On October 10/23, the Russian Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Holy Hierarch Innocent (Smirnov) of Penza (1784–1819). The saint received his surname at the Pererva Theological Seminary for his humble and meek disposition.1 During his lifetime he was a professor and rector of the St. Petersburg Theological Academy. He authored such works as Active, Subjective, and Practical Theology; Explanation of the Creed; and An Outline of Church History from Biblical Times to the Eighteenth Century, He was renowned among his contemporaries for his Christian virtues and purity of life. On this day, let us turn to some of his spiritual instructions.
Holy Hierarch Innocent (Smirnov) of Penza We are sinners—so what are we supposed to do? It is precisely sinners who must pray, labor, and work for the glory of God and for the salvation of our neighbors.
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Bless the Lord for both external sorrows and for His cares.
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Oh, fearful and holy is His name alone; how fearful, holy, and joyful His presence must be!
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O boundless love, O infinitely wise mercy! How sweet it is to crucify pride with Thee and to fall prostrate as we stand by Thy Cross, never turning away from it in sight or thought. True, this sweetness, like manna, is known to us only by hearsay, by description. It is fine to talk, it is easy to write; but to take up a cross, even a tiny one, and bear it—is something completely different…
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By fasting, the senses are also cleansed, so that we may taste and see how good our beloved Lord Jesus Christ is. Therefore, fasting is a remedy for both our spirit and our body.
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To fast in spirit, we must cast away all worldly cares, cut off all carnal desires, and abandon all favorite thoughts. To fast means to keep the entire mind and the whole heart fixed on the Crucified Lord Jesus Christ alone. This single thought, like a cross, must crucify your whole soul, along with sensual desires, passions, and lusts.
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Bless the name of Jesus; keep the name of the Lord Jesus Christ always in your mind and in your heart! Whenever you hear this sweetest name, turn your whole mind at once to Jesus Christ Crucified, and call to mind His name with all your heart as the Visitor of our souls and hearts.
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Do not be envious when others speak of their experience of grace, but rejoice and thank God for His unspeakable mercies sent down upon us.
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One person tempts us with distraction—and thereby teaches us constancy. Another tempts us with irritation or offense—and teaches us love. Another with idle talk and chatter—and thus teaches us a firm attentiveness to meditating on the paths of salvation.
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Accustom yourself to look upon every person with the intent of learning something spiritual from them. Look upon them as a spiritual book opened before you by the Lord Himself.
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Whenever an offense strikes you, say the Jesus Prayer; strain with all your might to repeat it more frequently and attentively, and turn to the love of Jesus, which poured out upon His crucifiers. This is the first and only plaster for your wounds.
The second is the silence of patience. Let what affects you slide; either act as if you do not notice it; or, even if you do notice it, choose not to interfere. Remain silent—at first with difficulty, then more calmly. Keep your lips sealed and, above all, do not give free rein to your eyes—then there will be no free rein for your thoughts and tongue. Try it, and you will soon see the fruit.
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The third remedy is the action of love. Try to do something to please and gratify your offender, even doing so against your own will. This is the beginning of love, and it will accustom you to speak truly and sincerely in the Lord's Prayer: Thy will be done (Mt. 6:10)! Otherwise, we will continue to do everything, as we always do, according to our own will.
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Not irritating and, especially, not offending people over trifles concerning them—though not yet a great virtue—is nevertheless a turning away from evil.
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You must act for others and, as far as possible, live for your neighbors, from whom you yourself, if you were in their place, would wish for such fellowship and beneficence.
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Your task is to examine your intention, its purity or impurity. What is the inner motive of your heart—is it sincere or is it proud and self-seeking?
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Watch over yourself more carefully. Inconstancy comes from scattered thoughts. Stand frequently in thought before the Lord!
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Why expect everything from man? Our spirit finds rest only when it is guided by the Spirit of God. Everything else, skills, people, forces, efforts, methods, are like passing clouds; they cast a shadow for a time, but then they pass away and leave us in our former anxiety. The Lord calls us to Himself for rest—yea, surrender yourself to Him!
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Commit yourself to the Lord! Work for Him and not for yourself; devote everything to Him and not to yourself; do more often those things that you know are pleasing to Him. On the path of the Lord, you must deny yourself.
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I ask you to, as much as you can, in whatever way, and whenever you can, dedicate everything to the glory of the Lord. Especially at times when you are given honor, glory, or thanksgiving. For at such times, it is particularly precious to give back to the Lord that which seemingly is ours, or appears to be our own property.
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Sorrows, solitude, fasting, vigils, and mourning are the steps that elevate us to the summit of perfection. Prayer, watchfulness, and walking in the presence of God are the wings that lift our spirit to the All–Holy Spirit.
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A tear that falls, even if sometimes tinged with self-complacency, is a small gift from the ocean of Heavenly bounties. Let it be impure; but if it falls more often with a sigh over its impurity, it will soon be purified… Shed at least a single tear more often; like pearls, such tears will gather to adorn your soul. They are an excellent remedy for the inconstancy born of self-delusion and distraction.
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He is peace Himself, and therefore we, too, must go to Him in peace. To avoid standing still in the exact same place without taking a single step forward, move a little bit every day. Notice in yourself each day: what you are doing, what you did, and what you have accomplished. Each day, place yourself before the Lord, as much as you are able, in righteousness, in purity of conscience, and in simplicity of thought.
Pearls and diamonds do not just lie around anywhere. They are put away with care and kept with diligence. Oh, how much more precious, more radiant, and purer is the pearl of prayer and the spiritual diamond! How white and pure it is! How it shines and sparkles! The name of Jesus Christ, like a diamond, does not fade in the heart if it is lit with love; like a pearl, it rests and adorns the spiritual stillness of the soul, provided that the soul attains watchful attention to prayer. Both are acquired. Wait upon the Lord, and He will hear, and He will come, and He will make His abode in the soul!
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Just as time is irretrievable, so too is it precious. It is a God-given talent, with which we must buy everything for eternity.
1 The Russian surname Smirnov comes from the old Russian adjectival nickname “smirny” (“smirnoy”), meaning “meek”, “gentle”, “quiet”, and “peaceful”.—Trans.
