+ Lord, make me Thy disciple.  Teach me to heal the sick; teach me to feed the crowds with a few pieces of bread, teach me to work miracles for Thy glory.

+ O man, if you desire to become My disciples, know this: You will not walk on the waters or conquer the world with a single word; you will not become a famous benefactor of humanity  ...Instead, people close and dear to you will take you and bind you and lead you...  Have you guessed where?  Yes, they will you to be crucified.  Just as they once did to Me.  But if you truly want to be My disciple, then, even as you are crucified, you must bring into the world the word of truth and love.  And even from the Cross to pray to Me that mercy be shown to your tormentors.  This is the great miracle, that I can teach you.  Now, do you still wish to be My disciple?

+ Yes, my Savior, I want to be Thy disciple.  And although I will not turn water into wine, or walk upon the waters, or multiply bread, but rather I must crucify my flesh, with its passions and lustful desires, nevertheless, there beyond Golgotha, I already glimpse the dawn of Thy Resurrection.  And I believe that if Thou madest me Thy disciple, Thou wilt also certainly teach me how to attain the eternal joy of Resurrection, through transfiguration and deification...  O my All-good God, make me Thy disciple.

+ Very well, O man, be thou My disciple.  Here is your first lesson: Always remember that Judas, who betrayed Me, was also My  disciple....

The above had been written by a monk from the Valaam Monastery in Russia in 1977. Source: Orthodox America., Vol. XVI, No. 7-8 (147-148)., March-April/May-June, 1997., Editor Many Mansur., Richfield Springs, N.Y., p.10.

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us and save us!

In The Love Of Christ Our Lord,
Reverend Presbyter Demetrios Serfes
Who prays for you and with you!
October 1999