I congratulate you on the beginning of the Nativity Fast! Today, we also commemorate Venerable Paisius Velichkovsky, an 18th-century monk who played a crucial role in reviving spiritual life. During his time, the patristic understanding of spiritual life had, in many ways, been lost in Russia. While monks of the period laboured diligently for God through fasting, vigils, and extended services, their efforts were often confined to external practices. Venerable Paisius, however, directed his energy towards cultivating and developing the inner self.
On Mount Athos, he immersed himself in spiritual life, absorbing its deepest treasures. From there, he began establishing monasteries in Moldavia, passing on his wisdom. His disciples, Schema-monk Theodore and Hieromonk Cleopa, became the mentors of Leo of Optina, the first elder of the renowned Optina Hermitage, igniting a tradition of eldership that would flourish for generations.
We come to God not merely to accomplish external feats or to “break our foreheads” in effort, but to undergo an inner transformation. This is the essence of eldership, the revelation of thoughts, and tireless spiritual work. Without this interior labour, there can be no true fruit. We are called to seek peace within ourselves, to “go into your inner room” (Matthew 6:6), shutting ourselves within to meet God.
This inner work is essential: observing and evaluating our feelings and thoughts, revealing them in confession, and refraining from trusting in ourselves. Venerable Paisius’ great achievement was in restoring a spiritual life centred not on outward appearances — “arranging the hair” (1 Peter 3:3) — but on the hidden inner person, the heart. He became the catalyst for a revitalisation of monasticism in Russia, a movement led by his disciples. Though many misunderstood and even resisted them, such is often the way of the world.
What a great mercy it is that we are gathered here today, undeterred by fear. In today’s world, people are increasingly isolated and distanced, with nearly everything accomplished remotely. Modern innovations have robbed humanity of genuine interaction. People study, work, and even claim to love “remotely.” How often we hear, “I love!” — but upon asking, “Have you even met your beloved?” the answer comes: “We communicate online.” What sort of communication is that? It’s not amusing — it’s terrifying.
Human beings are being reduced to sources of contagion and fear. We hear: “Don’t cough! Don’t breathe on me! I want to live long!” But what of the Church? The Lord has united us, binding us together with His love. We are one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. How joyous it is to be members of the Orthodox Church! The gates of hell shall not prevail against it (cf. Matthew 16:18), for the saints intercede for us. No matter how the world attempts to divide the Church or sow fear among us, we remain united, for Christ is with us. “Where two or three are gathered in My name, I am there in their midst” (Matthew 18:20).
No matter how fiercely the enemy seeks to instil panic, unbelief, or doubt, and no matter the attacks against the Russian Orthodox Church, it lives and will continue to live. Saints such as Paisius Velichkovsky, Emperor Nicholas II, Empress Alexandra, their children, Seraphim of Sarov, John of Kronstadt, Silouan of Athos, and the New Martyrs are praying for us. Who can overcome us? Under the Church’s protection, we fear no virus or storm.
Imagine the future: a society where everyone dons spacesuits, afraid of one another and surrounded by viruses. Yet amid this, a handful of people will remain with Christ. They will be few, while the world will strive to homogenise everyone. But we are not the same. We are different — and together — because Christ is with us. We are not called to become impersonal robots; we are called to grow spiritually.
A time will come — when, we do not know — when we must enter eternal life. For this, our souls must be fully alive, having learned love and faith. This is our path, our salvation.
Christ is with us, and He will never abandon or betray us. Whatever the circumstances, we must not turn away from Christ or succumb to worldly deceptions and fears. Where Christ is, there is life. Today, Christ is within you. The Church is not an abstract concept; it is the people gathered in His name, united in His Body and Blood, and overcoming the world. As St Nicholas of Serbia said, “Every liturgy is an atomic bomb to hell.” It is God’s victory.
May God strengthen and protect you all!
Archpriest Andrey Lemeshonok’s sermon after the Divine Liturgy on 28 November 2021, the feast of St Paisius Velichkovsky and the beginning of the Nativity Fast
