The Great Ascetics - Saint Seraphim of Sarov

As if asceticism is not an extreme enough concept, in Eastern Orthodoxy we celebrate and commemorate those known as the "great" ascetics. Asceticism in Orthodoxy is not so much focused on the self denial of worldly pleasures and comforts but rather is focused on the acquisition of the unfathomable greatness of God's truth and love. So ironically it is about receiving rather than denying. Also it may seem to us at times to be an unrealisable feat yet many have walked the road and succeeded, exactly not in their own human capacity but rather in God's great mercy. It is a sacrifice to be sure and perhaps the greatest of human endeavours, but again, ironically, not because we are great but rather that God is. The Great Ascetics are therefore the greatest human stories told because they represent us in our greatest weakness, finding the greatest purpose in finding God Himself, as much as that may be found in His merciful love.

CREDIT:

I have read this from "Life and Teaching of Saint Seraphim of Sarov" by N. Puretzki and the Monastery of Sarov, copyright Gozalov Books. If requested, I shall remove this reading.

#AsceticAesthetic #Orthodox #Fitness