Spiritual Life & Practices
Penthos (Gift of Tears)
Compunction, mourning for sin, and joyful sorrow: a central practice of Orthodox spiritual life. Not depression but grace-filled repentance that leads to spiritual consolation. The 'gift of tears' (charisma ton dakryon) is considered a sign of spiritual progress. 'Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted' (Matthew 5:4).
Sources
- St. John Climacus, Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 7 ('On Mourning') archive.org
- St. Isaac the Syrian, Ascetical Homilies archive.org
- St. Symeon the New Theologian, Catechetical Discourses archive.org