I invite you to take a look at my books here: www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AFather+Spyridon+Bailey&s=relevancerank&text=Father+Spyridon+Bailey&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1
Why forgive them for what theve done to us? You and me have every reason to hate God as he sat back and allowed us to inherit sin that wasn't even ares.we are not weak at all!!!
I was raped and tortured at age six, was heavily bullied, and my oldest brother was murdered when I was 13. As a Christian of 25 years, I've learned to forgive those who hurt me and my family. Doesn't happen overnight, but God will help if you ask. May God's grace and mercy be upon you all.
@@s0j0rnh1ntrlnd5 you are a most wonderful example of forgiveness, thank you for sharing it with us💖 you are living proof that anything can be forgiven.💖
Many times if someone does not forgive, they seek vengeance. The Japanese of old had a saying, “revenge is like a thick forest, once you enter, it’s hard to find your way out”.
I have been struggling with this question for decades. In the end, I have simply concluded that God told us to forgive, and it is good for us to do as God told us. That doesn't mean we agree with someone's crime or that we support someone's sin. It is up to them to repent their sins, and up to us to protect ourselves from their sins.
Yes. At least for me, afer reading about the atrocities and all the destruction and death brought by hatred and nihilism during the XX century, i have realized that hatred only brings death. This is why its better to forgive, sometimes war and killings can be avoided if only one of the parties stops attacking. Violence only brings more violence
Forgive. Don't forget. Teach, but do not sacrifice your being to save those who do not listen and desire not to be saved. The evil will continue to be evil. The righteous will be just. The justice of which is ultimately up to God and he alone will handle it. But don't forget the things bad people do in this life. Dont disregard. Forgive them. Don't forget them and have no hatred toward them.
Well said. Let go the antagonizers, they shall receive morefold than doled. Don’t worry about those things that people have done to us. We cannot change the past. Life has a way of catching up to those who are unkind and reflecting more back to them.
@@LonginusModus my old job stole a bunch of tools well over 1000$. I dint not realize it until a minute ago bit ago but it was a blessing from God that they stole them. It is a opportunity for me to forgive them in turn leading to a blessing from God upon me. I thank you Holy God that you have shown me this in the abundance of your Grace. Lord have mercy non me a sinner one who has a fallen.
We must offer what we wish to receive, and leave judgment to our creator, easier in thought than practice though isn’t it… I forget or disregard this lesson too often also, may God have mercy on all of us, as sinners who are willing to learn.
True.. BUT... we also shouldn't pray or hope for vengeance. All holy people in the Bible attempted to intercede as much as they could on behalf of mankind. If we truly were Christian, we would pray fervently for people so that they wouldn't be judged.
Father, I'm Catholic, but Iove listening to you. You teach in a way that is simple and easy to understand, yet you bring the message right home to our hearts. Ty for teaching us and blessing us.
I found Father Spyridon some time back. What a blessing!!! He is biblical in his teachings. I truly look forward to his videos. I plan to purchase a few of his book soon. We can ALL learn from him. May the Lord bless you for your kind and loving spirit in which you share God's teachings with us.
I am Catholic as well but getting baptized as Orthodox before this Easter. I recommend all of you to do the same and to follow church tradition instead of heresies. If you're not sure why, just watch father Spyridon's video "Why Orthodoxy". It's not all the same, ecumenism is a horrible trap to fall into.
Reach out online to a priest and maybe begin study, and then...things happen. Get an Orthodox Prayer Book, wear a cross, learn basic prayer rule (traditional prayers morning/evening), read The Orthodox Study Bible, works by Fathers Seraphim Rose and Spyridon Bailey are all a good start. Worth it. I pray for you. ☦
The Orthodox Church is the hospital for the soul. I knew I wanted my heart to be healed so I could eventually forgive an abusive father. It's a process, and bit by bit the healing comes from attending and immersing yourself in the Divine Liturgy over time.
I'm Catholic and this is the most vital sermon on TH-cam. Period. The refusal to forgive is the ONLY thing that locks you in Hell for eternity. Many NDEs of Christ helping ppl escape Hell but His hands are tied in this situation. NDEs prove it!
Thank you. As I was asking God how to forgive my husband of some things, your notification came up and stopped me dead in my tracks of God’s grace and kindness towards me. I will pray and ponder this direct message, understanding (through wisdom) that my harboring resentment and inability to forgive is eternal. The hurt I experienced is temporary. Profound!! Thank you again🙏
Sometimes we have to forgive someone over and over because we pick up the unforgiveness again when we are hurt again. That’s why we say the Lord’s Prayer everyday
I've been struggling to forgive a deep betrayal by my father that left our extended family broken and my immediate family bankrupt and nearly homeless. Our parish priest shared this thought with me. Pray for their forgiveness as a way to start forgiving them yourself. Pray similar to Christ on the cross "Forgive them for they know not what they do." So often the actions that others do that cause us harm are not done out of malice toward us, but our of selfish desires for themselves. So they may truly not know what those actions do to us.
I Think this is one of the most strongest of Human natures challenges. It is something that we definitely need the Holy Spirit's guidance to fight the Natural urges of hatred, revenge and ultimately violence. It's the Ultimate example of Forgiveness and the most rewarding when we succeed. I'm struggling with this myself and even though i've forgiven the person and moved on, Satan continues to bring up the issue in an attempt to tempt me to go back on my forgiveness promise. It is not easy. Prayer helps a great deal.
Father, I want to thank you for your ministry. I am not Orthodox but your talks have helped me on so many occasions. May God continue to bless you in your work.
Perfect timing, I have been unequally yoked with an athiest partner. I am Syriac Orthodox, she just left me after seven years because I didn't sign a lease where she lives where I was only given 3 days to do (ultimatum). I am heart broken but putting my faith in God and Christ for healing. I know his plan is better than mine.
@@januszdworak4780 we were never married but we wanted to build a life together. I love her and will cherish her but it’s hard to be with a nonbeliever. I trust God.
God removed her for a good reason because her soul rejects Christ and you cannot be indwelling with someone who doesn’t believe. Consider this a blessing in disguise and thank God for the removing of unclean spirits out of your life. She sound like a jezebel spirit. Forgive and let her go. I lost a dear friend of 15 years who was like a sister to me. Turns out she’s a narcissist. They are very difficult people to deal with. I forgave her immediately and moved on. I pray for her. So should you. God bless 🙏🏻
Been struggling for so many years to forgive my father for beating my mother infront of me during my childhood. Broke her elbow, her shoulder blade, her left hand wrist... Childhood was torture growing up because i couldn't protect my mother from that monster. He is now sick and keeps on trying to reach out to me. I wish him nothing but the worst for robbing me of my childhood & abusing his wife & my mother to such cruel extents. But i do want to forgive him, so i can live without this burden. Not for his sake, but for my own peace of mind because all i think of when i see his face is a knife, his neck & my hands.
It’s easier once we “fully” believe that we commit sins every single day (multiple), continually, even though we know better. And yet, we are granted forgiveness by a loving God, but yet we refuse to extend this mercy to others. Because deep down, we think what we do is not so bad compared to others…. but this is not true Christianity is it? St. Paul called himself the “chief of sinners”. It’s hard to forgive others of course… if we don’t truly understand the amount of forgiveness we both need, and receive from God. And we are just as bad as the people that inflict our wounds. This is the witness of the Orthodox Church. Through this understanding, we start to heal our relationships with other people. I will say, many people don’t know the difference between reconciliation and forgiveness. If someone shoots you with a gun, forgiveness is not walking over to them and letting them shoot you again, necessarily. We forgive, but we can surround ourselves with whoever we choose, which is what the Bible tells us to do.
The life of Holy Martyr Nicephorus clearly shows how God rejects arrogance and crowns humility and brotherly love with glory. Two close friends lived in Antioch, the learned priest Sapricius and the ordinary, simple citizen Nicephorus. Their friendship somehow turns into a terrible mutual hatred. The God-fearing Nicephorus tried several times to reconcile with the priest, but the latter did not want to do so. When the persecution of Christians began, the priest Sapricius would be sentenced to death and taken to the execution. The grieving Nicephorus had followed Sapricius, begging him on the way to at least forgive him before death, and to part in peace: "I beg you, martyr of Christ," said Nicephorus, "forgive me if I have sinned against you!" Sapricius did not even want to look at his rival, but calmly and proudly walked towards death. But seeing the hardness of the priest's heart, God did not want to accept his martyr's sacrifice and crown him with a wreath, but secretly took away his grace. And at the last moment Sapricius renounced Christ in front of the executioners and declared that he was going to worship idols. He was so blinded by hatred! Nicephorus begged Sapricius not to deny Christ. "O beloved brother, don't do that, don't deny our Lord Jesus Christ, don't lose the heavenly crown!" But all in vain. Sapricius stood his ground. Then Nicephorus shouted to the executioners: "I am a Christian too, cut me down instead of Sapricius!" The executioners reported this to the judge, and the judge ordered them to release Sapricius and cut down Nicephorus. Joyfully Nicephorus placed his head on the stump, and would be cut down. And so he became worthy of the kingdom and would be crowned with an immortal crown of glory. This happened in the year 260 during the reign of Emperor Gallienus.
I watch most of your videos and i like them even though i am in Ethiopia and we have a big challenge by our government to over through the Orthodox tewahdo church.pray for us
Father, this was the most timely video. I forgave and asked forgiveness from a very abusive man. It took listening to your chat to realize that until I forgave him for what he did to me, I could never be truly free. Lord, have mercy on me a sinner. ☦️
"Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on [insert their name]". Repeat it over and over. Recognize your own sinfulness, and you will see yourself in others that do wrong against you, and your heart will be more open to forgiving them.
I Had A Dream Many Many Years Ago, That I Was In A White Room With Someone That Did Me Wrong, I Was Told That I Need To Forgive Before I Can Move On. All I Know In This Realm I Stay Away From Those Who Are Having Negative Energies Towards Me And My Loved Ones. Be In Peace My Brothers And Sisters
Anyone who has been abused will know how big a cross it is to forgive. In my own experience, it doesn't happen by self will and determination, rather it is a gift of awareness given from GOD to free be of the burden of hatred/ blame/ anger. What a blessing it is to recieve. Definitely not an overnight matter
Maybe the real ruination is for the perpetrator who refuses to repent and make amends, and the true restoration is for the victim who forgives, because we are never more like our God than when we forgive. They may appear to gain the world but they forfeit their eternal soul- " Whom the Son sets free is free indeed "
Thank you Father Spyrydon for your patience in teaching us the truths of our heavenly Father. It gives me the moment to reflect upon myself. forgiveness in these days are becoming as war on our spirits. God bless you Father Spyrydon ✝️
Thank you for this homily, forgiveness is such a struggle for me “I pray thee, Lord, especially for those who have offended me in any way, or have sorrowed me, or done me some other evil: do not punish them on account of me, a sinner, but instead pour out thy grace upon them.” St Tikhon’s Monastery prayer book
I never realized that struggling with forgiveness can be a cross to bear. I always thought it was something I just had to give from deep within myself, with no help. I thought I just had to DO IT somehow, with no help, and to struggle and figure out for myself how to actually DO it. I know I must forgive, but I have never had the inner fortitude to figure out HOW. I never knew it could be a cross to bear. But oh, no, it doesn't feel heroic. It feels horrible, it feels like I've been blundering around in the dark, with no idea where to turn. I have been LOST in trying to figure out how to forgive. I want to forgive. I have said I forgive, over and over and over again. But its never felt like it was enough. That I couldn't forgive enough. If forgiveness can indeed be a cross to bear, that will help me. Just knowing that, helps.
Fr. Spyridon your channel is the only channel that’s gives me peace, ease of mind, wisdom of my creator and redeemer, and knowledge on how to conduct myself to stay steadfast with the lord in this life. Ευχαριστούμε παρά πόλη Χριστός Ανέστη ☦️
NEVER HEARD SUCH EXPLANATIONS.YES INDEED TO FORGIVE IS A CROSS TO TAKE UP IT S CRUCIFIXION IT S EXTRMELY PAINFUL A HEROIC DEMAND. MAY GOD GIVE US HIS GRACE STRENGTH TO FORGIVE
I read in the book of Pop Shenouda III "life of repentance and purity" ... God is equally as just as He is Merciful. Too often we want to remember God's mercy but we don't want to remember His Justice.
I have two old friends. I no longer speak to for over 10 years. I have seen then here and there in town and we ignore each other. This call for forgiveness has been in my mind and heart for months. This was a strong message that next time I see them, I can no longer ignore them
Forgiveness is easy when you loose your life and submit to God's commandments out of love. Because it's not about you anymore is it? You must die to yourself and live for God. We all face challenges and the testing of our faith, but be courageous, be patient, let God fill you with his love and seek to please God in every moment. It's not about you anymore, it's all about Christ Jesus. Be a willing participant in this high calling to embrace the sufferings of Christ Jesus so that his character can be formed in you. A man of sorrows acquainted with Grief yet without sin. So it must be with us. Don't think it strange that these challenges confront our souls, producing in us an exceeding weight of glory, and preparing us to stand before Christ on that day. Forgive as God in Christ forgave you 🙏
Your soul is innocent and loving when you are born. In this life you will endure great suffering and unfairness. But if you can protect your soul from soaking up the evil and the injustice, you will keep this pure nature of love intact… and it will be as if the evil never happened to you. There may still be pain and that should be attended to with respect and honesty. And obviously in this world boundaries or punishments may be necessary, but for you, your soul, you can be liberated from the cycle of trauma by striving to Christlike love. That is the message I got from this video. Very powerful. Obviously it is not easy, especially for people who have endured incredibly horrific things. But it is possible with God’s love.
I'm officially orthodox. Your pod cast help me convert from trad latin. My heart has been orthodox 20 years ago. I just needed rigorous early church theology. Thank you father .
Thank you dear Father Spyridon for this video it helps me to remember that I am at fault for not forgiving my family of any wrong that they might have done to me! But I am able to forgive as God has forgiven me 🙏 and helping me to overcome all of my problems in life!
With God at the center of my life forgiving becomes second nature... it's like you don't even have to try. What I see myself doing is "compartmentalizing" the actions of others... Hurt people Hurt! A Healed person Helps ❤
Love your enemies, because they're teaching you about yourself, Loathe and stay away from enemies of God and Faith ☦️ Show fire upon enemies of Fatherland Свети Филарет Московский Saint Philaret of Moscow
I recently forgive my fiancés brothers wife for saying hideous and cruel things about me during a Christmas dinner I wasn't at because of work. These lies were designed to get my fiance and her family to disown me, these lies were insidious and foul And for a while I was angry, I would not forgive her, I told myself, yesterday a subtle voice appeared into my head "you should forgive her" and it only took a minute to realize who this anonymous voice was and who they were referring to, I decided shortly after to forgive her for her evil lies and found no desire to be angry with her anymore The more often we are quiet and listen The louder God's voice is
You are 💯‼️right Fater Sperydon I’m married my husband at14 had 8 children with him which we lost our first two Angels he discarded me like a piece of trash I caught him cheating with our sons mother n law which she’s also married my stress level was tremendous I was on a roller coaster for three years in 2022 5:395:39 was in Greece and went too St David’s monetary for confession I really had a hard time forgiving him which he also turned our 6grown children against me the priest told u have too forgive him I had such a terrible time forgiving him but when I got back home USA I called him up and told him I forgive u and our grown children I must say I feel much better I thank my lord Jesus Christ for that Amen☦️🙏💯‼️
God tells us to bless those who curse and despitefully use us. To give the thief what he wants to steal; yes, even more than his passion or false courage demands. This heaps a burning coal on top of his head that may, eventually, burn its way into his heart and bring repentance. This is not forgiveness, but it begins the process and, as a major step in spiritual warfare, gives our hearts and minds and souls a victory to cling to as we ask Christ for mercy for our own sins. As Father Spyridon says, it is picking up our cross and walking up the hill at Golgotha. The walk really is a short one even though it may not feel so while we stumble under the weight. Do what God says about this and it will lighten your heart and free your soul.
Once again the wisdom of your words is very deep. It's now been about 3 weeks since I quit cannabis after seeing your video about it. I haven't touched it since. But I'm starting to realize what I've been covering up my whole life. Things I thought I let go of, Thought I already dealt with and moved on from are now coming back to haunt me. I constantly have feelings of violent revenge going through my mind. Things I would never actually do anyway keep cycling through my mind. I thought I already forgave that. Why is it back? I have prayed for my heart to be softened but it feels like there's something in me that's not letting it happen. It might be part of withdrawal symptoms. I don't know, but it's very concerning. I don't want to be caught in a state of non forgiveness. The anger in my brain sometimes is just unbearable. I feel like I need to be exiled for awhile until this passes.
I have a former friend who betrayed me a few years ago. I know for a fact he hasn't changed, I have nothing against him and I still wish him all the best. However, I still can't trust him and I don't want to be around him too much as he's shown multiple times recently that he hasn't changed. If he changes, I'd easily be close friends with him again. How do I go about this and how do I forgive him?
Thanks for this message Father. I've been struggling with this issue for a while now; but it's undeniable, our calling as Christians is to forgive. Thank you!
The struggle I am having is what one should do if someone won’t acknowledge or apologize for the wrongs they have done. It makes forgiveness so much more difficult.
If our pre-requisite for forgiveness is that someone acknowledges or apologizes, we will live and die without forgiving many people. So what do we do? 1. We must believe that forgiveness is beneficial for us. We don't need someone to pay us, before we take medicine. Likewise, we don't need to wait for someone to acknowledge they've done something wrong, to apply the ointment of forgiveness. 2. We must first and foremost, acknowledge the wrongs that we have done. "“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?" - Matthew 7:3-5. We are under the impression that people do wrong by us, and that we do little wrong. This is incorrect. 3. The MORE we seek fervently to understand our own sinfulness, and how we fall short of abiding by the law of God, the more we will come to see ourselves in those who hurt us, and we will find it easier in our hearts to forgive them. 4. We must read the lives of the Orthodox saints, and read the Bible. People were incredibly mean to Jesus, and did not forgive. What did he do? Before the end of his life, he said “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). The witness of most pure and Holy men and women in this world, is one of having pain, insults, abuse, ostracizing, and pain inflicted on them. And this is the cause for their "glorification"! We truly have it wrong. To suffer, to be done wrong against, is apart of the experience as someone who is Christian. And if we are truly Christian, we embrace these things. If we don't embrace these things, then we are picking and choosing what we like about Christianity, and what we think it's actually about. We create an idol for ourselves that doesn't resemble what Christianity is.
@@SilouanWright Hello and thanks for sharing all of this. I'm aware of this. I know I can come to a place of forgiveness, for this person especially, but not all offenses are the same and this one will take time and effort. Pray for me!
@@VincentTamer I understand. I myself am a hypocrite. The first step is acknowledgment. At least acknowledge that you should, and that weakness is what prevents you from doing so. And just remember... whatever offense might befall you, can it compare to "our" offense to Jesus. We offend God so much more many times over, than people commit offense against us. God said, if we do not forgive people, we shall not be forgiven. We have to ask ourselves, do we want to hold our grudges more, or do we want to lay hold of our salvation? And also, whatever suffering befalls us, is it greater than how Jesus suffered for us? Our suffering is not close to His suffering. He was slapped, beaten, spit on, scourged, and crucified... by His own creation. In many lives of the saints, their body parts were amputated. Their skin was flayed. Breasts were cut off. They were tossed into a furnace. They were decapitated. Again, I am a hypocrite... but this is the importance of reading the Bible, and reading the lives of the Saints. So yes, I agree, not all offenses all the same. If we see that holy people suffered the greatest offenses, and still truly loved their enemies, their adversaries, and those who persecuted them, it can embolden us, it can soften our hearts. I suggest looking up an Orthodox prayer from St. Nikolai Velimirovich called "Bless my Enemies". Don't try to logically convince yourself of any of this, we must simply "pray" truly about it. Also, ....if you have the strength.... it is proper to pray for this person who has wronged you. "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on [name]". And even do prostrations for them, saying the prayer on each prostration. We can do it and it "will" soften our hearts towards this person. Lastly... part of the experience of being Christian is focusing on our own fallen nature. Do we not hurt others? Do we not sin? When we communicate the hurt we experience from others, there can sometimes be pride hidden within it, because what we are saying, is someone else hurt us. But what about us? We deep down, feel that we don't hurt anyone. When you start to lay hold the offense that we cause to others (especially to God), when people do wrong against you, you start to see them as yourself! If I recognize the greatness of my sin, how can I not forgive someone who, in their weakness, sins as I do?
I know this struggle praying for the person did help and finally knowing that “because Jesus said so” we can do it for Jesus. It also keeps the devil from having a foothold on us. Don’t want those pesky demons having rights to torture us
I invite you to take a look at my books here: www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AFather+Spyridon+Bailey&s=relevancerank&text=Father+Spyridon+Bailey&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1
Thank You Lord, thank You Father,Mother Mary be blessed with all children Saints and Angels
Why forgive them for what theve done to us? You and me have every reason to hate God as he sat back and allowed us to inherit sin that wasn't even ares.we are not weak at all!!!
Some things are unforgivable and you know it.
Pray for me that I struggle with forgiveness.
@@Alphieisaliveanger will not lead you anywhere good in the long run.
I was raped and tortured at age six, was heavily bullied, and my oldest brother was murdered when I was 13. As a Christian of 25 years, I've learned to forgive those who hurt me and my family. Doesn't happen overnight, but God will help if you ask. May God's grace and mercy be upon you all.
Have your perpetrators appreciated your forgiveness or they are still looking for another victim?
They are not in my life. But even if they were I'd still forgive. That's the narrow way
@Ducky101 thank you. That means a lot. To God be the glory. And the compassion and mercy.
@@s0j0rnh1ntrlnd5 you are a most wonderful example of forgiveness, thank you for sharing it with us💖 you are living proof that anything can be forgiven.💖
@@MissFeline you are welcome. It takes time and prayer and God's grace, but it can be done.
Many times if someone does not forgive, they seek vengeance. The Japanese of old had a saying, “revenge is like a thick forest, once you enter, it’s hard to find your way out”.
I have been struggling with this question for decades. In the end, I have simply concluded that God told us to forgive, and it is good for us to do as God told us. That doesn't mean we agree with someone's crime or that we support someone's sin. It is up to them to repent their sins, and up to us to protect ourselves from their sins.
Yes. At least for me, afer reading about the atrocities and all the destruction and death brought by hatred and nihilism during the XX century, i have realized that hatred only brings death.
This is why its better to forgive, sometimes war and killings can be avoided if only one of the parties stops attacking.
Violence only brings more violence
Thank you for saying that we should not support someone's sin and that we need to protect ourselves ( and our children ) from an unrepentant sinner.
Forgive. Don't forget. Teach, but do not sacrifice your being to save those who do not listen and desire not to be saved. The evil will continue to be evil. The righteous will be just. The justice of which is ultimately up to God and he alone will handle it. But don't forget the things bad people do in this life. Dont disregard. Forgive them. Don't forget them and have no hatred toward them.
Well said.
Let go the antagonizers, they shall receive morefold than doled.
Don’t worry about those things that people have done to us.
We cannot change the past.
Life has a way of catching up to those who are unkind and reflecting more back to them.
@@LonginusModus my old job stole a bunch of tools well over 1000$. I dint not realize it until a minute ago bit ago but it was a blessing from God that they stole them. It is a opportunity for me to forgive them in turn leading to a blessing from God upon me. I thank you Holy God that you have shown me this in the abundance of your Grace. Lord have mercy non me a sinner one who has a fallen.
I easily forget this lesson. It is the sin of pride. Thank you Fathet Spyridon.
We must offer what we wish to receive, and leave judgment to our creator, easier in thought than practice though isn’t it…
I forget or disregard this lesson too often also, may God have mercy on all of us, as sinners who are willing to learn.
@@BiblicalExcerptsGod is GOOD
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.
Thank you for your words Father.
For me too
ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ ☦️
Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me a sinner! Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on us all!
Today is forgiveness Sunday. Lord have Mercy on me who have fallen.
Wow this came right on time, blessed be the name of the Lord🙏
Tomorrow is Sunday of Forgiveness in Orthodoxy.
God said, "Vengeance is mine."
True.. BUT... we also shouldn't pray or hope for vengeance. All holy people in the Bible attempted to intercede as much as they could on behalf of mankind. If we truly were Christian, we would pray fervently for people so that they wouldn't be judged.
God's not your's
@@bruno-bnvm Yes, of course.
Father, I'm Catholic, but Iove listening to you. You teach in a way that is simple and easy to understand, yet you bring the message right home to our hearts. Ty for teaching us and blessing us.
I am a Catholic as well, but Father Teaches the Gospel Perfectly and I love his teachings as the Holy Spirit is working in Father Spyridon. Amen ♥
I found Father Spyridon some time back. What a blessing!!! He is biblical in his teachings. I truly look forward to his videos. I plan to purchase a few of his book soon. We can ALL learn from him. May the Lord bless you for your kind and loving spirit in which you share God's teachings with us.
I'm a UK Protestant and I LOVE listening to Fr Spyridon. Praise the Lord.
@@cachinnation448 Thank God we are ALL Christians, God bless you Brother.🥰
I am Catholic as well but getting baptized as Orthodox before this Easter. I recommend all of you to do the same and to follow church tradition instead of heresies. If you're not sure why, just watch father Spyridon's video "Why Orthodoxy". It's not all the same, ecumenism is a horrible trap to fall into.
I am not orthodox, there aren't many options available here. But I listen to you every night before I go to bed. I appreciate what you do very much.
Reach out online to a priest and maybe begin study, and then...things happen. Get an Orthodox Prayer Book, wear a cross, learn basic prayer rule (traditional prayers morning/evening), read The Orthodox Study Bible, works by Fathers Seraphim Rose and Spyridon Bailey are all a good start. Worth it. I pray for you. ☦
What Tim says above is completely correct. Start walking toward God and He will catch you everytime. Just give Him a chance.
@@TimGoodmanis it ok to wear an orthodox cross even though I have not been welcomed into the church but I am studying the faith?
@@tommyrutherford400yes brother
The Orthodox Church is the hospital for the soul. I knew I wanted my heart to be healed so I could eventually forgive an abusive father. It's a process, and bit by bit the healing comes from attending and immersing yourself in the Divine Liturgy over time.
I'm Catholic and this is the most vital sermon on TH-cam. Period. The refusal to forgive is the ONLY thing that locks you in Hell for eternity. Many NDEs of Christ helping ppl escape Hell but His hands are tied in this situation. NDEs prove it!
This is the only way to Salvation
God be with us those who has hearts hard to forgive.
Forgiveness is the core of our faith. It is the foundation of Christianity. Without forgiveness. It's all in vain.
Thank you. As I was asking God how to forgive my husband of some things, your notification came up and stopped me dead in my tracks of God’s grace and kindness towards me. I will pray and ponder this direct message, understanding (through wisdom) that my harboring resentment and inability to forgive is eternal. The hurt I experienced is temporary. Profound!! Thank you again🙏
Thank you for this reminder that inability to forgive is eternal.
Sometimes we have to forgive someone over and over because we pick up the unforgiveness again when we are hurt again.
That’s why we say the Lord’s Prayer everyday
I've been struggling to forgive a deep betrayal by my father that left our extended family broken and my immediate family bankrupt and nearly homeless.
Our parish priest shared this thought with me.
Pray for their forgiveness as a way to start forgiving them yourself.
Pray similar to Christ on the cross "Forgive them for they know not what they do."
So often the actions that others do that cause us harm are not done out of malice toward us, but our of selfish desires for themselves.
So they may truly not know what those actions do to us.
Thank you for articulating is this way
Father you are a blessing from God! How many countless times your videos destroy my pride and tell me what I need to hear. Glory to God ❤️🙏☦️
I Think this is one of the most strongest of Human natures challenges. It is something that we definitely need the Holy Spirit's guidance to fight the Natural urges of hatred, revenge and ultimately violence. It's the Ultimate example of Forgiveness and the most rewarding when we succeed. I'm struggling with this myself and even though i've forgiven the person and moved on, Satan continues to bring up the issue in an attempt to tempt me to go back on my forgiveness promise. It is not easy. Prayer helps a great deal.
Thank you for your comment. Very true.
Father, I want to thank you for your ministry. I am not Orthodox but your talks have helped me on so many occasions. May God continue to bless you in your work.
Perfect timing, I have been unequally yoked with an athiest partner. I am Syriac Orthodox, she just left me after seven years because I didn't sign a lease where she lives where I was only given 3 days to do (ultimatum). I am heart broken but putting my faith in God and Christ for healing. I know his plan is better than mine.
So you have lived with her out of wedlock? Hahahaha. So Lord used a landlord to save you. What about are you healing from?
@@januszdworak4780 we were never married but we wanted to build a life together. I love her and will cherish her but it’s hard to be with a nonbeliever. I trust God.
@@Unxpekted OK. Good Luck. I am a widower.
@@januszdworak4780 God bless you my friend. I am sorry to hear it. God rest your partners soul.
God removed her for a good reason because her soul rejects Christ and you cannot be indwelling with someone who doesn’t believe. Consider this a blessing in disguise and thank God for the removing of unclean spirits out of your life. She sound like a jezebel spirit. Forgive and let her go. I lost a dear friend of 15 years who was like a sister to me. Turns out she’s a narcissist. They are very difficult people to deal with. I forgave her immediately and moved on. I pray for her. So should you. God bless 🙏🏻
Wandered longer than the Israelites Father, but thanks be to GOD I am free in Christ 😇
Father I struggle with forgiveness. Please pray for me.
Been struggling for so many years to forgive my father for beating my mother infront of me during my childhood.
Broke her elbow, her shoulder blade, her left hand wrist...
Childhood was torture growing up because i couldn't protect my mother from that monster.
He is now sick and keeps on trying to reach out to me.
I wish him nothing but the worst for robbing me of my childhood & abusing his wife & my mother to such cruel extents.
But i do want to forgive him, so i can live without this burden.
Not for his sake, but for my own peace of mind because all i think of when i see his face is a knife, his neck & my hands.
The hardest thing is forgiveness when they continue to do it
It’s easier once we “fully” believe that we commit sins every single day (multiple), continually, even though we know better. And yet, we are granted forgiveness by a loving God, but yet we refuse to extend this mercy to others. Because deep down, we think what we do is not so bad compared to others…. but this is not true Christianity is it? St. Paul called himself the “chief of sinners”. It’s hard to forgive others of course… if we don’t truly understand the amount of forgiveness we both need, and receive from God. And we are just as bad as the people that inflict our wounds. This is the witness of the Orthodox Church. Through this understanding, we start to heal our relationships with other people.
I will say, many people don’t know the difference between reconciliation and forgiveness. If someone shoots you with a gun, forgiveness is not walking over to them and letting them shoot you again, necessarily. We forgive, but we can surround ourselves with whoever we choose, which is what the Bible tells us to do.
@warrior of God Orthodoxy does not agree with the venial / mortal sin distinction in the same way catholicism does.
I'm prebyterian but I love listening to Fr,Spyridon.Thank you vry much for yr teaching.Greeting all the way frm India.🇮🇳
Thank you Father, I feel as if I really needed these words. May God be with you.
The life of Holy Martyr Nicephorus clearly shows how God rejects arrogance and crowns humility and brotherly love with glory. Two close friends lived in Antioch, the learned priest Sapricius and the ordinary, simple citizen Nicephorus. Their friendship somehow turns into a terrible mutual hatred. The God-fearing Nicephorus tried several times to reconcile with the priest, but the latter did not want to do so. When the persecution of Christians began, the priest Sapricius would be sentenced to death and taken to the execution. The grieving Nicephorus had followed Sapricius, begging him on the way to at least forgive him before death, and to part in peace: "I beg you, martyr of Christ," said Nicephorus, "forgive me if I have sinned against you!" Sapricius did not even want to look at his rival, but calmly and proudly walked towards death. But seeing the hardness of the priest's heart, God did not want to accept his martyr's sacrifice and crown him with a wreath, but secretly took away his grace. And at the last moment Sapricius renounced Christ in front of the executioners and declared that he was going to worship idols. He was so blinded by hatred! Nicephorus begged Sapricius not to deny Christ. "O beloved brother, don't do that, don't deny our Lord Jesus Christ, don't lose the heavenly crown!" But all in vain. Sapricius stood his ground. Then Nicephorus shouted to the executioners: "I am a Christian too, cut me down instead of Sapricius!" The executioners reported this to the judge, and the judge ordered them to release Sapricius and cut down Nicephorus. Joyfully Nicephorus placed his head on the stump, and would be cut down. And so he became worthy of the kingdom and would be crowned with an immortal crown of glory. This happened in the year 260 during the reign of Emperor Gallienus.
I watch most of your videos and i like them even though i am in Ethiopia and we have a big challenge by our government to over through the Orthodox tewahdo church.pray for us
I am also from ethiopia and we are praying for u brother
Father, this was the most timely video. I forgave and asked forgiveness from a very abusive man. It took listening to your chat to realize that until I forgave him for what he did to me, I could never be truly free.
Lord, have mercy on me a sinner. ☦️
☦️☦️☦️ Father Bless! And Thank you.
Thank you for not making faith seem easy
Well said, Olga
Thank you Father, I have a hard time escaping the memory of past grudges, especially with people that I am forced to interact with regularly.
"Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on [insert their name]". Repeat it over and over. Recognize your own sinfulness, and you will see yourself in others that do wrong against you, and your heart will be more open to forgiving them.
Exceptional homily Father. As a convert forgiveness vespers has become one of my favorite services the Church blesses us with throughout the year.
I am a Muslim but Christ was still messiah and I value your teachings of him. Thank you and God bless you.
Ya Rab Urham. ☦️
I am oriental orthodox but I like Fr Spyridons talks and sermons. So soothing.
I Had A Dream Many Many Years Ago, That I Was In A White Room With Someone That Did Me Wrong, I Was Told That I Need To Forgive Before I Can Move On.
All I Know In This Realm I Stay Away From Those Who Are Having Negative Energies Towards Me And My Loved Ones.
Be In Peace My Brothers And Sisters
I have grown with a mother that doesn't know forgiveness so It take me long time to know this feeling and to understand it.
Thank you for the wisdom.
Thank you Father
Thiis may be one of the most important talks you have given so far Fr. Spyridon and thank you again. ☦
Thank You Father Spyridon Very powerful words God Bless
Well said John
This is, perhaps, the Best sermon on TH-cam.
Thank you for this message, father. I needed to hear this.
God bless.
Anyone who has been abused will know how big a cross it is to forgive. In my own experience, it doesn't happen by self will and determination, rather it is a gift of awareness given from GOD to free be of the burden of hatred/ blame/ anger. What a blessing it is to recieve. Definitely not an overnight matter
Forgiving my abuser was the best thing that God couldve showed me. It was so hard and painful but letting go is freedom. Thank you Jesus!🙏🏽
Thank you, father. God bless you in Jesucristo, Amen.
This was exactly the message I needed today. Thank you Father.
I am a Muslim. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us. It helps a lot
I love you Fr Spyridon. Forgive me. May God forgive us both.
Maybe the real ruination is for the perpetrator who refuses to repent and make amends, and the true restoration is for the victim who forgives, because we are never more like our God than when we forgive. They may appear to gain the world but they forfeit their eternal soul- " Whom the Son sets free is free indeed "
Thank you Father Spyrydon for your patience in teaching us the truths of our heavenly Father. It gives me the moment to reflect upon myself. forgiveness in these days are becoming as war on our spirits.
God bless you Father Spyrydon ✝️
Thank you for this homily, forgiveness is such a struggle for me
“I pray thee, Lord, especially for those who have offended me in any way, or have sorrowed me, or done me some other evil: do not punish them on account of me, a sinner, but instead pour out thy grace upon them.”
St Tikhon’s Monastery prayer book
Somewhere above a man or woman flies a small airplane knowing nothing of the eternal mystery pondered below. Thank God for Father Bailey
I never realized that struggling with forgiveness can be a cross to bear. I always thought it was something I just had to give from deep within myself, with no help. I thought I just had to DO IT somehow, with no help, and to struggle and figure out for myself how to actually DO it. I know I must forgive, but I have never had the inner fortitude to figure out HOW. I never knew it could be a cross to bear.
But oh, no, it doesn't feel heroic. It feels horrible, it feels like I've been blundering around in the dark, with no idea where to turn. I have been LOST in trying to figure out how to forgive. I want to forgive. I have said I forgive, over and over and over again. But its never felt like it was enough. That I couldn't forgive enough. If forgiveness can indeed be a cross to bear, that will help me. Just knowing that, helps.
Such a cross to carry, but Christ walked to Calvary before us.
Fr. Spyridon your channel is the only channel that’s gives me peace, ease of mind, wisdom of my creator and redeemer, and knowledge on how to conduct myself to stay steadfast with the lord in this life.
Ευχαριστούμε παρά πόλη
Χριστός Ανέστη ☦️
Let all the hearts find peace in forgiveness , free yourself from the habitual reactions and forgive.
And you see the other side of things.
Peace .
Jesus the Lord. Amen,Amen,Amen
NEVER HEARD SUCH EXPLANATIONS.YES INDEED TO FORGIVE IS A CROSS TO TAKE UP IT S CRUCIFIXION IT S EXTRMELY PAINFUL A HEROIC DEMAND. MAY GOD GIVE US HIS GRACE STRENGTH TO FORGIVE
I read in the book of Pop Shenouda III "life of repentance and purity" ... God is equally as just as He is Merciful. Too often we want to remember God's mercy but we don't want to remember His Justice.
Bless you father Spyridon , just in time!
This is the most important youtube channel i have ever watched
You don't have to like people, but you DO have to love them!
Thank you Fr.Spyridon for your Wisdom and Guidance.
Lord Jesus Christ be merciful to me a sinner
Thats a Tough one Father Spyridon.
Forgiving is the hardest challenge for me.
I have two old friends. I no longer speak to for over 10 years. I have seen then here and there in town and we ignore each other. This call for forgiveness has been in my mind and heart for months. This was a strong message that next time I see them, I can no longer ignore them
I love your Spirit Fr Spyridon, you reflect Jesus and touch my heart 💖🕊️
Satan try to stop us to forgive our brothers and sisters,must not listen the anger,Amen
Forgiveness is easy when you loose your life and submit to God's commandments out of love. Because it's not about you anymore is it? You must die to yourself and live for God. We all face challenges and the testing of our faith, but be courageous, be patient, let God fill you with his love and seek to please God in every moment. It's not about you anymore, it's all about Christ Jesus. Be a willing participant in this high calling to embrace the sufferings of Christ Jesus so that his character can be formed in you. A man of sorrows acquainted with Grief yet without sin. So it must be with us. Don't think it strange that these challenges confront our souls, producing in us an exceeding weight of glory, and preparing us to stand before Christ on that day. Forgive as God in Christ forgave you 🙏
Yes
Your soul is innocent and loving when you are born. In this life you will endure great suffering and unfairness. But if you can protect your soul from soaking up the evil and the injustice, you will keep this pure nature of love intact… and it will be as if the evil never happened to you. There may still be pain and that should be attended to with respect and honesty. And obviously in this world boundaries or punishments may be necessary, but for you, your soul, you can be liberated from the cycle of trauma by striving to Christlike love. That is the message I got from this video. Very powerful. Obviously it is not easy, especially for people who have endured incredibly horrific things. But it is possible with God’s love.
Thank you Lord, for teaching me humility.
Thank you so much for your message , I have been rebuilding my connection with the lord and your videos are what I need. God bless
I love you brother. Thank you.
I'm officially orthodox. Your pod cast help me convert from trad latin. My heart has been orthodox 20 years ago. I just needed rigorous early church theology. Thank you father .
I am catholic as well, I also love what he says! Thank you, Father.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Your speech gives me so much peace.
Thank you dear Father Spyridon for this video it helps me to remember that I am at fault for not forgiving my family of any wrong that they might have done to me! But I am able to forgive as God has forgiven me 🙏 and helping me to overcome all of my problems in life!
With God at the center of my life forgiving becomes second nature... it's like you don't even have to try. What I see myself doing is "compartmentalizing" the actions of others... Hurt people Hurt! A Healed person Helps ❤
Thank you father Spyridon for these soul shaking words. Have a blessed Great Lent.
The unworthy from Las Vegas
In Thanksgiving for you all dear ones, In sincere love and fear of God, I bow my head and heart, and beg your forgiveness and prayers!
Love your enemies, because they're teaching you about yourself,
Loathe and stay away from enemies of God and Faith ☦️
Show fire upon enemies of Fatherland
Свети Филарет Московский Saint Philaret of Moscow
The truth of how much my sins have offended a holy God is powerful to meditate on.
Thank you for this video very informative that’s what the priest told me when I went for confession he told me the same thing I was so hurt💯🙏💯
I wish I had heard this years ago. Lord have mercy
I recently forgive my fiancés brothers wife for saying hideous and cruel things about me during a Christmas dinner I wasn't at because of work. These lies were designed to get my fiance and her family to disown me, these lies were insidious and foul
And for a while I was angry, I would not forgive her, I told myself,
yesterday a subtle voice appeared into my head "you should forgive her" and it only took a minute to realize who this anonymous voice was and who they were referring to, I decided shortly after to forgive her for her evil lies and found no desire to be angry with her anymore
The more often we are quiet and listen
The louder God's voice is
You are 💯‼️right Fater Sperydon I’m married my husband at14 had 8 children with him which we lost our first two Angels he discarded me like a piece of trash I caught him cheating with our sons mother n law which she’s also married my stress level was tremendous I was on a roller coaster for three years in 2022 5:39 5:39 was in Greece and went too St David’s monetary for confession I really had a hard time forgiving him which he also turned our 6grown children against me the priest told u have too forgive him I had such a terrible time forgiving him but when I got back home USA I called him up and told him I forgive u and our grown children I must say I feel much better I thank my lord Jesus Christ for that Amen☦️🙏💯‼️
God tells us to bless those who curse and despitefully use us. To give the thief what he wants to steal; yes, even more than his passion or false courage demands. This heaps a burning coal on top of his head that may, eventually, burn its way into his heart and bring repentance. This is not forgiveness, but it begins the process and, as a major step in spiritual warfare, gives our hearts and minds and souls a victory to cling to as we ask Christ for mercy for our own sins. As Father Spyridon says, it is picking up our cross and walking up the hill at Golgotha. The walk really is a short one even though it may not feel so while we stumble under the weight. Do what God says about this and it will lighten your heart and free your soul.
Thank you so much. I really needed to hear this tonight. God bless you, Father Spyridon.
Thank you
Wow this came at such an important time fore, thank you..
Once again the wisdom of your words is very deep. It's now been about 3 weeks since I quit cannabis after seeing your video about it. I haven't touched it since. But I'm starting to realize what I've been covering up my whole life. Things I thought I let go of, Thought I already dealt with and moved on from are now coming back to haunt me. I constantly have feelings of violent revenge going through my mind. Things I would never actually do anyway keep cycling through my mind. I thought I already forgave that. Why is it back? I have prayed for my heart to be softened but it feels like there's something in me that's not letting it happen. It might be part of withdrawal symptoms. I don't know, but it's very concerning. I don't want to be caught in a state of non forgiveness. The anger in my brain sometimes is just unbearable. I feel like I need to be exiled for awhile until this passes.
I have a former friend who betrayed me a few years ago. I know for a fact he hasn't changed, I have nothing against him and I still wish him all the best. However, I still can't trust him and I don't want to be around him too much as he's shown multiple times recently that he hasn't changed. If he changes, I'd easily be close friends with him again. How do I go about this and how do I forgive him?
Your experience is so common among believers that I have come to believe that God puts many if not most believers through this crucible.
I have always lived by this rule that if I want forgiveness I have to forgive.
Thanks for this message Father.
I've been struggling with this issue for a while now; but it's undeniable, our calling as Christians is to forgive.
Thank you!
The struggle I am having is what one should do if someone won’t acknowledge or apologize for the wrongs they have done. It makes forgiveness so much more difficult.
If our pre-requisite for forgiveness is that someone acknowledges or apologizes, we will live and die without forgiving many people. So what do we do?
1. We must believe that forgiveness is beneficial for us. We don't need someone to pay us, before we take medicine. Likewise, we don't need to wait for someone to acknowledge they've done something wrong, to apply the ointment of forgiveness.
2. We must first and foremost, acknowledge the wrongs that we have done. "“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?" - Matthew 7:3-5. We are under the impression that people do wrong by us, and that we do little wrong. This is incorrect.
3. The MORE we seek fervently to understand our own sinfulness, and how we fall short of abiding by the law of God, the more we will come to see ourselves in those who hurt us, and we will find it easier in our hearts to forgive them.
4. We must read the lives of the Orthodox saints, and read the Bible. People were incredibly mean to Jesus, and did not forgive. What did he do? Before the end of his life, he said “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). The witness of most pure and Holy men and women in this world, is one of having pain, insults, abuse, ostracizing, and pain inflicted on them. And this is the cause for their "glorification"!
We truly have it wrong. To suffer, to be done wrong against, is apart of the experience as someone who is Christian. And if we are truly Christian, we embrace these things. If we don't embrace these things, then we are picking and choosing what we like about Christianity, and what we think it's actually about. We create an idol for ourselves that doesn't resemble what Christianity is.
@@SilouanWright Hello and thanks for sharing all of this. I'm aware of this. I know I can come to a place of forgiveness, for this person especially, but not all offenses are the same and this one will take time and effort. Pray for me!
@@VincentTamer I understand. I myself am a hypocrite.
The first step is acknowledgment. At least acknowledge that you should, and that weakness is what prevents you from doing so.
And just remember... whatever offense might befall you, can it compare to "our" offense to Jesus. We offend God so much more many times over, than people commit offense against us. God said, if we do not forgive people, we shall not be forgiven. We have to ask ourselves, do we want to hold our grudges more, or do we want to lay hold of our salvation?
And also, whatever suffering befalls us, is it greater than how Jesus suffered for us? Our suffering is not close to His suffering. He was slapped, beaten, spit on, scourged, and crucified... by His own creation. In many lives of the saints, their body parts were amputated. Their skin was flayed. Breasts were cut off. They were tossed into a furnace. They were decapitated. Again, I am a hypocrite... but this is the importance of reading the Bible, and reading the lives of the Saints. So yes, I agree, not all offenses all the same. If we see that holy people suffered the greatest offenses, and still truly loved their enemies, their adversaries, and those who persecuted them, it can embolden us, it can soften our hearts.
I suggest looking up an Orthodox prayer from St. Nikolai Velimirovich called "Bless my Enemies". Don't try to logically convince yourself of any of this, we must simply "pray" truly about it. Also, ....if you have the strength.... it is proper to pray for this person who has wronged you. "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on [name]". And even do prostrations for them, saying the prayer on each prostration. We can do it and it "will" soften our hearts towards this person.
Lastly... part of the experience of being Christian is focusing on our own fallen nature. Do we not hurt others? Do we not sin? When we communicate the hurt we experience from others, there can sometimes be pride hidden within it, because what we are saying, is someone else hurt us. But what about us? We deep down, feel that we don't hurt anyone. When you start to lay hold the offense that we cause to others (especially to God), when people do wrong against you, you start to see them as yourself! If I recognize the greatness of my sin, how can I not forgive someone who, in their weakness, sins as I do?
I know this struggle praying for the person did help and finally knowing that “because Jesus said so” we can do it for Jesus. It also keeps the devil from having a foothold on us. Don’t want those pesky demons having rights to torture us
thank you, and bless you father
Beautiful
Thank you! I am going through something and I need to forgive people who caused me pain and distress. I needed to hear this. Thank you.