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I am in a pickle. I converted but my husband didn't . He's so supportive, but just isn't interested in Jesus. I keep praying that God keeps him under construction. It's just.....it's tough. I just am grateful that the husband is so supportive and doesn't interfere in teaching the children, but then with that, he's not helping either. I'm so tired and will just continue to pray, but.....I just.....just wanted to vent. I love you brother! ❤❤❤
May you be blessed in your struggle. I converted 25 years ago but my wife didn't. She too is still supportive, but uninterested in converting. We adopted an abused child before all that. He couldn't accept any good thing given to him. To him, that wasn't the way life was, and it frightened him, even though deep inside it's what he wanted. Upon turning "adult", he ran away to the streets and pursued a life of pleasure-seeking and running away. But we'd hear and be in contact whenever he was arrested again, or when he was in desperate need of food. But we prayed, and we had legions of others praying as well. So it was for 20 years. Then he was in an accident that left him hospitalized for 8 weeks. After drying out and healing in body, this time he knew he couldn't return to the streets. It was COVID, early days. In a few months, he asked to come to church with me, so I took him. Then he asked about the faith, and I did what I could with that. He was baptized two years ago and has become an inspiration to others in the manner of his repentance - for me too. God's will is done in God's time. His work in us takes time and only He knows when we're ready. Never stop praying. You won't get your husband to the church. Only God knows how - and when. God be merciful to you and your whole family and keep you in His care.
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy! I was granted economia because of my life history and that of my wife's and her children to marry a woman who was divorced from a man who physically and psychologically abused her and the children and cheated on her several times and tried to kill himself and the children were left alone with their traumatized mother. Her grandmother was a Protestant convert and begged me to step in and teach them about God and Christianity. I said that I couldn't. I was not worthy. She begged quoting Jesus asking St. Peter 3x if he loved Him. I reluctantly agreed but the situation was not good. I was and am in over my head and I've had many adventures. We have been married11 years. Our son just had a sudden and unexpected liver transplant. He should have died but by the prayers of the Theotokos and St. George the Trophy Bearer his patron and thousands around the world, he is in month 3 of recovery after his transplant playing with his friends as I type. My wife has just now begun to listen to Great Compline during this Lent. My father died a schema monk and on his deathbed the week he died all of his children and step children and grandchildren except me and my house who were already part of the Church, were baptized. He suffered much and was repeatedly rejected and shamed his whole life, but was glorified at his death as 3 of us saw that same week. I learned from him to have faith when there's no reason and to pray and don't stop trying to purify your love for God and your fellow man and let God work things out that we cannot. Pray for me, an unworthy sinner. I struggle still and am sick myself. May it be blessed! Glory to God for all things! All things come to good for those who love God. Amen.
I am non-Orthodox, but this does does not sound crazy too me at all. I may not have a spiritual father in that sense, but the Lord gave me a Christian husband to obey and share my life with, and have taught me many of the same lessons of which you speak through him. I have learned and am still learning that even by obeying him despite his weaknesses and humanity God has taught us both very much. When I have fought him, I later see what God was trying to protect me from. I have grown very much through this process.
Glory be to Him for His love, dear Laura. He does know everything about us even before we ourselves become aware of most things. And yet, He still waits for us to pray (He tells us to pray, and He gives us many examples where insistent prayer is encouraged), perhaps for this very reason: so that we ourselves become aware of how much we need Him and that without Him our salvation is impossible. May we all be blessed.
When I stray away from the earthly pleasures of life, His voice becomes so clear. I remember I am "Being In this World but Not Of This World". These earthly pleasures are temporary, God is eternal! God bless you Father! Thank you for sharing! ❤
There are so many voices in our life, dear one - not only Christ's voice, but also the many voices of the evil one, manifested through the many passions of our soul and body, each of them with its own 'tone' and intensity. Plus the voices of our past, those of our society, those of the people who love us and who hate us. Then, the voice of our own intellect, our own emotions, our own life experience (which often compromises for us the chance to remain open to the voices of our present) etc etc. This is why asceticism is essential - fasting, vigil, any sort of effort in the name of Christ will silence all these alien voices or - at least - will make them grow faint enough for His Voice to be heard. Be blessed, dear one, and keep us in your prayers.
I can confirm that you don't sound crazy to a non-Orthodox at all! Whilst I don't have a spiritual father, I drew from your words an important reminder not to place too many demands and expectations on any one human, only God, (for me, my husband comes to mind) and not to feel disheartened if their human frailty disappoints us. Your words about feeling abandoned by your spiritual father resonated with some of my past experiences. I hope I have not missed the point of your message. Thank you for taking so much time to speak to us and share your wisdom. ❤🙏
Thank you, Fr. Serafim! This is exactly what I needed. Our spiritual father is a scalpel in the Doctor's hand. When I started confessing to my spiritual father he warned me that one day something may happen that may make me be tempted to feel or think that he is no longer the right spiritual father for me. That moment occured as he said and with God's grace, I was able to identify it as such and carry on listening to him in obedience. You have just brought me reassurance that things have happened this way for a reason and that Christ is ultimately our one and only saviour.
Dear Father, I have just discovered your channel and your insights are valuable to me. I’m a Roman Catholic but especially in this video you have given advice which I was in need of . You are right , my confessor / spiritual director frequently ignores me. My pride is hurt but I have seen in this that I do have the tendency to see myself as the centre of his spiritual universe. I like the analogy that he is the instrument …pencil writing Gods Will in my soul …..however painful I find this experience at times. When I can go to confession the peace and calm and confirmation of my path comes through him …..but I crave too much his reassurance all the time . I’m finding praying the Jesus prayer calming soothing challenging but helpful
I ALWAYS learn from you!!! Mostly HUMILITY!!! FAITHFULNESS I 14:44 am grateful to see you are well I have prayed for you! The monks from HOLY CROSS MONASTERY in Virginia told me what happened to you they have been praying for you as well ☦🙏☦🙏☦🙏 GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS
"We can't always be sustained just above the water by our spritual fathers from time to time we have to have their hands removed so that we need to force our selves & panic that we may drown.we need to learn our selves how to swim spritually .even if their hands are not on us ,Christ Eyes are always on us" My dear father, My beloved holy spiritual father went to heaven almost 2wks at age of 63.I love him very much & God saved my life through him.even if i dont think i would get anybody Closer to him.your teaching tought me ,it is christ who speak through our spritual fathers so that i need to be Obedient to my future spiritual father He may give me. Thank you & Pray for us dear father. 🇪🇹
Hi Father. I recently listened to your reflections and how you see Christ in everything we are. I love it. I am Catholic . Life in Christ is full of mysteries and wonders. My hope and dreams that I am able to visit your monastery and meet you in person. Please pray for me and I pray that God will always bless you and your community and provide for your needs. Please do not stop to reach out for us in the world. We need you .
My Long Distance boyfriend of 6 years have recently come all the way across the globe to ask my father for my hand and we're currently planning how to close the distance and get married. I've been thinking a lot about what it means to be a good wife and I kept hearing from different sources that I need to learn how to listen attentively and be obedient. But I started getting worried that following only that advice would lead me to feeling resentment and self-righteousness. Yesterday I had a small disconnect with him and decided to speak with him the way I'd speak to Christ Himself. I know he's not and will not be my spiritual father but he was also my first explicit link back to Christ as i was of a different faith when we first met and our relationship pulled me closer to Christ. For some reason, hearing you explain your situation and the way you thought of it made so much sense. Thank you Father for your valuable time and love. Christ is Risen! ❤
... dear brother in Christ, please pray for us people in Serbia, for our tormented and lost souls...in these perilous and extremly temptation times for my country, as well as for all of us ,here on , Earth...God bless you...Thank you ,for everything...❤🌹🙏🏻...
I feel the same thing with my spiritual father .I feel ignored so much. I also wanted someone to guide me step by step but I feel that this is the will of God
I’m the same way but don’t have a spiritual father. I just mean that I want someone to hold my hand on this journey and that’s probably not realistic. It’s a struggle.
I do not have a Spiritual Father yet but I pray everyday for one. I was confused on it all when a Priest told me I didn’t need one but I really think I do. Maybe I’m too proudful to see what he’s saying.
Minunata este sinceritatea, uimitoare chiar și uimirea, la rândul ei, anima atâta sinceritate sufleteasca. Pr Rafail Noica talcuieste atat de frumos aceasta naștere a părintelui duhovnicesc din partea fiului, în cartea " Cultura Duhului", o epistola adusa cititorului în urma conferințelor sfinției sale. Avem o nevoie inchipuita de sfinți pentru hrănirea formelor gândurilor și patimilor noastre. Alambicata mintea care ne minte și care nu este curatita. Căci nu pe Hristos îl vedem în Duhovnic, ci pe omul a toată lumea. Asa este, recunosc acest lucru în mintea mea atat de prabusita în lumesc. Poate ca dintre cele mai sensibile lucruri sunt sinceritatea cu tine însuți și asumarea a ceea ce ești cu adevărat. Și mai apoi, sinceritatea în raport cu lumea și creația Domnului. Multa închipuire, multe chipuri cioplite care ne țin atat de departe de noi înșine, de lume, de adevăr și de Dumnezeu. Domnul sa ne lumineze.
I'm new and learning. It's wisdom like this that helps show me the this is the True Path. So many lessons to learn if we first listen. Thank you father. Glory to God. Christ takes care of this idiot to.
We are all new and learning, dear Paul. This is the thinking of the Saints. It takes a lot of pride to think that we know anything or that there is an end to what we should be learning. Keep this thought in your mind (I am new and learning) until the end of your life, allow it to open you to keeping silent and always looking for wisdom, and you will be well by His grace. Keep us in your prayers too.
When we work hard and give of our best to the work of God, we do so in faith. It is so easy to fall victim to pride when we reflect upon the efforts we had to expend before anything is achieved. There is the danger for us to claim ownership of our 'successes', -and this of course leads to pride. Spiritual detatchment and constant humility both graces that are gained by constant discipline and self-examination. They are qualities of soul that keep us open to what God may be showing us, or telling us. Dear fr you are sounding more energised and strong by now. We pray for you and for your young family alwys.
He is risen indeed! Thank God for all things. We all have so much to learn from each other, either matters of the mind or of the heart and soul. We just need to listen to what Christ tells us through those around us with a bit more care. May we all be blessed.
Thank you Fr. Serafim for sharing all of these with us.This is food for our minds, not taking everything for granted. I am trully grateful for all your work and I am relieved that you are feeling better. A humble thank you from a soul which has been touched by the Divine love through you Fr. Serafim. Thank you.
I love the metaphor you used as to asking God to lead us to do His will, instead of doing it on our own free will. I literally had this problem recently where I kept asking God to do what He wants me to do. It all makes sense on why He was silent a few times. I have to put in the work. God is watching me at the same time but He wants to see the choices I make without His assistance.
Hi Fr. Seraphim! If I may, if you allow me :) I will say this: ultimately your Spiritual Father (and all else) is Jesus Christ. It is clear to me He has assigned Himself to take care of you directly (no one in between)... makes sense? Not only He is showing you (and all of us) He IS in full charge/control of all the Mull Monastery + "businesses", but also the Senior Physician of the Glasgow Hospital Physicians Team. So you're not alone, Our Father is with you... He IS there (and very very busy). Give Him then the "driver seat" and let's go. Hallelujah! We love you! Let's go! Hallelujah! All Glory to Thee Lord! 🤗 🥰 😊
He is risen indeed! I've learnt to keep my eyes open and try to learn from the everyday things that happen to us, dear one. If God is in charge of my life (as I know He is), then nothing that happens to me is without significance. If His will touches all that happens to me (as I know it does), that everything that happens to me has wisdom hidden in it. It is just up to me to see, to hear and to learn. May we all be blessed, dear one.
Hristos a Înviat! Aceasta mărturisire publica s Sfinției Voastre ne spune încă odată ca trebuie sa mergem pe calea cea Ortodoxa, cea Împărătească, care nu cade nici la stânga nici la dreapta, ca trebuie sa avem grija sa nu ne transformam duhovnicul in idol dar in același timp sa avem grija sa nu ieșim din ascultarea lui prin care ne vorbește însuși Dumnezeu. Ma bucur sa va avem din nou “printre noi” ca și când “nimic nu s-a întâmplat rău între timp”. Va pomenesc cu drag pe mai departe împreuna cu toată obștea. Doamne ajuta.
Fr, can we ever be at peace living in worldly, secular communities? It erodes my nerves and fills me with nervous energy witnessing the madness around me sometimes, it is a battle in itself when I feel bombarded by the world/ flesh.
I’m so thankful you shared this because I have often experienced this- my priest will often be away on vacation or on a sabbatical when I’m going through a crisis. I’ve been resentful about this. You’ve helped me see that this was God’s design!
Thank you so much. Father, this example you talk about explains a lot about relationship with my spiritual father as well and finding will of God. Congratulations for all the good news. May God grants all that you need, Amen!
Thank you Father for this profound, beautiful and timely message. I thank God for your TH-cam channel. I am a devout Roman Catholic but i also draw much from the Orthodox teaching and Saints of both Churches. I will make a purchase from your store:-) I'm praying for you Father Seraphim. (isabella)
Thank you for your prayers and good wishes, dear one. And thank you, on behalf of the community, for the practical support you are offering to our monasteries and the work we try to do. May we all be blessed.
Sometimes our spiritual mentor,,,becomes weak to get out of the way so you can grow more. If we become too dependent on them G-d will move them out of the way. That happened to me. So glad and grateful that you are recovered.
Thank you very much Fr. Seraphim for your sharing your recent experience of sickness and your spiritual experience with your Spiritual Father Also, thank you for you blessings. This has been very inspiring to me as I am sure for all of us. It has been on many occasions that the guidance of my Spiritual Father were very helpful and lead to my spiritual growth even if at times I did not think it was very important and knowing that I am very far and at a kindergarten level of spiritual growth. Your words help me to feel a child of God and my Spiritual Father the shepherd that is a necessity in my life.
Father bless, Christ is Risen, You have an amazing way of putting into words what I have experienced over the ten years of my journey of faith within the Orthodox Church. The relationship with a spiritual father is a journey of self-discovery but your words have a way of describing this evolving relationship and its challenges which I have not found elsewhere.
Truly He is risen! Thank you for sharing this with us. At my church we just had a retreat under the Orthodox Youth and Young Adult Ministry (in the USA) and among a number of things, they told us that the saints who inspire their ministry are the 40 martyrs of Sebaste because they were a community who encouraged each other in their martyrdom. We are so grateful for the encouragement we receive from you. We all continue to pray for you and for your community.
The 40 Martyrs are an amazing source of inspiration, indeed. And they are wonderful helpers to those who intercede for their prayer. Their Feast Day is one of the great Orthodox Feasts and is celebrated in all churches. I am so happy that your young people are aware of their lives and Christian example of sacrifice. It gives me great hope and courage.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TRUTH, I AM STUDY THE BIBLE AND PRAYING, I NEED TO DESTROY ALL SIN IN MY LIFE SO IT WILL NOT DESTROY ME,,,❤I WILL PRAY FOR YOU MY BROTHER IM GOING TO REPLAY THIS MESSAGE SO I WILL SEE WHY IT IS LIKE CRIST TALK TRYING TO SAY SOMETHING TO ME GOD BLESS YOU IN JESUS CHRIST NAME AMEN AMEN AMEN ❤
Once again I’m so amazed at Gods love for us flawed, sinful people. He has, once again, confirmed through you lessons He’s been teaching this idiot here. Very humbly I say may He bring glory to His name. How I long to make a pilgrimage to Mull, one day, God willing.
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May God bless us all! CHRIST IS RISEN!
Are y’all’s icons blessed already? Or do we have to take them to get blessed??
God help the father, happy feast of St. George. I have social anxiety, I am trying to lead a church life, how can I overcome this pain?
It’s there a way bn to have a conversation with you
If it's God's will, I would love to visit someday. Your videos really touch my heart.
Sarut mana parinte!Am găsit!
I am in a pickle. I converted but my husband didn't . He's so supportive, but just isn't interested in Jesus. I keep praying that God keeps him under construction. It's just.....it's tough. I just am grateful that the husband is so supportive and doesn't interfere in teaching the children, but then with that, he's not helping either. I'm so tired and will just continue to pray, but.....I just.....just wanted to vent. I love you brother! ❤❤❤
May you be blessed in your struggle. I converted 25 years ago but my wife didn't. She too is still supportive, but uninterested in converting. We adopted an abused child before all that. He couldn't accept any good thing given to him. To him, that wasn't the way life was, and it frightened him, even though deep inside it's what he wanted. Upon turning "adult", he ran away to the streets and pursued a life of pleasure-seeking and running away. But we'd hear and be in contact whenever he was arrested again, or when he was in desperate need of food. But we prayed, and we had legions of others praying as well. So it was for 20 years. Then he was in an accident that left him hospitalized for 8 weeks. After drying out and healing in body, this time he knew he couldn't return to the streets. It was COVID, early days. In a few months, he asked to come to church with me, so I took him. Then he asked about the faith, and I did what I could with that. He was baptized two years ago and has become an inspiration to others in the manner of his repentance - for me too. God's will is done in God's time. His work in us takes time and only He knows when we're ready. Never stop praying. You won't get your husband to the church. Only God knows how - and when. God be merciful to you and your whole family and keep you in His care.
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy! I was granted economia because of my life history and that of my wife's and her children to marry a woman who was divorced from a man who physically and psychologically abused her and the children and cheated on her several times and tried to kill himself and the children were left alone with their traumatized mother. Her grandmother was a Protestant convert and begged me to step in and teach them about God and Christianity. I said that I couldn't. I was not worthy. She begged quoting Jesus asking St. Peter 3x if he loved Him. I reluctantly agreed but the situation was not good. I was and am in over my head and I've had many adventures. We have been married11 years. Our son just had a sudden and unexpected liver transplant. He should have died but by the prayers of the Theotokos and St. George the Trophy Bearer his patron and thousands around the world, he is in month 3 of recovery after his transplant playing with his friends as I type. My wife has just now begun to listen to Great Compline during this Lent.
My father died a schema monk and on his deathbed the week he died all of his children and step children and grandchildren except me and my house who were already part of the Church, were baptized. He suffered much and was repeatedly rejected and shamed his whole life, but was glorified at his death as 3 of us saw that same week. I learned from him to have faith when there's no reason and to pray and don't stop trying to purify your love for God and your fellow man and let God work things out that we cannot. Pray for me, an unworthy sinner. I struggle still and am sick myself. May it be blessed! Glory to God for all things! All things come to good for those who love God. Amen.
I am non-Orthodox, but this does does not sound crazy too me at all. I may not have a spiritual father in that sense, but the Lord gave me a Christian husband to obey and share my life with, and have taught me many of the same lessons of which you speak through him. I have learned and am still learning that even by obeying him despite his weaknesses and humanity God has taught us both very much. When I have fought him, I later see what God was trying to protect me from. I have grown very much through this process.
I weep for all the things we have lost in the West. Lord Jesus Christ have mercy and forgive us!
Words can't express how nice it is to have you back. God is truly good alleluia!
That is SO kind, dear Argie, thank you and may God bless you and all of us.
Our Father knows our need before we even ask, Matthew 6:8 ❤🔥
Glory be to Him for His love, dear Laura. He does know everything about us even before we ourselves become aware of most things. And yet, He still waits for us to pray (He tells us to pray, and He gives us many examples where insistent prayer is encouraged), perhaps for this very reason: so that we ourselves become aware of how much we need Him and that without Him our salvation is impossible. May we all be blessed.
Even more ❤️🔥. Very beautiful
So much wisdom here... Thank you Father
Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything.
When I stray away from the earthly pleasures of life, His voice becomes so clear.
I remember I am "Being In this World but Not Of This World". These earthly pleasures are temporary, God is eternal!
God bless you Father! Thank you for sharing! ❤
There are so many voices in our life, dear one - not only Christ's voice, but also the many voices of the evil one, manifested through the many passions of our soul and body, each of them with its own 'tone' and intensity. Plus the voices of our past, those of our society, those of the people who love us and who hate us. Then, the voice of our own intellect, our own emotions, our own life experience (which often compromises for us the chance to remain open to the voices of our present) etc etc. This is why asceticism is essential - fasting, vigil, any sort of effort in the name of Christ will silence all these alien voices or - at least - will make them grow faint enough for His Voice to be heard. Be blessed, dear one, and keep us in your prayers.
Christ steps forward when our human humble Fathers step back.
I can confirm that you don't sound crazy to a non-Orthodox at all! Whilst I don't have a spiritual father, I drew from your words an important reminder not to place too many demands and expectations on any one human, only God, (for me, my husband comes to mind) and not to feel disheartened if their human frailty disappoints us. Your words about feeling abandoned by your spiritual father resonated with some of my past experiences. I hope I have not missed the point of your message. Thank you for taking so much time to speak to us and share your wisdom. ❤🙏
Thank you, Fr. Serafim! This is exactly what I needed. Our spiritual father is a scalpel in the Doctor's hand.
When I started confessing to my spiritual father he warned me that one day something may happen that may make me be tempted to feel or think that he is no longer the right spiritual father for me. That moment occured as he said and with God's grace, I was able to identify it as such and carry on listening to him in obedience. You have just brought me reassurance that things have happened this way for a reason and that Christ is ultimately our one and only saviour.
Christ is Risen, indeed He is Risen
Dear Father, I have just discovered your channel and your insights are valuable to me. I’m a Roman Catholic but especially in this video you have given advice which I was in need of . You are right , my confessor / spiritual director frequently ignores me. My pride is hurt but I have seen in this that I do have the tendency to see myself as the centre of his spiritual universe. I like the analogy that he is the instrument …pencil writing Gods Will in my soul …..however painful I find this experience at times. When I can go to confession the peace and calm and confirmation of my path comes through him …..but I crave too much his reassurance all the time . I’m finding praying the Jesus prayer calming soothing challenging but helpful
I ALWAYS learn from you!!! Mostly HUMILITY!!! FAITHFULNESS I 14:44 am grateful to see you are well I have prayed for you! The monks from HOLY CROSS MONASTERY in Virginia told me what happened to you they have been praying for you as well ☦🙏☦🙏☦🙏 GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS
"We can't always be sustained just above the water by our spritual fathers from time to time we have to have their hands removed so that we need to force our selves & panic that we may drown.we need to learn our selves how to swim spritually .even if their hands are not on us ,Christ Eyes are always on us"
My dear father, My beloved holy spiritual father went to heaven almost 2wks at age of 63.I love him very much & God saved my life through him.even if i dont think i would get anybody Closer to him.your teaching tought me ,it is christ who speak through our spritual fathers so that i need to be Obedient to my future spiritual father He may give me.
Thank you & Pray for us dear father.
🇪🇹
When the going gets tough, the tough get going!
Thank you Father
Αληθώς Ανέστη +
Truly He Has Risen !!!
Thank you for your Blessings 🙏
Fr Seraphim,
I’m grateful that you are well.
Hi Father. I recently listened to your reflections and how you see Christ in everything we are. I love it. I am Catholic . Life in Christ is full of mysteries and wonders. My hope and dreams that I am able to visit your monastery and meet you in person. Please pray for me and I pray that God will always bless you and your community and provide for your needs. Please do not stop to reach out for us in the world. We need you .
Thanks !
May God grant you strength .
My Long Distance boyfriend of 6 years have recently come all the way across the globe to ask my father for my hand and we're currently planning how to close the distance and get married.
I've been thinking a lot about what it means to be a good wife and I kept hearing from different sources that I need to learn how to listen attentively and be obedient. But I started getting worried that following only that advice would lead me to feeling resentment and self-righteousness.
Yesterday I had a small disconnect with him and decided to speak with him the way I'd speak to Christ Himself.
I know he's not and will not be my spiritual father but he was also my first explicit link back to Christ as i was of a different faith when we first met and our relationship pulled me closer to Christ.
For some reason, hearing you explain your situation and the way you thought of it made so much sense.
Thank you Father for your valuable time and love. Christ is Risen! ❤
Indeed Hi is risen, your blessings fathers.
Be blessed,be blessed,be blessed! From all my heart ! In the name of Christ ! Dear,Father. !
... dear brother in Christ, please pray for us people in Serbia, for our tormented and lost souls...in these perilous and extremly temptation times for my country, as well as for all of us ,here on , Earth...God bless you...Thank you ,for everything...❤🌹🙏🏻...
God bless you all💖🙏🌹
Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.
I LOVE YOU, FATHER! SO SO MUCH!!
I feel the same thing with my spiritual father .I feel ignored so much.
I also wanted someone to guide me step by step but I feel that this is the will of God
I’m the same way but don’t have a spiritual father. I just mean that I want someone to hold my hand on this journey and that’s probably not realistic. It’s a struggle.
Amen 🙏 ❤
The fire felt here In Finland, blessed be Christ In you❤
I do not have a Spiritual Father yet but I pray everyday for one. I was confused on it all when a Priest told me I didn’t need one but I really think I do. Maybe I’m too proudful to see what he’s saying.
Bless Father thank you for your guidance. שלום
Truly He is risen! Godbless you father Seraphim and thank you for your words given by Jesus.
May God bless us all , dear Martina.
Minunata este sinceritatea, uimitoare chiar și uimirea, la rândul ei, anima atâta sinceritate sufleteasca. Pr Rafail Noica talcuieste atat de frumos aceasta naștere a părintelui duhovnicesc din partea fiului, în cartea " Cultura Duhului", o epistola adusa cititorului în urma conferințelor sfinției sale. Avem o nevoie inchipuita de sfinți pentru hrănirea formelor gândurilor și patimilor noastre. Alambicata mintea care ne minte și care nu este curatita. Căci nu pe Hristos îl vedem în Duhovnic, ci pe omul a toată lumea. Asa este, recunosc acest lucru în mintea mea atat de prabusita în lumesc. Poate ca dintre cele mai sensibile lucruri sunt sinceritatea cu tine însuți și asumarea a ceea ce ești cu adevărat. Și mai apoi, sinceritatea în raport cu lumea și creația Domnului. Multa închipuire, multe chipuri cioplite care ne țin atat de departe de noi înșine, de lume, de adevăr și de Dumnezeu. Domnul sa ne lumineze.
I am so happy to hear that the Monastery is going from strength to strength 🙏 🤗 ☦️🕊️
so true. God loves you and there is nothing you can do about it... Thank you
Thank you Father for your guidance and shared experiences.
I like that you recognize how crazy this sounds. It sounds crazy. That is why I trust it.
I'm new and learning. It's wisdom like this that helps show me the this is the True Path. So many lessons to learn if we first listen. Thank you father. Glory to God. Christ takes care of this idiot to.
We are all new and learning, dear Paul. This is the thinking of the Saints. It takes a lot of pride to think that we know anything or that there is an end to what we should be learning. Keep this thought in your mind (I am new and learning) until the end of your life, allow it to open you to keeping silent and always looking for wisdom, and you will be well by His grace. Keep us in your prayers too.
Amen 🙏
When we work hard and give of our best to the work of God, we do so in faith. It is so easy to fall victim to pride when we reflect upon the efforts we had to expend before anything is achieved. There is the danger for us to claim ownership of our 'successes', -and this of course leads to pride. Spiritual detatchment and constant humility both graces that are gained by constant discipline and self-examination. They are qualities of soul that keep us open to what God may be showing us, or telling us. Dear fr you are sounding more energised and strong by now. We pray for you and for your young family alwys.
Very profound Father, for my soul, I hope for others also. Asking your blessings Father
Christ is risen. Thank you Father for sharing.
He is risen indeed! Thank God for all things. We all have so much to learn from each other, either matters of the mind or of the heart and soul. We just need to listen to what Christ tells us through those around us with a bit more care. May we all be blessed.
Truly He is Risen!!!
Amen Amen
Welcome back father. Pls stay in touch. Be blessed.🙏🏻♥️
Thank you Fr. Serafim for sharing all of these with us.This is food for our minds, not taking everything for granted. I am trully grateful for all your work and I am relieved that you are feeling better. A humble thank you from a soul which has been touched by the Divine love through you Fr. Serafim. Thank you.
I like the image of spiritual swimming. Thank you, blessed Fr. Seraphim.
Never regret a missed journey ❤
Powerful. Thank you for sharing this, Father.
You embrace my Catholic heart and I embrace you back. Thank you.
I sparked as soon as you said Christ is Reason. The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand ❤
I love the metaphor you used as to asking God to lead us to do His will, instead of doing it on our own free will. I literally had this problem recently where I kept asking God to do what He wants me to do. It all makes sense on why He was silent a few times. I have to put in the work. God is watching me at the same time but He wants to see the choices I make without His assistance.
Hi Fr. Seraphim! If I may, if you allow me :)
I will say this: ultimately your Spiritual Father (and all else) is Jesus Christ. It is clear to me He has assigned Himself to take care of you directly (no one in between)... makes sense? Not only He is showing you (and all of us) He IS in full charge/control of all the Mull Monastery + "businesses", but also the Senior Physician of the Glasgow Hospital Physicians Team. So you're not alone, Our Father is with you... He IS there (and very very busy). Give Him then the "driver seat" and let's go.
Hallelujah! We love you! Let's go! Hallelujah!
All Glory to Thee Lord! 🤗 🥰 😊
Yet another wonderful and beautiful story full of wisdom, thank you. Christ is risen!! Glory to God!!!!!
He is risen indeed! I've learnt to keep my eyes open and try to learn from the everyday things that happen to us, dear one. If God is in charge of my life (as I know He is), then nothing that happens to me is without significance. If His will touches all that happens to me (as I know it does), that everything that happens to me has wisdom hidden in it. It is just up to me to see, to hear and to learn. May we all be blessed, dear one.
peace be with you and God's immeasurable grace keep you!
Hristos a Înviat!
Aceasta mărturisire publica s Sfinției Voastre ne spune încă odată ca trebuie sa mergem pe calea cea Ortodoxa, cea Împărătească, care nu cade nici la stânga nici la dreapta, ca trebuie sa avem grija sa nu ne transformam duhovnicul in idol dar in același timp sa avem grija sa nu ieșim din ascultarea lui prin care ne vorbește însuși Dumnezeu. Ma bucur sa va avem din nou “printre noi” ca și când “nimic nu s-a întâmplat rău între timp”. Va pomenesc cu drag pe mai departe împreuna cu toată obștea. Doamne ajuta.
Fr, can we ever be at peace living in worldly, secular communities? It erodes my nerves and fills me with nervous energy witnessing the madness around me sometimes, it is a battle in itself when I feel bombarded by the world/ flesh.
I haven't found peace in the world. Became a nun. Praise the Lord!
you are very much a beautiful tool of the Lord. thank you the timing of this video couldn't be more perfect. Thank You Elohim
God bless you Seraphim, much luck
I’m so thankful you shared this because I have often experienced this- my priest will often be away on vacation or on a sabbatical when I’m going through a crisis. I’ve been resentful about this. You’ve helped me see that this was God’s design!
Your words always resonate with me. Thank you so much! From Arizona.
Indeed he is risen
Thank you so much. Father, this example you talk about explains a lot about relationship with my spiritual father as well and finding will of God.
Congratulations for all the good news. May God grants all that you need, Amen!
Thank you Father for this profound, beautiful and timely message. I thank God for your TH-cam channel. I am a devout Roman Catholic but i also draw much from the Orthodox teaching and Saints of both Churches. I will make a purchase from your store:-) I'm praying for you Father Seraphim. (isabella)
Thank you for your prayers and good wishes, dear one. And thank you, on behalf of the community, for the practical support you are offering to our monasteries and the work we try to do. May we all be blessed.
very wise words Brother in Christ, praise be God the Most High for you.
Sometimes our spiritual mentor,,,becomes weak to get out of the way so you can grow more. If we become too dependent on them G-d will move them out of the way. That happened to me. So glad and grateful that you are recovered.
Thank you Father!
Glory be to Jesus Christ for your miracle ☦️🙏🏻
God bless you Father
I'm so happy you're back
Powerful message about humility. Thanks.
As a Roman Catholic this makes sense to me. I would love to come and visit one of the monasteries, I'm not too far in Perth.
Thank you, Father.
Father Serafim,God bless you ,we missed your teachings,so nice to see you back!
That is very kind of you to say, dear one, Thank you and may God bless us all.
@@mullmonastery ❤️
Good bless you man❤❤❤
Very nice topic, helped answer some of my questions, Thankyou🙏please pray for my family and I 🙏
The timing of my listening to you now is absolutely an answer to the prayer in my heart!!! Thank you Father!!!
The joy in your being is shining so brightly. This video was a beautiful blessing. May God continue to Bless you mightily my Dear Father. ❤
Amen.Thank you Father for the words of Christ I needed to continue my faith journey.I will keep you in my prayers .
Amen
Just what I needed to hear ❤
Thank you very much Fr. Seraphim for your sharing your recent experience of sickness and your spiritual experience with your Spiritual Father Also, thank you for you blessings. This has been very inspiring to me as I am sure for all of us. It has been on many occasions that the guidance of my Spiritual Father were very helpful and lead to my spiritual growth even if at times I did not think it was very important and knowing that I am very far and at a kindergarten level of spiritual growth. Your words help me to feel a child of God and my Spiritual Father the shepherd that is a necessity in my life.
How rude of me to comment that way without first offering how grateful I am you're well ❤
Thank you for sharing father!
Father bless, Christ is Risen,
You have an amazing way of putting into words what I have experienced over the ten years of my journey of faith within the Orthodox Church. The relationship with a spiritual father is a journey of self-discovery but your words have a way of describing this evolving relationship and its challenges which I have not found elsewhere.
Wisdom! ❤
Once again...
🙏🏻Thank you🙏🏻
Exactly what I needed to hear and know.
Truly He is risen! Thank you for sharing this with us. At my church we just had a retreat under the Orthodox Youth and Young Adult Ministry (in the USA) and among a number of things, they told us that the saints who inspire their ministry are the 40 martyrs of Sebaste because they were a community who encouraged each other in their martyrdom. We are so grateful for the encouragement we receive from you. We all continue to pray for you and for your community.
The 40 Martyrs are an amazing source of inspiration, indeed. And they are wonderful helpers to those who intercede for their prayer. Their Feast Day is one of the great Orthodox Feasts and is celebrated in all churches. I am so happy that your young people are aware of their lives and Christian example of sacrifice. It gives me great hope and courage.
I love you my brother, you humility is such an example that I cherish and strive to achieve myself! May the Lord bless you in great abundance!!!!!!
Thank you, it is so True!!❤
Excellent advice that applied directly to me. I am blessed and grateful for you.
Thank you so much Fr seraphim for your message, I needed to learn this lesson. God bless you and keep you all xx
Amen 🙏🏽
To see God at work in this way is truly beautiful! ❤
Amen , God bless you I loved what you touch really thank you my brother
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TRUTH, I AM STUDY THE BIBLE AND PRAYING, I NEED TO DESTROY ALL SIN IN MY LIFE SO IT WILL NOT DESTROY ME,,,❤I WILL PRAY FOR YOU MY BROTHER IM GOING TO REPLAY THIS MESSAGE SO I WILL SEE WHY IT IS LIKE CRIST TALK TRYING TO SAY SOMETHING TO ME GOD BLESS YOU IN JESUS CHRIST NAME AMEN AMEN AMEN ❤
Once again I’m so amazed at Gods love for us flawed, sinful people. He has, once again, confirmed through you lessons He’s been teaching this idiot here. Very humbly I say may He bring glory to His name. How I long to make a pilgrimage to Mull, one day, God willing.
This story reminds me of my relationship with my own spiritual father
I'm happy you are back with us, it is encouraging and lifts my spirit, praying for you all who share the Gospel.
That is so kind, dear Mark,. Thank you for your good wishes, and may God bless us all.
Truly He is Risen🙏🏻📿☦️ thank you Father for sharing your words. I needed to hear what you had said. Glory to God 🙏🏻☦️☦️☦️
Thank you for your fellowship today brother God bless you ❤