One Must Not Seek Out Persecution
May 8
(A Word of Saint Peter of Alexandria. Prologue for May 7. From the Paterikon)
By Archpriest Victor Guryev
May 8
(A Word of Saint Peter of Alexandria. Prologue for May 7. From the Paterikon)
By Archpriest Victor Guryev
People of bad character and spiritual pride, unable to live peacefully with those around them, imagine themselves to be martyrs worthy of a martyr’s crown. What a pitiful delusion!
A person who constantly irritates others and brings troubles upon himself certainly suffers sorrows and hardships — but who is to blame for them if not he himself? Yet such a person says to everyone:
“To be saved, one must suffer — and I suffer; therefore I am a martyr.”
And everywhere he stirs up quarrels and discord, making life bitter both for others and for himself. Is there any meaning in seeking sufferings in this way? Is it pleasing to God? Will the sufferings of such a person have any value in the eyes of God?
Without doubt, no.
