Lessons of the Great
Archpastor, the Ever-memorable
Metropolitan Philaret of
Moscow
(✝November 19, 1867)
Faith in Christ has existed
on earth for almost 2,000 years now, and is in no way overcome. Hundreds of
thousands of people have joyously borne terrible torments out of love for
Christ, for faith in Him. And if in present times there have appeared men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the
faith (II Tim. 3:8) and stood against the Faith and the Church of
Christ, all their efforts are in vain: the Lord said that the gates of hell shall not prevail
against [His Church] (Matt. 6:18). Let us look at ourselves. Is there
among us firm faith and love for Christ? Do we not stifle it with our passions,
laziness, doubts? Ah, friends, without faith in the Lord Christ there is no
salvation! We must by all means kindle in ourselves the spirit of faith, that
is, stimulate it, feed it with prayer, the Word of God, patience, sincere
remembrance of the Saviour Who suffered for us. All of this can be done every
day.
