The Stranniki (Russian for Runaways or Wanderers) are the strong Pomorsky Old Believers who rejected prayers for Tsar Peter and all government papers (identification, passports, money, etc). They would not wear clothing contrary to Old Orthodox Russia, nor eat with those of contrary Faith and Practice. Keeping themselves separate from the antichrist society they went far into the Siberian wilderness. This blog is about these people and my effort to conform my life to theirs.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

The Knowledgeable are Silent and Still

Writings from the Philokalia on Prayer of the Heart, p. 76

“To psalmodise much is good for those who follow active life, since they are ignorant of mental occupations and lead a life of labour.”


The Complete English Philokalia, p. 278

“To psalmodize often is appropriate for novices in the ascetic life, because of the toil it involves and the spiritual knowledge it confers.”