Death constitutes the last chapter of the history of our human life. In many cases, the understanding of death penetrates the whole life and is the red thread throughout the activities and volition of human beings. Death is a unique episode at the end of the life of man, and as such, it is the object of important studies by the philosopher, the scientist, and the ordinary man. No other episode of human life as death equalizes the aspirations, demands, and ranks of men - as the Prophet cries - I meditate among the tombs -- and I say, who is a king, or rich, or poor, or just, or a sinner?"

The Christian soul that lives with a profound hope of life beyond the grave and the sweet anticipation of the most desirable Paradise attempts to maintain a vivid memory of death. The Wisdom of Sirach says: "In all you do, remember the end of your life, and then you will never sin" (7:36). The Christian knows that he will live after death and, therefore, should constantly be aware of his present mortality, keeping before him his exodus from the present world, the Second Coming, the future judgment, and his endless Eternity. For this reason Saint Gregory the Theologian often repeats the saying of Plato which suggests that the present life ought to be "a meditation upon death." He advised his friend Philagrios to live "instead of the present the future and to make this life a meditation and practice of death." To the priest Photios he wrote: "Our cares and our attention are concentrated on one thing only our departure from this world. And for this departure, we prepare ourselves and gather our baggage as prudent travelers would do." Also, Saint Athanasios advises in his treatise On Virginity: "Recall your exodus every hour; keep death before your eyes on a daily basis. Remember before whom you must appear." Saint John of Sinai advises: "Let the memory of death sleep and awake with you."

How will the clergy and monks be in the latter days? What do our Saints say?

Saint Hippolytus of Rome: "The shepherds will be like wolves; the priests will embrace falsehood; the monks will lust after the things of the world."

This holy modern-day elder has not been formally glorified by the Church, though many are confident that in time he will be. He was born in Russia in 1896. As a young man, he lived an artist's life, trying to succeed as a painter while engaging in a wide-ranging spiritual search which included the study of the Eastern religions. He fled to Paris during the Russian Revolution.

The sources of Orthodox Christian spirituality are the Holy Scripture, Holy Tradition, the Dogmatic Definitions of the Ecumenical Synods (Councils), and the spiritual teachings of the Greek Orthodox Holy Fathers. Orthodox spirituality is mainly through prayer, daily Christian living, and worship, which ultimately lead to union with the Divine Uncreated Light.

Our Holy Tradition offers the Orthodox Christian believer guidelines on how one is to spiritually prepare to receive Holy Communion. All Orthodox Christians should have a father confessor, whether be his/her parish priest or a monk-priest in one of our monasteries who will serve as his/her spiritual guide and counselor. The father confessor is the one who will guide the penitent Christian on what spiritual steps he/she needs to take in order to prepare for the reception of the Precious Body and Sacred Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.