you are sinful.
(St. Caesarius of Arles, Commentary on I John, 1:8)

On meekness…

As fire is not extinguished by fire, so anger is not conquered by anger, but is made even more inflamed. But meekness often subdues even the most beastly enemies, softens them and pacifies them.
(St. Tikhon of Zadonsk)

On humility…

I remember the day, quite vividly, when I was graced with the honor of eating dinner at the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s personal residence…the food was plenty, the season was joyous – it was Pascha 2002, and those in attendance included the Patriarch’s family and Orthodox metropolitans and bishops, along with us three deacons. We were enjoying the meal when the small table we were sitting at grew silent; I turned to look over my shoulder and there was His All-Holiness, with a tray of food in hand, to serve us unworthy sinners. Such is true humility….

On the passions…

Examine yourself daily in the sight of God, and discover which of the passions is in your heart. Cast it out, and so escape His judgment.

- St Isaiah the Solitary

On Thankfulness…

…it gives meaning to life; without it, life is meaningless.

On Peace…

Make peace with yourself, and both heaven and earth will make peace with you.

- St Isaac the Syrian

On Love…

Do not search about for the words to show people you love them. Instead, ask God to show them your love without your having to talk about it. Otherwise you will never have time enough both for loving gestures and for compunction.

St. John Climacus, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, 6