"Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid (Gospel of St. John 14:27)."

"Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid (Gospel of St. John 14:27)." My children, trust that GOD will not let us be tempted beyond our strength; along with the temptation will come the help of GOD. Our CHRIST tells us that if they hated ME they will also hate you (Gospel of St. John 15:18). 

If they persecuted and blasphemed and cursed ME, they will also persecute and blaspheme and curse you. And they will do these things to you because they do not know GOD and "they know not what they do (St. Luke 23:43)." We, my children, know GOD, and because we love HIM and are HIS, the world hates us, since it does not agree with HIM. Therefore have courage, my children; we are followers of the ONE WHO was crucified by them; so too we will be crucified by trials and temptations. 

Just as HE was resurrected, we too will be resurrected and glorified together with HIM unto the ages of ages.




Elder Ephraim of Arizona

Struggling with Temptation

Do not lose courage in the struggle, our Christ is invisibly standing by, observing the struggle of each one of us.


Therefore, struggle patiently, call out the name of our Jesus, so that it may be implanted within your hearts and so that you may become rich in the grace of God.


Struggle to acquire a pure intellect, so that you may feel the grace of the Holy Resurrection.

Counsels from the Holy Mountain

Elder Ephraim of Arizona