The Calling of Divine Adoption

The words of Father Zacharias flow and interweave harmoniously, becoming an authentic fine embroidery in which the teaching of the Holy Scripture, of his spiritual Father Saint Sophrony Sakharov and of Saint Silouan the Athonite, of whose spiritual lineage he is part, as well as the gems of various monastic writings, are organically integrated. But just as the process of creating a beautiful fabric hides hard and continuous work, so these words, rich and profound, are the fruit of constant struggle and unceasing watchfulness. Before flowing smoothly and gently over the flat ground of a plain, the spring water meets the stones of the mountain and is hindered by the rocks, among which it persistently digs its way. So it is in the spiritual life: where there is now a wealth of grace shared with many, there has been before much sweat and compunction of the heart. Until they become pure silver, the Lord’s words are tried and purified seven times in the furnace of the Spirit (cf. Psalm 12:6). Only in this way can we also “be enlarged” (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:13) so that we may receive grace and love for our neighbour.
† Bishop Macarie Drăgoi
of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese
of Northern Europe
Stockholm, 5 December 2023
Venerable Savva the Sanctified from the Holy Land

— From: The Calling of Divine Adoption