ROC – Philotimo: An important attribute in the raising of children – Part 1

7 November 2019

With God’s Grace, the mothers’ and children’s group met last week at the Monastery, continuing for a third consecutive week the discussion on how to raise our children to have Philotimo.

Saint Paisios used to say that people with Philotimo have a refined conscience and are characterised by sincerity. Although they always strive to do better and show greater Philotimo, they have this inner peace that is naturally generated in their hearts by their acts full of Philotimo, of which they never boast.

These people live a simple life with humility, and have the gift of understanding others. Even when you try to hide from them that you are in pain, their heart will understand it and they will try not to tire you, but instead to help you and give you exactly what you need. Their Philotimo is so great that they always put themselves and their needs last, and the other person first.

Saint Paisios used to say that it is only through one’s noble manner that he is helped by God. The point is to demonstrate Philotimo not only with our loved ones, but especially with difficult people. Sensitive people with Philotimo may be willingly wronged because of the concessions they make out of love for others; but, importantly, they never seek to be justified in this vain life. They may pay the price for everything in this life, but they are helped by God, and a great reward awaits them in the next life.