Do you know what the Holy Altar is?

The most precious thing on earth. Royal thrones, presidential seats, academic chairs hold little value.

The Holy Table is the burning bush. Here Christ descends, the Holy Spirit is present, the Angels are around.

A terrifying sight.

I have often been afraid to lay my hands on the Holy Table.

And in front of this miracle, to hear the faithful whispering about trivial matters, not experiencing the unique event.

Who celebrates the service?

The priest alone or everyone, clergy and people together.

Why do we call it a "divine service"?

Well! As the priest stands,

the faithful must also stand. Concentrated!

Completely surrendered to God. At this moment we are not on earth.

Who mystically represent the Cherubim?

We are in heaven, before the Holy Trinity. Without "worldly concerns."

We are all priests.

Wow, wow, wow! How God enables us to live!

Saint Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia

What did Saint Porphyrios say about generous financial offerings to Monasteries, when they come from rich, falsely enthusiastic people or from antichrists ?

 

The monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior was built with much effort, sweat, and great struggle, because this is what Saint Porphyrios wanted.

Although a great deal of money had to be found, the Saint nevertheless refused the money offered by some wealthy people. With distinction, he accepted money only from those he wanted. 

One day he was visited by a freemason who was thrilled by their conversation and wanted to offer a significant sum for the Monastery; but the Saint politely refused, despite the fact that he was in great need of it.

One day he told me: "This Monastery belongs to Christ and Christ does not want His Monastery to be like this..., with such money. This money, which is not legal, drives away the Grace of God.

The Saint wanted the Monastery to be built with great effort and with the participation of many people who would gladly offer manual labor and the sweat of their brow, so that everyone could receive a blessing from God.

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From the book THE ALL-WISE HOLY PORPHYRIOS – TESTIMONY

Publication and distribution of the book: Agios Paulites Holy Cell of Saints Theodoros. Mount Athos, tel. 23770 23244.

St. Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvi

Everything that is done, let it be done with love.
Above all, love. Without love, prayer is useless, advice hurts, and direction hurts and destroys the other person, who feels whether we love him or not and reacts accordingly.
Let's selflessly distribute our love to everyone, regardless of their attitude towards us. When the grace of God enters us, then we will not be interested in whether they love us or not, whether they speak well to us. We will feel the need to love everyone.
Let's not ask for love - let's love ourselves.

St Porphyrios

This is the way we should see Christ. He is our friend, our brother; He is whatever is good and beautiful. He is everything. Yet, He is still a friend and He shouts it out, "You're My friends, don't you understand that? We're brothers. I'm not...I don't hold hell in My hands. I am not threatening you. I love you. I want you to enjoy life together with Me.” ~St. Porphyrios (+1991)