Gleanings from Orthodox Christian Authors and the Holy Fathers

repentance
110 Entries
Onlythetearsofrepentanceareabletocleansethesoul.REF:St.AnthimosofChios+1960

Asavingmedicineforthecureofyourwoundedsoulissincererepentance,donewithhumility
andcontritionofheart,withtearsandsighs,withhateandaversiontowardssin,andafirm
decisiontonolongersinGodscompassionisgreaterthanyoursinsREF:ElderJoseph
(trans.fromGreekbyElizabethTheokritoff),"ElderJosephtheHesychast,"(MountAthos:The
GreatandHolyMonasteryofVatopaidi,1999),pp.195198

HavingChristasallyandarmedwiththeweaponsofFaith,LoveandHumblemindednessand
ofthePreciousCross,wewilldefeattheinvisibleandvisibleenemiesIfwewishoursalvation,
wewillfinditonlyinrepentanceandinourreturntoGod,fromwhomwedepartedIfwetruly
repent,liketheNinevites,wewillalsobesaved,ifwedontrepent,wewillbesenttoperdition
REF:ElderJoseph(trans.fromGreekbyElizabethTheokritoff),"ElderJosephtheHesychast,"
(MountAthos:TheGreatandHolyMonasteryofVatopaidi,1999),pp.195198

Theonlyhopeofsalvationfromthedelusionsandtheheresies,theinnovationsandthetraps
ofwickedpeopleandofthedevilisprayer,repentanceandhumilityREF:ElderJoseph(trans.
fromGreekbyElizabethTheokritoff),"ElderJosephtheHesychast,"(MountAthos:TheGreat
andHolyMonasteryofVatopaidi,1999),pp.195198

Evenifallspiritualfathers,patriarchs,hierarchs,andallthepeopleforgiveyou,youare
unforgivenifyoudontrepentinaction.StKosmasAitolos

...Thentheoldmen[aroundhim]askedhim,'Withwhomareyouspeaking,Father?'Hesaid,
'Look,theangelsarecomingtofetchme,andIambeggingthemtoletmedoalittlepenance.'
Theoldmensaidtohim,'Youhavenoneedtodopenance,Father.'Buttheoldmansaidto
them,'Truly,IdonotthinkIhaveevenmadeabeginningyet'...ApophthegmataPatrum.
Sigma.14

...ifyoufeelnopangincommittingminoroffencesyouwillthroughthemfallintomajor
transgressions.St.GregoryPalamas(ANewTestamentDecalogueno.7,ThePhilokaliaVol.4
editedbyPalmer,SherrardandWareFaberandFaberpg.329)

...inspiteofthefactthatyouareweakandfaulty,youareaccountedguiltyforallthewrong
thingsyoudo.Forsinceyoupossessawill,allthatcomesforthfromyouissubjecttoit,andso
everythinggoodiscountedinyourfavorandeverythingbadtoyourdetriment.Therefore,
consciousofyourgeneralwickedness,admityourselfguiltyalsointheparticularwickedness
intowhichyouhavefallenatthepresentmoment.Judgeandcondemnyourself,andonly
yourselfdonotlookaround,seekingonwhomyoucouldputtheblame.Neitherthepeople
aroundyounorthecircumstancesareguiltyofyoursin.Yourbadwillaloneistoblame.So
blameyourself.LorenzoScupoli(UnseenWarfare:Chapter28)

...itisgoodtorepenteveryday,asthecommandmentdemands.Forthewords:'Repentye:for
thekingdomofheavenisathand'(Matt3:2)imposeuponusapracticenotlimitedtoadefinite
timebutforalways.St.SimeontheNewTheologian(PracticalandTheologicalPreceptsno.84,
WritingsfromthePhilokaliaonPrayeroftheHeartFaberandFaberpg.116)

...letusnotlaytheblameforthesinswehavecommittedeitheronourbirthoronanyoneelse,
butonlyonourselves.St.AntonytheGreat(170TextsonSaintlyLifeno.28)

Acertainbrotherfellintotemptation,andthroughtribulationrelinquishedthegarbofmonkhood
andhewishedtobegintorenewhisasceticlife,buthesawthegreatdifficultyofthematter,and
hedrewback,andsaid,"WhenshallIeverfindmyselfinthesameconditionasIwasformerly?"
Andthroughfearhedidnotbeginhiswork,andhewentandmadethematterknowntoanold
man,andtheoldmansaid,"Thematteristhus:Therewasacertainmanwhopossessedan
estate,andheheldittobeofnoaccountanddidnotcultivateit,anditbecamefulloftangled
undergrowthandthorns.Nowonedayherememberedit,andhesenthisson,andsaidunto
him,Go,cleantheestate.Andwhenhehadgoneandseentheabundanceoftheundergrowth
hewasafraid,andsaidtohimself,WhenshallIbeabletocleanawayallthisundergrowth?And
hethrewhimselfuponabed,andlaydown,andwenttosleep,andthushedideveryday.The
hisfatherwentforthandfoundthathewasasleep,andthathehaddonenothingandhesaid
untohim,Howisit,myson,thatnoworkwhatsoeverhathbeendonebythee?Andhesaidto
hisfather,WhenIcametoworkandsawtheabundanceoftheundergrowth,Iwasafraidand
said,"WhenshallIbeabletocleanallthisaway?"Andhisfathersaiduntohim,Myson,work
accordingtothemeasureofthysleepeachday,anditshallbesufficientfortheeandwhenhe
heardthistheyoungmanpluckedupcourage,anddidthus,andinashorttimehecleansedthe
estate.
Thusalsothoushaltnotbeafraidbutbegintheworkofthyrules,andGod,byHisGrace,will
establishtheeamongthoseinthefirstrank."Nowwhenthebrotherhaddonethushewas
helped.E.A.WallisBudge,"TheParadiseoftheHolyFathers,"(Seattle,Washington:St.
NectariosPress,1984),p.137

AsoldieraskedAbbaMiusifGodacceptedrepentance.Aftertheoldmanhadtaughthimmany
thingshesaid,"Tellme,mydear,ifyourcloakistorn,doyouthrowitaway?"Hereplied,"No,I
menditanduseitagain."Theoldmansaidtohim,"Ifyouaresocarefulaboutyourcloak,will
notGodbeequallycarefulabouthiscreature?"TheDesertFathers

AbbaSarmatassaid,"Ipreferasinfulmanwhoknowshehassinnedandrepents,toamanwho
hasnotsinnedandconsidershimselftoberighteous."TheDesertFathers

Adam,God'sfirstformedman,transgressed:couldHe[God]notatoncehavebroughtdeath
uponhim?ButseewhattheLorddoes,inHisgreatlovetowardsman.Hecastshimoutfrom
Paradise,forbecauseofsinhewasunworthytolivetherebutHeputshimtodwelloveragainst
Paradise:thatseeingwhencehehadfallen,andfromwhatandintowhatastatehewasbrought
down,hemightafterwardsbesavedbyrepentance.St.CyrilofJerusalem(Catechetical
Lectures:Lecture2no.7)

Alwaysremaininastateofrepentance,thefoundationofoursalvation,forweknownottheday
orthehouratwhichtheLordwillcome.St.NilusofSinai

Andwhatistheprofit,"onemaysay,"whenanyonehears,butdoethnotwhatissaid?"Nolittle
willtheprofitbeevenfromhearing.Forhewillgoontocondemnhimself,(2)andtogroan
inwardly,andwillcomeintimealsotodothethingsthatarespokenof.Buthethatdothnoteven
knowthathehathsinned,whenwillheceasefromhisnegligence?whenwillhecondemn
himself?
LetusnotthereforedespisethehearingofthedivineScriptures.ForthisisofSatan'sdevising
notsufferingustoseethetreasure,lestweshouldgaintheriches.StJohnChrysostom,Gospel
AccordingToSt.Matthew,Homily2.

Asitisnotpossibletocrossoverthegreatoceanwithoutaship,sonoonecanattaintolove
withoutfear.Thefetidsea,whichliesbetweenusandthenoeticparadise,wemaycrossbythe
boatofrepentance,whoseoarsmenarethoseoffear.Butiffear'soarsmendonotpilotthe
barqueofrepentancewherebywecrossovertheseaofthisworldtoGod,weshallbedrowned
inthefetidabyss.Repentanceistheshipandfearisthepilotloveisthedivinehaven.The
AsceticalHomiliesofSt.IsaactheSyrian

BoastfulIam,andhardhearted,allinvainandfornothing.CondemnmenotwiththePharisee,
butrathergrantmethehumilityofthePublican,OonlymercifulandjustJudge,andnumberme
withhim.theGreatCanonofSt.AndrewofCrete

Butnothingcausessuchexceedinggriefaswhenanyone,lyingunderthecaptivityofsin,callsto
mindfromwherehehasfallen,becauseheturnedasidetocarnalandearthlythings,insteadof
directinghismindinthebeautifulwaysoftheknowledgeofGod.SoyoufindAdamconcealing
himself,whenheknewthatGodwaspresentandwishingtobehiddenwhencalledbyGodwith
thatvoicewhichwoundedthesoulofhimwhowashiding:"Adam,whereartthou?"Thatisto
say,Whydoyouhideyourself?Whyareyouconcealed?WhydoyouavoidHimWhomyou
oncelongedtosee?Aguiltyconscienceissoburdensomethatitpunishesitselfwithoutajudge,
andwishesforcovering,andyetisbarebeforeGod.St.AmbroseMilan,Concerning
Repentance,BookII

Butnothingcausessuchexceedinggriefaswhenanyone,lyingunderthecaptivityofsin,callsto
mindfromwherehehasfallen,becauseheturnedasidetocarnalandearthlythings,insteadof
directinghismindinthebeautifulwaysoftheknowledgeofGod.SoyoufindAdamconcealing
himself,whenheknewthatGodwaspresentandwishingtobehiddenwhencalledbyGodwith
thatvoicewhichwoundedthesoulofhimyourself?Whyareyouconcealed?Whydoyouavoid
HimWhomyouoncelongedtosee?Aguiltyconscienceissoburdensomethatitpunishesitself
withoutajudge,andwishesforcovering,andyetisbarebeforeGod.St.AmbroseMilan,
ConcerningRepentance,BookII

Doallinyourpowernottofall,forthestrongathleteshouldnotfall.Butifyoudofall,getupagain
atonceandcontinuethecontest.Evenifyoufallathousandtimesbecauseofthewithdrawalof
God'sgrace,riseupagaineachtime,andkeepondoingsountilthedayofyourdeath.Foritis
written,"Ifarighteousmanfallseventimes"thatis,repeatedlythroughouthislifeseven
times"shallheriseagain"(Proverbs24:16).Solongasyouholdfast,withtearsandprayer,to
theweaponofthemonastichabit,youwillbecountedamongthosethatstandupright,even
thoughyoufallagainandagain.Solongasyouremainamonk,youwillbelikeabravesoldier
whofacestheblowsoftheenemyandGodwillcommendyou,becauseevenwhenstruckyou
refusedtosurrenderorrunaway.Butifyougiveupthemonasticlife,runningawaylikeacoward
andadeserter,theenemywillstrikeyouinthebackandyouwillloseyourfreedomof
communionwithGod.St.JohnofKarpathos"ThePhilokalia:theCompleteText"(volumeI),by
St.NicodemosoftheHolyMountainandSt.MakariosofCorinth,trans.ByG.E.H.Palmer,Philip
Sherrard,and(Bishop)KallistosWare,(London:FaberandFaber,1979),pp.298309

Doallinyourpowernottofall,forthestrongathleteshouldnotfall.Butifyoudofall,getupagain
atonceandcontinuethecontest.Evenifyoufallathousandtimesbecauseofthewithdrawalof
God'sgrace,riseupagaineachtime,andkeepondoingthisuntilthedayofyourdeath.Foritis
written,'Ifarighteousmanfallsdownseventimes'thatis,repeatedlythroughouthislife
'seventimesshallheriseagain'[Prov.24:16].St.Ephrem

Donotbesurprisedthatyoufalleverydaydonotgiveup,butstandyouraroundcourageously.
Andassuredlytheangelwhoguardsyouwillhonoryourpatience,Whileawoundisstillfresh
andwarmitiseasytoheal,butold,neglectedandfesteringonesarehardtocure,andrequire
fortheircaremuchtreatment,cutting,plasteringandcauterization.Manyfromlongneglect
becomeincurable.ButwithGodallthingsarepossible...StJohnClimacustheLadderofDivine
Ascent

Donotdeceiveyourself,foolishworker,asifonetimecanmakeupforanother.Forthedayis
notsufficienttorepayinfullitsowndebttotheLord.St.JohnClimacus,TheLadderofDivine
Ascent

Donotrelyontheevilone,whoinstillsinyoudeceptiveideas,sayingYouarestillyoung,and
willstilllivealongtime.Thereforeenjoyyourselfnow,anddonotworryaboutyoursoulyouwill
repentwhenyouareold.Ifyoudonotrepentwhenyouareyoung,atanagewhenyouareinfull
ofstrength,abletobearanyburdenandendureyourpodvig,thenwillyounot,inoldage,use
yourweaknessasyourjustification?St.EphraimofSyria

ForGodseeksnothingelsefromus,saveagoodpurpose.Saynot,Howaremysinsblotted
out?Itellthee,Bywilling,bybelieving[1].Whatcanbeshorterthanthis?Butif,whilethylips
declaretheewilling,thyheartbesilent,Heknoweththeheart,whojudgeththee.Ceasefromthis
dayfromeveryevildeed.Letnotthytonguespeakunseemlywords,letthineeyeabstainfrom
sin,andfromroving[2]afterthingsunprofitable.Procatechesis,Or,PrologueToThe
CatecheticalLecturesOfOurHolyFather,Cyril,ArchbishopOfJerusalem

Forsiniswhatisnotswiftlywashedawaybypenitence,orsinisthecauseofsin,orsinisalso
thepunishmentforsin,orsinisatonceboththecauseandthepunishmentofsin.Foreveryact
whichiscommittedisfirstsin.ButifitisnotcleansedswiftlybypenitenceAlmightyGodby
righteousjudgementallowstheguiltymindofthesinnertofalltofurtherguilt,sothatthemind
whichwasunwillingtocleansewhatithaddonebyweepingandcorrectionbeginstoaddsinto
sin.Thereforethesinwhichisnotwashedawaybythelamentofpenitenceisatthesametime
thecauseofsin,becausefromitariseswhencethespiritofthesinnerplungesdeeperintoguilt.
Trulysinwhichfollowsfromsinisatthesametimeasinandthepenaltyforsin,becausewith
increasingblindnessitisgeneratedfromtheretributionofpriorguiltsothatcertainpunishments
are,asitwere,theveryincreaseofvicesinthesinner.St.GregorytheGreat,Homiliesonthe
BookofEzekiel

Hewhobusieshimselfwiththesinsofothers,orjudgeshisbrotheronsuspicion,hasnotyet
evenbeguntorepentortoexaminehimselfsoastodiscoverhisownsins...St.Maximosthe
Confessor(ThirdCenturyonLoveno.55)

Hewhowouldbesavedshouldeverhavehisheartdisposedtorepentanceandbroken,
accordingtothePsalmist:"SacrificetoGodisabrokenspirit:abrokenandhumbledheartGod
willnotdespise"(Ps.50:17).StSeraphimofSarovSpiritualInstructions

Hewhowouldbesavedshouldeverhavehisheartdisposedtorepentanceandbroken,
accordingtothePsalmist:"SacrificetoGodisabrokenspirit:abrokenandhumbledheartGod
willnotdespise"(Ps.50:17).
Insuchbrokennessofspiritamancaneasilypasssecurelythroughtheartfulsnaresofthe
prouddevil,whosewholecareconsistsinagitatingthehumanspirit,andinagitationsowinghis
tares,inaccordancewiththewordsoftheGospel:"Lord,didstnotThousowgoodseedinThy
field?Fromwhencethenhathittares?Hesaiduntothem,"Anenemyhathdonethis"(Matt.
13:2728).1.When,however,amanstriveswithinhimselftohavehishearthumbleandhis
thoughtnotagitated,butpeaceful,thenallthesnaresoftheenemyarewithouteffectthere
residestheLordGodHimself"Hisplaceisinpeace"(Ps.75:3).StSeraphimofSarov

Howevergreatthelifeweleadmaybe,wemaycountitstaleandspurious,ifwehavenot
acquiredacontriteheart.Forthisisessential,trulyessentialifImaysayso,thatthosewhohave
againbeendefiledafterbaptismshouldcleansethepitchfromtheirhandswithunceasingfireof
theheartandwiththeoilofGod.St.JohnClimacus,TheLadderofDivineAscent

Iambecomemyownidol,andhaveinjuredmysoulwithpassions,OmercifulLord,butaccept
meinpenitenceandrecallmetoawarenessofThee.MayIneverbethepossessionorfoodof
theenemy.OSaviour,havecompassiononme.theGreatCanonofSt.AndrewofCrete

Iconsiderthosefallenmournersmoreblessedthanthosewhohavenotfallenandarenot
mourningoverthemselvesbecauseasaresultoftheirfall,theyhaverisenbyasure
resurrection.St.JohnoftheLadder.

IknowThee,Savior,asDeliverer,changingthedecisionaboutallmyills.Erasemysins,
underwritemyremissionfromsin,bringmeamnestyEngravemydecree,andfreeme.Thou
hastbecome,OLord,myKingandmyGod,Thouwhodostwillthatallmenbesaved.APrayer,
TheKontakiaofRomanos,Vol.II

IwentdownfromJerusalem,andIfellawayfromThycommandmentswhichwerewrittenthere
forthenations.AndasIwentonmywaytoJericho,onaccountofmyimpetuousemulationof
themwho,ofold,becauseoftheirwickednesswerebyTheesurrenderedovertobeslainbyThy
people,andalsobecauseofmydisobedienceIfellintothehandsofsoulcorruptingpassionsas
thoughtheywerethieves.Woundedbythemandwellnighputtodeath,IcrytoThee,OThou
WhoinThybodywast,ofThineownwill,woundedbynailsandbyaspearforthesakeof
mankind'ssins,andbytheCrossdidstaccomplishinJerusalemthecommonsalvation,heal
me,OLord,andsaveme.VespersofTuesdayoftheFifthWeekofLent

Ifhewhowasrighteousandblamelessbeyondalldidnotescapethesnaresandnetsofthe
deceiver,whatwillyoudo,mysoul,whoaresinlovingandwretched,ifsomethingunexpected
happenstoyou?"theGreatCanonofSt.AndrewofCrete

Ifyouhappentobewoundedbysuccumbingtosomesinthroughweakness,orthroughthe
faultynatureofyourcharacter...donotloseheartandfallintosenselessturmoil.Abovealldonot
dwellonyourself,donotsay:'HowcouldIbesuchastoallowandsufferit?'Thisisacryof
proudselfopinion.Humbleyourselfand,raisingyoureyestotheLord,sayandfeel:'Whatelse
couldbeexpectedofme,OLord,weakandfaultyasIam.'ThereupongivethankstoHimthat
thethinghasgonenofurther,saying:'IfitwerenotforThyboundlessmercy,OLord,Iwouldnot
havestoppedatthat,butwouldcertainlyhavefallenintosomethingmuchworse.'Lorenzo
Scupoli(UnseenWarfare:Chapter28)

Inferventfaithletusburnupwithabstinencethelustfulpassions,andfleefromtheicycoldof
sinwiththestreamsofourtearsletusquenchtheeverlastingflame,cryingaloud:Wehave
sinnedagainstThee,OmostlovingLordforgiveusandgrantusThygreatmercyMatins,
Tuesday,thefifthweekofGreatLent

IntheDivinewomb,thatis,intheholyfont,wefreelyreceiveperfectDivinegrace.Ifafterthiswe
coveritoverwiththefogofpassions,eitherthroughabuseoftemporalthings,orthoughexcess
ofcaresforworldlyactivities,itispossible,evenafterthis,toregainpossessionofit,torestore
itssupernaturalbrightnessandtoseequitevividlyitsmanifestation,byrepentanceandthe
fulfillmentofcommandmentswhoseactionisDivine.Gracemanifestsinproportiontoeach
man'szealinremainingfaithfultofaith,butaboveallthroughthehelpandbenevolenceofour
LordJesusChrist.TheMonksCallistusandIgnatius(DirectionstoHesychastsno.6,Writings
fromthePhilokaliaonPrayeroftheHeartFaberandFaberpg.168)

ItisaspiritualgiftfromGodforamantoperceivehissins.St.IsaacofSyria

Itisalwayspossibletomakeanewstartbymeansofrepentance."Youfell,"itiswritten,"now
arise"(cf.Prov.24:16).Andifyoufallagain,thenriseagain,withoutdespairingatallofyour
salvation,nomatterwhathappens.Solongasyoudonotsurrenderyourselfwillinglytothe
enemy,yourpatientendurance,combinedwithselfreproach,willsufficeforyoursalvation."For
atonetimeweourselveswentastrayinourfollyanddisobedience,"saysSt.Paul."...YetHe
savedus,notbecauseofanygoodthingswehaddone,butinHismercy"(Tit.3:3,5).St.Peter
ofDamaskos,Philokalia,Vol.3

Itisalwayspossibletomakeanewstartbymeansofrepentance.'Youfell,'itiswritten,'now
arise'(cf.Prov.24:16).Andifyoufallagain,thenariseagain,withoutdespairingatallofyour
salvation,nomatterwhathappens.Solongasyoudonotsurrenderyourselfwillinglytothe
enemy,yourpatientendurance,combinedwithselfreproach,willsufficeforyoursalvation.St.
PeterofDamascus(Book1:ATreasuryofDivineKnowledge,ThePhilokaliaVol.3pg.170)

Itwassaidofanoldmanthatwhenhisthoughtssaidtohim,"Relaxtoday,andtomorrow
repent,"heretorted,"No,Iamgoingtorepenttoday,andmaythewillofGodbedonetomorrow."
TheDesertFathers

Justthink,dearreader,howsorryandafflictedyouwouldfeelif,inamomentoffollywhenyour
mindwouldbedarkenedandyourmemorylost,youweredisrespectfullyandshamefully
ungratefultoamanwholovedyousomuchthathedidnothesitatetosacrificehisownchildin
ordertosaveyousupposingitwerepossibletofindsuchakindbenefactoramongmen.Such
istheloveofGodourFatherWho"solovedtheworld,theHegave(delivereduntodeath)His
onlybegottenSon,thatwhosoeverbelievethinHimshouldnotperish,buthaveeverlastinglife!"
(Jn.3:15).Likewise,thepenitentfeelssorryandafflictedbecauseherealizesthatthroughsinhe
hasbeendisrespectfullyandshamefullyungratefultosuchabenefactor,andhasdispleased
suchalovingFather.'Repentance'byArchimandriteSeraphimPapacostas

Letnoonebemisledormisleadhimselfwithemptywordsbeforewehavemournedandshed
tearswehavenorepentance,noratruedesiretochange,norfearofGodinourhearts.Forwe
havenotyetbecomeconsciousofourguiltnorjudgedourselves,norhasoursoulhadthe
foretasteofthelastjudgmentandeternaltorment.St.SimeontheNewTheologian(Practicaland
TheologicalPreceptsno.71,WritingsfromthePhilokaliaonPrayeroftheHeartFaberandFaber
pg.113)

LetusthennotbeashamedtoconfessoursinsuntotheLord.Shameindeedthereiswhen
eachmakesknownhissins,butthatshame,asitwere,ploughshisland,removedthe
everrecurringbrambles,prunesthethorns,andgiveslifetothefruitswhichhebelievedwere
dead.Followhimwho,bydiligentlyploughinghisfield,soughtforeternalfruit:"beingreviledwe
bless,beingpersecutedweendure,beingdefamesweentreat,wearemadeastheoffscouring
oftheworld."Ifyouploughafterthisfashionyouwillsowspiritualseed.Ploughthatyoumayget
ridofsinandgainfruit.Heploughedsoastodestroyinhimselfthelasttendencytopersecution.
WhatmorecouldChristgivetoleadusontothepursuitofperfection,thantoconvertandthen
giveusforateacheronewhowasapersecutor?St.AmbroseofMilan,ConcerningRepentance

Mysoul,mysoul,arise!Whyareyousleeping?Theendisdrawingnear,andyouwillbe
confounded.Awake,thenandbewatchful,thatChristourGodmayspareyou,Whois
everywherepresentandfillsallthings.KontakionfromtheGreatCanonofSt.AndrewofCrete

NooneisasgoodandkindastheLordisbutHedoesnotforgiveonewhodoesnotrepent.St.
MarktheAscetic

Nottosinistrulyblessedbutthosewhosinshouldnotdespair,butgrieveoverthesinsthey
havecommitted,sothat,throughgrieftheymayagainattainblessedness.Itisgood,then,to
prayalwaysandnottoloseheart,astheLordsays,AndagaintheApostlesays,Praywithout
ceasing,thatisbynightandbydayandateveryhour,andnotonlywhencomingintothe
church,andnotbotheringatothertimes.Butwhetheryouareworking,lyingdowntosleep,
travelling,eating,drinking,sittingattable,donotinterruptyourprayer,foryoudonotknowwhen
hewhodemandsyoursouliscoming.DontwaitforSundayorafeastday,oradifferentplace,
but,astheProphetDavidsays,ineveryplaceofhisdominion.StEphremtheSyrian,'Three
ShortDiscourses',from'http://web.ukonline.co.uk/ephrem/3disc.htm'

NothingequalsorexcelsGod'smercies.Thereforehewhodespairsiscommittingsuicide.A
signoftruerepentanceistheacknowledgmentthatwedeserveallthetroubles,visibleand
invisible,thatcometous,andevengreaterones.Moses,afterseeingGodinthebush,returned
againtoEgypt,thatis,todarknessandtothebrickmakingofPharaoh,symbolicalofthespiritual
Pharaoh.Buthewentbackagaintothebush,andnotonlytothebushbutalsoupthemountain.
Whoeverhasknowncontemplationwillneverdespairofhimself.Jobbecameabeggar,buthe
becametwiceasrichagain.StJohnClimacustheLadderofDivineAscent

NothingequalsorexcelsGodsmercies.Therefore,hewhodespairsiscommittingsuicide.A
signoftruerepentanceistheacknowledgementthatwedeservealltheafflictions,visibleand
invisible,thatcomeuponus,andevengreaterones.Moses,afterseeingGodinthebush,
returnedagaintoEgypt,thatis,tothedarknessandtothebrickmakingofPharaoh,whowas
symbolicalofthespiritualPharaoh.Buthewentbackagaintothebush,andnotonlytothebush,
butalsouptothemountain.Whoeverhasknowndivinevisionwillneverdespairofhimself.Job
becameabeggar,buthebecametwiceasrichagain.StJohnClimacus,"TheLadderofDivine
Ascent",Step5:OnPainstakingandTrueRepentanceWhichConstitutetheLifeoftheHoly
Convicts(Boston:HolyTransfigurationMonastery,1978)

Oncegoneforthfromhencethereisnomoreplaceforrepentancenosatisfactioncanbe
accomplished.Itisherethatlifeislostorsaveditisherethateternalsalvationisprovidedforby
theworshipofGod,thethefruitsoffaith.St.CyprianofCarthage,LettertoDemetrius

Onemustcondescendtothesoulinitsinfirmitiesandimperfections,andbearitsdefectsaswe
bearthoseofothersonemustnot,however,becomelazy,butshouldspuroneselftodobetter.
Perhapsonehaseatentoomuch,ordonesomethingsimilartothiswhichisnaturaltohuman
weaknessdonotbedisturbedatthis,anddonotaddinjurytoinjurybutbestiryourselfto
correctionandatthesametimestrivetopreservepeaceofsoul,accordingtothewordofthe
Apostle:'Blessedishethatcondemnethnothimselfinthatthingwhichhealloweth'(Rom.
14:22).St.SeraphimofSarov,LittleRussianPhilokalia,Vol.1

Remember,Omysoul,theterribleandfrightfulwonder:thatyourCreatorforyoursakebecame
Man,anddeignedtosufferforthesakeofyoursalvation.Hisangelstremble,theCherubimare
terrified,theSeraphimareinfear,andalltheheavenlypowersceaselesslygivepraiseandyou,
unfortunatesoul,remaininlaziness.Atleastfromthistimeforthariseanddonotputoff,my
belovedsoul,holyrepentance,contritionofheartandpenanceforyoursins.St.Paisius
Velichkovsky

Repentanceandhumilityestablishthesoul.Charityandmeeknessstrengthenit.MonkEvagrius

Repentanceistherenewalofbaptism.RepentanceisacontractwithGodforasecondlife.A
penitentisabuyerofhumility.Repentanceisconstantdistrustofbodilycomfort.Repentanceis
selfcondemningreflection,andcarefreeselfcare.Repentanceisthedaughterofhopeandthe
renunciationofdespair.Apenitentisanundisgracedconvict.Repentanceisreconciliationwith
theLordbythepracticeofgooddeedscontrarytothesins.Repentanceispurificationof
conscience.Repentanceisthevoluntaryenduranceofallafflictions.Apenitentistheinflicterof
hisownpunishments.Repentanceisamightypersecutionofthestomach,andastrikingofthe
soulintovigorousawareness.StJohnClimacus,"TheLadderofDivineAscent",Step5:On
PainstakingandTrueRepentanceWhichConstitutetheLifeoftheHolyConvicts(Boston:Holy
TransfigurationMonastery,1978)

Repentanceistherenewalofbaptism.RepentanceisacontractwithGodforasecondlife.A
penitentisabuyerofhumility.Repentanceisconstantdistrustofbodilycomfort.Repentanceis
selfcondemningreflection,andcarefreeselfcare.Repentanceisthedaughterofhopeandthe
renunciationofdespair.Apenitentisanundisgracedconvict.Repentanceisreconciliationwith
theLordbythepracticeofgooddeedscontrarytothesins.Repentanceispurificationof
conscience.Repentanceisthevoluntaryenduranceofallafflictions.Apenitentistheinflicterof
hisownpunishments.Repentanceisamightypersecutionofthestomach,andastrikingofthe
soulintovigorousawareness.St.JohnClimacus

Repentanceistherenewalofbaptism.RepentanceisacontractwithGodforasecondlife.A
penitentisabuyerofhumility.Repentanceisconstantdistrustofbodilycomfort.Repentanceis
selfcondemningreflection,andcarefreeselfcare.Repentanceisthedaughterofhopeandthe
renunciationofdespair.Apenitentisanundisgracedconvict.Repentanceisreconciliationwith
theLordbythepracticeofgooddeedscontrarytothesins.Repentanceispurificationof
conscience.Repentanceisthevoluntaryenduranceofallafflictions.Apenitentistheinflicterof
hisownpunishments.Repentanceisamightypersecutionofthestomach,andastrikingofthe
soulintovigorousawareness.St.JohnClimacus,LadderofDivineAscent,Step5

Repentanceistherenewalofbaptism.RepentanceisacontractwithGodforasecondlife.A
penitentisabuyerofhumility.Repentanceisconstantdistrustofbodilycomfort..:.Repentance
isthedaughterofhopeandtherenunciationofdespair....Repentanceisreconciliationwiththe
Lordbythepracticeofgooddeedscontrarytothesins.Repentanceispurificationof
conscience.Repentanceisthevoluntaryenduranceofallafflictions...StJohnClimacusthe
LadderofDivineAscent

ShouldyouaccuseandcondemnyourselfbeforeGodforthesinsonyourconscience,youwill
bejustifiedfordoingso.CounselsoftheOptinaElderMoses(Putilov)

Shouldyoubesorrowfuloveryoursins,orbemoved,orshedatear,orsigh,yoursighingwillnot
behiddenfromHim.St.Simeontellsus,NothingishiddenfromThee,myGod,myCreator,my
Redeemer,neitherateardrop,norapartofadrop.St.JohnChrysostomstates,Ifyouonly
lamentoveryoursins,Hewilltakeitasareasonforyoursalvation.CounselsoftheOptina
ElderMoses(Putilov)

SincererepentanceisagiftofGodsuchthat,althoughwemaynothavecommittedanysevere
fallintosinorevildeed,westillseeourselvesinourtruelight,seehowweakweare,howmuch
wesininthemind,inourfeelings,andespeciallyinourimagination.Lookinghonestlyat
ourselves,wehavenothinglefttosayexcept"LordGodhavemercyonme,helpme,and
forgive,forgive,forgiveme!"ThenforgivenesswillcomeintooursoulslikePascha,andweare
asitwerebornanew.AndiftheLordshouldforgive,whowillcondemnus?MetropolitanVitaly,
PaschalEncyclical,2001(http://www.orthodox.net/pascha/2001paschavitaly.html)

ThebeginningofrepentanceproceedsfromfearofGodandheedfulness,astheholymartyr
Bonifacesays(LivesofSaints,Dec.19):ThefearofGodisthefatherofheedfulness,and
heedfulnessisthemotherofinnerpeace,andthelattergivesbirthtoconscience,whichcauses
thesoultobeholditsownuglinessasinacertainpureandundisturbedwaterandthusareboth
thebeginningsandrootsofrepentance.SpiritualInstructionsofSt.SeraphimofSarov

Thedeeperthecontrition,thebetter.Buthoweverdeepthecontrition,neveradmitashadowof
doubtaboutforgiveness.Forgivenessisalreadyfullypreparedandtherecordofallsinshas
beentornupontheCross.Repentanceandcontritionaloneareexpectedofeveryman,before
hetoocanparticipateinthepoweroftheredemptionofthesinsoftheworldthroughthe
Crucifixion.LorenzoScupoli(UnseenWarfare:Chapter28)

Thefactthatrepentancefurnisheshopeshouldnotbetakenbyusasameanstoroboursleves
ofthefeelingoffear,sothatonemightmorefreelyandfearlesslycommitsin.Forbeholdhow
GodineverywisepreachedfearinalltheScripturesandshowedHimselftobeahaterofsin.
TheAsceticalHomiliesofSt.IsaactheSyrian.

Theforgettingofwrongsisasignoftruerepentance.Buthewhodwellsonthemandthinksthat
heisrepentingislikeamanwhothinksheisrunningwhileheisreallyasleep.St.John
Climacus,TheLadderofDivineAscent,(Boston:HolyTransfigurationMonastery,1978),Step
9:OnRemembranceofWrongs

Theforgettingofwrongsisasignoftruerepentance.Buthewhodwellsonthemandthinksthat
heisrepentingislikeamanwhothinksheisrunningwhileheisreallyasleep...StJohn
ClimacustheLadderofDivineAscent

Thegraceofthepriesthoodisonething,thegraceofthegreatschemaisanother,thegraceof
theMysteriesisdifferent,andtheactionofgraceinascesisisalsodifferent.Theyallspringfrom
thesamesource,buteachonediffersfromtheotherineminenceandglory.Thegraceof
repentance,whichactsinthosewhostruggle,isapatristicinheritance.Itisadivinetransaction
andexchangeinwhichwegivedustandreceiveheaven.WeexchangematterfortheSpirit.
Everydropofsweat,everypain,everyascesisforGodisanexchange.MonasticWisdom:The
LettersofElderJosephtheHesychast

Themanwhoremainsstandingwhenherepents,hasnotkeptthecommandment.Abba
TheodoreofPherme

TheparentsofayounggirldiedandshewasleftanorphanshewascalledPaesia.She
decidedtomakeherhouseahospicefortheuseofthefathersofScetis.Butinthecourseof
timeherresourceswereexhaustedandshebegantobeinwant.Somewickedmencameto
seeherandturnedherasidefromheraim.Shebegantoliveanevillifetothepointofbecoming
aprostitute.
Thefathers,learningthis,weredeeplygrievedandtheycalledJohntheDwarfandsaidtohim,
"Wehavelearnedthatthissisterislivinganevillife.Whileshecouldshegaveuscharity,so
nowitisourturntoofferhercharityandtogotoherassistance.Gotoseeherthenand
accordingtothewisdomthatGodhasgivenyou,putthingsrightforher."
SoAbbaJohnwenttoseeherandsaidtotheolddoorkeeper,"TellyourmistressIamhere."But
shesenthimawaysaying,"Fromthestartyouatehergoodsandseehowpoorsheisnow."
AbbaJohnsaid,"TellherIhavesomethingthatwillbeveryhelpfultoher."Thedoorkeeper's
childrenmockedhimsaying,"Whathaveyoutogiveherthatyouwanttomeether?"Hereplied,
"HowdoyouknowwhatIamgoingtogiveher?"
Theoldwomanwentupandspoketohermistressabouthim.Paesiasaidtoher,"Thosemonks
arealwaysgoingaboutaroundtheRedSeaandfindingpearls."Thenshegotreadyandsaidto
thedoorkeeper,"Pleasebringhimtome."Ashewascomingup,shegotreadyforhimandlay
downonthebed.AbbaJohnenteredandsatbesideher.Lookingintohereyes,hesaid,"What
haveyougotagainstJesusthatyoubehavelikethis?"Whensheheardthisshebecame
completelyrigid.ThenAbbaJohnbenthisheadandbegantoweepcopiously.Sheaskedhim,
"Whyareyoucrying,Father?"Heraisedhishead,thenlowereditagainweepingandsaidtoher,
"IseeSatanplayinginyourface,howshouldInotweep?"
Hearingthisshesaid,"Father,isitpossibletorepent?"Hereplied,"Yes."Shesaid,"Takeme
whereveryouwish.""Letusgo,"hesaidandshegotupandwentwithhim.
AbbaJohnnoticedthatshedidnotmakeanyarrangementsaboutherhousehesaidnothingbut
hewassurprised.Whentheyreachedthedeserttheeveningwasdrawingon.Hemadealittle
pillowinthesandandmarkeditwiththesignofthecross,saying,"Sleephere."Thenhedidthe
sameforhimselfalittlefurtheron,saidhisprayersandlaydown.
Wakinginthemiddleofthenight,hesawashiningpathreachingfromheaventoherandhesaw
theangelsofGodbearingawayhersoul.Whenhesawthatshewasdead,hethrewhimself
downwardonthegroundprayingtoGodandheheardthis:"Onesinglehourofrepentancehas
broughthermorethanthepenancesofmanywhocontinuewithoutshowingsuchfervorin
repentance."Sr.BenedictaWard,"HarlotsoftheDesert,"(Kalamazoo,Michigan:Cistercian
Publications,1987),pp.7778

Thesaintsarerequiredtoofferrepentancenotonlyontheirownbehalfbutalsoonbehalfoftheir
neighbor,forwithoutactivelovetheycannotbemadeperfect...Inthiswaythewholeuniverseis
heldtogetherinunity,andthroughGod'sprovidenceweareeachofusassistedbyoneanother.
St.MarktheAscetic(asquotedinHOWAREWESAVED?byBishopKallistosWare,pg.23)

Thewickedone,onthewatch,carriedmeoffasbootyasIlazilyslept.Heledmymindintoerror
heplunderedmyspiritandsnatchedawayThewealthofThygrace,thisarchrobber.Soraise
meup,asIamfallen,andsummonme,Saviour,Thouwhodostwillthatallmenbesaved.St
RomanostheMelodistAPrayer

Thewickedone,onthewatch,carriedmeoffasbootyasIlazilyslept.Heledmymindintoerror
heplunderedmyspiritandsnatchedawayThewealthofThygrace,thisarchrobber.Soraise
meup,asIamfallen,andsummonme,Saviour,Thouwhodostwillthatallmenbesaved.
KontakiaofSt.Romanos,APrayer

ThisisnowthesecondcovenantyouhavemadewithGod.Thefirstyoumadewhenyou
originallyenteredintothislifethesecond,asyouswiftlyapproachitsclose.Thenthroughthe
professionofthetruefaithyouwerenumberedamongChrist'sflocknowyouareunitedtoHim
throughrepentance.Thenyoufoundgracenowyouhavecontractedanobligation.Then,stilla
littlechild,youwerenotawareofthehonorconferredonyou,althoughlater,asyougrewup,you
begantoappreciatethegreatnessofthegiftandrestrainedyourtongueaccordingly.Now,
havingreachedcompleteunderstanding,youfullyrecognizethesignificanceofthevowyouare
taking.Bewarelestyoufailtofulfillthispromiseaswell,andarecast,likesomeshatteredpot,
intotheouterdarknesswherethereisweepingandgnashingofteeth(cf.Mt.8:12).Nopath
otherthanthatofrepentanceleadstosalvation.Theoliptos,MetropolitanofPhiladelphia,
Philokalia,Vol.4

Thislifehasbeengiventoyouforrepentancedonotwasteitinvainpursuits.St.IsaacofSyria

Thoudostnotsomuchdesirethysinstobeforgiven,asHedesirestoforgivetheethysins.In
proofthatthoudostnotsodesireit,considerthatthouhastnomindeithertopracticevigils,orto
givethymoneyfreely:butHe,thatHemightforgiveoursins,sparednotHisOnlyBegottenand
TrueSon,thepartnerofHisthroneSt.JohnChrysostom

Twofactorsareinvolvedinman'ssalvation:thegraceofGodandthewillofman.Bothmust
worktogether,ifsalvationistobeattained.
RepentanceisaMysterionthroughwhichhewhorepentsforhissinsconfessesbeforea
SpiritualFatherwhohasbeenappointedbytheChurchandhasreceivedtheauthoritytoforgive
sins,andreceivesfromthisSpiritualFathertheremissionofhissinsandisreconciledwiththe
Deity,againstWhomhesinned.
Repentancesignifiesregret,changeofmind.Thedistinguishingmarksofrepentanceare
contrition,tears,aversiontowardssin,andloveofthegood."ModernOrthodoxSaints,St.
NectariosofAegina",Dr.ConstantineCavarnos,InstituteforByzantineandModernGreek
Studies,Belmont,Massachusetts.,1981.,pp.154187

Wemustcarefullyconsiderwhetherourconsciencehasceasedtoaccuseus,notasaresultof
purity,butbecauseitisimmersedinevil.Asignofdeliverancefromourfallsisthecontinual
acknowledgmentofourindebtedness.StJohnClimacustheLadderofDivineAscent

Weshouldnotputoffrepentance,forweknownotthehourofourdeath.St.EphraimofSyria

Whatdoesspoilrepentanceisbeingagainentangledinthesameevils."Forthereisone"we
read,"whobuilds,andonewhopullsdown,whathavetheygainedmorethantoil?Hewhois
dippedinwaterbecauseofcontactwithadeadbody,andthentouchesitagain,whathashe
gainedbyhiswashing?"Evensoifamanfastsbecauseofhissins,andgoeshiswayagain,
anddoesthesamethings,whowillhearhisprayer?Andagainweread"ifamangoesback
fromrighteousnesstosintheLordwillpreparehimforthesword,"and,"asadogwhenhehas
returnedtohisvomit,andbecomeodious,soisafoolwhobyhiswickednesshasreturnedto
hissin."Chrysostom:ExhortationtoTheodoreafterhisfall,letter1

Whatthen?someonewillsay:'Wehavebeenbeguiledandarelost.Istherethennosalvation
left?Wehavefallen:Isitnotpossibletoriseagain?Wehavebeenblinded:Maywenotrecover
oursight?Wehavebecomecrippled:Canweneverwalkupright?Inaword,wearedead:May
wenotriseagain?'HethatwokeLazaruswhowasfourdaysdeadandalreadystank,shallHe
not,Oman,muchmoreeasilyraisetheewhoartalive?HewhoshedHispreciousbloodforus,
shallHimselfdeliverusfromsin.Letusnotdespairofourselves,brethrenletusnotabandon
ourselvestoahopelesscondition.Foritisafearfulthingnottobelieveinahopeofrepentance.
SecondCatecheticalLectureOfOurHolyFatherCyril,ArchbishopOfJerusalem,LectureIi.On
RepentanceAndRemissionOfSins,AndConcerningTheAdversary

Whenapersonisinastateofbondagetosinandhasasanobstaclesadnessandcannot
concentrate,itmeansthatheiswithouttheregenerationofourSaviorJesusChristandisfar
fromHim.
Butwhenaman"comestohimself"andfeelsthathissoulisfarfromGodandbecomesaware
ofhissinfulness,andwithtearsofrepentanceentreatsourHeavenlyFathertoforgivehimand
bringhimbacktotheheavenlyjoyofourChrist,thentheregenerationofhissoultakesplace.
ModernOrthodoxSaintsSaintsRaphael,NicholasandIreneofLesvos.,byConstantine
Cavarnos.,INSTITUTEFORBYZANTINEANDMODERNSTUDIES.,Belmont,Massachusetts.,
1990.,pp.145155

WhenpeoplegototheLordwithafirmresolve,Heneverallowsthemtofallbackcompletely.He
seestheirweaknessandworkswiththemtohelp.HestretchesoutHishandofpowerfromon
highanddrawsthemtoHimself.Hisassistanceisatthesametimeopen,yetsecret,conscious,
yetunconscious,untilsuchtimeaswehaveclimbedrightuptheladderanddrawnclosetoHim.
ThenwewillbemadeoneintheAllandforgetallthethingsofearth,andbewithGod,whetherin
bodyouroutofitIdonotknow.Thereweshallbefellowcitizens,enjoyingthegoodthingsthat
cannotbedescribed.St.SymeontheNewTheologian,ThePracticalandTheologicalChapter

Whileawoundisstillnewandwarm,itiseasytoheal.Oldwounds,carelesslylefttofesterare
noteasilyhealed,butrequiremucheffort,cutting,dusting[withmedications]andcauterizations.
Withtime,manywoundsbecomeintractablebutforGodeverythingispossible(Matthew19:26).
Thelatertherepentance,themorearduousitbecomes.StJohnoftheLadder

Whydoyouincreaseyourbonds?Takeholdofyourlifebeforeyourlightgrowsdarkandyou
seekhelpanddonotfindit.Thislifehasbeengiventoyouforrepentancedonotwasteitinvain
pursuits.St.IgnatiustheGodbearer

Youare,Iamsure,awarethatforyoupenitenceisnownolongerlimitedtodisclosingyoursins
toyourconfessor,butthatyoumustnowbearyoursinsinmindalways,untilyourheartnearly
breakswiththeiruglyloadandwouldbreak,wereitnotforyourfirmfaithinthemercyofour
Lord."St.MakaryofOptina

...itisimpossibleforamantobefreedfromthehabitofsinbeforehehatesit,justasitis
impossibletoreceiveforgivenessbeforeconfessinghistrespasses...MonksCallistusand
Ignatius(DirectionstoHesychastsno.28,WritingsfromthePhilokaliaonPrayeroftheHeart
FaberandFaberpg.199)

AbrotheraskedAbbaSisoes,'WhatshallIdo,Abba,forIhavefallen?'Theoldmansaidtohim,
'Getupagain.'Thebrothersaid,'Ihavegotupagain,butIhavefallenagain.Theoldmansaid,
'Getupagainandagain.Sothenthebrothersaid,'Howmanytimes?'Theoldmansaid,'Until
youaretakenupeitherinvirtueorinsin.Foramanpresentshimselftojudgementinthestatein
whichheisfound.'TheSayingsoftheDesertFathers.

Itisalwayspossibletomakeanewstartbymeansofrepentance.'Forarighteousmanmayfall
seventimesAndriseagain'(Prov.24:16).Andifyoufallagain,thenriseagain,without
despairingatallofyoursalvation,nomatterwhathappens.Solongasyoudonotsurrender
yourselfwillinglytotheenemy,yourpatientendurance,combinedwithselfreproach,willsuffice
foryoursalvation.'Forweourselveswerealsooncefoolish,disobedient,'saysSt.Paul,'...notby
worksofrighteousnesswhichwehavedone,butaccordingtoHismercyHesavedus'(Tit.
3:3,5).St.PeterofDamaskos.

"Letnoneofyousayitisimpossibletoweepeachday,forthosewhosaythisalsosayitis
impossibletorepenteachday.Firstofall,withanunquestionablyfirmfaithandwarmlove,you
oughttoapproachGodanddecidedlyrenouncetheworld."St.PaisiusVelichkovsky

"AlmightyGodhasallowedHischosentosuccumbtocertainsins.ThisissothatHemay
restorehopeofforgivenesstoothers,whoareundersin'sdomination,iftheywillonlyriseupto
Himwholeheartedly:forthenGodcanopenupforthemthewaytoheaventhroughsorrowand
repentance.Letusthemembracesorrow,letisridourselvesofoursinsbytearsand'fruits
worthyofrepentance.'Wemustnotsquanderthetimethathasbeengrantedus.Weseeso
manyfreshlywashedcleanofthewrongstheyhavedone:whatelsesowehaveinthemexcept
apledgeofthecompassionfromonhigh!"St.GregorytheGreat

Ifchastisementisanobstacletowickedness,youwillsay,whydowenotdailypaythepenaltyof
sin?Becauseifthishappened,thehumanracewouldbesnatchedawayaheadoftimeandthe
opportunityforrepentanceremoved.St.JohnChrysostom,CommentaryonthePsalms,Vol.1

Aslongasweareinthisworld,letusrepentwithourwholeheartoftheevilthingswhichwe
havedoneintheflesh,sothatwemaybesavedbytheLordwhilewestillhavetimefor
repentance.Forafterwehavedepartedfromtheworld,wearenolongerablethereeitherto
confessortorepentanymore.SecondClement,c.A.D.100.

SomeoneaskedAbbaPoementoexplainwhatrepentancemeansexactly?"Nottocommitthe
samesinagaininthefuture,"theElderreplied.AbbaPoemen

AnovicewenttoHolyPoemeninsorrow."Ihadagreatfall,Abba,"heconfessed,andIneedat
leastthreeyearstorepent."That'stoomuch,"theEldertoldhim."Isthreemonthsenough,
then?""That'salsotoomuch,"theHolyManreplied.Letmetellyouthatifyouhavetruly
repentedandhavemadeafirmdecisionnottofallintothesamesinagain,GodinhisGoodness
willreceiveyoubackinthreedays"AbbaPoemen

AbrotherconfessedtoAbbaSisoes."Ifell,Father.WhatamItodonow?""Getup,"saidtheHoly
Elder,withhisusualsimplicity"Igotup,Abba,butIfellintothatcursedsinagain,"thebrother
confessedwithgreatsorrow?"Andwhat'sstoppingyoufromgettingupagain?""Forhowlong?"
thebrotherreplied"Untildeathfindsyoueitherfallingorrising.Isitwritten."whereverIfindyou
thereshallIjudgeyou?"theElderexplained.OnlypraytoGodthatduringyourlastmomentyou
willbefounduprightinholyrepentance."AbbaSisoes

"Thereisasinwhichisalways'untodeath'[1Jn5:16]thesinwhichwehavenotrepented.
Evenasaint'sprayer'swillnotbeheardfortheunrepentedsin.Thepersonwhorepents
correctlydoesnotimaginethathissinsarecancelledthroughhisowneffortbutknowsthat
throughthisefforthemakespeacewithGod."St.MarktheAscetic

Theysaythatacertainbrother,whentroubledbyathoughtwhichsaid,forgetabouttodayand
repenttomorrow,wouldwiselyreply"TodayI'llshowmyrepentancewithworks,asfor
tomorrow,letGod'swillbedone."Unknown(foundat
http://agrino.org/cyberdesert/Repentance.htm)

SincetheWordofGodthoughHisdescenttoushasbroughtthekingdomofheavenclosetous,
letusnotdistanceourselvesfromitbyleadinganunrepentantlife.Letusratherfleethe
wretchednessofthosewhosit`indarknessandtheshadowofdeath'(Isa.9:2).Letusacquire
thefruitsofrepentance:ahumbledisposition,compunctionandspiritualgrief,agentleand
mercifulheartthatlovesrighteousnessandpursuespurity,peaceful,peacemaking,patientin
toil,gladtoendurepersecution,lossoutrage,slanderandsufferingforthesakeoftruthand
righteousness.Forthekingdomofheavenor,rather,theKingofheavenineffableinHis
generosityiswithinus(cf.Luke17:21)andtoHimweshouldcleavethroughactsof
repentanceandpatientendurance,lovingasmuchaswecanHimWhosodearlyhaslovedus.
St.GregoryPalamas,Philokalia,Vol.4.

Repentancemustoccur,notfromfearofpunishmentbutbecausewehavesinnedbeforeGod.
Sweetenyourthoughtswithwordsofconsolationandhope.Warmyourwordswiththewarmth
ofyourlovetowardsyourBridegroomandrememberHisPassion,whichheunderwentforyou,
sothatyouwouldremainfirm,devotedandhumble.Giveyourwholeselfcompletelyovertothe
protectingveilofthePanagia.ElderAmphilochiosMakris
http://agrino.org/cyberdesert/makris.htm

"Letnoneofyousayitisimpossibletoweepeachday,forthosewhosaythisalsosayitis
impossibletorepenteachday.Firstofall,withanunquestionablyfirmfaithandwarmlove,you
oughttoapproachGodanddecidedlyrenouncetheworld."St.PaisiusVelichkovsky

Evenifallspiritualfathers,patriarchs,hierarchs,andallthepeopleforgiveyou,youare
unforgivenifyoudontrepentinaction.REF:SaintKosmasAitolos+1779

8.UnexpectedtrialsaresentbyGodtoteachustopracticetheasceticlifeandtheyleadusto
repentanceevenwhenwearereluctant.REF:SaintKosmasAitolos+1779

58.Asinnercannotescaperetributionexceptthroughrepentanceappropriatetohisoffence.
REF:SaintKosmasAitolos+1779

78.NooneisasgoodandmercifulastheLord.ButevenHedoesnotforgivetheunrepentant.
REF:SaintKosmasAitolos+1779

79.Manyofusfeelremorseforoursins,yetwegladlyaccepttheircauses.REF:SaintKosmas
Aitolos+1779

110.Onewhoisrepentantcannotbehaughty,justasonewhosinsdeliberatelycannotbe
humbleminded.REF:SaintKosmasAitolos+1779

215.Ifamanfallsintosomesinanddoesnotfeelremorseforhisoffenceasheshould,hewill
easilyfallintothesamenetagain.REF:SaintKosmasAitolos+1779

Justasnoonesellsmerchandisewhenthecelebrationends,thusalsointhetombnoone
makesdealsfortheKingdomofGod.REF:SaintBasiltheGreat

Whenworksoffaitharelacking,thenameofaChristiandoesnotbenefitushasten,oh
Christian,withrepentanceandconversiontheexitofthesoulbecauseonearthrepentance
hasitspower.REF:SaintJohnChrysostom