Pray for us, St. Joseph. It’s not that until I decided to actually live as an Orthodox Christian, did spiritual warfare bombard me. It’s been a couple years and it’s been very, very difficult. I have mental illness. God is allowing this. I’m wretched and need purification. Please pray for me. I’m very weak.
Holy communion healed me from mental illness (gave me the strength and joy to progress and learn) Jesus Christ our lord is so sweet focus on him and the unity with him and you will be healed in time when the mind understands and replaced all the demon ideas that is leading to the mental illness suffering, search for the root also might be chained from sins need confession then healing. Faith is the conqueror of most mental illnesses, especially anxiety.
Your testimony was a blessing. I started my journey into Orthodox Church last August. I became a catechumen just over a month ago. My struggle started within a few days. The temptations became stronger. Let us pray for each other. Lord have mercy.
Rejoice! The cross we carry is never carried alone. In fact the more we embrace it with thanksgiving the greater the mercy Christ has upon us. When we weep tears of supplication and of contrite heart, the Comforter emboldens our hearts and souls with fire! It is through our humility and weakness that God illuminates His strength in us. May we never forget the true blessings from our temptations and sufferings in Jesus name. “Whoever has not experienced temptation cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Without temptations no-one can be saved.” - St. Anthony the Great
I was trying to understand were the description of fights just metaphors for feeling lustful thoughts? How did he "punch a demon"? Are they dreams or visions?
@@ownagesniper1 I don't think it's metaphorical, i heard Fr Seraphim Rose say that if God allows it, demons can physically intervene, they can move objects and hurt people. St. Joseph said he wanted to be in the front lines of this war, so God let the battle be that intense
a truly Holy man would have relied upon God to do that fighting for him. Jesus Christ has already won the victory, and demons are subject to us in His name. If you find yourself wrestling a demon, only selfish pride or lack of faith can be the reason, because the simple solution is to call upon the name of Jesus and experience immediate victory before the wrestling even begins. Don't believe me? Look at your own comment. You gave this person the credit and glory for "winning" against the demon, and no credit or glory to God. And so, maybe he was not as victorious as you would all like to pretend.
reading this broke my heart, because I loved someone deeply but I was cruelly mistread and rejected I still love, but Im also bitter, angry and jealous now
@@hunivan7672the solution is to pray that whoever hurt you finds complete joy and peace in all they do. Also realize that living in resentment is just as great of a sin as whatever this person may have done. We are not the ones to condemn. Also, true love wouldn’t allow for you to hold such negativity, still. I would pray daily for the guidance to see God’s will.
@@hunivan7672 you have no love, you must go and forgive. Apologize for being judgemental and playing God. Be free. Forgive your dad for being weak - for not protecting you from emotions. Forgive your mother for creating you in her emotions.
I have learned from this saints story I have not been fighting hard enough, I should fight as hard as I would someone attacking me physically. Spiritual damage is far worse.
but don't forget to let God do the fighting for you. If you are trying to do it out of your own power like this guy, you will fail. Look at how extreme he had to get, beating and starving himself, and yet still being attacked by demons. But the mere mention of the name of Jesus Christ, from someone who has made Him Lord, is guaranteed to make the demons flee, with no extremism required (or even desired).
Thank you so much for posting this. I've been struggling with viewing of pornography over the last few months, and just recently, it has gotten worse than it ever has been before. This was immensely encouraging. God bless you!
Said a prayer for you man. I struggle with this too. Everybody is, even women are now struggling. Pray for freedom. Everyday. I believe this has helped me. Before I came back to Christ 5 months ago, I couldn't even go a few days. Now I'm going 2 to 3 weeks. Gotta keep battling no matter how tough it gets
I have struggled with this.for years. Only just around last Christmas did ifully come-back to Christ. Not I the orthodox but my old Catholic faith and mostly because I went to a Latin Mass. 12 steps fellowships definitely help but I need a very strong faith. My priest has said you need to get married in the church (as in my darkness I married in a Protestant church) to be in full communion with Rome/God.
I will forever be greatful to this amazing Saint! It was when I heard the life of St. Joseph, that my journey back to Christ truly began to burn with a fire! I thank you Άγιο Ιωσήφ Ο Ησυχαστή, for your intercession!
I had a very difficult past with all sorts of lust and pornography. When you read the line "You will not accomplish anything. We will crush you. In vain you will struggle. How long will you last?" It gave me goosebumps and made me pause. There were many nights I felt as if I heard that. Glory unto God for his healing and deliverance. As well as restoration ☦️
This is a great encouragement. Obviously my struggles aren’t as intense as St. Joseph’s, but it is good to know that the pattern of my life-being strengthened by God’s grace, then experiencing periods of withdrawal-is similar to his. I’m neither a saint nor an elder, so during those times of withdrawal it’s easy for me think, “I’ve gone off the path” and to lose heart. But seeing this example in St. Joseph’s life is an encouragement and a confirmation that if I follow the teachings Christ has given through His Church then I will also be purified of my passions. Pray for me!
This testimony is extremely powerful. We take for granted what we are really up against on a daily basis. May the Lord deliver us from all evil and allow us to experience the fullness of His joy.
This entire book.. is so beautiful! If I would of known the impact it would have on me. I would of read it a long time ago. It really made me feel so close to them.. and my love for Christ burn stronger! I cannot convey how important it has become in my life and I thank God for them! May we have their blessed prayers! Amin! 🙏🏼❤
Most Holy Theotokos intercede for us. Jesus Christ Our Lord and God save us. Holy Spirit dwell in us, counsel and help us. For the Glory of the Father. Blessed be the Holy Trinity, who has mercy on us, though we transgress against heaven and earth.
Extraordinary incredible story!!! When we heard the life of this holly people we learn that we know nothing about God and his power and the miracles that could take place in a soul that truly seek the purpose of life , Wich is be one with the Eternal and Holly God in Jesus Christ our Savior! My soul is grateful and humbled for this video!!!! God bless this channel and the author!!! 🙌🙏🕯️💖
Seriously God bless you for your videos, especially ones like these, they are my daily listenings - please continue to distribute this fuel for the fires that burn in our hearts
Like all Orthodox Christians I struggle constantly with temptations, bad thoughts, wandering imagination etc. I sometimes feel despair at my condition. Lately, this came to me durimg the current Lenten fasting season, I’ve been thinking of the idea of ‘circumcision’. Not in the sense of a physical circumcision, but a mental and spiritual one. Whenever a bad or inappropriate thought arises, I try to imagine myself “circumcising” it, cutting it off, literally, with a scissor. This seems to work. It makes me wonder if this was the original idea behind Jewish circumcision, as a symbol for the cutting off of sin from ourselves.
2:32 The Elder’s Ephraim and Joseph 4:16 Francis & Fr Arsenios visited Ephraim and Joseph at the end of 1923. 4:46 ❤️ An Obedience of Love 5:14 Behaved like Angels. Doing whatever was necessary, even anticipating what would then be asked of them. 5:41 Removing Ego from the center, and having God there. 6:52 The Battle Against Fornication. 7:15 Theotic Noetic Vision. 8:30 Fierce Carnal Warfare against Fornication. 9:20 The greater the battle, the more intensity. 9:54 He fasted strictly and kept vigil all night. Exhausted, he would be strengthened by Grace. 10:42 ❤️☦️🙏🏼 (Noetic Endurance) 11:45 Have Pity Lord 🙏🏼❤️☦️ 13:08 Collapse and Wavering 🙏🏼 Sorrow and Despair 😩 13:48 Visiting Elder Daniel, The Hesychast. 17:05 Wretched Nothing. Beneath Worms. 17:36
Lord forgive me, the thought of abandoning your children having them die and leaving your wife does not seem like love, it seems selfish. He did not obey his responsibility to his family he created. Sacred marraige the miracle of life from their union. It would be the parallel of an unbelievable idea of our father abandoning his covenant with his creation. How so shall I respect him? Lord Have mercy on Me a sinner for what I not understand.
We often look at the things from our limited perspective, but from God's it may look completely different. We believe that God takes from this world everyone at the best possible moment.
He couldn't sleep, and yet Jesus clearly offers us rest. He wrestled with demons by his own strength, and yet Jesus has already won the victory He said to the demons "either I will devour you or you will devour me" and yet all he had to do was call upon the name of Jesus Christ He beat himself mercilessly multiple times daily and yet God tells us that our body is his temple. What does any of this have to do with Christianity? Colossians 2:18 "Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind"
This great monk is like the great saints of old, the monks of the Egyptian desert and Russian forests, and the saints who knew him testify to his humble, Christ-loving spirit. Be careful my friend not to judge what you do not know. The spiritual fruit from this man, in the lives of his disciples, such as Elder Ephraim of Arizona, are known throughout the Orthodox world and beyond.
@@OrthodoxWisdom "This great monk is like the great saints of old" Not really though, at least not according to this video. Who did he heal? What great missional efforts did he lead? How did his love for other people show them the light of Christ? "The spiritual fruit from this man" and these are what exactly? I don't consider his wild self-aggrandizing stories of alleged demon wrestling to be good fruit, at all. "Be careful my friend not to judge what you do not know." Right, well I judged what was in this video, and I did so in a way that is clear and concise and you were unable to counter, and then I asked the question of what does it have to do with Christianity, and you did not answer me on that either. Appealing to "well other people think he's totally rad" is insufficient. Please tell me how anything about this man even vaguely applies to James 1:27
@theTavis01 So how did you defeat lust and carnal sin? My bet is , you haven't. You only think you have. Read about Job who was a righteous man and still had to endure immense pain and hardship. Have a great day!
@@claudiuiuhas2084 "So how did you defeat lust and carnal sin?" I never said that I did. We are talking about demons, not desires. Demons are actual real entities, you realize that, right? I was severely oppressed and attacked by demons for about 3-4 years prior to becoming Christian because I had gotten into the occult, and then when I accepted Jesus as Lord I was able to call upon His name and they would just pack it up and leave, because Jesus has the victory. This man is too prideful to take the easy way out, and desires to be able to claim the victory for himself instead of taking part in the finished victory of Jesus. "Read about Job who was a righteous man and still had to endure immense pain and hardship." What's your point? Did Job beat himself to vainly increase his own suffering? Did Job go around bragging about his boxing matches with demons?
@@theTavis01 Well, you have a point. Good thing you left the occult! Sorry if I offended you. Regarding St Joseph, I don't know, but God knows why he allowed to be tested like that. Each person is unique Have a great day!
@@OrthodoxWisdom Oh, it was just a joke brother but, appreciate the response! I’d be a cautionary tale in a weeks time if I started hit myself with a cane lol!
The Apostle Paul says, “Be angry and sin not.” Anger is part of the soul, and something to be directed against sin and the devil, not rooted out in every way possible.
@@OrthodoxWisdom The full verse is "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil." because while we cannot control the uprising of the emotion of anger, as Christians we are supposed to respond with forgiveness, not fighting. Do not let the sun go down on your anger means to resolve the anger before you go to bed, not to angrily wrestle demons all night. You cannot fight the devil with anger. The devil loves it when fools try that. The devil can only be fought with God, faith, and love.
@@OrthodoxWisdom yeah what's correct is correct. There is only truth. And the truth is that you fight the devil with Scripture, not anger. You fight the devil with prayer, not anger. You fight the devil with love and faith, not anger. You fight the devil with fasting and humility, not anger. That verse you quoted is not a command to "be angry"
While it is regrettable, it seems that he is unfairly linking the darkness of the demon's behavior to the skin color, particularly the black skin of Ethiopians. However, I'm certain that he didn't intend to extend this association to Black Ethiopian Christians. As a man of God, had he sought guidance from God, he would've been made aware of the presence of numerous hermits and monks who dwell in the deserts and caves of Ethiopia whose level of holiness exceeds his own. ✝Black Ethiopians are a blessed nation, as demonstrated by Amos 9:7, where Yahweh declares, "Are you not as the sons of Ethiopia to Me, O sons of Israel?" Furthermore, King David narrates in Psalm 68:31, "Envoys will come out of Egypt; Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God." ✝It is worth noting that before the Greeks accepted the one God, Ethiopians had a rich history of devotion to the worship of the God of Israel for over a millennium prior to the birth of Christ, then through the encounter between the Apostle Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch, as described in Acts 8:26-40, Ethiopia became the first nation to establish Christianity as its state religion in 1 AD. Ethiopians posses a distinct alphabet, Bible, calendar, and Mass celebration, all of which have endured the test of time. Presently, Ethiopia is home to just over 800 monasteries. ✝St. Irenaeus (130 AD), in his work AGAINST HERESIES III.12.8, highlights Ethiopia as the first recipient of the Divine Word's mysteries through the Apostle Philip, as described in Acts 8:26-40. ✝St. Eusebius (339 AD), shares a narrative that aligns with Irenaeus's account. In his chronological account of Early Christianity (ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY: BOOK II) from the 1st - 4th century, Eusebius states that the Ethiopian Eunuch was the first of the Gentiles to receive the Divine Word from Philip through revelation [Acts 8:26-40 ], and was the first to return to his native land and preach the Gospel of Christ fulfilling the prophecy that "Ethiopia shall stretch out her hand to God" [Psalm 68:31]. ✝The Ethiopian monks and hermits adhere to a highly ascetic lifestyle characterized by simplicity and self-denial. They typically wear a single garment and choose to forgo footwear. Many of them abstain from lying down on beds and instead take short naps while seated (3-4hrs/day), dedicating most of their time to prayer. Even their sustenance is austere, with bread so bitter that it was difficult for me to consume. Fasting is rigorously observed throughout the year, some monks eating only once a week while others every three days, always refraining from eating before sunset. They maintain a continuous practice of prayer, focusing on the prayer of the heart and recitation of Psalms day and night. Their entire existence revolves around Christ, with constant remembrance of Him occupying their thoughts 24 hours a day. I had the honor of spending a week in the presence of a supremely humble monk who dedicated himself to praying outdoors, from dusk till dawn, for an incredible span of 25 years, clad only in undergarments and with his legs submerged in water. It was a truly remarkable experience and a blessing to witness his dedicated devotion. ✝The saintly monks and hermits of Black Ethiopia, hidden treasures of Africa, consciously abstain from being filmed or discussed on platforms like TH-cam. Instead, they opt to maintain anonymity, humbly devoting themselves to the Lord, knowing that their struggles will be rewarded in the eternal realm of heave
While it is regrettable, it seems that he is unfairly linking the darkness of the demon's behavior to the skin color, particularly the black skin of Ethiopians. *_However, I'm certain that he didn't intend to extend this association to Black Ethiopian Christians._* As a man of God, had he sought guidance from God, he would've been made aware of the presence of numerous hermits and monks who dwell in the deserts and caves of Ethiopia whose level of holiness exceeds his own. ✝Black Ethiopians are a blessed nation, as demonstrated by Amos 9:7, where Yahweh declares, *_"Are you not as the sons of Ethiopia to Me, O sons of Israel?"_* Furthermore, King David narrates in Psalm 68:31, *_"Envoys will come out of Egypt; Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God."_* ✝It is worth noting that while the Greeks worshiped goddesses and gods, Ethiopians had a rich history of devotion to the worship of the One God of Israel for over a millennium prior to the birth of Christ, then through the encounter between the Apostle Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch, as described in Acts 8:26-40, Ethiopia became the first nation to establish Christianity as its state religion in 1 AD. Ethiopians posses a distinct alphabet, Bible, calendar, and Mass celebration, all of which have endured the test of time. Presently, Ethiopia is home to just over 800 monasteries. ✝St. Irenaeus (130 AD), in his work AGAINST HERESIES III.12.8, highlights *_Ethiopia as the first recipient of the Divine Word's mysteries through the Apostle Philip, as described in Acts 8:26-40._* ✝St. Eusebius (339 AD), shares a narrative that aligns with Irenaeus's account. In his chronological account of Early Christianity (ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY: BOOK II) from the 1st - 4th century, *_Eusebius states that the Ethiopian Eunuch was the first of the Gentiles to receive the Divine Word from Philip through revelation [Acts 8:26-40 ], and was the first to return to his native land and preach the Gospel of Christ fulfilling the prophecy that "Ethiopia shall stretch out her hand to God" [Psalm 68:31]._* ✝The Ethiopian monks and hermits adhere to a highly ascetic lifestyle characterized by simplicity and self-denial. *_They typically wear a single garment and choose to forgo footwear. Many of them abstain from lying down on beds and instead take short naps while seated (3-4hrs/day), dedicating most of their time to prayer. Even their sustenance is austere, with bread so bitter that it was difficult for me to consume. Fasting is rigorously observed throughout the year, some monks eating only once a week while others every three days, always refraining from eating before sunset. They maintain a continuous practice of prayer, focusing on the prayer of the heart and recitation of Psalms day and night. Their entire existence revolves around Christ, with constant remembrance of Him occupying their thoughts 24 hours a day._* I had the honor of spending a week in the presence of a supremely humble monk who dedicated himself to praying outdoors, from dusk till dawn, for an incredible span of 25 years, clad only in undergarments and with his legs submerged in water. It was a truly remarkable experience and a blessing to witness his dedicated devotion. ✝The saintly monks and hermits of Black Ethiopia, hidden treasures of Africa, consciously abstain from being filmed or discussed on platforms like TH-cam. *_Instead, they opt to maintain anonymity, humbly devoting themselves to the Lord, knowing that their struggles will be rewarded in the eternal realm of heaven._*
It seems that he is linking the demon's behavior to the skin color. *_However, I'm certain that he didn't intend to extend this association to Black Ethiopian Christians._* As a man of God, had he sought guidance from God, he would've been made aware of the presence of numerous hermits and monks who dwell in the deserts and caves of Ethiopia whose level of holiness exceeds his own. ✝Black Ethiopians are a blessed nation, as demonstrated by Amos 9:7, where Yahweh declares, *_"Are you not as the sons of Ethiopia to Me, O sons of Israel?"_* Furthermore, King David narrates in Psalm 68:31, *_"Envoys will come out of Egypt; Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God."_* ✝It is worth noting that before the Greeks accepted the one God, Ethiopians had a rich history of devotion to the worship of the God of Israel for over a millennium prior to the birth of Christ, then through the encounter between the Apostle Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch, as described in Acts 8:26-40, Ethiopia became the first nation to establish Christianity as its state religion in 1 AD. Ethiopians posses a distinct alphabet, Bible, calendar, and Mass celebration, all of which have endured the test of time. *_Presently, Ethiopia is home to just over 800 monasteries._* ✝St. Irenaeus (130 AD), in his work AGAINST HERESIES III.12.8, highlights *_Ethiopia as the first recipient of the Divine Word's mysteries through the Apostle Philip, as described in Acts 8:26-40._* ✝St. Eusebius (339 AD), shares a narrative that aligns with Irenaeus's account. In his chronological account of Early Christianity (ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY: BOOK II) from the 1st - 4th century, *_Eusebius states that the Ethiopian Eunuch was the first of the Gentiles to receive the Divine Word from Philip through revelation [Acts 8:26-40 ], and was the first to return to his native land and preach the Gospel of Christ fulfilling the prophecy that "Ethiopia shall stretch out her hand to God" [Psalm 68:31]._* ✝The Ethiopian monks and hermits adhere to a highly ascetic lifestyle characterized by simplicity and self-denial. They typically wear a single garment and choose to forgo footwear. Many of them abstain from lying down on beds and instead take short naps while seated (3-4hrs/day), dedicating most of their time to prayer. Even their sustenance is austere, with bread so bitter that it was difficult for me to consume. Fasting is rigorously observed throughout the year, some monks eating only once a week while others every three days, always refraining from eating before sunset. They maintain a continuous practice of prayer, focusing on the prayer of the heart and recitation of Psalms day and night. Their entire existence revolves around Christ, with constant remembrance of Him occupying their thoughts 24 hours a day. *_I had the honor of spending a week in the presence of a supremely humble monk who dedicated himself to praying outdoors, from dusk till dawn, for an incredible span of 25 years, clad only in undergarments and with his legs submerged in water. It was a truly remarkable experience and a blessing to witness his dedicated devotion._* ✝The saintly monks and hermits of Black Ethiopia, hidden treasures of Africa, consciously abstain from being filmed or discussed on platforms like TH-cam. *_Instead, they opt to maintain anonymity, humbly devoting themselves to the Lord, knowing that their struggles will be rewarded in the eternal realm of heaven._*
Oh thats horrible to abandon his wife! And to pray and his poor children begin to die until only two are left! Oh my God----this is evil! What a bad father he was! Oh my God. I cannot believe this EVIL! WHY did he not apply humility and service to his family whom God gave him! I am going to have to go to my spiritual father! This is damaging to my understanding of faith in the Orthodox Church. I am scandalized that this man of whom you spoke would actually pray to the extent that on his own WILLFILLNESS he prayed selfishly and watched his children die one by one and set terror into his poor wife whom he desired to ABANDON! This sounds more like evil witchcraft! How can his breech of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony be anything but willful selfishness? I thank God that St Joseph the Hesychast was not one who did this. I have a question. Was all of this self denunciation for self? Or to pray to offer this to God for mankind? Or was this just self indulgence to accomplish visions of heaven? This sounds so much like Buddhism. I do not understand this "instead of my beating them (demons)....despair. How did our beloved Saint not believe that Christ would accept his repentance? It seems he complicated everything and doubted in the mercy and forgiveness of Christ. As I sit here, I'm in awe of St Joseph's battle! And how Christ made him victorious! I'm in appreciation of how he then taught his monks and helped them to grow in prayer and holiness. The words he spoke about falling to damnation seems a direct contradiction of Scripture about how God seals us and we cannot be snatched from him. Yes I see how Holy Orthodoxy requires that we participate in God's Grace. That that is the fruit of faith that is alive and not dead. I also appreciate, but I'm certain my understanding is shallow at this time, but I appreciate that there was community and service to one another. Sometimes living as a hermit seems very self indulgent if it is not intended to serve the good of others. Praying for the salvation of the world's souls would seem to "justify" indulging in such introversion. Otherwise it seems like a method of attempting to reach spiritual highs by stimulating DMT through suffering. The suffering seems transformative of the character and subduing of self-will so there's a bit of a dilemma my understanding encounters at this point. I do not understand but I can seek.
That example is included in the text but isn't necessarily one to follow. In general, once you marry you stay married and do not become a monk. But let's not assume we know all the details nor assume that the example of this elder is meant for us to imitate. I don’t know anyone, clergy or laity, who would advise a husband leave their wife and kids to become a monk.
@@OrthodoxWisdom Yes exactly! Thank you for mentioning that aspect. It's shocking to me that that scenario worked Its way into the legend. It's really horrible! Terrifying to imagine. I'd never let my children if I had little ones read anything like that for fear it would scare them, anger them that a parent would do such a thing and that the Church would allow it, support or encourage it! Some of these legends have aspects that are outlandish and haven't been embellished by the writer. It can make a person wonder. It's like injecting something horrific into an otherwise wholesome religiously correct and beautiful story about the Saints. I'm not intending to be critical of you for presenting this however. Not at all. And I appreciate that you've responded kindly to my shock. I appreciate that you acknowledge the Church wouldn't support the actualized practice of breaking up families. The legend should have put in more detail. Just like Pope Francis, confusing the Roman Church these days. Lack of clarity. Yet there are some things one couldn't explain away such as Pachamama on the hallowed ground of St Peters burial place apparently! Sacrilegious. God help us!
@@icxcnika2037 There was no "mission emergency" required in which the Great Commission was a clear demand. Not at all. He selfishly wanted the monastic life. That's hardly leaving anything for the sake of Christ. There was no demand by Christ on that man whatsoever. In fact if there was a demand that Christ and the Church made it was that man stay and face his life bravely by being a good husband and father. His job was to get his children to heaven. It is unfortunate in my opinion that you are not more "emotional." I have a righteous indignation towards anyone who cannot look at that aspect of the "legendary story" and not find the evil in the man's selfishness, and then goes on to teach this to others. God values family and if people broke up families and encouraged them to pray their children dead, leave the Sacrament of Matrimony and abandon spouse, we'd have the very ungodly secular world we have today--and it would be in the Church too. If the man's family was evil then I can see him wanting escape. But that's certainly a vital aspect of the story isn't it? You're defending him saying he left for Christ. When actually staying for Christ would have likely fulfilled his religious commitment to Christ and he'd have received many graces to share with his family---especially if they were wayward! All the more reason to win them for Christ. Why did you tell me who the author was? Is that suppose to change my conscience? Make me lie and say that an evil is actually good? To make me say the story was not poorly told when it was? To say we were given enough information to make a rational moral and spiritual judgment? Or to make me say that we Orthodox cannot think morally, spiritually, intelligently? Well. May God have mercy on me. Your effort was useless in that regard
@@icxcnika2037 Well yes, a bit outraged. And we do not know the context of his familial abandonment. True. The story was poorly told in that one area. Forgive me a sinner.
So.. why did he wait so long to use the name of Jesus Christ? Doesn't anyone know that the flesh alone has no powere over spiritual things? This is why priests and monks have such problems, they put there strength in saints. They believe that they themselves are holy when it's impossible!
Ok. But, if chastity and virginity are the reqierments for all of us to get to heaven, how the humanity will survive? The family is also God's invention. Genesis 1:28. For example I want to get married but somthing makes me think that I have no right to want it because of my disgusting sins in the past. But I 'm fighting with sexual sin, sometimes the battle is very hard and prayer is the only way to escape, and then I recieve help from God.
A common theme in Orthodoxy is that many things are "both/and" and not "either/or." First, chastity encompasses the marriage bed, for chastity is distinct from virginity and chastity in marriage means healthy sexual relationship with your spouse. Additionally, chastity in marriage means abstaining during fasting seasons and fasting days, from oral, anal, etc. The marriage bed isn't a free-for-all even of you're married. There are canons and teachings from saints that point to all this. Fr. Kosmos of Orthodox Talks has a handful of great talks addressing these issue. Also, here is an article that covers this pretty well: theorthodoxlife.wordpress.com/2015/05/18/sacred-seed-sacred-chamber/ Back to your original question: God certainly desires some to become monastics and some to be married and have children. Both paths are blessed. Christ refers to the monastic life when he says, "and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it" (Matt 19:12). Do not despair. No one has a right to be married; all is a gift from God. No matter how much one is like St. Mary of Egypt, a former prostitute, or St. Joseph the Hesychast, a virgin and chaste from his youth, all of us can become saints and be in heaven with Christ.
@@OrthodoxWisdom my problem is that I’m not sure if I’m meant to be a monastic but I’m almost positive I’m meant to be celibate, but people think it’s weird.
This story makes it sound like their obedience didn't come from love, but a selfish desire to become and Elder. That was the stated point of sending the two young monks to the two old monks, so that they might become an Elder.
Have a hard time respecting men who leave their wives for monasticism such as his elder did. The sin of Adam plagues even the monastics who should have rejected such a man. Sounds more like this young ascetic should have married and had children. God is gracious even to the mentally ill among us I suppose.
That example is included in the text but isn't necessarily one to follow. In general, once your marry you stay married and do not become a monk. But let's not assume we know all the details nor assume that the example of this elder is meant for us to imitate.
@@OrthodoxWisdom I'm not sure how any "details" could exonerate him, and the issue is that his sinful decision was supported by the church, not just that he is a bad example.
Let me know if this helps: A word about the nous: The English word that best conveys the meaning of the Greek word "νοῦς" is the word "mind." The Fathers use this term with several other meanings, too. They mainly refer to the nous as the soul (the "spiritual nature" of a man-St. Isaac the Syrian) and the heart (or "the essence of the soul"-vid. Philokalia, Vol. I, p. 109, 73). More specifically, it constitutes the innermost aspect of the heart (St. Diadochos §§79, 88). However, they also refer to it as the "eye of the soul" (St. John of Damascus, The Orthodox Faith, FC Vol. 37, p. 236) or "the organ of theoria" (Makarian Homilies) which "is engaged in pure prayer" (St. Isaac the Syrian). They call the energy of the nous "a power of the soul" (St. Gregory Palamas, On the Holy Spirit, 2, 9) "consisting of thoughts and conceptual images" (St. Gregory Palamas, On the Hesychasts, p. 410, 3). However, the nous is more commonly known as the energy of the soul, whereas the heart is known as the essence of the soul. (From the glossary of “Counsels from the Holy Mountain” by Elder Ephraim of Philotheou and Arizona) There are also a few videos on this channel that speak more about noetic prayer, such as “On Watchfulness and Noetic Prayer” by Elder Ephraim of Arizona
Please forgive me, but it sounds like Fr. Joseph dealt with some kind of psychosis. 🤷🏻♂️ If I’m honest, I would’ve probably reacted to him like one of the monks who were disturbed by his ways… just being real. Lord, Have Mercy.
why do they always say 'Pangea' and 'Holy Theotokos'? I cannot understand how they can act as if Mary is capable of any kindness or mercy that Christ Himself is not?
You’re mistaken. We do not believe Mary is capable of anything Christ is not. That’s heresy. We call her Holy because she gave birth to Christ, God the Word. We are trinitarian. But we venerate Mary.
because the Theotokos is more honorable than the Cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim. She is above all angels and there would be no salvation of she didn't agree.
@@seraphim3TN I can understand the other comment but this is something different, what do you mean by 'if she didn't agree'? Do you not believe God couldn't have brought about His will by using another virgin to conceive Christ and continue His divine Will?
@pola5392 the reason for her prominence in the story of many of the ascetics - is because Mary, who was human of course like us, lived a life of obedience to God from her earliest days - she was made and preserved for her role as spoken by the prophets of the old testament (which is why in Orthodoxy she is often referred to as 'the burning bush' or the 'ark of the new covenant') because she held within her the divinity of the word and law of God - but was not consumed. Of course God can do anything, but if you look at the foreshadowing and the prophesies, and read of her youth in the temple - she was made the perfect vessel to contain the son of God within her, she who is "blessed among women." And so the monks who dedicate their life to prayer and obedience, who have to fight against worldy thoughts and urges themselves, make room for only one woman in their heart and mind - the mother of God. However, as holy a person, and as obedient and grace filled as she was - she is ultimately the conduit to the incarnation of the only one we worship - the one triune God. Even in her icons which we venerate out of love and appreciation for her grace and humility before God - she always, ultimately- directs our attention to Christ.
@@OrthodoxWisdom perhaps not but how would anyone know that and how would they know what he really meant? it is not otherwise clear. i think it begs an added explanation as to not alienate potential seekers of the faith. if you were an earnest ethiopian watching this, how would you take it? it would drive them away, which cannot be good for the church
I wholeheartedly agree with you, though I’m not sure I can’t speak authoritatively on this issue. I know that using the term “Ethiopians” for demons is not new in Orthodox ascetic literature. I’m not sure how common but I have seen it before. Given that this term, I believe, is largely used in ascetic literature I could easily see that if one is so deeply and simply embracing that “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28) then when writing to an audience of similar disposition would not risk one concluding there is any racism involved whatsoever. It simply a shorthand for referring to a dark being, not that those dark skinned humans in Ethiopia and all of Africa are inferior in any way. Any saint has the love of God in them and would embrace a dark-skinned man as one for whom Christ died. If these texts were written with a non-Orthodox audience in mind, especially in modern times, then a different term might well be used. Does this help a little? I appreciate your concern and agree that it needs some kind of explanation for most people.
@@OrthodoxWisdom thanks for the thoughtful response. i understand it’s certainly unfair to hold past church fathers to modern standards of egalitarianism and i agree the true spirit of Orthodoxy would condemn racial prejudice in any form. but the conflation of black skin and evilness is indeed well-documented in ascetic literature, i’ve found upon quick research. whether it demonizes ethiopians or ethiopianizes demons, it undeniably makes africans an evil “other” when taken at face value. i think it’s difficult to leave this part of church history unaddressed, unfortunately, but the best we can do now is understand it and refrain from perpetuating it.
@@OrthodoxWisdom Conflating black people with demons is pure racism, and it was commonplace when this man lived. The hoops you will jump through to defend your "saints" borders on straight up bearing false witness.
can you explain to me Matthew 23:9? And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Why do then Orthodoxy and Catholicism use that title? The verses before say all of us are brethren so there's no need to raise someone above us thanks
Consider what St. Paul says: “For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel” (1 Cor 4:15). St. Paul seems rather comfortable calling himself a father to the church in Corinth. Also this video offers a helpful response from Fr. Josiah Trenham to the common question you asked. th-cam.com/video/j4F-xow3Vzg/w-d-xo.html
Pray for us, St. Joseph. It’s not that until I decided to actually live as an Orthodox Christian, did spiritual warfare bombard me. It’s been a couple years and it’s been very, very difficult. I have mental illness. God is allowing this. I’m wretched and need purification. Please pray for me. I’m very weak.
Holy communion healed me from mental illness (gave me the strength and joy to progress and learn) Jesus Christ our lord is so sweet focus on him and the unity with him and you will be healed in time when the mind understands and replaced all the demon ideas that is leading to the mental illness suffering, search for the root also might be chained from sins need confession then healing.
Faith is the conqueror of most mental illnesses, especially anxiety.
@@AntiochianOrthodoxy thank you.
Your testimony was a blessing. I started my journey into Orthodox Church last August. I became a catechumen just over a month ago. My struggle started within a few days. The temptations became stronger. Let us pray for each other.
Lord have mercy.
Rejoice! The cross we carry is never carried alone. In fact the more we embrace it with thanksgiving the greater the mercy Christ has upon us. When we weep tears of supplication and of contrite heart, the Comforter emboldens our hearts and souls with fire! It is through our humility and weakness that God illuminates His strength in us. May we never forget the true blessings from our temptations and sufferings in Jesus name.
“Whoever has not experienced temptation cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Without temptations no-one can be saved.”
- St. Anthony the Great
Flee temptation. You know what tempts you, get rid of it.
This holy man straight up brawled demons every night and still won, this makes most struggles faced today feel so manageable.
I was trying to understand were the description of fights just metaphors for feeling lustful thoughts? How did he "punch a demon"? Are they dreams or visions?
@@ownagesniper1 I don't think it's metaphorical, i heard Fr Seraphim Rose say that if God allows it, demons can physically intervene, they can move objects and hurt people. St. Joseph said he wanted to be in the front lines of this war, so God let the battle be that intense
a truly Holy man would have relied upon God to do that fighting for him. Jesus Christ has already won the victory, and demons are subject to us in His name. If you find yourself wrestling a demon, only selfish pride or lack of faith can be the reason, because the simple solution is to call upon the name of Jesus and experience immediate victory before the wrestling even begins. Don't believe me? Look at your own comment. You gave this person the credit and glory for "winning" against the demon, and no credit or glory to God. And so, maybe he was not as victorious as you would all like to pretend.
"When you truly love someone, you spontaneously do whatever you can to make them happy"
reading this broke my heart, because I loved someone deeply but I was cruelly mistread and rejected
I still love, but Im also bitter, angry and jealous now
@@hunivan7672the solution is to pray that whoever hurt you finds complete joy and peace in all they do. Also realize that living in resentment is just as great of a sin as whatever this person may have done. We are not the ones to condemn. Also, true love wouldn’t allow for you to hold such negativity, still. I would pray daily for the guidance to see God’s will.
@@hunivan7672 you have no love, you must go and forgive. Apologize for being judgemental and playing God. Be free.
Forgive your dad for being weak - for not protecting you from emotions.
Forgive your mother for creating you in her emotions.
I mean, other than his wife and kids apparently...
I have learned from this saints story I have not been fighting hard enough, I should fight as hard as I would someone attacking me physically. Spiritual damage is far worse.
Me too my friend
but don't forget to let God do the fighting for you. If you are trying to do it out of your own power like this guy, you will fail. Look at how extreme he had to get, beating and starving himself, and yet still being attacked by demons. But the mere mention of the name of Jesus Christ, from someone who has made Him Lord, is guaranteed to make the demons flee, with no extremism required (or even desired).
The demons physically abusing him sounds similar to the stories of St. Anthony the founder of monasticism
sounds more like the paranoid fantasies of a lunatic who was already "beating himself mercilessly" on the daily
✝️ CHRIST IS RISEN ☀️
❤💪👩❤️👨🙏✝ GOD BE WITH US AGAINST EVIL AND TEMPTATIONS ✝🙏⛪️💍🕊
Thank you so much for posting this. I've been struggling with viewing of pornography over the last few months, and just recently, it has gotten worse than it ever has been before. This was immensely encouraging. God bless you!
Keep fighting the good fight my brother. Don’t lose heart! ❤☦️📿
@@theodoremarinis5583 Thank you so much brother!
Said a prayer for you man. I struggle with this too. Everybody is, even women are now struggling. Pray for freedom. Everyday. I believe this has helped me. Before I came back to Christ 5 months ago, I couldn't even go a few days. Now I'm going 2 to 3 weeks. Gotta keep battling no matter how tough it gets
I have struggled with this.for years. Only just around last Christmas did ifully come-back to Christ. Not I the orthodox but my old Catholic faith and mostly because I went to a Latin Mass.
12 steps fellowships definitely help but I need a very strong faith. My priest has said you need to get married in the church (as in my darkness I married in a Protestant church) to be in full communion with Rome/God.
That's cause it's Lent. Lean on Christ and He will give you Grace
Just what I needed to hear. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us sinners!
I will forever be greatful to this amazing Saint! It was when I heard the life of St. Joseph, that my journey back to Christ truly began to burn with a fire! I thank you Άγιο Ιωσήφ Ο Ησυχαστή, for your intercession!
I had a very difficult past with all sorts of lust and pornography. When you read the line "You will not accomplish anything. We will crush you. In vain you will struggle. How long will you last?"
It gave me goosebumps and made me pause. There were many nights I felt as if I heard that. Glory unto God for his healing and deliverance. As well as restoration ☦️
Me as well. I still fall from this grevious sin. Pray for me brothers.
St Joseph pray to God for us
Please preach for us all
@@dustindustindontworry-jz8dh with that logic don’t ask anyone to pray for you then.
@@dustindustindontworry-jz8dh Why ? You only need God. Why ask them to pray ?
@@dustindustindontworry-jz8dh So what’s the difference with saints?
@@dustindustindontworry-jz8dh Saints are all around us and more alive than we are.
This guy suffered more in a night than i do in a decade
How beautiful our God is. Glory to God. He’s answered my prayer
St. Joseph please pray for us sinners 🙏
Dear lord Jesus Christ have mercy on us all every one always and forever and ever
When the Father said "Eh, we'll just eat right there" I had to laugh that was the greatest response.
Thank you for narrating this chapter so beautifully. What a profound blessing!
This is a great encouragement. Obviously my struggles aren’t as intense as St. Joseph’s, but it is good to know that the pattern of my life-being strengthened by God’s grace, then experiencing periods of withdrawal-is similar to his.
I’m neither a saint nor an elder, so during those times of withdrawal it’s easy for me think, “I’ve gone off the path” and to lose heart. But seeing this example in St. Joseph’s life is an encouragement and a confirmation that if I follow the teachings Christ has given through His Church then I will also be purified of my passions.
Pray for me!
This testimony is extremely powerful. We take for granted what we are really up against on a daily basis. May the Lord deliver us from all evil and allow us to experience the fullness of His joy.
this is the first story ive heard abt St joseph the hesychast. i love this man. he’s wild.
Myself. Myself. On my own I am a thug. What can God do with me? I am so full of sin. 😢
This entire book.. is so beautiful! If I would of known the impact it would have on me. I would of read it a long time ago. It really made me feel so close to them.. and my love for Christ burn stronger! I cannot convey how important it has become in my life and I thank God for them! May we have their blessed prayers! Amin! 🙏🏼❤
I pray in true hope, Lord Jesus and all heaven, break Satan's power and keep all the demons endlessly tethered forever in HELL.
Most Holy Theotokos intercede for us. Jesus Christ Our Lord and God save us. Holy Spirit dwell in us, counsel and help us. For the Glory of the Father. Blessed be the Holy Trinity, who has mercy on us, though we transgress against heaven and earth.
@@dustindustindontworry-jz8dh why are you on here?
Extraordinary incredible story!!! When we heard the life of this holly people we learn that we know nothing about God and his power and the miracles that could take place in a soul that truly seek the purpose of life , Wich is be one with the Eternal and Holly God in Jesus Christ our Savior! My soul is grateful and humbled for this video!!!! God bless this channel and the author!!! 🙌🙏🕯️💖
OH! the simplicity of our holly fathers!! may his blessings be with us!
Seriously God bless you for your videos, especially ones like these, they are my daily listenings - please continue to distribute this fuel for the fires that burn in our hearts
Are you Orthodox?
God blessed you and bless you too
thanks
Like all Orthodox Christians I struggle constantly with temptations, bad thoughts, wandering imagination etc. I sometimes feel despair at my condition.
Lately, this came to me durimg the current Lenten fasting season, I’ve been thinking of the idea of ‘circumcision’. Not in the sense of a physical circumcision, but a mental and spiritual one. Whenever a bad or inappropriate thought arises, I try to imagine myself “circumcising” it, cutting it off, literally, with a scissor. This seems to work. It makes me wonder if this was the original idea behind Jewish circumcision, as a symbol for the cutting off of sin from ourselves.
Surely the demons are not the Ethiopians thought in the sense of the nation but of the literal translation of the "burnt face"?
I’m hoping that would be the right interpretation.
Please continue. this is helping us to see Christ shining in the Saints' lives, which gives us hop
2:32 The Elder’s Ephraim and Joseph
4:16 Francis & Fr Arsenios visited Ephraim and Joseph at the end of 1923.
4:46 ❤️ An Obedience of Love
5:14 Behaved like Angels. Doing whatever was necessary, even anticipating what would then be asked of them.
5:41 Removing Ego from the center, and having God there.
6:52 The Battle Against Fornication.
7:15 Theotic Noetic Vision.
8:30 Fierce Carnal Warfare against Fornication.
9:20 The greater the battle, the more intensity.
9:54 He fasted strictly and kept vigil all night. Exhausted, he would be strengthened by Grace.
10:42 ❤️☦️🙏🏼 (Noetic Endurance)
11:45 Have Pity Lord 🙏🏼❤️☦️
13:08 Collapse and Wavering 🙏🏼 Sorrow and Despair 😩
13:48 Visiting Elder Daniel, The Hesychast.
17:05 Wretched Nothing. Beneath Worms.
17:36
8 years.
A year later and how much this video has convicted me!!!!
St Joseph pray for us
An absolute champion and warrior. Guided by love of God.
OMG, thank you. Those are very helpful since we are suffering from this
Holy St. Joseph, pray to God for us
Thank you so much for this video!
Done ❤
Lord forgive me, the thought of abandoning your children having them die and leaving your wife does not seem like love, it seems selfish. He did not obey his responsibility to his family he created. Sacred marraige the miracle of life from their union. It would be the parallel of an unbelievable idea of our father abandoning his covenant with his creation. How so shall I respect him? Lord Have mercy on Me a sinner for what I not understand.
We often look at the things from our limited perspective, but from God's it may look completely different. We believe that God takes from this world everyone at the best possible moment.
Only GOD is good and pray for me a sinner ❤
Woah. When St. Joseph tells you that you can't handle something... It's safe to say you can't.
He couldn't sleep, and yet Jesus clearly offers us rest.
He wrestled with demons by his own strength, and yet Jesus has already won the victory
He said to the demons "either I will devour you or you will devour me" and yet all he had to do was call upon the name of Jesus Christ
He beat himself mercilessly multiple times daily and yet God tells us that our body is his temple.
What does any of this have to do with Christianity? Colossians 2:18 "Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind"
This great monk is like the great saints of old, the monks of the Egyptian desert and Russian forests, and the saints who knew him testify to his humble, Christ-loving spirit. Be careful my friend not to judge what you do not know. The spiritual fruit from this man, in the lives of his disciples, such as Elder Ephraim of Arizona, are known throughout the Orthodox world and beyond.
@@OrthodoxWisdom "This great monk is like the great saints of old" Not really though, at least not according to this video. Who did he heal? What great missional efforts did he lead? How did his love for other people show them the light of Christ?
"The spiritual fruit from this man" and these are what exactly? I don't consider his wild self-aggrandizing stories of alleged demon wrestling to be good fruit, at all.
"Be careful my friend not to judge what you do not know." Right, well I judged what was in this video, and I did so in a way that is clear and concise and you were unable to counter, and then I asked the question of what does it have to do with Christianity, and you did not answer me on that either. Appealing to "well other people think he's totally rad" is insufficient. Please tell me how anything about this man even vaguely applies to James 1:27
@theTavis01
So how did you defeat lust and carnal sin?
My bet is , you haven't. You only think you have.
Read about Job who was a righteous man and still had to endure immense pain and hardship.
Have a great day!
@@claudiuiuhas2084 "So how did you defeat lust and carnal sin?" I never said that I did. We are talking about demons, not desires. Demons are actual real entities, you realize that, right? I was severely oppressed and attacked by demons for about 3-4 years prior to becoming Christian because I had gotten into the occult, and then when I accepted Jesus as Lord I was able to call upon His name and they would just pack it up and leave, because Jesus has the victory. This man is too prideful to take the easy way out, and desires to be able to claim the victory for himself instead of taking part in the finished victory of Jesus.
"Read about Job who was a righteous man and still had to endure immense pain and hardship." What's your point? Did Job beat himself to vainly increase his own suffering? Did Job go around bragging about his boxing matches with demons?
@@theTavis01 Well, you have a point. Good thing you left the occult! Sorry if I offended you.
Regarding St Joseph, I don't know, but God knows why he allowed to be tested like that. Each person is unique
Have a great day!
Axios! Acquisition Of The Holy Spirit, Amen.
Guess I need to go cane shopping. Lord have mercy!
I would ask your spiritual father first before doing that! He will know best what you are ready for.
@@OrthodoxWisdom Oh, it was just a joke brother but, appreciate the response! I’d be a cautionary tale in a weeks time if I started hit myself with a cane lol!
God bless you
Instead of saying this is how he conquered the demon of fornication, this should be called how he crippled the demons in hand-to-hand physical combat
Imagine having such a shallow take.
@@Tokmurok imagine being an asshole, oh wait! Evan, you don't have to imagine! ;)
Exorcists tell us demons feed on our anger. This is not good to hear about such anger.
anger, lust, fear, greed, vanity - the demons love it all. And yes, they do literally feed upon it.
The Apostle Paul says, “Be angry and sin not.” Anger is part of the soul, and something to be directed against sin and the devil, not rooted out in every way possible.
@@OrthodoxWisdom The full verse is "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil." because while we cannot control the uprising of the emotion of anger, as Christians we are supposed to respond with forgiveness, not fighting. Do not let the sun go down on your anger means to resolve the anger before you go to bed, not to angrily wrestle demons all night. You cannot fight the devil with anger. The devil loves it when fools try that. The devil can only be fought with God, faith, and love.
@theTavis01 everything I say will be wrong and you’ll still be right. Good day.
@@OrthodoxWisdom yeah what's correct is correct. There is only truth. And the truth is that you fight the devil with Scripture, not anger. You fight the devil with prayer, not anger. You fight the devil with love and faith, not anger. You fight the devil with fasting and humility, not anger. That verse you quoted is not a command to "be angry"
So, he’s referring to demons as “Ethiopians”?
Yes but don't think he is calling the Ethiopians demons
While it is regrettable, it seems that he is unfairly linking the darkness of the demon's behavior to the skin color, particularly the black skin of Ethiopians. However, I'm certain that he didn't intend to extend this association to Black Ethiopian Christians. As a man of God, had he sought guidance from God, he would've been made aware of the presence of numerous hermits and monks who dwell in the deserts and caves of Ethiopia whose level of holiness exceeds his own.
✝Black Ethiopians are a blessed nation, as demonstrated by Amos 9:7, where Yahweh declares, "Are you not as the sons of Ethiopia to Me, O sons of Israel?" Furthermore, King David narrates in Psalm 68:31, "Envoys will come out of Egypt; Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God."
✝It is worth noting that before the Greeks accepted the one God, Ethiopians had a rich history of devotion to the worship of the God of Israel for over a millennium prior to the birth of Christ, then through the encounter between the Apostle Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch, as described in Acts 8:26-40, Ethiopia became the first nation to establish Christianity as its state religion in 1 AD. Ethiopians posses a distinct alphabet, Bible, calendar, and Mass celebration, all of which have endured the test of time. Presently, Ethiopia is home to just over 800 monasteries.
✝St. Irenaeus (130 AD), in his work AGAINST HERESIES III.12.8, highlights Ethiopia as the first recipient of the Divine Word's mysteries through the Apostle Philip, as described in Acts 8:26-40.
✝St. Eusebius (339 AD), shares a narrative that aligns with Irenaeus's account. In his chronological account of Early Christianity (ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY: BOOK II) from the 1st - 4th century, Eusebius states that the Ethiopian Eunuch was the first of the Gentiles to receive the Divine Word from Philip through revelation [Acts 8:26-40 ], and was the first to return to his native land and preach the Gospel of Christ fulfilling the prophecy that "Ethiopia shall stretch out her hand to God" [Psalm 68:31].
✝The Ethiopian monks and hermits adhere to a highly ascetic lifestyle characterized by simplicity and self-denial. They typically wear a single garment and choose to forgo footwear. Many of them abstain from lying down on beds and instead take short naps while seated (3-4hrs/day), dedicating most of their time to prayer. Even their sustenance is austere, with bread so bitter that it was difficult for me to consume. Fasting is rigorously observed throughout the year, some monks eating only once a week while others every three days, always refraining from eating before sunset. They maintain a continuous practice of prayer, focusing on the prayer of the heart and recitation of Psalms day and night. Their entire existence revolves around Christ, with constant remembrance of Him occupying their thoughts 24 hours a day. I had the honor of spending a week in the presence of a supremely humble monk who dedicated himself to praying outdoors, from dusk till dawn, for an incredible span of 25 years, clad only in undergarments and with his legs submerged in water. It was a truly remarkable experience and a blessing to witness his dedicated devotion.
✝The saintly monks and hermits of Black Ethiopia, hidden treasures of Africa, consciously abstain from being filmed or discussed on platforms like TH-cam. Instead, they opt to maintain anonymity, humbly devoting themselves to the Lord, knowing that their struggles will be rewarded in the eternal realm of heave
While it is regrettable, it seems that he is unfairly linking the darkness of the demon's behavior to the skin color, particularly the black skin of Ethiopians. *_However, I'm certain that he didn't intend to extend this association to Black Ethiopian Christians._* As a man of God, had he sought guidance from God, he would've been made aware of the presence of numerous hermits and monks who dwell in the deserts and caves of Ethiopia whose level of holiness exceeds his own.
✝Black Ethiopians are a blessed nation, as demonstrated by Amos 9:7, where Yahweh declares, *_"Are you not as the sons of Ethiopia to Me, O sons of Israel?"_* Furthermore, King David narrates in Psalm 68:31, *_"Envoys will come out of Egypt; Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God."_*
✝It is worth noting that while the Greeks worshiped goddesses and gods, Ethiopians had a rich history of devotion to the worship of the One God of Israel for over a millennium prior to the birth of Christ, then through the encounter between the Apostle Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch, as described in Acts 8:26-40, Ethiopia became the first nation to establish Christianity as its state religion in 1 AD. Ethiopians posses a distinct alphabet, Bible, calendar, and Mass celebration, all of which have endured the test of time. Presently, Ethiopia is home to just over 800 monasteries.
✝St. Irenaeus (130 AD), in his work AGAINST HERESIES III.12.8, highlights *_Ethiopia as the first recipient of the Divine Word's mysteries through the Apostle Philip, as described in Acts 8:26-40._*
✝St. Eusebius (339 AD), shares a narrative that aligns with Irenaeus's account. In his chronological account of Early Christianity (ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY: BOOK II) from the 1st - 4th century, *_Eusebius states that the Ethiopian Eunuch was the first of the Gentiles to receive the Divine Word from Philip through revelation [Acts 8:26-40 ], and was the first to return to his native land and preach the Gospel of Christ fulfilling the prophecy that "Ethiopia shall stretch out her hand to God" [Psalm 68:31]._*
✝The Ethiopian monks and hermits adhere to a highly ascetic lifestyle characterized by simplicity and self-denial. *_They typically wear a single garment and choose to forgo footwear. Many of them abstain from lying down on beds and instead take short naps while seated (3-4hrs/day), dedicating most of their time to prayer. Even their sustenance is austere, with bread so bitter that it was difficult for me to consume. Fasting is rigorously observed throughout the year, some monks eating only once a week while others every three days, always refraining from eating before sunset. They maintain a continuous practice of prayer, focusing on the prayer of the heart and recitation of Psalms day and night. Their entire existence revolves around Christ, with constant remembrance of Him occupying their thoughts 24 hours a day._* I had the honor of spending a week in the presence of a supremely humble monk who dedicated himself to praying outdoors, from dusk till dawn, for an incredible span of 25 years, clad only in undergarments and with his legs submerged in water. It was a truly remarkable experience and a blessing to witness his dedicated devotion.
✝The saintly monks and hermits of Black Ethiopia, hidden treasures of Africa, consciously abstain from being filmed or discussed on platforms like TH-cam. *_Instead, they opt to maintain anonymity, humbly devoting themselves to the Lord, knowing that their struggles will be rewarded in the eternal realm of heaven._*
It seems that he is linking the demon's behavior to the skin color. *_However, I'm certain that he didn't intend to extend this association to Black Ethiopian Christians._* As a man of God, had he sought guidance from God, he would've been made aware of the presence of numerous hermits and monks who dwell in the deserts and caves of Ethiopia whose level of holiness exceeds his own.
✝Black Ethiopians are a blessed nation, as demonstrated by Amos 9:7, where Yahweh declares, *_"Are you not as the sons of Ethiopia to Me, O sons of Israel?"_* Furthermore, King David narrates in Psalm 68:31, *_"Envoys will come out of Egypt; Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God."_*
✝It is worth noting that before the Greeks accepted the one God, Ethiopians had a rich history of devotion to the worship of the God of Israel for over a millennium prior to the birth of Christ, then through the encounter between the Apostle Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch, as described in Acts 8:26-40, Ethiopia became the first nation to establish Christianity as its state religion in 1 AD. Ethiopians posses a distinct alphabet, Bible, calendar, and Mass celebration, all of which have endured the test of time. *_Presently, Ethiopia is home to just over 800 monasteries._*
✝St. Irenaeus (130 AD), in his work AGAINST HERESIES III.12.8, highlights *_Ethiopia as the first recipient of the Divine Word's mysteries through the Apostle Philip, as described in Acts 8:26-40._*
✝St. Eusebius (339 AD), shares a narrative that aligns with Irenaeus's account. In his chronological account of Early Christianity (ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY: BOOK II) from the 1st - 4th century, *_Eusebius states that the Ethiopian Eunuch was the first of the Gentiles to receive the Divine Word from Philip through revelation [Acts 8:26-40 ], and was the first to return to his native land and preach the Gospel of Christ fulfilling the prophecy that "Ethiopia shall stretch out her hand to God" [Psalm 68:31]._*
✝The Ethiopian monks and hermits adhere to a highly ascetic lifestyle characterized by simplicity and self-denial. They typically wear a single garment and choose to forgo footwear. Many of them abstain from lying down on beds and instead take short naps while seated (3-4hrs/day), dedicating most of their time to prayer. Even their sustenance is austere, with bread so bitter that it was difficult for me to consume. Fasting is rigorously observed throughout the year, some monks eating only once a week while others every three days, always refraining from eating before sunset. They maintain a continuous practice of prayer, focusing on the prayer of the heart and recitation of Psalms day and night. Their entire existence revolves around Christ, with constant remembrance of Him occupying their thoughts 24 hours a day. *_I had the honor of spending a week in the presence of a supremely humble monk who dedicated himself to praying outdoors, from dusk till dawn, for an incredible span of 25 years, clad only in undergarments and with his legs submerged in water. It was a truly remarkable experience and a blessing to witness his dedicated devotion._*
✝The saintly monks and hermits of Black Ethiopia, hidden treasures of Africa, consciously abstain from being filmed or discussed on platforms like TH-cam. *_Instead, they opt to maintain anonymity, humbly devoting themselves to the Lord, knowing that their struggles will be rewarded in the eternal realm of heaven._*
Oh thats horrible to abandon his wife! And to pray and his poor children begin to die until only two are left!
Oh my God----this is evil! What a bad father he was! Oh my God. I cannot believe this EVIL! WHY did he not apply humility and service to his family whom God gave him!
I am going to have to go to my spiritual father! This is damaging to my understanding of faith in the Orthodox Church.
I am scandalized that this man of whom you spoke would actually pray to the extent that on his own WILLFILLNESS he prayed selfishly and watched his children die one by one and set terror into his poor wife whom he desired to ABANDON!
This sounds more like evil witchcraft!
How can his breech of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony be anything but willful selfishness? I thank God that St Joseph the Hesychast was not one who did this.
I have a question. Was all of this self denunciation for self? Or to pray to offer this to God for mankind? Or was this just self indulgence to accomplish visions of heaven? This sounds so much like Buddhism. I do not understand this "instead of my beating them (demons)....despair. How did our beloved Saint not believe that Christ would accept his repentance? It seems he complicated everything and doubted in the mercy and forgiveness of Christ. As I sit here, I'm in awe of St Joseph's battle! And how Christ made him victorious! I'm in appreciation of how he then taught his monks and helped them to grow in prayer and holiness. The words he spoke about falling to damnation seems a direct contradiction of Scripture about how God seals us and we cannot be snatched from him. Yes I see how Holy Orthodoxy requires that we participate in God's Grace. That that is the fruit of faith that is alive and not dead. I also appreciate, but I'm certain my understanding is shallow at this time, but I appreciate that there was community and service to one another. Sometimes living as a hermit seems very self indulgent if it is not intended to serve the good of others. Praying for the salvation of the world's souls would seem to "justify" indulging in such introversion. Otherwise it seems like a method of attempting to reach spiritual highs by stimulating DMT through suffering. The suffering seems transformative of the character and subduing of self-will so there's a bit of a dilemma my understanding encounters at this point. I do not understand but I can seek.
That example is included in the text but isn't necessarily one to follow. In general, once you marry you stay married and do not become a monk. But let's not assume we know all the details nor assume that the example of this elder is meant for us to imitate. I don’t know anyone, clergy or laity, who would advise a husband leave their wife and kids to become a monk.
@@OrthodoxWisdom Yes exactly! Thank you for mentioning that aspect. It's shocking to me that that scenario worked Its way into the legend. It's really horrible! Terrifying to imagine. I'd never let my children if I had little ones read anything like that for fear it would scare them, anger them that a parent would do such a thing and that the Church would allow it, support or encourage it! Some of these legends have aspects that are outlandish and haven't been embellished by the writer. It can make a person wonder.
It's like injecting something horrific into an otherwise wholesome religiously correct and beautiful story about the Saints. I'm not intending to be critical of you for presenting this however. Not at all. And I appreciate that you've responded kindly to my shock.
I appreciate that you acknowledge the Church wouldn't support the actualized practice of breaking up families. The legend should have put in more detail. Just like Pope Francis, confusing the Roman Church these days. Lack of clarity. Yet there are some things one couldn't explain away such as Pachamama on the hallowed ground of St Peters burial place apparently! Sacrilegious. God help us!
@@horao8417 I agree across the board!
@@icxcnika2037 There was no "mission emergency" required in which the Great Commission was a clear demand. Not at all. He selfishly wanted the monastic life. That's hardly leaving anything for the sake of Christ.
There was no demand by Christ on that man whatsoever. In fact if there was a demand that Christ and the Church made it was that man stay and face his life bravely by being a good husband and father. His job was to get his children to heaven.
It is unfortunate in my opinion that you are not more "emotional." I have a righteous indignation towards anyone who cannot look at that aspect of the "legendary story" and not find the evil in the man's selfishness, and then goes on to teach this to others. God values family and if people broke up families and encouraged them to pray their children dead, leave the Sacrament of Matrimony and abandon spouse, we'd have the very ungodly secular world we have today--and it would be in the Church too. If the man's family was evil then I can see him wanting escape. But that's certainly a vital aspect of the story isn't it? You're defending him saying he left for Christ. When actually staying for Christ would have likely fulfilled his religious commitment to Christ and he'd have received many graces to share with his family---especially if they were wayward! All the more reason to win them for Christ.
Why did you tell me who the author was? Is that suppose to change my conscience? Make me lie and say that an evil is actually good? To make me say the story was not poorly told when it was? To say we were given enough information to make a rational moral and spiritual judgment? Or to make me say that we Orthodox cannot think morally, spiritually, intelligently? Well. May God have mercy on me. Your effort was useless in that regard
@@icxcnika2037 Well yes, a bit outraged. And we do not know the context of his familial abandonment. True. The story was poorly told in that one area.
Forgive me a sinner.
What about his wife and children? Who took care of them?😢
So.. why did he wait so long to use the name of Jesus Christ? Doesn't anyone know that the flesh alone has no powere over spiritual things? This is why priests and monks have such problems, they put there strength in saints. They believe that they themselves are holy when it's impossible!
Forfive me for questioning this very personal testimony, but didn't the holy fathers advice agains sharing and talking about the spiritual battle?
Yes. I believe this was only told to his close disciples later in life and for the sake of encouraging them in their own spiritual struggle.
Ok. But, if chastity and virginity are the reqierments for all of us to get to heaven, how the humanity will survive? The family is also God's invention. Genesis 1:28. For example I want to get married but somthing makes me think that I have no right to want it because of my disgusting sins in the past. But I 'm fighting with sexual sin, sometimes the battle is very hard and prayer is the only way to escape, and then I recieve help from God.
A common theme in Orthodoxy is that many things are "both/and" and not "either/or." First, chastity encompasses the marriage bed, for chastity is distinct from virginity and chastity in marriage means healthy sexual relationship with your spouse. Additionally, chastity in marriage means abstaining during fasting seasons and fasting days, from oral, anal, etc. The marriage bed isn't a free-for-all even of you're married. There are canons and teachings from saints that point to all this. Fr. Kosmos of Orthodox Talks has a handful of great talks addressing these issue. Also, here is an article that covers this pretty well: theorthodoxlife.wordpress.com/2015/05/18/sacred-seed-sacred-chamber/
Back to your original question: God certainly desires some to become monastics and some to be married and have children. Both paths are blessed. Christ refers to the monastic life when he says, "and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it" (Matt 19:12).
Do not despair. No one has a right to be married; all is a gift from God. No matter how much one is like St. Mary of Egypt, a former prostitute, or St. Joseph the Hesychast, a virgin and chaste from his youth, all of us can become saints and be in heaven with Christ.
@@OrthodoxWisdom Thank you so much for your response. It helps me to understand things better. God bless you! 🙏❤
@@OrthodoxWisdom my problem is that I’m not sure if I’m meant to be a monastic but I’m almost positive I’m meant to be celibate, but people think it’s weird.
Do you have a spiritual father? If not, seek one out. Seek out a true guide to help guide you.
This story makes it sound like their obedience didn't come from love, but a selfish desire to become and Elder. That was the stated point of sending the two young monks to the two old monks, so that they might become an Elder.
you have to read the book if you don't understand
@@seraphim3TN he seems to have understood better than most people here
Something tells me rabbi yeshua ben yosef would not understand this sufi idea.
What is the name of the book?
My Elder Joseph the Hesychast
See the link in the description.
It wasn't a demon of fornication, it was a demon of plain lust, because he wasn't a fornicator.
What is the panagia?
The Virgin Mary. Panagia means "all holy"
❤❤❤🎉
Have a hard time respecting men who leave their wives for monasticism such as his elder did. The sin of Adam plagues even the monastics who should have rejected such a man. Sounds more like this young ascetic should have married and had children. God is gracious even to the mentally ill among us I suppose.
That example is included in the text but isn't necessarily one to follow. In general, once your marry you stay married and do not become a monk. But let's not assume we know all the details nor assume that the example of this elder is meant for us to imitate.
@@OrthodoxWisdom I'm not sure how any "details" could exonerate him, and the issue is that his sinful decision was supported by the church, not just that he is a bad example.
What must one do to go to heaven?
I do not understand what noose is or what noatic prayer is
Let me know if this helps:
A word about the nous:
The English word that best conveys the meaning of the Greek word "νοῦς" is the word "mind." The Fathers use this term with several other meanings, too. They mainly refer to the nous as the soul (the "spiritual nature" of a man-St. Isaac the Syrian) and the heart (or "the essence of the soul"-vid. Philokalia, Vol. I, p. 109, 73). More specifically, it constitutes the innermost aspect of the heart (St. Diadochos §§79, 88). However, they also refer to it as the "eye of the soul" (St. John of Damascus, The Orthodox Faith, FC Vol. 37, p. 236) or "the organ of theoria" (Makarian Homilies) which "is engaged in pure prayer" (St. Isaac the Syrian). They call the energy of the nous "a power of the soul" (St. Gregory Palamas, On the Holy Spirit, 2, 9) "consisting of thoughts and conceptual images" (St. Gregory Palamas, On the Hesychasts, p. 410, 3). However, the nous is more commonly known as the energy of the soul, whereas the heart is known as the essence of the soul. (From the glossary of “Counsels from the Holy Mountain” by Elder Ephraim of Philotheou and Arizona)
There are also a few videos on this channel that speak more about noetic prayer, such as “On Watchfulness and Noetic Prayer” by Elder Ephraim of Arizona
@@OrthodoxWisdomI was tought that nous was our spirit
Please forgive me, but it sounds like Fr. Joseph dealt with some kind of psychosis. 🤷🏻♂️
If I’m honest, I would’ve probably reacted to him like one of the monks who were disturbed by his ways…
just being real.
Lord, Have Mercy.
Oh mark lol ❤
Just a whimp
"Every night was a real martyrdom" LOL! Dude sounds like a complete narcissist
why do they always say 'Pangea' and 'Holy Theotokos'? I cannot understand how they can act as if Mary is capable of any kindness or mercy that Christ Himself is not?
You’re mistaken. We do not believe Mary is capable of anything Christ is not. That’s heresy. We call her Holy because she gave birth to Christ, God the Word. We are trinitarian. But we venerate Mary.
because the Theotokos is more honorable than the Cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim. She is above all angels and there would be no salvation of she didn't agree.
@@seraphim3TN I can understand the other comment but this is something different, what do you mean by 'if she didn't agree'? Do you not believe God couldn't have brought about His will by using another virgin to conceive Christ and continue His divine Will?
@@pola5392 lol but then THAT virgin would be the Holy Theotokos and were back to square one.
@pola5392 the reason for her prominence in the story of many of the ascetics - is because Mary, who was human of course like us, lived a life of obedience to God from her earliest days - she was made and preserved for her role as spoken by the prophets of the old testament (which is why in Orthodoxy she is often referred to as 'the burning bush' or the 'ark of the new covenant') because she held within her the divinity of the word and law of God - but was not consumed. Of course God can do anything, but if you look at the foreshadowing and the prophesies, and read of her youth in the temple - she was made the perfect vessel to contain the son of God within her, she who is "blessed among women." And so the monks who dedicate their life to prayer and obedience, who have to fight against worldy thoughts and urges themselves, make room for only one woman in their heart and mind - the mother of God.
However, as holy a person, and as obedient and grace filled as she was - she is ultimately the conduit to the incarnation of the only one we worship - the one triune God. Even in her icons which we venerate out of love and appreciation for her grace and humility before God - she always, ultimately- directs our attention to Christ.
why are the demons ethiopians? can someone explain how that is not racist
It may sound that way to our modern ears but it’s certainly not meant that way.
@@OrthodoxWisdom perhaps not but how would anyone know that and how would they know what he really meant? it is not otherwise clear. i think it begs an added explanation as to not alienate potential seekers of the faith. if you were an earnest ethiopian watching this, how would you take it? it would drive them away, which cannot be good for the church
I wholeheartedly agree with you, though I’m not sure I can’t speak authoritatively on this issue. I know that using the term “Ethiopians” for demons is not new in Orthodox ascetic literature. I’m not sure how common but I have seen it before. Given that this term, I believe, is largely used in ascetic literature I could easily see that if one is so deeply and simply embracing that “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28) then when writing to an audience of similar disposition would not risk one concluding there is any racism involved whatsoever. It simply a shorthand for referring to a dark being, not that those dark skinned humans in Ethiopia and all of Africa are inferior in any way. Any saint has the love of God in them and would embrace a dark-skinned man as one for whom Christ died. If these texts were written with a non-Orthodox audience in mind, especially in modern times, then a different term might well be used. Does this help a little? I appreciate your concern and agree that it needs some kind of explanation for most people.
@@OrthodoxWisdom thanks for the thoughtful response. i understand it’s certainly unfair to hold past church fathers to modern standards of egalitarianism and i agree the true spirit of Orthodoxy would condemn racial prejudice in any form. but the conflation of black skin and evilness is indeed well-documented in ascetic literature, i’ve found upon quick research. whether it demonizes ethiopians or ethiopianizes demons, it undeniably makes africans an evil “other” when taken at face value. i think it’s difficult to leave this part of church history unaddressed, unfortunately, but the best we can do now is understand it and refrain from perpetuating it.
@@OrthodoxWisdom Conflating black people with demons is pure racism, and it was commonplace when this man lived. The hoops you will jump through to defend your "saints" borders on straight up bearing false witness.
can you explain to me Matthew 23:9?
And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.
Why do then Orthodoxy and Catholicism use that title? The verses before say all of us are brethren so there's no need to raise someone above us
thanks
Consider what St. Paul says: “For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel” (1 Cor 4:15). St. Paul seems rather comfortable calling himself a father to the church in Corinth.
Also this video offers a helpful response from Fr. Josiah Trenham to the common question you asked. th-cam.com/video/j4F-xow3Vzg/w-d-xo.html
@@OrthodoxWisdom I have to say; I've changed my mind about this,
thank you very much)
Glory to God! If you have further questions about why the Orthodox do what we do, don’t hesitate to ask. Prayers for you.
It's easy just go broke no money no boom boom
A long video about a problem that can be answered quickly. Marry a fish house wife, it will all make sense.
Demons? Lol
Glory to God ❤