The spiritual life is warfare. It is not a sentimental experience or a hobby of the pious. It is the daily crucifixion of the flesh, the relentless struggle against the passions that seek to drag the soul into damnation. Among the most destructive of these passions in our age is lust—fed, glorified, and weaponised through pornography. The Apostle does not speak lightly on this subject. He declares war on it. “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” (Col. 3:5) Fornication—πορνεία in the Greek—is not a weakness…
The Jesus Prayer, known in its most common form as “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner,” stands as one of the most ancient and revered prayers in the Holy Ancient Orthodox Church. It is not a formula invented for convenience, nor a casual repetition of words for sentimental comfort. It is the distillation of the Gospel’s entire message. It is a spiritual weapon, a lifeline of the soul, and the heart of true hesychasm—the path of stillness and prayer leading to union with God. This article will examine its roots, meaning, scriptural foundation, liturgical…
