The Holy Fathers on... Slander

Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven... (Matt. 5:11-12)

If you are slandered--rejoice: this is very profitable for you. If you are offended, endure;for he that endureth to the end will be saved (Matt. 10:22).

For everything give thanks to God, because thanksgiving intercedes before God for human weakness. -- Saints Barsanuphius & John

Nothing pains the soul more than slander, whether directed against one's faith or one's manner of life. No one can be indifferent to it except those who, like Susanna, have their eyes fixed on God (cf. Sus. vs. 35). For only God has the power to rescue from peril, as He rescued her, to convince men of the truth, as He did in her case, and to encourage the soul with hope. -- Saint Maximos the Confessor, Fourth Century on Love

If anyone reproaches, grieves or offends you in any way, do not become angry against that brother; but going away, pray to God for him in this way: 'O Lord, forgive him,' and ascribe this insult to the demon, for it is the demon who teaches us to offend one another. -- Elder Hilarion of Sarov

(Reprinted from Orthodox America, Issues 163-164, Vol XVIII, No. 7-8)