The Cup of Christ

By St. Ignatius Brianchaninov

Our father among the saints Ignatius Brianchaninov (1807-1867), was a bishop of the Church of Russia and ascetical writer. In 1857, he was consecrated Bishop of the Caucasus and the Black Sea, but he retired only four years later to devote himself to spiritual writing. He he was a prolific author, writing much of the material in the five volumes of his collected works.

Two beloved disciples asked the Lord for thrones of glory, and He gave them His Cup (Matt. 20:23).

The Cup of Christ is suffering. But for those who drink from it on earth, the Cup of Christ grants participation in Christ’s Kingdom. It prepares for them the thrones of eternal glory in heaven. We stand in silence before the Cup of Christ, nor can any man complain about it or reject it; for He, Who commanded us to taste it, first drank of it Himself. Read more