We all
live very different lives: someone serves in the Church, someone devotes
himself to art, science, there are also actors among us, musicians, diplomats,
businessmen, teachers, basically people of various professions. But whatever we
do, we can dedicate our craft to God. A profession is not just a way to earn
money with which we can then buy food and other necessities for life, but it
can also be a path to a pious Christian life. A person should also be careful
not to change careers as God may work miracles through our talents.
I know
one composer who after becoming an Orthodox Christian asked a priest on what to
do next. "Leave your music career behind and become a church
watchman," the priest answered. Fortunately, the composer did not listen
to him. Later, while in England, he met with elder Sophrony, a disciple of the
Saint Siluan, and asked him the same question. "Keep creating music, and
the whole world will know about you," the elder told him. Soon the name of
this composer became known to the whole world. Now he only writes religious
themed music (he even wrote music to some of the words of Saint Siluan), and many
became Orthodox Christians through his music. Being a deeply religious and
pious person, he helps people to see the depths of spiritual life through his
music, where a meeting between God and humanity takes place.
By Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev
Excerpt from the book “Lord, I believe; help
my unbelief...”
July 11, 2018
St.
Elisabeth Convent
CONVERSATION