St. Philaret the New Confessor: Instructions to an Orthodox Christian

 

 

1. Remember: you are a son or a daughter of the Orthodox Church. These are not empty words. Remember the obligations this entails.

2. Earthly life is fleeting. It will be gone in the blink of an eye. But it will determine the eternal fate of your soul. Do not forget this even for a moment.

3. Try to live piously. Pray to God in church and pray to God at home—reverently, with faith, committing yourself to the Lord's will. Observe the holy and saving canons of the Church, together with her rules and commandments. Outside the Church, outside of obedience to her, there is no salvation.

4. The gift of speech is a great gift from God. It ennobles a person, raising him up immeasurably beyond all other creatures. But how depraved mankind abuses it in our time! Preserve this gift and learn to use words in a Christian manner. Do not condemn, do not speak idly. Fear foul language and seductive speech like the plague. Do not forget the words of our Lord and Savior: “By thy words thou shalt be justified; and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Admit no falsehood. Scripture severely warns: “The Lord shall destroy all them that speak a lie.”

5. Love your neighbor as yourself, in accordance with the Lord's command. Without love there is no Christianity. Remember: Christian love is selfless, not egoistic. Never miss an opportunity to do deeds of love and mercy.

6. Be modest, pure, and chaste in your deeds, words, and thoughts. Do not imitate the depraved. Do not follow their example; shun intimacy with them. Do not have dealings with unbelievers without necessity—unbelief is contagious. Observe modesty and propriety at all times and in all places; do not become infected with the shameless customs of our time.

7. Fear and flee from vainglory and pride. Pride cast down from heaven the mightiest and most exalted of the angels. Remember: earth thou art, and unto earth shalt thou return. Humble yourself profoundly.

8. The primary goal in life is to save one’s soul for eternity. Let this be the chief goal and care of your life. Woe to those who lose their souls through carelessness and negligence!

May the Lord bless you and help you.

Your Spiritual Father.