“If one can live in the world and yet not mix with it – just as the oil and water do not mix in the oil-lamp – then he can live in God. He is in this world but not of this world.”
Saint Gavrilia, the Ascetic of Love
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“Do not compare yourself with weaker men but rather apply yourself to fulfilling the commandment of love. For by comparing yourself with the weak you will fall into the pit of conceit, but by applying yourself to the Commandment of love you will reach the height of humility.”
Saint Maximus the Confessor
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“Do not trust the mindset of secular people… Decide what you want most; the sympathy of the world or a return near to God?”
Saint Paisios the Athonite
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“Can you place your hope in the world? Whom has it not deceived? To whom has it not lied? It promises much, but gives very little. Only those who hope in the Lord, according to the words of the Prophet David, do not sin, i.e., they are not deceived in their hope!”
Saint Anthony of Optina
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“If the world is against the truth, then I am against the world.”
Saint Athanasius of Alexandria
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“Do not set a high value on what is said by people who are foreign to our Church spirit.”
Saint Nikon of Optina
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