PHILOKALIA MINISTRIES

On the quiet passage from doing for God to remaining with Him “One thing is needful.” — Luke 10:42 There comes a time when a question begins to form in the heart that one could not have asked honestly before. It does not arise from contempt for the world, nor necessarily from disappointment with one’s work. It may come after many years of labor, after responsibilities faithfully carried, after words spoken and written, after friendships and communities, after building things

A dialogue between St. John Climacus and a disciple who would not surrender his understanding “Cast out from yourself your own understanding, and you will see the glory of God.” St. John Climacus, Ladder of Divine Ascent , Step 26 ⸻ A brother came to Abba John on Sinai, but he came armed. He had fasted. He had kept vigil. He had renounced possessions. But he had not renounced himself. He said, “Father, I have come to learn the way of truth.” The Elder said, “Then you must fir