Whatever name you call yourself in your own mind – simpleton, weakling… – never dare to do so without adding, “God loves simpletons.” or “God loves weaklings.” etc. The accusation of the Enemy and self-accusation differ in this regard.

When asking for blessings, say “we”, but when confessing sin and unworthiness, say “I”.If you have anything to teach others, teach rather yourself. Then, when you have learned all that you have to teach, and are ready to teach others, become the student of the Fathers and teach nothing until they have nothing to teach you, which will never happen. If anyone says that in this way you are also teaching, learn from them, but do not become a teacher.

I have nothing to say unless the Church has said it or unless the Church says ‘Amen’.

Better not to begin the day, than to begin without prayer. Let the sun not rise on me, nor let me wake, unless waking and rising I pray to Thee. Let the day and toil never end, unless it ends with prayer.

When you go to Divine Liturgy, say “Lord, I thy betrayer come.”

When you kiss the icons, say “Like Judas have I kissed thee.”

If you can bear to be despised for what you are, can you bear also to be misunderstood and despised for what you are not?

Can you bear it, if you have no true home, no safety, no rest, no companions, and not even the dignity of life? If you bear the absence of these, you will receive them.

When you write your name, add to it “the unworthy”, so that you don’t forget the truth.

Better not to eat, than to eat and not pray.

Being rich is not evil; knowing where starving people are, and buying a stereo — that’s evil. Have mercy on me, the thief of the world’s goods, the rich man who laments his poverty, the feigner of desperation who ignores the desperate. Save me with empty hands, a bare back, and no roof to hide me, I who fear these things but do not fear Thee.

Do not let piety stand in for good work or vice versa.