St. Seraphim of Sarov Orthodox Church
872 N. 29th St. Boise, ID
an American parish of the Russian Orthodox Church
Sayings of the Optina Elders on Humility


St. Barsanuphius:

It is essential to humble oneself. Without humility, (even) virtue… will not bring any kind of benefit.

Two virtues – love and humility – depend so much on each other, just like warmth and light.

In order to enter the Kingdom, you must first of all be humble.  How do you receive humility? How do you learn this great art? We must implore the Lord to bestow this gift on us. In one of the evening prayers we read: “Lord, grant me humility, chastity and obedience.”

One can acquire humility by means of obedience. The person who submits his will to his spiritual father overcomes pride and acquires humility.

St. Nikon:

Without humility one cannot be a disciple of Christ. Without humility the heart of a man does not receive, does not assimilate the teachings of Christ. Humility inspires the heart of a man to be submissive to the will of God, to humbly accept everything that the Lord is pleased to send on his path of life, to submit his mind, his understanding, and his desires in obedience to Christ.