We go to church for the Divine Liturgy, and there we encounter people who are inattentive during the service, who talk among themselves and disturb others. Then the following “logical” thought comes to mind: “What do I gain by going to church at all? Would it not have been better to remain at home, where I could pray in peace and with attentiveness?”
However, we must soberly resist such an evil thought in this way: “Perhaps I would have more outward peace at home, but I would not have the Grace of God, which sanctifies and deifies me. I would not have Christ, Who is present in His Church, nor would I have His Holy Body and His Most Precious Blood, which are in His Holy Church upon the Holy Table. I would not participate in the Mystical Supper of the Divine Liturgy. I would be separated from my brethren in Christ, who together with me constitute the Body of Christ.”
Therefore, whatever may happen, we shall not withdraw from the Church, for only within her do we have the path to theosis.
—Elder George Kapsanis
(of blessed memory)