For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the cleverness of the clever I will thwart."   (1 Cor 1:18-19)

We pray forl the repose of the souls of the servants of God departed this life; and that they may be pardoned all their sins, both voluntary and involuntary. 

St. John Climacus - He was the author of The Ladder of Divine Ascent containing 30 homilies on virtue.  The spiritual struggle of the Christian life is a real one and and St. John encourages the faithful in their efforts because, according to the Lord, only "he who endures to the end will be saved."  (Matthew 24:13). 

“Then children were brought to Him that He might lay His hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people;  but Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." (Matt 19:13-15)

O Christ, Who alone art our Defender: Visit and heal Thy suffering servants, delivering them from sickness and grievous pains. Raise them up that they may sing to Thee and praise Thee without ceasing, through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Thou Who alone lovest mankind.

St. Mary of Egypt was an immoral woman who sincerely repented of  her sinful ways.  She tells us that no amount of sin and wickedness can keep a person from God if he truly repents.  Christ will gladly receive all who come to Him even at the eleventh hour of their lives if they are truly sincere.  Christ Himself has come "to call sinners to repentance" and to save them from their sins.  (Luke 5:32)

"I call upon Thee, O LORD; make haste to me! Give ear to my voice when I call to Thee! Let my prayer be counted as incense before Thee, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice!"    (Ps 141:1-2)

“Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD , keep watch over the door of my lips!   Incline not my heart to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds.”    (Ps 141:3-4)

“O LORD , what is man that Thou dost regard him, or the son of man that Thou dost think of him?   Man is like a breath, his days are like a passing shadow.”   (Ps 44:3-4)

"I love the Lord because He has heard the voice of my suplplication.  Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us."     (The First Antiphon Tone 2)

Great is our LORD , and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure. (Ps 147:5)

For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 8:38-39)

Love: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)….. By Christ sacrificing Himself on the Cross, He displays this greatest commandment and awaits us to love one another.

Christ is Risen from the dead trampling down death by death and upon those in the tomb, bestowing life.

"Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered; let those who hate Him flee from before His face! As smoke vanishes, so let them vanish; as wax melts before the fire! So the sinners will perish before the face of God; but let the righteous be glad! Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!

"Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered; let those who hate Him flee from before His face! As smoke vanishes, so let them vanish; as wax melts before the fire! So the sinners will perish before the face of God; but let the righteous be glad!   Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!

The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nought; He frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands for ever, the thoughts of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD , the people whom He has chosen as His heritage! (Ps 33:10-12)