This Is What “Eye of the Soul” Means (Sermon)

Details
By Father Joachim
Created on Friday, 04 July 2025 19:53

Sermon delivered by Father Joachim at Saint John of San Francisco Orthodox Monastery, Cobleskill, NY — Sunday, June 16/29, 2025.

In this sermon, Father Joachim delves into the Orthodox teaching on the nous—the “eye of the soul”—and its vital role in the Christian life. He reminds us that true spiritual vision requires purification: a process of repentance, humility, and healing through the sacramental life of the Church. As the Apostle Paul exhorts, we must be “transformed by the renewal of the nous” (Romans 12:2).

Key Themes:

  • The distinction between the mind (rational thought) and the nous (spiritual vision)
  • How sin darkens the heart and blinds us to divine reality
  • Why Orthodoxy is not merely a belief system, but a healing method—a spiritual hospital
  • The role of temptation in awakening the soul to its need for God
  • The importance of persistent repentance, confession, and prayer of the heart
  • Warnings against spiritual indifference, hidden pride, and self-deception
  • A call to sincere self-examination and active participation in the Church’s sacramental life

We are called to cultivate continual remembrance of God, even amidst our daily responsibilities, and to reject the false dichotomy between worldly concerns and spiritual life. Repentance is not just sorrow—it is a change of the nous, a reorientation of the heart toward God. This is the path to light, healing, and salvation.

Orthodox Awareness

A Miracle of Saint Spyridon

This miracle of Saint Spyridon took place in Mandra, Greece in 1926.

It was 12/25 December, 1926. The state Church of Greece adopted the Papal calendar and with the help of the Greek government persecuted all those who did not accept the Papal calendar. The faithful Orthodox Christians of Mandra woke up and headed to their Church to celebrate the Feast of Saint Spyridon. When they reached the Church they saw that the door to the Church had been secured with chains and the faithful could not enter. Before leaving the Church to return to their homes they stuck their candles on the door. As soon as the last person placed his candles on the door

the chains broke and fell. The faithful, confirmed in their Faith, entered the Church and celebrated the Feast of Saint Spyridon.

The miracle was reported the next day by the newspaper Skrip.

Missions

Saint Matthew the Evangelist, Jonesboro, Arkansas

Jonesboro is a town located near the Eastern border of Arkansas, with a population of approximately 60,000. From a human standpoint, it’s not the most likely candidate for a traditional Orthodox mission, but for an Orthodox Christian who orders his priorities around Christ and His Church, it makes perfect sense. Read more...

Youth

2025 Youth Conference

Please join us for the 2025 youth conference in Toronto, Ontario, Canada! To learn more, visit the conference website.

Ask A Priest

Forty Day Memorial Service

Q. Can you please explain the significance of the forty day memorial service? An Evangelical family asked one of our relatives that question. We said that it’s best to ask a clergy member. Thank you in advance for your response. (We will forward it to them as soon as possible).
-P. & M. G. Read more...