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Silence & Tears

I. The Virtue of Silence (Hesychia hsucia).
a.) The sources of silence
· Flee
· Be Silent
· Pray always

b.) Silence is not a cessation of words:

“Abba Poemen said: “Someone may seem to be silent, but if in the heart one is condemning others, then one is babbling ceaselessly. And there may be another who talks from morning till evening, and yet in the heart that person is truly silent. That person says nothing that is not profitable.”

1. Silence defined
“Silence is a way of waiting, a way of watching, and a way of listening to what is going on within and around us. (Fr. Chryssavgis, In the Heart of the Desert, p. 45)”

2. We cannot hear God as long as we are “talking, thinking” – words are a way of affirming OUR rational existence – silence is a Way of Dying to self.

“When we experience moments of panic, of powerlessness, helplessness, of terror or of death – we are simply to sit, stay and wait upon God. Divine grace is unnoticed as long as we depend on ourselves. (Fr. Chryssavgis, p. 48)”

3. Silence leads to Tears (Dakrya) and Weeping (Penthos)

a.) In silence we see our sinfulness for what it is and inevitably weep.

“But he gives more grace; therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." 7 Be subject therefore to God. Stand against the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, O sinners, and purify your hearts, O double minded ones 9 Endure hardship, and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to a downcast look expressive of sorrow. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord and he shall exalt you. (Orthodox New Testament, James 4:6-10)

The sign of a true Christian (St. Macaruis of Egypt)
“The true sign of a Christian is this: to feed the hungry, to give drink to the thirsty, to endure hunger and thirst, to be poor in spirit, to be humble and contemptible in one’s own eyes.”

St. Peter (Luke 5) – Depart from me for I am a sinful man.”

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