On the contrary, murmuring, protest, anger at everyone and everything ruin the inner world, aggravate suffering, and most importantly, diminish or destroy the spiritual fruit for which they were sent. This fruit is our salvation. Sometimes we are prevented from understanding and realizing this by lack of faith, careless attitude towards ourselves, and the like.

The years of atheism did not pass without a trace. Almost three generations of people grew up who did not know God and His Holy Church. In my practical medical work, I often encounter situations when a sick or grieving person does not understand the spiritual meaning of suffering (I mean baptized Orthodox), is very burdened by his well-being, is full of despondency and sorrow. It can be even worse: despair, anguish, the desire for death...

There is another problem that cannot leave any believing doctor indifferent. The lack of spirituality that has reigned in society for the past seventy-odd years has naturally affected medicine with all the ensuing consequences. How can we not remember the pre-revolutionary hospitals? Icons, lit lampadas, sisters of mercy, a priest – confessing, communing, unctioning. All this was... I am glad that now, by God's mercy, this tradition is gradually being revived. So far, not everywhere, but hospital churches are being recreated and consecrated, prayers are served in clinics. Sparks of faith and hope appear in the eyes of sick people. Joy and consolation settle in the souls. I want to believe that the Lord will give us time and strength to repent and improve.

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Illness is sometimes sent to cleanse sins, and sometimes to humble ascension.

St. John Climacus