This Bible study looks at Orthodox spiritual discernment through the example of the Holy Theotokos. Discernment means learning how to recognize what is from God, what comes from our own passions, and what may be spiritual deception. The Orthodox Church teaches that discernment is not built on private feelings alone. It grows through humility, confession, obedience, prayer, Scripture, and the life of the Church.

Anthony Ally reflects on the Annunciation and shows how the Theotokos reveals the royal road of wisdom. She does not reject God’s word as impossible, but she also does not grasp at glory or pretend to understand everything. She listens, asks her question with humility, and submits herself to the will of God. The study also explains why the Church Fathers warn against hidden thoughts, false spiritual experiences, pride in fasting, and ...