Some of the instructions of Elder Ephraim to his spiritual daughters

 Some of the instructions of Elder Ephraim to his spiritual daughters

True theology

Theology, true theology, is acquired not in universities, but only in contempt for the world, away from the noise and turmoil, in a silent and calm place, through a certain order of prayer and podvig, when man, having purified his mind and liberated himself from the vexations of the flesh, receives the light of true theology—knowledge of his own self.

Do not offend the Mother of God

See how women offend the Mother of God with their provocative appearance in the summer. On the one hand, they venerate the icon of the modest Virgin, and on the other—they tempt and push those around them to sin by their provocative appearance. It’s not even considered a sin that needs to be confessed.

On the absurdity of the claims of feminism

There is a lot of talk these days about the equality of the genders—men and women. But the fight for women’s equality and the so-called feminist movement are late. Christianity already solved this problem twenty centuries ago. How? It destroyed the differences! It gave women equal honor to men. And what’s more—it gave one woman such honor that not a single man has had, has, or will have. This woman is the Most Holy Theotokos.

In Christianity, in the Church, people are evaluated not on the basis of gender, social position, level of education, financial means, giftedness, and so on. People are distinguished and evaluated on one single basis—holiness. For God there is neither man nor woman. There are only sinners and penitents, the wicked and the pious, the holy and the most holy.

Think of your spiritual father not as a man, but as a servant of God

When a snake crawls out of its den, it hurries to hide, because it feels that it will be killed. So it is with a demonic thought, which is like a poisonous snake. When it comes out of the mouth of man, it dissipates and disappears, because confession is humility. And if satan cannot endure even the smell of humility, then how can stand after a humble and sincere confession?

But I desire a good beginning and attentiveness, my child. Don’t be embarrassed in front of me. Think of me not as a man, but as a servant of God. Tell me about everything, even if someone told you something about me, because I know the devil’s insults by experience and I know how he fights with man. Spiritual children have a simple heart, and if bad thoughts come to them, it is because of demonic malice and the egotism of man, who, for the sake of humility, is allowed to be tempted with such thoughts about his elder.

Therefore, don’t be sad. I will always rejoice when you speak freely and sincerely with me, because without pure confession, there cannot be any prosperity in the spiritual life.

Weep, but don’t have sorrow

Do not grieve so strongly, my child. Everything needs moderation. You will become worse from much weeping, because your nerves cannot withstand so much grief and distress.

Your repentance will bring immense joy to the angels

Everything you endured, my daughter, happened because of your self-confidence. Haven’t you been instructed in humility and self-reproach? What are you trying to do? Don’t you know that a man who leans recklessly on a cane of reeds breaks his cane and hurts his hands? What did you dare to do? Don’t you know that without Me ye can do nothing? Don’t you know that many fathers fell due to self-reliance?

Humble yourself, reproach yourself, weep, my daughter, wash your wedding robe. Your Bridegroom, Who is more beautiful than all the sons of men, is calling you, seeking you, and has prepared a place for you in Heaven—a spiritually beautiful wedding chamber! The angels are serving, do not be lazy. Rise up, take some water and wash your wedding attire, because you don’t know when death will come, which gives no warning of its arrival, but visits everyone. And we do not know that hour.

Repent. Look how the harlot washes the most pure feet of the Lord. She sheds tears more precious than myrrh, and they attract Divine mercy and forgiveness. She hears: “Your sins are forgiven you; go in peace.”

Repentance, my daughter. Fall with lamentation at the feet of the Terrible Lord, weep, and cry out: “I have sinned, my Jesus. Accept me as a penitent and save me. Do not despise my tears, O Joy of the angels. Do not despise me, do not reject me, Thou Who has bowed the heavens with Thy indescribable condescension.”

Implore Christ with these words, with the conviction that you will acquire His love threefold.

Your repentance will bring immeasurable joy to the angels, and they will exclaim in amazement: “She has arisen, she has arisen, she has arisen!”—that is, you didn’t fall completely, but raised yourself up, and are no longer rolling towards the abyss, but you are again rushing upwards.