Saint Anne Orthodox Church

We continue to develop our spiritual understanding based on the teachings of the blessed elder Joseph the Hesychast. As we concluded in last week’s lesson, the call to salvation, sanctification and life is the central message of the Scriptures and of our whole life in Christ. Knowing the direction in which we are called and the purpose of Christian life, we need to draw closer to the fulfillment of the divine call, to understand the practical steps we need to take in order to experience change in our lives and real growth in our spirituality. The words to be stressed here are “practical steps,” since theoretical understanding, although very important as a starting point, must be translated into action to be effective.

We recognize the beauty of patristic writings and the depth of their theology, but what is essential lies in the formation of a patristic spirit – a way of life guided and nourished by the teachings of the Holy Fathers. Theory without practice is like a tree without fruit. Understanding the commandments without practicing them will not bring salvation. In the same way, leaving the Church after services without determination to apply the message of the Scripture and the guidance we received will result in spiritual stagnation if not in spiritual regression. The call to work out our salvation is a call to practice what we learn, a call to follow in the steps of the saints, a call for each of us to literally struggle with our passions and evil ways. Turning away from passion and sin is the essence of repentance.

Next week we will begin to explore the practical tools afforded us through the teachings of the Holy Fathers and the Tradition of the Church.