Quotes from Saint John Chrysostom

Do you think that the man-loving God has given you much so that you could use it only for your own benefit? No, but so that your abundance might supply the lack of others.

One who strictly prosecutes the misdemeanors of others will find not condescension towards his own.

Men have the power of thinking that they may avoid sin.

Prayer is the place of refuge for every worry, a foundation for cheerfulness, a source of constant happiness, a protection against sadness.

You can set up an altar to God in your minds by means of prayer. And so it is fitting to pray at your trade, on a journey, standing at a counter or sitting at your handicraft.

It is simply impossible to lead, without the aid of prayer, a virtuous life.

The test of sincerity of one's prayer is the willingness to labor on its behalf.

We pray not to inform God or instruct Him but to beseech Him closely, to be made intimate with Him, by continuance in supplication; to be humbled; to be reminded of our sins.

When we once begin to form good resolutions, God gives us every opportunity of carrying them out.

Whether or not our prayer is heard depends not on the number of our words, but on the fervor of our souls.

It is possible to offer fervent prayer even while walking in public or strolling alone or seated in your shop ... while buying or selling ... or even while cooking.

Surely we ought to show them (animals) great kindness and gentleness for many reasons, but, above all, because they are of the same origin as ourselves.

Hell is paved with priests' skulls.

The Holy Scriptures lead us to God and open the path to the knowledge of God.

Not to share our own wealth with the poor is theft from the poor and deprivation of their means of life; we do not possess our own wealth, but theirs.

To destroy the fetus 'is something worse than murder.' The one who does this 'does not take away life that has already been born, but prevents it from being born.'

What is it to be a fool for Christ? It is to control one's thoughts when they stray out of line. It is to make the mind empty and free.

Of all the afflictions that burden the human race, there is not one, whether spiritual or bodily, that cannot be healed by the Holy Scriptures.

Sin makes man a coward; but a life in the Truth of Christ makes Him bold.

The primary goal in the education of children is to teach, and to give the example of, a virtuous life.

The Holy Scriptures do not know any distinctions. They enjoin that all lead the life of monks.

Feast of Gregory, Bishop of Nyssa, & his sister Macrina, Teachers, c.394 & c.379 Humility is the root, mother, nurse, foundation, and bond of all virtue.

He that enjoys naught without thanksgiving is as though he robbed God.

Let us always guard our tongue; not that it should always be silent, but that it should speak at the proper time.