This Sunday, our church celebrated the memory of St. Paisios of Mount Athos, whose feast day is July 12. He was a beloved Orthodox monk known around the world for his wisdom, humility, and deep love for people.
I have to admit — although I grew up in the Orthodox Church, I had never really learned about him. Our priest spoke so warmly about St. Paisios that I kept his name in my mind.
Yesterday, while driving to a doctor's appointment in another city, I had about an hour to myself. I decided to look for an audiobook about his life. The first video I found was about St. Paisios’ teachings on worry — and it felt like such a meaningful coincidence (or maybe God knew this was exactly what I needed to hear) because worrying has been something I have struggled with for much of my life.
One thought especially stayed with me:
“Simplify your life, and stress will disappear. Simplicity and a carefree spirit are closely connected.”
St. Paisios taught that many of the burdens we carry are not the ones God gives us. Many times, we create them ourselves by constantly wanting more, chasing more, and believing that the next thing will finally make us happy.
We often think we need:
- A bigger house.
- More comfort.
- More success.
- More approval from others.
But the interesting thing is that the more we have, the more we often want. Desire can become something that is never fully satisfied.
It reminds me of eating sweets or simple carbohydrates. The more sugar we consume, the more we crave it. Instead of feeling satisfied, we often want more. In the same way, constantly feeding our desire for more things can create a cycle where we are always searching for the next purchase, the next upgrade, or the next achievement.
While listening to St. Paisios, I started reflecting on my own life. How many times have I dreamed about having a bigger house, more space, and more things? But then I stopped and asked myself: Why do I need all of this?
It is just me and my husband. Would a bigger house truly bring more peace and happiness into our lives? Or would it simply bring more responsibilities, more expenses, more things to maintain, and more worries?
St. Paisios reminded people that true freedom does not come from having more — it comes from not being controlled by the desire for more.
A simple life does not mean living without beauty, comfort, or blessings. It means understanding what is truly important and making room for the things that bring lasting peace: faith, prayer, gratitude, family, kindness, and trust in God.
He also taught people to simplify their thoughts.
How much of our time is spent worrying about tomorrow, replaying situations in our minds, or carrying fears about things we cannot control?
Those worries quietly steal the peace we could have today.
The life of St. Paisios shows us that happiness is not found in collecting more things. It is found in a peaceful heart that knows how to be grateful for what God has already given.
Maybe the richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least to feel content.
This was the lesson I needed to hear from St. Paisios:
Simplify your life. Let go of unnecessary worries. Stop chasing what cannot satisfy the heart. Make room for God’s peace.
I hope these thoughts bring a moment of reflection to your heart, just as they did to mine. Maybe today is a good day to pause and ask ourselves: What things in my life are truly bringing me closer to God and peace — and what things are only adding more weight to my heart?
May we all find the beauty of a simpler life, a grateful heart, and a deeper trust in God.
With love,
Olena Derkach
July 15, 2026
