Video: https://youtu.be/RGq-uU8LP9Q Audio: http://www.orthodox.net/sermons/saints-10-31_2022+john-kochurov_rom-8-28-39-luke21-12-19.mp3 The two usual readings for commemorating a martyr teach about patience, purpose, and endurance. These things are not just for martyrs who gave their blood; we all must be martyrs (witnesses), and we must live aggressively, with patience and purpose. The answers are in the scripture, if we are willing to act upon them, and “settle it therefore in our hearts”, and “in patience, possess (our) souls.” St John Kochurov, 2022 Romans 8:28-39 Luke 21:12-19 0:00 – 2:50 In your patience, possess ye your souls. We have the wrong idea about patience. It is active not passive. An almost synonym is “endurance”. 1:16 – 2:50 Common things that show that most Christians are not patient! 2:50 How are we going to become patient? 3:16 The Gospel for St John Kochurov. 4:06 HOW do we do this?!“Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: 15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.” Luke 21:14-15 5:02 Patience is endurance. Patience is ALWAYS making a choice. 5:52 – 6:47 Our society does not like effort. And Christianity is not “dopamine hits.” 6:47 – 11:38 How do we “Settle it therefore in (our) hearts”? 8:12 – 9:42 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:29) 11:38 -12:50 Life was easier not so long ago, but now we must prepare ourselves. 12:50 – 13:59 Deficits most people must work on to be ready. 13:22 – 13:59 Faith is NOT passive. It is very active and even violent! 13:59 – 14:42 But there shall not an hair of your head perish. (Luke 21:18) Only with endurance! 14:42 – 15:57 One of the biggest challenges to a priest: endurance! 16:00 – 18:05 Patience is not passive! And about a prayer rule, and how I learned to increase my prayer rule after becoming a priest. 18:07 – 22:45 Right now we are free, but it will not always be this way. And a sad story about a friend who did nothing to be ready, and when there was a crisis, he committed suicide. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGq-uU8LP9Q

One simple, important point about the "begats" at the beginning of the Gospel of St Matthew ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10p-wNQILOg

A short daily prayer for those who have struggles, from St Ephrem the Syrian I have the will, but I cannot say that I have the strength. I give what I have. Consider my situation and if it pleases Thee to give me what I lack, grant it to me. ... I beg only for Grace - - I confess that if I am to be saved, I shall be saved through Thee. From the spiritual psalter of Saint Ephraim the Syrian, psalm 128 This is a good prayer to say every day, no matter what a person's spiritual condition, but especially if a person has a particular sin or sins that are ongoing and that are difficult to eradicate. For instance, if a person is beset with sexual impurity or judgmental thoughts, anger, or bitterness, they should say this prayer every day. They are failing often, and they are trying but they don't have enough strength to try hard enough to succeed. Sometimes we lose our nerve and become despondent. This prayer is admitting that we have very little to give and that even what we give must be assisted by grace. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDOOD9T_l-s

Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers. For the Christian, an easy life is not to be expected. The servants in the parable were abused and killed, as was our Lord in his earthly life. Father Nicholas then gives a short biography of the life of New Martyr St. Maxim Sandovich. His hardships, struggles in behalf of his people, and faithfulness to God and the Orthodox faith. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBblNolsfeI