St. Ambrose of Optina and his instructions

St. Ambrose of Optina During his lifetime he was revered as an old man and was glorified in the form of saints. Although he died in 1891, his wise words still seem accurate and relevant today. Therefore, at least some of the teachings of this extraordinary person is definitely worth reading.

And today's edition. "Site" He invites readers to learn more about the priest, who in a simple and humorous form gave instructions to all comers. And in the current difficult time, the advice of Ambrose Optinsky definitely deserves attention.



St. Ambrose of Optina

1. “To live is not to bother, not to annoy anyone, not to judge anyone, and my respect to everyone,” the elder said in joke when asked how to live. Of course, such a half-joking tone relaxed the person, made him smile. But if you take these words more seriously, if you try to understand their real essence, you will find a deep meaning.
   
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   To live so as not to bother. The first part of the book is incredibly important. A person should not fill his head with failures and experiences, do not torment his heart with sorrows. Peace and tranquility will help in any difficult situation.
   
   There is no need to judge and annoy either. After all, these manifestations of excessive pride will not lead to anything good, but only add problems to his environment. On the whole, with this teaching, St. Ambrose of Optina teaches humility, without which, as was always believed, it was impossible to be saved.
   
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2. “Look, Meliton, hold on to a medium tone. Take high - it will not be easy, take low - it will be slimy, the elder told a familiar nun to warn her against arrogance. And it works in many areas of life. You start trying on an image in which you are uncomfortable, only confuse everyone or make fun of it. The same effect will be if you try on rags. And even the most worthy of your behavior will not change anything for the better.
   
   Ambrose Optinsky was convinced that it was important to keep balance and not try to jump above his head. Otherwise, you can, as he said, break your legs.
   
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How do you live? “We must live on earth as the wheel turns,” the old man said. Revealing the idea, he said that, having touched the earth with one point, all the rest of the man should strive upwards. After all, if you lie down on the ground, it is already difficult to climb. In addition to the fact that man must constantly move forward, Ambrose of Optina urged that all his deeds and aspirations should be dedicated to God. Ask Him for blessings, advice and strength. To give thanks for all that is done and not done.

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“Boredom is the despondency of a grandson, and laziness is a daughter. To drive her away, work hard, do not be lazy in prayer. Then the boredom will pass and the diligence will come.” A universal recipe that still works well today (and will work, perhaps, at all times). In addition, the elder assured that if you add patience with humility to the above, you will be able to get rid of not only boredom, but also many other problems.

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Publication from the Orthodox Faith! Vladimir (@pokrov_presvjatoj_bogorodicy)





The editorial board of St. Ambrose of Optina will help in any trouble. Recently, we talked about how to ask him for help. And even though many of his teachings seem playful, but the playful here is only a tone, the essence is revealed quite seriously.



What do you think of the old man’s teachings?

Photo by Ctac, U.S. Copyright Office, via Wikimedia Commons

Photo by BetacommandBot, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons