The World is a Contest No. 2 (St Isaac the Syrian) | Orthodox Christian Art PosterThis world is a contest and a field for contest. This time is the time of struggle The King lays no limit on his warriors until the contest is over; then every man will be brought to the doors of the King of Kings and there tried as to whether he has gained the victory in the contest, or has turned his back. There is only one law there: to watch and resist. + St Isaac the Syrian, Directions on Spiritual Training, Text 103 For the ancient fathers, a

the occasion of the Archangel Gabriel visiting the Virgin Mary to announce to her the glad tidings of her essential role in the incarnation of the Son of God:

and so that (by the activity of this Holy Spirit)

+ St Nikolai Velimirovich

and having come to hate even his own flesh

and pagan priests who knew the art of medicine invoked their gods without success

grant to all Thy servants whom Thou has taken from us

or with the devil for eternity

we must first attain awareness

the field is the world

In your heart always have one desire: to acquire the heavens

for we all partake of the one bread

and Who by suffering Thy passion hast freed all from corruption