The Forgotten Way

Saturday Afternoon at St. John's Skete- This Was From Me

Every trial, cross, and suffering is a time to unite our will to God's and a time of grace if we keep our heart open. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 85 - Living a Christian Life part 10

Brother don't be upset; I don't have anything, but I give you a warm handshake. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 84 - Living a Christian Life part 9

I was looking at myself laid in the coffin, and when the coffin was lowered into the grave, I said, "It's so good to set something aside for your inner self, something that will testify for you."

Elder Arsenie Episode 83 - Living a Christian Life part 8

My heart aches for the poor. Doesn't your heart have any compunction for them at all?

Elder Arsenie Episode 82 - Living a Christian Life part 7

Do charity and give alms. My friend do not fear that you will become poor.

Elder Arsenie Episode 81 - Living a Christian Life part 6

God sustains the Earth due to the Divine Liturgy that is celebrated on it.

Saturday Afternoon at St. John's Skete- Fasting Fails

Failure can guide you to the royal middle way.  

Friday Faith Formation 17 - Jesus Christ Son of Man part 9

Catechism pp. 36-39

The Parables of Christ 

- The Weeds and the Wheat (St. Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43)

- The Rich Fool (St. Luke 12:13-21)

- The Ten Virgins (St. Matthew 25: 1-13)

Elder Arsenie Episode 80 - Living a Christian Life part 5

Seek to be commemorated at the Divine Liturgy. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 79 - Living a Christian Life part 4

Confession is the sacrament that saves, not Holy Communion. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 78 - Living a Christian Life part 3

You grow to realize that confession is the mystery that saves us. The absolution of our sins is the greatest thing we have to present for ourselves at the Last Judgement. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 77 - Living a Christian Life part 2

Confession never ends, and you become attentive to all things. Carelessness is a grave fault that can cause a sin to be repeated. It's like washing under one armpit, which means you haven't paid heed to yourself. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 76 - Living a Christian Life part 1

If you consider that you must make a thorough confession, you'll control yourself in all you do, and this is a way of life. 

Saturday Afternoon at St. John's Skete- Craving Grilled Cheese

A Saturday afternoon with the Forgotten Woman. Something may be allowable, but that does not mean it is useful for eternal salvation. 

Friday Faith Formation 16 - Jesus Christ Son of Man part 8

Catechism pp. 36-39

The Parables of Christ 

- The Unmerciful Servant (St. Matthew 18:21-35)

- The Good Samaritan (St. Luke 10: 25-37)

- The Rich Man and Lazarus (St. Luke 16: 19-31)

Elder Arsenie Episode 75- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 75

Meditate frequently on Christ, the Eternal truth, knocking gently at the door of your heart. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 74- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 74

One of the beatitudes says that you can see God. All of our desires are fulfilled in seeing Him, this is blessedness. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 73- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 73

The devil shows us who we truly are, and when we sin, he truly humbles us. Thus, the devil works indirectly towards man's salvation. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 72- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 72

God is the one who overcomes the devil, not you. It is a terrible mistake to engage in conversation with the devil.

Elder Arsenie Episode 71- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 71

The devil continually troubles you because he despises your relationship with God.

Saturday Afternoon At St. John's Skete- Is This the Last Time?

What if this is the last time we see each other, or the last time we talk, or the last time we have a chance to forgive? 

Friday Faith Formation 15 - Jesus Christ Son of Man part 7

Catechism pp. 36-39

The Parables of Christ 

- The Strong Man (St. Matthew 12:29)

- The Mustard Seed (St. Matthew 13:31-32)

- The Treasure in the Field (Matthew 13:44)

Elder Arsenie Episode 70- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 70

I say, " O, Lord! O Lord!" with every fiber of my being. There is no cheating.

Elder Arsenie Episode 69- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 69

Entire treatises have been written on the Jesus Prayer. The conclusion is: say it your own way.

Elder Arsenie Episode 68- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 68

It's a terrible mistake to say the Jesus prayer with agitation.

Elder Arsenie Episode 67- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 67

The Jesus Praper is a very important prayer. First, you have to say it. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 66- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 66

In order to change our life, we need a strong will and a great trust in the Mother of God's mercy and almighty help.

Saturday Afternoon at St. John's Skete- Fasting and Abstinence

"He who cherishes his stomach and hopes to overcome the spirit of fornication, is like one who tries to put out a fire with oil. " St. John Climacus 

Friday Faith Formation 14 - Jesus Christ Son of Man part 6

Catechism pp. 36-39

The Parables of Christ 

- The Wedding Feast (Luke 14:16-24)

- The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)

- The Wicked Tenants (Matthew 21:33-41)

Elder Arsenie Episode 65- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 65

It has been said that the mother of God is displease with all those who never ask anything of her. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 64- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 64

How hard is it for each of us to ask God just a little, simply, and directly to help us in our trials and needs. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 63- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 63

You have the noble and great responsibility to pray.

Elder Arsenie Episode 62- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 62

Prayer is a like a sharp arrow launched for thousands of years by all the saints even the simplest Christians.

Elder Arsenie Episode 61- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 61

If you're on the path of truth, you should undoubtedly consider, "Lord I'm to blame that my brother is disturbed."

Saturday Afternoon at St. John's Skete- Running from Marriage

The world continues to cheapen the definition of marriage and run away from difficult marriages. But Christians of the true faith are called to put on the crown of martyrdom at marriage. 

Friday Faith Formation 13 - Jesus Christ Son of Man part 5

Catechism pp. 35-36

The Transfiguration of the Lord

Elder Arsenie Episode 60- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 60

I greatly desire to preserve this blessed freedom, this purity of heart.

Elder Arsenie Episode 59- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 59

Smile at your neighbor who provokes you. Do not smirk at him, but smile at him so that he can see that you are not his enemy.

Elder Arsenie Episode 58- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 58

Mother I am happy, I'm saved by the prayers of St. Thecla!

Elder Arsenie Episode 57- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 57

Mother I died without baptism!

Elder Arsenie Episode 56- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 56

St. Gregory began a conversation with the one who save, and he enabled Trajan, (a pagan) to partake in the Kingdom of Heaven

Saturday Afternoon at St. John's Skete- Permanent Spiritual Formation

Permanent spiritual formation is part of the rule for life and involves daily spiritual reading, turning to our spiritual father regularly, and good companionship. Permanent spiritual formation is not designed to win apologetic arguments or write sophisticated theological essays. Permanent spiritual formation is about learning the art of the spiritual life. 

Friday Faith Formation 12 - Jesus Christ Son of Man part 4

Catechism pp. 32-35

The Miracles of Jesus Christ

Miracles and Faith

Elder Arsenie Episode 55- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 55

If you commemorate someone who happens to be far away from you, it is not possible for him to know that you are praying for him, but you pray for him and God then helps him. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 54- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 54

If you have the obedience to pray the Psalter continuously, you can read it without interruption while under this obedience. 

St. George Men's Group at St. Nicholas Parish - Curiosity

Curiosity seeks to acquire knowledge that is unprofitable for our salvation or the fulfillment of our duties; curiosity distracts us at our time of prayer; it leaves our mind scattered. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 53- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 53

You should nor think, "I said a lot!" After you have read many prayers, you're tempted to think, "Lord, I said so many prayers...that I have surpassed many people!"

Elder Arsenie Episode 52- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 52

You should place your heart in God's presence. Not just saying a lot of prayers, for in the end a deep prayer embodies a deep silence. 

Interview with Deacon Edward Kleinguetl

Deacon Edward Kleinguetl joins and shares his experience and love for the Jesus prayer; Romanian saints and elders; and encourages the family, as a domestic church, to be grounded in the teachings of the Holy Fathers, the Jesus prayer, confession, and the Eucharist. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 51- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 51

You know that the Psalter is very profitable and so you start to read it cover to cover- lack of discernment!

Saturday Afternoon at St. John's Skete- Stability of Place

St. Isaac the Syrian teaches that the foundation of all good things is built on two practices; stability of place and continual fasting. Today we will focus on cultivating stability of place. 

The Forgotten Woman- Why We Veil: Trisha

Every woman's journey to veiling is different- sometimes you just need to find the right fit.

Friday Faith Formation 11 - Jesus Christ Son of Man part 3

Catechism pp. 30-32

The Baptism of Jesus and the Beginning of His Preaching

St. Anne Women's Group at St. Nicholas Parish- Mother's Day

Drawing inspiration from saintly mothers.

Elder Arsenie Episode 50- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 50

You are advanced in prayer when you feel the need to pray as you feel the need for feel the need for air and water. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 49- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 49

Others who pray with a humble heart, experience some sort of comfort, and thus they pray contentedly just to receive consolations. But this is a mere delusion in the form of bargaining. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 48- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 48

Take to heart what I am telling you- as soon as you wake up in the morning don't procrastinate for a second saying, "Let me warm up a little more." 

Elder Arsenie Episode 47- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 47

Miserable as we are we scatter our love into senselessly vain and frivolous things as if we had it in excess. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 46- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 46

Don't you consider it a blessing to know how to talk to God in prayer?

Saturday Afternoon at St. John's Skete- Role Models in Motherhood

Saintly mothers raise saintly children as demonstrated through the lives of modern saints and elders. 

Friday Faith Formation 10- Jesus Christ Son of Man part 2

Catechism pp. 26, 30

The Birth of Christ

Elder Arsenie Episode 45- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 45

Nobody can force you to live a life of great ascetism, which for many is foolishness; but no one can keep you from it. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 44- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 44

The enemy is lack of faith in God; lack of training and mastering yourself.

Elder Arsenie Episode 43- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 43

Carelessness and neglect are unbearable enemies. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 42- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 42

O soul why didn't you pray? Why did you pray superficially? 

Elder Arsenie Episode 41- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 41

Many go to hell because of unjustifiable carelessness. 

Saturday Afternoon at St. John's Skete- I'll get to it later

The day to repent is now so that the passions do not take root.

The Forgotten Woman- Dangers of Tradition

If we just want the aesthetics of traditional practices apart from the ascetical foundation, we are in danger of forming an idol of tradition itself.

Friday Faith Formation 9- Jesus Christ Son of Man part 1

Catechism pp. 25-29

Jesus Christ Son of Man

The Gospel

Elder Arsenie Episode 40- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 40

Prayer becomes deeper in prison, or in the forest. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 39- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 39

One must walk straight in the Lord's path on the path of spiritual peace without getting caught in the Typicon's confusion.

Elder Arsenie Episode 38- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 38

The snail moves slowly, but it travels with its whole house; we should progress towards God in like manner. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 37- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 37

You must avoid those deceiving thoughts which convince you that you're doing the "right thing". 

Elder Arsenie Episode 36- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 36

When you love, your heart is present, it is awake. It is not proper to do your prayer rule only out of obligation, because we become stiff.

Saturday Afternoon at St. John's Skete- Isn't That Bad for Them?

St. Isaac the Syrian teaches, "Fear for the body is often so strong in a man as to make him incapable of any deeds worthy of honor or praise."

St. Nicholas Co-op Special

2025-2026 High school students reflect on their spiritual growth within their Faith class. 

Friday Faith Formation 8- The One God and Father part 6

Catechism pp. 22-23

The Consequences of the Fall

The Expectation of the Savior

 

Elder Arsenie Episode 35- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 35

One should know that the devil greatly fears the watchful man.

Elder Arsenie Episode 34- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 34

O man if you only knew your own value.

Elder Arsenie Episode 33- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 33

Blessed is the one who prays intensely. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 32- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 32

This means that we must be grateful and in a state of awareness. This provides much greater benefit than many prayers or prostrations done mechanically. 

St. George Men's Group at St. Nicholas Parish- Crippled by Comfort

St. Isaac the Syrian teaches, "A fire cannot be ignited in wet wood, nor can the divine fervor be kindled in a heart that loves ease."

Elder Arsenie Episode 31- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 31

You make 100 prostrations rush, rush, rush. Even if you make them properly what do you do afterwards. 

Saturday Afternoon at St. John's Skete- Positive Like Peter

Striving for uniformity with God's will in the midst of difficulties takes practicing perseverance and cultivating prayer in trials and hardships.

The Forgotten Woman Episode 1- You Deserve This

Feminism today is satisfied to steal just a little piece of you. 

Friday Faith Formation 7- The One God and Father part 5

Catechism pp. 20-21

Divine Providence 

Elder Arsenie Episode 30- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 30

After finishing his prayer rule a man considers himself absolved of the duty to pray and fruitlessly sets off deceiving himself.

Elder Arsenie Episode 29- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 29

Man is the Master of His creation and has been given the freedom to rise to God. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 28- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 28

Don't think you're insignificant beings and that your prayer is not heard. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 27- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 27

Then it dawned on me that I like the ringing of the bells. It's a song that has significance. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 26- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 26

Who can complain he did not know? The moment that a man experiences that inner trembling is vital. 

Saturday Afternoon at St. John's Skete- When Did We See You Sick?

We have been blessed by the examples of our family and the saints to lay aside concern for personal health to come to the aid of the suffering. 

Friday Faith Formation 6- The One God and Father part 4

Catechism p. 19

The Visible World and The Invisable World

Elder Arsenie Episode 25- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 25

So, the question is why didn't you love? The answer is clear because you hated and preserved enmity.

Elder Arsenie Episode 24- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 24

I am the Author of all things. Why did you focus on worldly thing and not Me?

Elder Arsenie Episode 23- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 23

Instead of being distressed about doing something "bad" the concern should be this- I need to be present.

Elder Arsenie Episode 22- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 22

The fact that without God you can do nothing is fundamental and must be proclaimed. 

Elder Arsenie Episode 21- Prayer and Remembrance of God part 21

Do we realize that God will call us to account for all that He has given us?

Saturday Afternoon at St. John's Skete- With Frank

St. Isaac the Syrian prayed for the reptiles, St. Paisios was at peace with all creation, even vipers, and Fr. George Calciu befirended a cockroach while in isolation- what is our capacity to love all of creation? 

Friday Faith Formation 5- The One God and Father part 3

Catechism pp. 15-18

God as Maker of the Universe

The Creation of World and the Human Person