by Archimandrite Sophrony Sakharov
Elder Sophrony Sakharov, a true Father in Christ for our times, having immersed himself in the practice of pure prayer from the heart, explains that:
"the Name Jesus as His proper Name is ontologically connected with Him. For us it is the bridge between ourselves and Him [cf. Jn. 20:29]. It is the channel through which divine strength comes to us. Proceeding from the All-Holy, it [His Name] is holy and we are sanctified by invoking it. With this Name and through this Name our prayer acquires a certain objective form or significance: It unites us with God."
Archimandrite Sophrony Sakharov, His Life is Mine, trans. Rosemary Edmonds (Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 1977), pp. 107-108.
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Equal of the Apostles and Emperor Constantine with his Mother Helen
Troparion, Tone 8
Having seen the figure of the Cross in the heavens, and like Paul not having received his call from men, O Lord, Your apostle among rulers, the Emperor Constantine, has been set by Your hand as ruler over the Imperial City that he preserved in peace for many years, through the prayers of the Theotokos, O only lover of mankind.
Kontakion, Tone 3
Today Constantine and his mother Helen reveal the precious Cross, the weapon of the faithful against their enemies. For our sakes, it has been shown to be a great sign, and fearsome in battle.