Instructions of Hieromonk Hilarion

On Prayer

The foundation and the start of all virtues is prayer, of which the Apostle says: “Pray without ceasing” [1 Thess. 5:17].  In other words, one should call upon the name of God always, if one is in a conversation, if one sits, or walks, if he is doing something, or is eating, or doing something else.  At all times and in every place one should call the name of God; the enemy’s temptation is destroyed in this way, writes Chrysostom.  “Strike the enemies with the name of Christ”, says John Climacus, you will not find a better weapon neither in heaven, nor on earth.  Prayer drives away sorrow and despondency, it is the abode of meekness and peacefulness.  It is a manifestation of joy and thankfulness and the acquisition and increase of countless blessings.

On Self-reproach

One should learn self-reproach, in other words to blame oneself always, and not others; reproach oneself and not others, and call oneself a wretch and a fool, slothful and negligent, lazy and careless.  “He who acquires self-reproach, acquires peace”, writes Abba Dorotheos, and he is never disturbed.  If an illness befalls him, an offence, oppression, or any other kind of calamity, he attributes everything to his own sinfulness and thanks God.  If the superior penalizes him or scolds him, he takes it as a blessing and considers it an act of God.  Pride takes root in a person when he does not yet have any self-knowledge.  Therefore acquire self-knowledge and guard yourself against pride and vainglory as the greatest detriments for the soul; one cannot chase them away other than with constant self-reproach and with humbling oneself.

On Self-knowledge

One has self-knowledge if he considers himself incompetent and unworthy of any higher positions. To know oneself is to consider oneself foolish, slothful, negligent and lazy, etc.; one should not pay attention to others’ sins, but look at one’s own, Cand repent them always.  Consider yourself and judge yourself, and do not get involved into anything external other than your own duties.  “Examine yourself to see whether you are in the faith” [2 Cor. 13:5], writes the Apostle.

Silence

Silence, according to the words of Venerable Arsenius[1] is the root of living free from sin.  Therefore a novice should always pursue it.  Be silent until the proper time; say little, furthermore, do it quietly, do not speak without a need.  He who guards his mouth, guards his soul; he who is impudent in words will disgrace himself.  Silence gathers, talkativeness squanders. A wise man teaches saying, “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry” [James 1:19]; he who is silent has much wisdom.

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[1] Venerable Arsenius the Great (354-449) once heard the voice of God, saying, “Arsenius, hide from people and dwell in silence, this is the root of virtue”.