Penthos and Tears

About this episode

Fr. Michael discusses penthos, the sorrow for sin, and the different types of tears associated with it, referencing St. John Climacus's writings.

This week Fr. Michael talks about penthos, the deep sorrow for sin, and the tears that can be related to that, using the writings of St. John Climacus as a jumping off point. He talks about sorrow for sins of the world and the different types of tears we can experience. References: Thirty Steps to Heaven by Vassilios Papavassiliou The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy Quote from St. John Climacus "In the domain of creatio...

People in this episode

Hosts: Fr. Michael, Mother Natalia

Topics covered

• penthos
• sorrow for sin
• tears
• St. John Climacus
• spirituality
• Christianity

Keywords

• penthos
• sorrow
• tears
• St. John Climacus
• spirituality
• Christianity
• sin

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Thirty Steps to Heaven, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse

More episodes of What God is Not

• A Long-Expected Parts Episode with Dr. Gerry Crete · June 10, 2026 · 1h 8m
• Convictions from St. James · June 3, 2026 · 42 min
• Tabitha Arise! · May 27, 2026 · 39 min
• The Greatest Intimacy · May 20, 2026 · 50 min
• Arrow Prayers · May 13, 2026 · 41 min
• Only the Lover Sings with Fr. Chris Seith · May 6, 2026 · 1h 6m