Elder Joseph of Vatopaidi
When we talk to people today about
mourning, it seems strange to them, because they’re ashamed of crying.
If we’re talking about vain, passing things, of course they’re not worth
crying over. But that kind of mourning is only about social convention.
Spiritual mourning has to do with our relationship with God and is the
product, not so much of our own choice, but of the grace of the Holy
Spirit. The sense of responsibility for our wicked deeds is such a
weight in our heart that it brings about a state of deepest contrition.