By their fruit you will recognise them. Do people pick grapes from thorn-bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. Matthew 7:16-17
Michael Zhizhilenko (1931)
Willing Servant
While working as medical superintendent at the Tanganka prison, Moscow, Michael, a physician and psychiatrist, was influenced by a Christian inmate who encouraged him to become a priest. For fear of being caught by the Communist authorities he did this in secret. He was eventually made Bishop of Serpukhov.
In 1929 he was arrested for his Christianity and sent to the Solovki Labour Camp. Here, with other Christians, he conducted secret services in the cells or in the nearby forest. This continued until he was taken by the camp guards and executed on 6 July 1931.
Do little things as though they were great, because of the majesty of Jesus Christ who does them in us, and who lives our life: and do the greatest things as though they were little and easy, because of His omnipotence.
Blaise Pascal (1623-62)
Fear not, O little flock and blest,
The lion that your life oppressed!
To heavenly pastures ever new
The heavenly Shepherd leadeth you;
Who, dwelling now on Zion’s hill,
The Lamb’s dear footsteps follow still;
By tyrant there no more distressed,
Fear not, O little flock and blest.
The Venerable Bede (673-735)
Translated by John M K Neale (1818-1866)