ON THE NIGHT OF THE TONSURE. ARCHPRIEST SERGIY BARANOV. ORSK MONASTERY.

Thanks Jacob Medina from US for the narration! These are the following words of the Holy Gospel in the service of tonsure, which we have just heard, “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” () People often hear these words, but only some of them – perceive. I deliberately say “perceive” instead of “understand” them; as “understanding” relates more to one’s mind, but “perception” is about one’s heart, which is more sensitive and lives in subtle and delicate states. Not everyone is able to perceive the meaning of these words intended by God. There is no disrespect for parents, or any desire for excellence on the part of God. These things are alien to God’s nature. The essence of these words can be explained as, when people get to know God through spiritual life, they have such a joy of Heaven, being close to God, that they simply forget everything, even their fathers and mothers. Neverth