logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2025
3m 17s

Spiritual Medicine for the Spirit of Dej...

Readings from Saints of Holy Orthodoxy
About this episode

St. Tikhon’s pointed advice to monk suffering from apathy and despondency. “If you follow these four instructions, believe me, little by little you will attain both zeal and inclination.”📖 Read St Tikhon’s letter here:https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/a8455a5a/files/uploaded/Moot%201.1.pdf🎧 On Love for God - St. Tikhon of Zadonskhttps://youtu.be/-OTb5r9wHlA🎧 Duties of Husbands & Wives in Marriage - St. Tikhon of Zadonskhttps://youtu.be/noirUMn89ac⛪ FIND an Orthodox parish and monastery near you: https://orthodox-world.org/https://orthodoxyinamerica.org/_______St. Tikhon writes:I see from your letter that you have been assailed by the spirit of dejection. This is a grievous passion, against which Christians seeking salvation must struggle fiercely.As a lazy horse, driven by a whip, is compelled by man to walk and to trot, even so must we coerce ourselves into performing every kind of labor, and how the more to pray. God, beholding your efforts and your labor will grant you zeal and inclination.Zeal is acquired by variety in our occupations- that is, by turning from one task to another. And so you must do as follows: pray, then perform some manual task, then read a book, then meditate on your spiritual condition, on eternal salvation, and so on. And do these things alternately. If dejection grips you fiercely, leave your room, and walking up and down, meditate on Christ; lift your mind to God and pray. Thus dejection will leave you.If you follow these four instructions, believe me, little by little you will attain both zeal and inclination._______Orthodox Wisdom is dedicated to sharing the writings and lives of the Saints of the Orthodox Church. Glory to Jesus Christ!

Up next
Oct 8
"There Must Be Heresies Among You" (1 Cor 11:19) - Archbishop Averky of Jordanville
Drawing upon St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop Averky examines this teaching from St. Paul and how modernists and ecumenists can and do twist it to their liking.📖 "There Must Be Heresies Among You" (1 Cor 11:19) (Orthodox Life, July-August, 1994)https://orthodoxlifemagazines.blogs ... Show More
11m 10s
Oct 7
The Virtue of Bees - St. Basil the Great
St. Basil's mediation on the many virtues of bees and how Christians do well to imitate them. "Imitate the character of the bee," writes St. Basil, "because it constructs its honeycomb without injuring anyone or destroying another's fruit."An excerpt from homily eight of the Hexa ... Show More
4m 21s
Oct 7
Icons are Idolatry? St. Nikephoros Debates Emperor Leo V
The same arguments against icons today are found in this 9th century debate between the Patriarch of Constantinople and the Emperor. As St. Nikephoros said, "But the ‘Logos became flesh [Jn. 1:14].' He was a man seen by men, otherwise we could not reproduce in pictures what is un ... Show More
12m 52s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2025
A Prayer to Stay in Step with God's Spirit
What does it mean to truly walk by the Spirit? In today’s heartfelt devotional, Annie Yorty shares the touching story of her loyal dog, Misha, whose devotion to her offers a living illustration of what it means to stay close to God’s Spirit. Just as Misha shadowed her every move— ... Show More
7m 43s
Jan 2025
How to Renew Your Mind: Biblical Keys to Christian Transformation | Dr. Gifford and Jonny Ardavanis
Discover the biblical foundations of mind renewal and spiritual transformation with Dr. Gifford as he unpacks key passages from Romans 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Thessalonians. Learn practical strategies for engaging with Scripture, the importance of community in spiritual growth, an ... Show More
17m 24s
Oct 2024
Peace in the Spirit
As we begin to wrap up our week on transcendent peace, today we’ll explore growing in relationship with the Holy Spirit, and how he can help us walk in peace. As we’ve learned this week, connectedness with God is crucial to peace in all circumstances, and today we’ll dive deeper ... Show More
11m 13s
Feb 2025
Fasting Fuels Spiritual Gifts
Ever notice how many major spiritual breakthroughs in Scripture happened during times of fasting? From Moses on the mountain to Jesus in the wilderness, there’s something powerful about this ancient spiritual discipline that most of us aren’t tapping into. In this episode, we’re ... Show More
1h 3m
Jan 2025
Responding to the Holy Spirit
How do we live a life truly led by the Holy Spirit? Dr. Sri explains how Simeon illustrates for us what it looks like to be receptive to the Holy Spirit. Dr. Sri shares practical ways to become more like Simeon, such as asking for divine inspiration, showing gratitude for it, pra ... Show More
21m 23s
Jul 8
Are You Thirsting for God?
In this special Jubilee Year episode, Dr. Edward Sri visits the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome, home to relics of St. Clement and St. Ignatius of Antioch. Surrounded by sacred beauty, he reflects on the inner deserts of the soul and how God meets us there with his love. Drawing ... Show More
20m 19s
Jan 2019
What is a Devotional? - January 3
Today in our week-long focus on the foundations of a quality time alone with God, we’re going to look at the devotional piece of our times together. I’m so excited to share with you my heart behind writing what you hear every day, and I know that our time together will help you g ... Show More
7m 34s
Aug 30
Day 242: The Wedding Feast at Cana and Proclamation of the Kingdom and Call to Conversion
Are you feeling bored in your prayer life? Many experience a sense of spiritual dryness during mental prayer or while praying the Rosary. Fr. Mark-Mary reminds us that love often calls for perseverance, encouraging us to remain faithful in prayer even when it lacks emotional swee ... Show More
11m 45s
Sep 14
When You Can’t Take Any More | Elisha: Part 2
We've all been there—facing an impossible situation and wondering if God even sees what we're going through. We can depend on God completely, even when we can't see the way forward. If you're in a season where you need Him to move, watch this message. ABOUT THIS MESSAGETired of f ... Show More
33m 16s
Sep 16
A Prayer for Wisdom in Today's Decisions
Every day brings choices — some small, some life-altering. In today's prayer and devotional, we remember that whether it’s navigating relationships, parenting, work, or personal growth, our need for God’s wisdom is constant. Wisdom is more than human intelligence or cleverness. I ... Show More
5m 39s