THE GREAT AND MIRACULOUS POWER OF REPENTANCE
Every evening the holy father Hesychios was feeling very tired. When the abbot asked him why he was tired, he answered:
«I have got much work to do every day: I have two hawks to tame, two hares to train, one dragon to take care of, one lion with which I fight everyday, and a patient to look after».
The abbot wanted to know what all this meant.
The two hawks are my eyes, he said, which I must take care of so they won’t see anything which will harm me.
The two hares are my legs. I must control them, so they won’t lead me to sin.
The two eagles are my hands. I must work with them to earn my living.
The dragon is my tongue. I have to keep it under control.
The lion is my heart. With it I must always struggle.
The patient is my body. I have to take care of it (but not out of self-love) so that my soul can remain in it.
(Sample from the book)
CONTENTS
THE GREAT AND MIRACULOUS POWER OF REPENTANCE
The achievements of Repentance and Confession are marvelous
Wisdom of the Fathers
Opinions of the holy Fathers about repentance
- Saint John the Chrysostom
- Saint Isaac the Syrian
- Saint John of the Ladder
- Various Holy Fathers
The miraculous repentance of Saint Taisia
From the life of Saint Pelagia
Is there repentance for me, Abba?
St. Mary of Egypt
God never denies the work of His hands
The power of repentance
Practical advice on good repentance «If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness» (A’ John, 1, 9)
Saint Nikodemos the Agiorite Confession should be made before experienced spiritual fathers
The greatest miracle
The sick who deny their therapy
Repentance saves us
Admonitions of hermit Joseph the Athonite, 1959