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

Ecumenical Dialogues Intensified

At the beginning of September (n.s.) Bartholomew called together a “Synaxis of the Patriarchates and the Autocephalous Church of Cyprus" at the Phanar in order to coordinate their efforts for the First Ecumenistic Council which they plan to convene shortly. At it, they will most certainly have to deal with a conflict with the Patriarchate of Moscow concerning primacy, but also they will proclaim the heresy of Ecumenism with an alleged synodal decision of Ecumenical (or rather Ecumenistic) force. Read more...

Missions

Saint John of Kronstadt - Bunnell, Florida

St. John of Kronstadt Orthodox Church began as a mission parish in the year 2000, in a home chapel in Palm Coast, FL – a small town on Florida’s northeast coast located between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach. After two years, it became necessary to have services in area community centers, rented for Sundays and other Holy Days. Read more...

Menu