I have to listen to complaints about the fact that we are now going through difficult times, that now free rein is given to all kinds of heretical and godless teachings, that the Church is being subjected to the attacks of enemies from all sides and that it will become terrible for Her, that these murky waves of unbelief and heresy are overcoming Her.
I always answer, �Don�t worry! Don�t be afraid for the Church! She will not perish: the gates of hell will not prevail against Her, right to the Dread Judgment itself. Do not fear for Her but for yourself�that�s what you have to fear for, and it�s true that our times are very difficult. Why? Because now it is especially easy to fall away from Christ, and then�perish.�
� St Barsanuphius of Optina (�1913)
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