We take priests for granted. We need them to get baptized, married, take communion, be buried, etc. We always assume they will be there when we need them.
You speak truth. The same is true for all Orthodox believers who remain faithful til the end. Your warning is for all of us. What is most troubling to me is that we will be slandered, exiled, crucified not only by the world, but far worse and most “unexpectedly” by people and priests who call themselves Orthodox Christians.
As a reader who is suspended. I appreciate this video. I was/am bieng slandered. If they can't find something to accuse you of, they will make it up or distort the facts.
God bless and strengthen you Father. Blessed are the Persecuted. Rejoice that our humble Father Peter is being counted worthy to suffer! It is a clear sign he is on the right path. Glory to God for making you a signpost of authentic Orthodoxy, and weaving you an ever more glorious crown. God give you strength dear Father. Keep us unworthy ones in your Holy Prayers.
I am currently a Subdeacon. My Priest has been encouraging me to become ordained as a Deacon. I’ve been apprehensive because I feel unworthy of my status as a Subdeacon let alone becoming a Deacon. This has been a battle I’ve been having with myself for some time now. I am honestly lost as to what I should do. I want to serve God, but I feel like I am not worthy to do so.
I’ve had extensive experience, with a man who wanted to become a priest for 20 years, my old priest, never blessed him, as I later learned, rightly so, and also from all of the innocent priests in my township in Russia, who were exiled, punished, fired, either for simply having said that the war is bad, or even without having said anything like that. That experience brought me pretty close to abandoning my faith altogether, and it’s only thanks to heterodox apologists like CS Lewis, and GK Chesterton, that I still believe, still go to church, and still go to confession, when I can, which isn’t often.
Glory to Jesus Christ ☦️❤️ Our Lord and Savior both now and forever ☦️ May we all have your blessings Father Peter ☦️ Even as an Orthodox layperson we must be ready for all of that, beloved Father Peter ☦️
Saint Matthew 5:11-12 Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Always be wary when words are attributed to a major saint that cannot be sourced either in the saint’s mother tongue, or one of the major languages. Saint John Chrysostom spoke at great length on the trials and tribulations of being a bishop. “I do not think there are many among bishops that will be saved, but many more that perish: and the reason is, that it is an affair that requires a great mind.” (A Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles).
Diligence is important. But the phrase itself regarding the paving of the path to Hell is exceedingly accurate none the less. Any Saint could have easily said it. It is very True regardless of who did or didn’t say it.
Just the normal duties of a priest are an enormous cross to bear. I pray for my priest. I don't know when he finds the time to sleep, much less spend time with his family.
Thank you, Father Peter. Your words always hit me so hard and precisely. We are blessed to have you in our time, the world needs it so badly. What can you say about relationships where maybe a spouse is struggling to open their heart? Or to friends or family members that have been so hurt with trauma and childhood trauma that it drives them blindly to not see the light, or actually rejecting it altogether?
Fellow parishioners asked me about becoming a priest. I laugh, because I will make a horrible priest. Unironically, I could be facing prison time anyways concerning my views, and actions on traditional marriages. Just my opinion, but I think we have gotten to accustomed to east living. America is predominantly the ideological descendants who fled persecution, and they flee hardships like Californians leaving the big cities. If we truly believe in the teachings of Christ. We KNOW we are going to face persecutions in one form or an other. We KNOW we are going to face temptations. The difference is learning to do His will for us. Then He will strengthen us to do His will to overcome our hardships.
You are made in God's image - that is who you are. If you obtain the Spirit of Christ within, then people will follow Christ through you. It isn't about you at all.
When i was a Catholic and in highschool i desired to become a priest but circumstances hindered me. Few weeks ago when i go to a Russian Orthodox Church outside Russia because i decided to become an Orthodox Christian the priest there told me if I'm willing to become a priest. I didn't give an answer yet.
what temptations, what traps father? Also what should we do if our priest cant afford to provide for himself and family in our area with a small congregation. whatt if i suspect that my church father doesnt have alot of money, and may may considering doing side labor jobs?
We take priests for granted. We need them to get baptized, married, take communion, be buried, etc. We always assume they will be there when we need them.
Don’t forget forgiveness!!
Very true. Not easy.
You speak truth. The same is true for all Orthodox believers who remain faithful til the end. Your warning is for all of us. What is most troubling to me is that we will be slandered, exiled, crucified not only by the world, but far worse and most “unexpectedly” by people and priests who call themselves Orthodox Christians.
As a reader who is suspended. I appreciate this video. I was/am bieng slandered. If they can't find something to accuse you of, they will make it up or distort the facts.
"We need good priests today" I agree
Pray for us all Fr. Peter, as we pray for you! God Bless!
God bless and strengthen you Father. Blessed are the Persecuted. Rejoice that our humble Father Peter is being counted worthy to suffer! It is a clear sign he is on the right path. Glory to God for making you a signpost of authentic Orthodoxy, and weaving you an ever more glorious crown. God give you strength dear Father. Keep us unworthy ones in your Holy Prayers.
I am currently a Subdeacon. My Priest has been encouraging me to become ordained as a Deacon. I’ve been apprehensive because I feel unworthy of my status as a Subdeacon let alone becoming a Deacon. This has been a battle I’ve been having with myself for some time now. I am honestly lost as to what I should do. I want to serve God, but I feel like I am not worthy to do so.
I'd say feeling your not worthy is a Good sign, humility.
But what do I know
You should pray. I would pray (and do so myself) for wisdom to understand God's will and strength to do it.
God bless you Father Heers.
May you stay safe and in the peace of Our Lord! ☦️
I’ve had extensive experience, with a man who wanted to become a priest for 20 years, my old priest, never blessed him, as I later learned, rightly so, and also from all of the innocent priests in my township in Russia, who were exiled, punished, fired, either for simply having said that the war is bad, or even without having said anything like that. That experience brought me pretty close to abandoning my faith altogether, and it’s only thanks to heterodox apologists like CS Lewis, and GK Chesterton, that I still believe, still go to church, and still go to confession, when I can, which isn’t often.
This gave me serious goosebumps. Thank you for all that you do Father 🙏
Glory to Jesus Christ ☦️❤️ Our Lord and Savior both now and forever ☦️
May we all have your blessings Father Peter ☦️
Even as an Orthodox layperson we must be ready for all of that, beloved Father Peter ☦️
Amen, Father!
Thank you for your ministry, and may God give you the strength you need.
I need help, Father. Pray for me.
Saint Matthew 5:11-12
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Always be wary when words are attributed to a major saint that cannot be sourced either in the saint’s mother tongue, or one of the major languages. Saint John Chrysostom spoke at great length on the trials and tribulations of being a bishop. “I do not think there are many among bishops that will be saved, but many more that perish: and the reason is, that it is an affair that requires a great mind.” (A Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles).
Diligence is important. But the phrase itself regarding the paving of the path to Hell is exceedingly accurate none the less. Any Saint could have easily said it. It is very True regardless of who did or didn’t say it.
Amen Father ☦️💪🙂
Thanks and praise be to God for our Orthodox Priests. They are the Icons of Christ.
Just the normal duties of a priest are an enormous cross to bear. I pray for my priest. I don't know when he finds the time to sleep, much less spend time with his family.
Yeh my preist said the first thing that suffers when you become a preist is your family.
Lord help him and bless him
I will take your words into great consideration. Godbless
You don't say Godbless to a priest, you ask for his blessing
Brave souls. Thank you, Lord, for them.
Thank you, Father Peter. Your words always hit me so hard and precisely. We are blessed to have you in our time, the world needs it so badly. What can you say about relationships where maybe a spouse is struggling to open their heart? Or to friends or family members that have been so hurt with trauma and childhood trauma that it drives them blindly to not see the light, or actually rejecting it altogether?
☦️✝️🙏
Fellow parishioners asked me about becoming a priest. I laugh, because I will make a horrible priest. Unironically, I could be facing prison time anyways concerning my views, and actions on traditional marriages.
Just my opinion, but I think we have gotten to accustomed to east living. America is predominantly the ideological descendants who fled persecution, and they flee hardships like Californians leaving the big cities. If we truly believe in the teachings of Christ. We KNOW we are going to face persecutions in one form or an other. We KNOW we are going to face temptations.
The difference is learning to do His will for us. Then He will strengthen us to do His will to overcome our hardships.
Good Priests without good followers of Christ leaves the Church in the condition it is today....
I’m not good enough or strong enough to be a priest. I often think I want to, but honestly… who am I that anyone should follow me?
You are made in God's image - that is who you are. If you obtain the Spirit of Christ within, then people will follow Christ through you. It isn't about you at all.
When i was a Catholic and in highschool i desired to become a priest but circumstances hindered me. Few weeks ago when i go to a Russian Orthodox Church outside Russia because i decided to become an Orthodox Christian the priest there told me if I'm willing to become a priest. I didn't give an answer yet.
☦️☦️☦️
John 17:6-19.
I'm a now ex muslim planning to show my repentance by becoming orthodox and become a priest
Father bless,
Where can I find the "Axion estin" chant used for the video outro?
It's very beautiful.
Channel: Mt. Athos
Playlist: St. John the Theologian Kelli
I'm curious of the process of becoming a priest in the East. I'm only familiar with how it's done in the West.
They will have to kill me first before they touch a hair on your beard 🐐
by your own bishop too
How about a Deacon?
Any rank you should think twice.
what temptations, what traps father? Also what should we do if our priest cant afford to provide for himself and family in our area with a small congregation. whatt if i suspect that my church father doesnt have alot of money, and may may considering doing side labor jobs?
Can you be a priest without post secondary?
Yes
Who is your bishop?
orthodoxchristiantheology.com/2022/11/25/the-ecclesiastical-standing-of-father-peter-heers/
We pray for the wisdom of God not relying on these priest's.