Joy (Mystery of)
- Michael Haldas
- Jul 23
- 3 min read
“The New Testament books tell us time and time again about such a human emotion as joy; we can read about joy in many literary works, observe it in movies and theater plays. But no matter how much we try to learn about this feeling theoretically, it would, just like happiness, still remain a challenge when put into practice. In my pastoral experience, I have met many people, and some had all it takes to be inherently happy and full of joy (and why wouldn’t they be? They had health, everything you could wish for in life and then some, like friends and family), but despite all that, life gave them absolutely no joy. Then there were others—their lives were in complete disarray, poor health, no money, and living conditions straight out of the Stone Age—but they were awash with a happiness only a few of us would understand...” (Archpriest Daniel Azizov)
“We need joy in our life, and God came that we may have joy and have it fully, as He says in the Gospel of the Evangelist John (John 15:11; 16:24). We need joy, and we have been created for that, but spiritual joy is not the same as the psychological joy of this world. Spiritual joy is to have a free heart where the peace of Christ reigns. True spiritual joy is when we know that we are free from the influence of the enemy, free from the influence of bad thoughts, of temptations…when we stand and speak to God from a contrite heart then we find consolation. And our consolation is to be free, to have a free and burning heart, as Luke and Cleopas had on the way to Emmaus, a peaceful and burning heart where only the word of Christ resounds.” (Archimandrite Zacharias)
“God created man not for torments, but for happiness and joy. True happiness isn’t simply given to man. It’s almost always the result of a great work and feat. External successes and material goods alone don’t bring happiness. The truth path by which man can achieve the happiness that is possible in this earthly world is indicated in the words of the Savior: Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Mt. 6:33). That is, first and foremost, strive to establish the desire for God’s Kingdom in your souls, seek to know God’s truth and to love the Lord, and then everything else: peace, joy, and earthly needs—food, drink, clothing, and so forth—will follow on their own.” (St. Gabriel of Imereti)
“All seek joy, but it is not found on earth…the peace and joy that we have now in this world show evidence of the kingdom's coming fulfillment when we experience these blessings forever…Christ is joy, the true light, happiness.… He is a joy that transforms you into a different person.… Fast as much as you can… attend as many vigils as you like, but be joyful. Have Christ’s joy. It is the joy that lasts forever, that brings eternal happiness. It is the joy of our Lord that gives assured serenity, serene delight, and full happiness…” (St. John Chrysostom, Fr. Basil, St. Porphyrios of Kafsokalyvia)
“For those who have fallen into sorrow, who have lost joy and a zest for life, it’s advisable to approach each day attentively. Whatever you do, do it with attention and meaning. Try to see something good and pleasant in everything, and learn to enjoy even the smallest joy. The Apostle Paul says: Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31). That is, do everything for the salvation of your soul, glorifying and thanking God.” (Archpriest Pavel Gumerov)
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