Fasting and works of mercy and prayer. The Holy Fathers of the Church recommend: "If you want your prayer to fly up to God, then give it two wings, fasting and almsgiving (charity).

Stewardship aids in the development and maintenance of our Church and more specifically, it supports a life in Christ. It is a prayerful commitment that each and every Christian makes in order to support the Church Community. The burden of giving falls on all of our parishioners. It is a personal, prayerful commitment and is the responsibility of each parishioner. Stewardship supports the Orthodox Christian practice of the consistent giving of time, talent and treasures in support of our Church and in furthering the word and teaching of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Therefore, when a Christian, humbly and obediently, has accepted Christ's faith in all its purity, without any corrections or misinterpretations, then the following are the requirements to receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit:

While walking the path of Christ, you should not rely only on yourself. If Jesus Christ, our Great Benefactor, had not given us help every step of the way, no one could have reached salvation. Even the Apostles, when left to themselves, were unable to follow Jesus and faintheartedly dispersed. But when on Pentecost they received help from above, they joyfully followed His path, and then neither danger nor difficulties nor death itself could discourage them.

Of course, there will be trying periods in our life when the path of ascension toward God will seem exceptionally difficult. Then we should think that every step taken there are a thousand rewards being prepared. Sufferings along this path are momentary, but the rewards are eternal. Therefore, do not fear the path of Christ, for a smooth and wide path ends in hell, but a thorny and narrow one leads to heaven.

In following Jesus Christ it is not enough to carry an outward cross. Indeed, external crosses are borne not only by Christians but by everyone; there exists no person free from one or more sorrows. He who wishes to become a true disciple of Christ must also carry his own inner cross.