Fr. Peter, I work as a paramedic in Australia. Sadly, I live in a mostly faithless and completely worldly society ruled by fear and enslaved to the media and ‘scientific experts’. I feel blessed to be able to help people at work, unfortunately as a prerequisite for my role I am forced to receive a flu vaccine as a precondition for continued employment. Likewise, all cases of potential coronavirus (based on symptoms) mandate full gown/mask/goggles and subsequent documentation. At this point to keep my job I am complying with directions, as it allows me to continue helping people and to receive an income. Thank you for your podcast, please pray for me in these times.
Lauren Flay, pray before they inject you, while the are injecting you, and after they do. You don't want the vax, you are not putting your trust in it. You are getting it because it is a requirement to keep your job, which enables you to serve. May the Lord protect you and save you!
Visan Cristian I understand what is going on, and am currently making the best of my situation. Rather than criticising me for pride and lack of faith, please pray for me in my situation.
Lauren Flay My husband is an anesthesiologist and he, too, is required to get a flu shot every year or else wear a mask all day during flu season. I beg him not to take the vaccine, and I pray that you will have the courage to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. I believe this new nano tech is the mark of the beast we were warned about. The people who developed it do not care for you or for others. God help us all.
@@Stearne.family17 , not sure to whom u addressed your comment above, but if me, I was not criticizing u. If u were speaking to me, i'm very surprised u thought i was judging & critical. was what I said not clear? Re. the annual f. vax. u r required to take, i see u r not putting your trust in it, nor do u want it. but u r required to take it. So, i said pray before, during, and after. This, so that the Lord will protect u from the harm it inflicts. I was speaking only of the annual f. v. u r required to take, not the one gates of hell wants for all, which was not mentioned in your original comment. Hereafter, i will b careful not to comment much to people other than Fr, as i don't have the time to clarify, when i mean x snd people think i'm saying y. May God bless, guide, & protect u. Pls pray for me also.
@@Stearne.family17 , ok, i see your reply was to someone else, whose comment appears to have been removed, which is why i was puzzled & wondered whether it was addressed to me, which left me incredulous. Could it be possible to misunderstsnd so badly what i said?happily, it turns out, no, it is'nt possible. I don't know much about the new v they want for us. I know it will be bad. But i'm pretty sure it isn't the mark. I'll try to find the link to a talk that addresses it.
Father Peter, do we now have a caste system developing within Orthodoxy? The monks and clergy celebrate the Divine Liturgy privately and receive the Holy Mysteries on a frequent basis, while the vast majority of the "unclean" laity are banned from the services and taught to avoid each other for fear of contamination. This is a sad fulfillment of the Lord's teaching about true shepherds versus hirelings, the ones who face the wolf versus the ones who run and abandon the sheep to scatter. May God grant you every blessing now and in the age to come, Father Peter.
Thank you, Isidora, for your comment and support of our work here. God forbid that this separation of the faithful from the Holy Mysteries continues much longer. The consequences may be terrible for Church life, especially for those already on the edges of Mysteriological Life, who may - internally - be taking the calls for “home churches” and “fasting” from communion to heart after the end of the temptation, shutting themselves out of the Kingdom ostensibly “with the blessing” of the hierarchy. Clearly, the aim of the “one who should be far from us” is now and has always been to separate the sheep from the Shepherd, the faithful from the Lord, the members of the Body from the Head. The Eucharist is the “stone of scandal” for the unbelievers and demon-influenced and led. The near universal response and coordination of the governmental level to close churches and keep the faithful from communion is a sign and a wake up call to us all, as to what is FIRST, what is MOST IMPORTANT, what is ESSENTIAL and NON_NEGOTIABLE.
@@OrthodoxEthos Amen! Praise and glory be to God for your strength and wisdom! Glory be to God for your great faith! Same goes for all the priests and heirarachy faithfully shepparding their flock faithfully in the face of ruthlessly enforced scientific materialism. May God continue to bless and protect them. May God challenge us faithfull to have the faith and strength of these priests and heirarachy. God would never allow such priests and bishops to have their Apostolic authority to be overturned by the authority of the priests and bishops who brought into at least aspects of scientific materialism.
Father Peter, before I finished watching this video I emailed my priest to ask that he reopen the Church. Thank you for your Godly counsel and advice. You are the only Priest I have to turn to right now. God bless you! ☦️🙏🏻
"The inevitable end of the world is something that the worldly dread, for they must somehow realize, whether they acknowledge it or not, that this is the final mockery of all of their comfortable faith; but the Christian has no consolation in the worldly superstition of the indefinite future for he knows the last days are indeed at hand. " Аmen! Maran-Atha! Glory To God for giving us new witnesses of His Faith. May Our Lord Isus Xristos keep you safe father, through the prayers of His Most Loved Mother, Our Panagia!
Christ is risen my dear brothers and sisters in Christ. It's such a great thing to see, that the complete agreement that I felt with Fr. Seraphim Rose when he is talking about worldliness and how mystically I see we understand those subtle things like 'Orthodox foolishness' exactly the same, I also have when listening to your thoughts on this, dear father. I think this is one of the things the Holy Spirit has made us an me unworthy as I may be, understand. I think you've hit the core of the issue, I'm completely agreeing with your views, I see many comments expressing the same, so this gives me a lot of joy and hope amidst all the sadness and disappointment. I hope we may meet in prayer!
Thank you, Fr Peter, I love that you always refer back to the saints as being the guiding light of what the Church teaches. Such an important point and glory to God that pious Orthodox fathers relay it.
I'm a Roman Catholic but I love my Eastern Orthodox brothers! I've been studying Orthodox Christianity, in particular Mount Athos, for over ten years now. I love your church and everything about it!
Thanks be to God. We are happy you are here. Please do not hesitate to let us know how we can assist you. Join us on our other platforms, if you like. God help you and save you!
I'm thankful to have found your blog Father Peter. It is very uplifting and without compromise. To me, it is very revealing that under this imposed 'house arrest' some are viewed as 'essential' and even heroes. I've never seen so many heroes declared! The rest of us and Christ's Church are called 'non-essential'. Maybe I am discerning more in this than I should, but I find this view sinister. Again, thanks for the encouragement.
Fr. Peter thank you for your words of wisdom and presenting beneficial information to Orthodox Christians who are looking for answers. A voice in the Wilderness! Charles
One thing I've noticed in this family discussion we are having within the Church, is there is a tendency on the other side of this issue (usually online) to remove agency from the decisions of the ecclesiastical leadership with respect to the situation. There's almost a doublespeak of saying things like 'is closed because of the virus' or the Church 'has been limited' to a specific number of people to attend services. While I think the tendency of many people to do this reflects a greater spiritual truth about the decision, the nature of the doublespeak makes it difficult to have the conversations that we need to actually have.
@@hh8222 We should all see that the deceiver himself is behind this, i am trying to strengthen those who are falling for this deception. Lord have Mercy!💝💒🎇
The fathers seem to have locked their families out of the houses (Churches) and so the families stand without and weep. The fathers continue on with the family meal (Eucharist) and to their families “watch as I eat” . Remember the words of Christ...Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Thank you Father for carefully answering questions. It helps comfort / reassure us that we are not insane for believing that our churches should not have closed, even though the majority think we are insane for believing so.
In our diocese in the Orthodox Church in America, the Archbishop has instructed that the doors of the Church be locked from the inside at the beginning of all "services". I too feel scandalized and am in a state of shock that has literally been shattering to me.
Constantinos Cachimpanis I am a Catechumen in OCA in Virginia and was locked out of Liturgy very early on when they only allowed 10 people. That only lasted a couple weeks then they cancelled it for all. I contacted the ROCOR Priest locally but they only do Western Rite here. They stayed open longer than OCA but they finally closed, too. Meanwhile, the SSPX Catholics and even a local Protestant Church are having services in parking lots with "drive thru" communion. I tried to watch Liturgy on-line but I just find it hard to watch. I feel like a fish out of water, and I don't know where to go. I am heartsick that the Bishops caved in to the State so quickly.
Gigi G I was suppose to be a godfather to someone 1 week before our Easter that never happen. All I can say is pray this is all we have set up a prayer corner in your home and wholeheartedly pray. Let God arise and let his enemies be scattered
Presuppositions we must never forget, in order to enter the Mystery and be initiated: “27And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” 28Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.” Humility and faith. Patience and trust. Since the Lord allows it, accept and work for the transformation and transfiguration of the temptation into spiritual profit
Constantinos Cachimpanis Constantinos Cachimpanis The GOA’s directives also state that holy confession is not permitted, even over the phone. So heartbreaking... So we’ve been asked to abandon the very things that make us Orthodox. Lord have mercy. God bless the pious priests who are finding ways to provide these vital things. God will never abandon us, even when others do. We need to spend this time repenting and praying with one eye open.
Oh Father How I thank you and we all thank you ! for your love and the time you take to feed your sheep of the most magnificent orthodox church it is as though we are witnessing when watching you an early Church Saint one who is truly filled with the love and peace of the Holy Spirit of all the fruits the Blessed Apostle Paul writes , your love and peace for us is immeasurable , such clarity and wisdom you give us I am so grateful and thankful for you . I and we all love you so very much .I pray one day to go back and visit Greece and to possibly meet you , what a gift that would be . May our Blessed Lord and Holy Trinity with the prayers of Theotokos continue to grant you excellent health for generations to continue to be an icon of Christ to All of us and to the world . 🤗❤️🙏🏻
This is Spiritual Warfare and we as the children of God have to stay in constant prayer whether we gather or not. I wonder if there is a way that we, as believers of Christ, could pray at the same time. That would be a POWERFUL prayer. Just a thought.🙏
I still need confession, but I can say that has been denied because of this situation. I feel extremely disappointed with both parishes and monasteries.
Isphanian, are the monasteries also denying u confession & communion? I would never have thought it would come to that. I hope u r wrong. But if u r not, if what u say is true, u may be able to receive both from a rocor church that u can drive to. From their own account, I know non-member Orthodox have driven a long distance & have received. I wish we could all do the same. In terms of communion, I wish we could all do so every Sunday at least! Abandoned as we are, may the Lord help us!
@@dummynames9238 , thank you! Unfortunately, the monastery where my Spiritual Father confessor is, they denied communion and confession " until coronavirus goes away". I'll try Rocor. Thank you and God bless.
For one raised steeped and fully lost to the world the world is not the temptation, God is. And when we finally reach for God and profess a desire for him we scandalize our worldly brethren and the coals of worldly condemnation of heresy are dumped on our head and we are threatened of excommunication from that worldly safety. And letting go of this to reach for God feels as if we will die. Because we do but with God holding our hand and breathing true life right into us. Breath by breath. Heart beat by heart beat. Glory to God.
Thank you Father. I find it strange that the medical hospital is found essential at this time-which only touches upon the transitory. But the spiritual hospital-the most essential of all healing which touches upon eternity and true lasting healing-is found non-essential. Lord have mercy on us.
This was a great talk Fr. Peter One of the big questions I have is where do we go as a Church after this? Do we all make a massive Mea Culpa and say that the Churches should have not closed? Do we hold the bishops accountable? I fear that confidence in our clergy/hierarchs may have been damage or lost (hopefully not that extreme). If they can’t keep the Churches open, how do we trust them with our souls?
Let’s wait-and-see. In so much as we repent, that is change our ways, so much the more will God be compassionate and the spiritual laws will be suspended and the rights given to the enemy will be overturned
Thanks for another video. The greatest temptation I have is to repay by continuing to social distance from the church after this is over by taking the "loving thy neighbor by social distancing" teaching to its logical conclusion (since we are *always* carrying germs, and there *may* conceivably be a visitor that is susceptible to some germ we carry, it must *always* be loving to stay away from church as much as possible). But I know this is a bad thought and I pray that it will not bother me anymore. If I fuss at my young children in an inconsistent way or hurt their feelings they want to avoid me and are strange with me for a little while until the trust is restored and we're back to normal. That happens faster when I reassure them of my love. The church is our mother we know that she loves us even if the human element makes a call every once in a while that may confuse or sadden some of the faithful.
My church's babushka(the old lady who takes respnsibility of so many things), goes around telling people to put the masks on. She said to me personally today: "please put it because their are inspectors and I don't want my church to be closed down". I felt she didn't like it as well but hear fears were sincere.
Thank you Father. God wants to sift out the left from the right. Unfortunately diving his churches to see who will come to him and do not fear of a virus. Lot of them have closed the doors denying communion and does that mean these priests are denying Christ or are they all of a sudden doubting their faith? Lord Jesus Christ son of God have mercy on us all. Father James we should never have compromised the blood and body of Christ.
Glory be to God for all things Amen. Praise be to God for He is Good Amen. Glory be to God forever and ever Amen. O Lord save thy people and bless thine inheritance, grant victory to Orthodox Christians over our enemies, and by thy Precious Holy and Life Giving Cross, do preserve thy commonwealth ☦ Christ is Risen from the dead trampling down death by death and to those in the tombs bestowing Life. Christ is Risen
The powers that be, the authorities just couldn't wait to step in between the faithful and true faith ie especially orthodoxy. Anathema! Jesus Christ said where two or three are gathered together in my name, there shall I be also Lord, have mercy
Father bless! I am confused how on the one hand, we ought to distance ourselves in the liturgy, as everyone including those holding services seems to say (and I believe you also have said this previously), but at the same time - in the world! - we do better not to keep a space between neighbours who don't even understand our faith. If one who is invited in this way goes to the service and sees everyone distancing themselves, what should they think? I might write a great deal more to someone else but I am sure you already understand; please forgive me for my errors! Thank you for the podcasts, they have been very helpful.
I do not remember saying that exactly, only that we would have no problem maintaining basic rules imposed upon us by the State *short of* closing and canceling services. The Church of Georgia has done a wonderful job (from what I can see) in implementing this stance, and thus have kept the Churches open. In this context, this may be seen as a pastoral condescension for the weak of mind and heart, such as one instance I was told where a man asked to commune first, fearful of communing after others in his (open) parish. We have those who are sick in body and sick in soul. One who has so little faith (experience) of Christ that he is afraid to to get sick from the Holy Mysteries would do well not to commune, first of all. However, if this is unknown to the priest or not discussed with him, while admonishing him, there is room to allow for his sick soul to draw near, Kat’oikonomia, until such a time as his faith is increased. In other words, according to your faith, so your undertanding. In this gray area steps in the discernment of the pastor and governance of the Household of Faith belongs to him, for which he will give account (fearful!). In this way, I think, we should see the acquiescence of the Church to the world’s demands, as long as the Faith is not harmed - which, unfortunately, was not the case with the voluntary closure and spiritual quarantine of the faithful from the Holy Mysteries.
Thank God! By the way, if you have any friends who don’t know about our channel or our podcast, please share this link with them and encourage people to become subscribers. Thank you very much. th-cam.com/users/OrthodoxEthos
Christ is Risen! Thank you Father for this wonderful series. Fr Seraphim Rose’s compendium of the Holy Fathers on Creation & Genesis is unparalleled. Will now try to find this text. One question please re everyman homemade face masks (not docs/nurses/paramedics). Since the facemasks we wear actually protect others who are more vulnerable from any virus we might otherwise share with them ~ might it be a reason for those unafraid and ready like St. Paisios to wear them to protect others out of Christian compassion? Not on facebook or would ask there! Thank you again for posting on youtube and via podcast!
And in the endgames it was written we will be alone, and only our deep belief, our faith whatever we are facing, it is the great opportunity to verify our true faith, even there is no-one of the church, no leader, so our christ can evolve from our inner self, so we get in real contact with the vivid God, who is in every one of us! Wake up the divine in everyone of us. Become divine as you meant to be and be a vivid example of the Holy Spirit working through you, the love of Christ, and of GODs power!
Father Ive been listening to Mitropolitis Athanasios who has been humbly adhering to these hypocritical corona criteria. Did he let slip when, from what I understood, he implied there will be a time to fight? just not right now? what are your thoughts?
His eminence is responsible for his diocese and knows the circumstances therein. Did he close the churches *before* being forced to by the State? Is he giving an apology and an excuse for the closing of the churches? Or does he see the State-imposed measures *upon the Church*, forcing them to close, as a worldly and unchristian response to such a crisis?
@@OrthodoxEthos personally I believe he acted only upon being forced and I also believe he is Axios. However, that wasnt the point of my query. Perhaps, there's too eschatological 'hopes' being zealously pursued in the context of corona. The query is more about where, how and who will the threshold be reached before the Church disobey government instruction? If one Metropolitan disobeys it could lead to a schism.
Very helpful Fr. Peter. These matters are the conflicts in our spiritual warfare to manifest the mercies of God in our own lifetimes. Thank you. In the United States the Church volunteers to accepts a tax-exempt status from the IRS; which is given under provisions which broadly apply to speaking or acting contrary to public policy. Though this may not have been upwards in the Hierarchial mind, it still warrents being a factor because of it's insipid nature to stifle strife against or towards public policy. In certain places costly fines are being levied. The anti-health care mentality is masked as well. The Church, the healer of the nation is categorized as a "public health risk". Rdr John Dunn
Beautifully said. Drinking milk is easy... chewing meat is difficult without the drinking of milk to strengthen the what's inside the loins. I want all of God, so my choice would be 3 in the furnace. I can see why one would desire to recieve and take another person's cancer so they would live, IF filled with the Holy spirit the purpose and end can appear crazy or undesirable but that is because of little faith that needs to grow. God will not leave His children in death. He is a living God; a God of the living not god of the dead. Whether we live or die , we live with Christ. This was what I searched for at 3yrs of age. It sparked at 12 and lite up at 30. Now I'm 60 and fired up once more but this time this journey is with 2. Christ and me... and God makes 3. It's been adventurous and treacherous. Unbearable, just as if thorns was pressed against the skull. It's been glorious and insightful that I can see God's kingdom being built and want to be a builder of such wonderment is an honor. Crazy? Yes, I am. Crazy that some has tried to place me in a sanatorium and was amazed to be told they was the problem. This is why we need Jesus. This world has been decived and I feel I've become their enemy. How I don't really know. It happened over night and the more I recieve revealing, the hate grows if I share. This has taught me the things your channel now teaches many. I pray they have patience. This is something I find most lack. Peace be unto all and be patient and faithful and grow slowly like a flower. How beautiful the light. Climbed the highest mountain is such a a beautiful climb.
Those who find freedom, finds the Lord God. This is where we get lost in the love that fulfills every requirement and beyond its capacity. A Bath. Others get tangled up with those who walk sternly upright in the passions and traditions in this world who need slavery to maintain a standard but cry for freedom. It wasn't until I got into healthcare that I considered what my elder sister said to me while crying. She shouted; "Those who are locked up in the insane asylum are the truly sane people in this world forced to be lunatics" . I loved science. I saw growth in ways people don't seem to consider. Smiles of a child is beautiful but a smile of an elder in their 90's has its glory too. When you see the inner working in medical, you see what very few see or perhaps they don't see the continual harm within the cellular level that is hidden from view. They are only concerned with the outer layer that's sagging or aging according to their lifestyle and conversations with themselves as right or wrong. Questionable or an absolute to turn to. I turn to the Lord. Paying off those years for degree and study I had to repent from has been.difficult. Some would say a curse but it was something unpleasurable that my mouth would have ended my career anyhow. People say I'm paranoid. They should be if they saw the things I was shown in secret. I speak to the insane and discarded. I find they got they way listening or disobeying authority. In a fallen world we must pay what is due to live but we know that we will live in the fallen world according to the will of God... whom Satan must abide within limits. To hide is no good and to be seen may lead to being verbally stoned...but God hears and sees it all and this is recorded. This great book of ours will either condemned up here or hereafter. We must be ready to give an answer without excuse or blaming another like Adam/Eve. This is what needs purification. Everything I listen to this it empowers me. Thank you. 🕊... ❤
With your blessings Father, Question: I am and correct me if I am wrong but God's Law is above all Laws! Government Constitutions around the world have used the Bible to create these. Also Justice Lawful Systems abide with the Highest Law of the Land... God's Law. Therefore the Legal Pyramid of this World begins and ends with our True Orthodox Faith and no Government should therefore intervene, which also listed in our Living Human Inalienable Rights! Why does the church not take a stance?? Forgive me for being outspoken to ask if you can provide an answer with your blessing!
Is Christianity a Western institution of religious idealism? Perhaps in general it is. From the time ancient Roman Empire took up Christianity as its religion to the present U.S. empire it can be shown that Christianity has been an idealism and institution of the changing Western empires.
Dear Lord in Heaven! Does no one see what has happened! What does our Fathers Church have to do with what man contrived under worldly aspirations? The only thing that prevented the visible Church from being turned into a modern world convenience was the guidance from our Holy Saints. Who are no longer followed. The golden path lost. The visible Church long sold. For now. As our Holy Saints are clearly no longer truly welcome or followed by the official heads. Not one bit. But in any one who has returned to the Father the Church we find the Church unchanged. An ark. Until God calls us forth again. For a renewal or the return of our Lord. But the Living Church remains exactly as it was set up by our Lord Jesus Christ and his apostles. Untouched and untouchable by the world or anything in it. Nothing in this world can change that. Thus the rage of those who imagine in vainglory they can replace it or shut it down and the confusion of those thinking it has been shut. Shut by who? Only an apostle has the power to bind and loosen. And who is an apostle for God today? I see none. Glory to God.
Come on, enough already.DO you not go to a medical doctor when you sick, or your child is sick. As far as i know the Church has always stated, when sick, with persistent pain or discomfort you best go see a doctor and soon. And what medicine he or she prescribes you had best listen to and take. Everyone on hear is crying the blues, over reacting to what the medical profession is prescribing. OK so go out mingle and run the risk of getting sick or worse making others sick also. Lets be honest, good advise is just plain ole common sense and respect for your neighbor. Honestly, has anyone noticed how good monastics live? in monasteries especially those popping up in America these days.....Far cry from the desert Fathers is putting it mildly... Eat good wholesome food, grown on the aces of land they own. live in these mini cities of self containment all year round in beautiful huts? Looks more like gated communities for the rich. Still, they cry the blues, oh, donations are down, we need more Money, crying with two turkeys under their arms. God forbid they should go out like any other, and get a real job to support themselves. And also like the working class be exposed to a deadly virus , or starve, and get thrown out of the house or apartment onto the street for lack of payment. One monastery in particular popped up in America, years ago, and has such a thriving business and ever rising, prices ever going up and up, that i always thought of it as the Walmart of monasteries. Look folks, i hate to be the adversary, but really folks, take the blinders off already, enough is enough, You should always know that we should all be praying daily in our lives all along and practice being respectful to our neighbor. Church attendance is a must, as it is said and don;t forget the communing with the Church, In due, time that i pray will happen, However, in everything one thing remains the same, Gods will be done in all things. We may not like or understand now. Demetrios
Thank you for your comment and taking the time to engage the topic. I do not believe that the heart of the matter which is being addressed here, in these podcasts, or by many Orthodox Christian clergy and monastics in Greece is whether or not 1) there is a serious health risk by the flu, 2) whether the State has its duty to take reasonable measures, or 3) whether we should disregard our doctors. What is being addressed is 1) whether the churches should be close and services suspended for the laity, including, in many places, even communion and confession, 2) whether one can justify the closures on the basis of loving our neighbor, since the Greatest Commandments are inseparable and loving God and neighbor cannot be opposed. Why is there a double standard, with churches being closed while supermarkets and many other stores are open? Why is it that “social distancing” cannot be practiced in the churches? Why is it, in Greece, at least, that, even though the law says nothing of communing the faithful (but only of avoiding gatherings) two clergymen are being prosecuted for *communing* people? These are the main issues being addressed among Orthodox Christians, and only secondarily other related issues. Nevertheless, with regard to your comments, they beg the question - a question, however, which is highly disputed as to its answer: is the “medical profession” indeed prescribing a settled answer? No. Opinions and judgements vary greatly and thus it is not obvious that the quarantine was the only or even the best response. It is a matter, at least, you must agree, that sincere and serious people have differing opinions about. With regard to your foray into judging monastics and monasteries, I would strongly suggest that you avoid doing this, if, for no other reason than that the monasteries have been and will be in the last days the refuge of the faithful. If you don’t personally find peace or your place at one, go to another. Avoid, for your own salvation’s sake, standing in judgement, especially when the spiritual state of the people of God and world is so terrible compromised. Indeed God’s will be done. It is revealed to us in every age through the Church in Her Saints, most of which (in every age) are found in the monasteries. If we read the Synaxarion daily, we will encounter two main groups of saints: martyrs (and confessors) and ascetics/monastics (with ascetic bishops being included). These are the witnesses of the 8th Day in every age and all who seek to live in the Day of Resurrection follow them in the Way and Truth and Life of Christ they shine forth.
@@OrthodoxEthos You might want to read the article in the NY Times April 29. Greece has defied the Odds. Apparently, so it seems, so far, the governments swift action has payed off. And no, forgive me i'm not against monastics at all, they have a blessed calling all throughout the history of this world. All i am saying is life is different, when you are living quite good, in a self contained small community, as opposed to the rest of us who have no choice but to be out in the world if we want to feed out families, and not end up in the street.
James D Whether or not Greece is truly an exception, is a question. But, given that this is the case, the question still remains: why? To assume that the measures taken by the government are the reason points to 1) unquestionable accepting the narrative being presented, 2) a high dose of trust in human measures, 3) ignorance or indifference to the spiritual reasons behind events and, 4) most of all: the all-powerful, all-encompassing reach of the Providence of God. As for the monasteries, again I think that your comments are out of place and also quite general, to the point of being useless. Every monastery, like every family, is unique and every situation different. Some monasteries are continually open tot he public and others have taken in the sick.
@@OrthodoxEthos As to the news article referenced and its accuracy while it could be questionable, however, the numbers, that tell the story, of the possibility of lives saved, is the bottom line. IS this just a result of social distancing or just luck,, i would suggest the first. My point was on monasticism, is the Church and monasticism is inseparable, since really we are all called to practice to the best of our ability. That said, i was pointing out the difference between those who probably by the grace of God, can live in a self containment small community are the few, while the majority live on the outside and like it or not have to face the reality of a higher risk of possibly getting infected is very real. Honestly, i can not see how you could make a comparison to having stores open for people to buy food when the reality is we have to eat just to stay alive and healthy.Could you just imagine, telling your child, no you cant have milk or eggs or anything, we have to wait for the stores to open up again in maybe two or three months. For some, small families who live on farms that might work, but since most people live in densely populated urban areas, that would not go over to well and could lead to riots in the streets. Lastly, i don't think its reasonable or just to judge what the government is doing on a much broader scale to possibly save as many lives as possible, that, that is an attack on Christianity. As far as confession and communion are concerned, i would suggest that if anyone, feels the need, that perhaps for now, that they make that decision with their priest in either the priest, or their own home or the Church individually by appointment.No problem.
Your opening statements contradicts your conclusions. The great physician. We go to the doctor when we are sick, yet you have demanded everyone sick in sin (ie: literally everyone) to stay home and locked away from Christ.
Thank you father, in this terrible time when even our pastors left us , you are comforting our hearts!
Like a voice in the wilderness. Thank you Fr. Heers! Bless you.
100% in agreement. Cannot do live services. It is not the same, at all.
Fr. Peter, I work as a paramedic in Australia. Sadly, I live in a mostly faithless and completely worldly society ruled by fear and enslaved to the media and ‘scientific experts’. I feel blessed to be able to help people at work, unfortunately as a prerequisite for my role I am forced to receive a flu vaccine as a precondition for continued employment. Likewise, all cases of potential coronavirus (based on symptoms) mandate full gown/mask/goggles and subsequent documentation. At this point to keep my job I am complying with directions, as it allows me to continue helping people and to receive an income. Thank you for your podcast, please pray for me in these times.
Lauren Flay, pray before they inject you, while the are injecting you, and after they do. You don't want the vax, you are not putting your trust in it. You are getting it because it is a requirement to keep your job, which enables you to serve. May the Lord protect you and save you!
Visan Cristian I understand what is going on, and am currently making the best of my situation. Rather than criticising me for pride and lack of faith, please pray for me in my situation.
Lauren Flay My husband is an anesthesiologist and he, too, is required to get a flu shot every year or else wear a mask all day during flu season. I beg him not to take the vaccine, and I pray that you will have the courage to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. I believe this new nano tech is the mark of the beast we were warned about. The people who developed it do not care for you or for others. God help us all.
@@Stearne.family17 , not sure to whom u addressed your comment above, but if me, I was not criticizing u. If u were speaking to me, i'm very surprised u thought i was judging & critical. was what I said not clear? Re. the annual f. vax. u r required to take, i see u r not putting your trust in it, nor do u want it. but u r required to take it. So, i said pray before, during, and after. This, so that the Lord will protect u from the harm it inflicts. I was speaking only of the annual f. v. u r required to take, not the one gates of hell wants for all, which was not mentioned in your original comment.
Hereafter, i will b careful not to comment much to people other than Fr, as i don't have the time to clarify, when i mean x snd people think i'm saying y.
May God bless, guide, & protect u. Pls pray for me also.
@@Stearne.family17 , ok, i see your reply was to someone else, whose comment appears to have been removed, which is why i was puzzled & wondered whether it was addressed to me, which left me incredulous. Could it be possible to misunderstsnd so badly what i said?happily, it turns out, no, it is'nt possible.
I don't know much about the new v they want for us. I know it will be bad. But i'm pretty sure it isn't the mark. I'll try to find the link to a talk that addresses it.
Father Peter, do we now have a caste system developing within Orthodoxy? The monks and clergy celebrate the Divine Liturgy privately and receive the Holy Mysteries on a frequent basis, while the vast majority of the "unclean" laity are banned from the services and taught to avoid each other for fear of contamination. This is a sad fulfillment of the Lord's teaching about true shepherds versus hirelings, the ones who face the wolf versus the ones who run and abandon the sheep to scatter. May God grant you every blessing now and in the age to come, Father Peter.
Thank you, Isidora, for your comment and support of our work here. God forbid that this separation of the faithful from the Holy Mysteries continues much longer. The consequences may be terrible for Church life, especially for those already on the edges of Mysteriological Life, who may - internally - be taking the calls for “home churches” and “fasting” from communion to heart after the end of the temptation, shutting themselves out of the Kingdom ostensibly “with the blessing” of the hierarchy. Clearly, the aim of the “one who should be far from us” is now and has always been to separate the sheep from the Shepherd, the faithful from the Lord, the members of the Body from the Head. The Eucharist is the “stone of scandal” for the unbelievers and demon-influenced and led. The near universal response and coordination of the governmental level to close churches and keep the faithful from communion is a sign and a wake up call to us all, as to what is FIRST, what is MOST IMPORTANT, what is ESSENTIAL and NON_NEGOTIABLE.
Amen!
@@OrthodoxEthos Amen! Praise and glory be to God for your strength and wisdom! Glory be to God for your great faith!
Same goes for all the priests and heirarachy faithfully shepparding their flock faithfully in the face of ruthlessly enforced scientific materialism.
May God continue to bless and protect them.
May God challenge us faithfull to have the faith and strength of these priests and heirarachy. God would never allow such priests and bishops to have their Apostolic authority to be overturned by the authority of the priests and bishops who brought into at least aspects of scientific materialism.
Father Peter, before I finished watching this video I emailed my priest to ask that he reopen the Church. Thank you for your Godly counsel and advice. You are the only Priest I have to turn to right now. God bless you! ☦️🙏🏻
Gigi G, which OCA parish did u attend?
Dummy Names Richmond. How did you know it is OCA?
May it be blessed!
"The inevitable end of the world is something that the worldly dread, for they must somehow realize, whether they acknowledge it or not, that this is the final mockery of all of their comfortable faith; but the Christian has no consolation in the worldly superstition of the indefinite future for he knows the last days are indeed at hand. "
Аmen! Maran-Atha!
Glory To God for giving us new witnesses of His Faith.
May Our Lord Isus Xristos keep you safe father, through the prayers of His Most Loved Mother, Our Panagia!
Christ is risen my dear brothers and sisters in Christ.
It's such a great thing to see, that the complete agreement that I felt with Fr. Seraphim Rose when he is talking about worldliness and how mystically I see we understand those subtle things like 'Orthodox foolishness' exactly the same, I also have when listening to your thoughts on this, dear father. I think this is one of the things the Holy Spirit has made us an me unworthy as I may be, understand. I think you've hit the core of the issue, I'm completely agreeing with your views, I see many comments expressing the same, so this gives me a lot of joy and hope amidst all the sadness and disappointment. I hope we may meet in prayer!
Indeed, He is risen!
Thank you, Fr Peter, I love that you always refer back to the saints as being the guiding light of what the Church teaches. Such an important point and glory to God that pious Orthodox fathers relay it.
I'm a Roman Catholic but I love my Eastern Orthodox brothers! I've been studying Orthodox Christianity, in particular Mount Athos, for over ten years now. I love your church and everything about it!
Thanks be to God. We are happy you are here. Please do not hesitate to let us know how we can assist you. Join us on our other platforms, if you like. God help you and save you!
Amen father. May our good Lord comfort and strengthen you. I appreciate all the work and thought you put into your answers. Thank you so much!
Thank you for all that you have done to help me and others. God bless
I'm thankful to have found your blog Father Peter. It is very uplifting and without compromise. To me, it is very revealing that under this imposed 'house arrest' some are viewed as 'essential' and even heroes. I've never seen so many heroes declared! The rest of us and Christ's Church are called 'non-essential'. Maybe I am discerning more in this than I should, but I find this view sinister. Again, thanks for the encouragement.
Father Peter your videos help me a lot in many ways. Ευλογείτε
Thank God, Father, for these podcasts. May the Lord protect, guide & reward you, the H.S. speak through you.
Κυριε Ιησου Χρηστε Ελεησον Ημας Τους Αμαρτωλους του κοσμου τουτου! Βοηθα και δωσε μας δηναμη και κουραγιο!!!
Fr. Peter thank you for your words of wisdom and presenting beneficial information to Orthodox Christians who are looking for answers. A voice in the Wilderness! Charles
One thing I've noticed in this family discussion we are having within the Church, is there is a tendency on the other side of this issue (usually online) to remove agency from the decisions of the ecclesiastical leadership with respect to the situation. There's almost a doublespeak of saying things like 'is closed because of the virus' or the Church 'has been limited' to a specific number of people to attend services. While I think the tendency of many people to do this reflects a greater spiritual truth about the decision, the nature of the doublespeak makes it difficult to have the conversations that we need to actually have.
@@hh8222 We should all see that the deceiver himself is behind this, i am trying to strengthen those who are falling for this deception. Lord have Mercy!💝💒🎇
It was this letter that was the final seal for my reawakening to my cradle Faith
Bless you
Thank you, Fr. Peter I am sharing your videos! Γρηγόρης
The fathers seem to have locked their families out of the houses (Churches) and so the families stand without and weep. The fathers continue on with the family meal (Eucharist) and to their families “watch as I eat” . Remember the words of Christ...Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Thank you Father for carefully answering questions. It helps comfort / reassure us that we are not insane for believing that our churches should not have closed, even though the majority think we are insane for believing so.
In our diocese in the Orthodox Church in America, the Archbishop has instructed that the doors of the Church be locked from the inside at the beginning of all "services". I too feel scandalized and am in a state of shock that has literally been shattering to me.
Constantinos Cachimpanis understand that only the faithful will survive I also go to OCA but looking to find a chief that are not cowards.
Constantinos Cachimpanis I am a Catechumen in OCA in Virginia and was locked out of Liturgy very early on when they only allowed 10 people. That only lasted a couple weeks then they cancelled it for all. I contacted the ROCOR Priest locally but they only do Western Rite here. They stayed open longer than OCA but they finally closed, too. Meanwhile, the SSPX Catholics and even a local Protestant Church are having services in parking lots with "drive thru" communion. I tried to watch Liturgy on-line but I just find it hard to watch. I feel like a fish out of water, and I don't know where to go. I am heartsick that the Bishops caved in to the State so quickly.
Gigi G I was suppose to be a godfather to someone 1 week before our Easter that never happen. All I can say is pray this is all we have set up a prayer corner in your home and wholeheartedly pray. Let God arise and let his enemies be scattered
Presuppositions we must never forget, in order to enter the Mystery and be initiated:
“27And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”
28Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.”
Humility and faith. Patience and trust. Since the Lord allows it, accept and work for the transformation and transfiguration of the temptation into spiritual profit
Constantinos Cachimpanis Constantinos Cachimpanis The GOA’s directives also state that holy confession is not permitted, even over the phone. So heartbreaking... So we’ve been asked to abandon the very things that make us Orthodox. Lord have mercy. God bless the pious priests who are finding ways to provide these vital things. God will never abandon us, even when others do. We need to spend this time repenting and praying with one eye open.
Χριστός Ανέστη!!!!!
Thank you Father Peter!!!!
Oh Father How I thank you and we all thank you ! for your love and the time you take to feed your sheep of the most magnificent orthodox church it is as though we are witnessing when watching you an early Church Saint one who is truly filled with the love and peace of the Holy Spirit of all the fruits the Blessed Apostle Paul writes , your love and peace for us is immeasurable , such clarity and wisdom you give us I am so grateful and thankful for you . I and we all love you so very much .I pray one day to go back and visit Greece and to possibly meet you , what a gift that would be . May our Blessed Lord and Holy Trinity with the prayers of Theotokos continue to grant you excellent health for generations to continue to be an icon of Christ to All of us and to the world . 🤗❤️🙏🏻
love your work father
Thank you and thank God !
Thank you father
Powerful words Fr Peter!
This is Spiritual Warfare and we as the children of God have to stay in constant prayer whether we gather or not. I wonder if there is a way that we, as believers of Christ, could pray at the same time. That would be a POWERFUL prayer. Just a thought.🙏
I still need confession, but I can say that has been denied because of this situation. I feel extremely disappointed with both parishes and monasteries.
Isphanian, are the monasteries also denying u confession & communion? I would never have thought it would come to that. I hope u r wrong. But if u r not, if what u say is true, u may be able to receive both from a rocor church that u can drive to. From their own account, I know non-member Orthodox have driven a long distance & have received. I wish we could all do the same. In terms of communion, I wish we could all do so every Sunday at least! Abandoned as we are, may the Lord help us!
@@dummynames9238 , thank you! Unfortunately, the monastery where my Spiritual Father confessor is, they denied communion and confession " until coronavirus goes away".
I'll try Rocor. Thank you and God bless.
Father I think we all should pray the rosary and ask God to have mercy on us ✝️☦️✝️🙏🙏🙏
For one raised steeped and fully lost to the world the world is not the temptation, God is. And when we finally reach for God and profess a desire for him we scandalize our worldly brethren and the coals of worldly condemnation of heresy are dumped on our head and we are threatened of excommunication from that worldly safety. And letting go of this to reach for God feels as if we will die. Because we do but with God holding our hand and breathing true life right into us. Breath by breath. Heart beat by heart beat.
Glory to God.
Thank you Father. I find it strange that the medical hospital is found essential at this time-which only touches upon the transitory. But the spiritual hospital-the most essential of all healing which touches upon eternity and true lasting healing-is found non-essential. Lord have mercy on us.
This was a great talk Fr. Peter
One of the big questions I have is where do we go as a Church after this? Do we all make a massive Mea Culpa and say that the Churches should have not closed? Do we hold the bishops accountable? I fear that confidence in our clergy/hierarchs may have been damage or lost (hopefully not that extreme). If they can’t keep the Churches open, how do we trust them with our souls?
Let’s wait-and-see. In so much as we repent, that is change our ways, so much the more will God be compassionate and the spiritual laws will be suspended and the rights given to the enemy will be overturned
Wish this came across my feed 4 years ago 😊
Thanks for another video. The greatest temptation I have is to repay by continuing to social distance from the church after this is over by taking the "loving thy neighbor by social distancing" teaching to its logical conclusion (since we are *always* carrying germs, and there *may* conceivably be a visitor that is susceptible to some germ we carry, it must *always* be loving to stay away from church as much as possible). But I know this is a bad thought and I pray that it will not bother me anymore. If I fuss at my young children in an inconsistent way or hurt their feelings they want to avoid me and are strange with me for a little while until the trust is restored and we're back to normal. That happens faster when I reassure them of my love. The church is our mother we know that she loves us even if the human element makes a call every once in a while that may confuse or sadden some of the faithful.
Christ will return and find many churches empty with its shepards hiding and the sheep scattered
My church's babushka(the old lady who takes respnsibility of so many things), goes around telling people to put the masks on. She said to me personally today: "please put it because their are inspectors and I don't want my church to be closed down". I felt she didn't like it as well but hear fears were sincere.
That’s what I see in most churches. No one believes it, they fear government agents and closures, not some illness.
Thank you Father. God wants to sift out the left from the right. Unfortunately diving his churches to see who will come to him and do not fear of a virus. Lot of them have closed the doors denying communion and does that mean these priests are denying Christ or are they all of a sudden doubting their faith? Lord Jesus Christ son of God have mercy on us all. Father James we should never have compromised the blood and body of Christ.
Glory be to God for all things Amen.
Praise be to God for He is Good Amen.
Glory be to God forever and ever Amen.
O Lord save thy people and bless thine inheritance, grant victory to Orthodox Christians over our enemies, and by thy Precious Holy and Life Giving Cross, do preserve thy commonwealth ☦
Christ is Risen from the dead trampling down death by death and to those in the tombs bestowing Life.
Christ is Risen
The powers that be, the authorities just couldn't wait to step in between the faithful and true faith ie especially orthodoxy.
Anathema!
Jesus Christ said where two or three are gathered together in my name, there shall I be also
Lord, have mercy
Father bless!
I am confused how on the one hand, we ought to distance ourselves in the liturgy, as everyone including those holding services seems to say (and I believe you also have said this previously), but at the same time - in the world! - we do better not to keep a space between neighbours who don't even understand our faith. If one who is invited in this way goes to the service and sees everyone distancing themselves, what should they think? I might write a great deal more to someone else but I am sure you already understand; please forgive me for my errors!
Thank you for the podcasts, they have been very helpful.
I do not remember saying that exactly, only that we would have no problem maintaining basic rules imposed upon us by the State *short of* closing and canceling services. The Church of Georgia has done a wonderful job (from what I can see) in implementing this stance, and thus have kept the Churches open. In this context, this may be seen as a pastoral condescension for the weak of mind and heart, such as one instance I was told where a man asked to commune first, fearful of communing after others in his (open) parish. We have those who are sick in body and sick in soul. One who has so little faith (experience) of Christ that he is afraid to to get sick from the Holy Mysteries would do well not to commune, first of all. However, if this is unknown to the priest or not discussed with him, while admonishing him, there is room to allow for his sick soul to draw near, Kat’oikonomia, until such a time as his faith is increased. In other words, according to your faith, so your undertanding. In this gray area steps in the discernment of the pastor and governance of the Household of Faith belongs to him, for which he will give account (fearful!). In this way, I think, we should see the acquiescence of the Church to the world’s demands, as long as the Faith is not harmed - which, unfortunately, was not the case with the voluntary closure and spiritual quarantine of the faithful from the Holy Mysteries.
The Mosques are allowed to stay open so it’s not hard to figure out what’s going !!!!
Very helpful. Thank you.
Thank God!
By the way, if you have any friends who don’t know about our channel or our podcast, please share this link with them and encourage people to become subscribers. Thank you very much.
th-cam.com/users/OrthodoxEthos
The Orthodox Ethos Yes, I will share your wonderful channel. I am so happy I came upon it.
i only jUst printed that Letter from Seraphim Rose the other day! what a wonderful coincidence
.LORD please help us,this is a terrible time we leaving, please help us
Christ is Risen! Thank you Father for this wonderful series. Fr Seraphim Rose’s compendium of the Holy Fathers on Creation & Genesis is unparalleled. Will now try to find this text. One question please re everyman homemade face masks (not docs/nurses/paramedics). Since the facemasks we wear actually protect others who are more vulnerable from any virus we might otherwise share with them ~ might it be a reason for those unafraid and ready like St. Paisios to wear them to protect others out of Christian compassion? Not on facebook or would ask there! Thank you again for posting on youtube and via podcast!
Troon Rose If you’re interested, Jay Dyer has an excellent series on the Genesis book on his TH-cam channel.
And in the endgames it was written we will be alone, and only our deep belief, our faith whatever we are facing, it is the great opportunity to verify our true faith, even there is no-one of the church, no leader, so our christ can evolve from our inner self, so we get in real contact with the vivid God, who is in every one of us! Wake up the divine in everyone of us. Become divine as you meant to be and be a vivid example of the Holy Spirit working through you, the love of Christ, and of GODs power!
Father Ive been listening to Mitropolitis Athanasios who has been humbly adhering to these hypocritical corona criteria. Did he let slip when, from what I understood, he implied there will be a time to fight? just not right now? what are your thoughts?
His eminence is responsible for his diocese and knows the circumstances therein.
Did he close the churches *before* being forced to by the State? Is he giving an apology and an excuse for the closing of the churches? Or does he see the State-imposed measures *upon the Church*, forcing them to close, as a worldly and unchristian response to such a crisis?
@@OrthodoxEthos personally I believe he acted only upon being forced and I also believe he is Axios. However, that wasnt the point of my query. Perhaps, there's too eschatological 'hopes' being zealously pursued in the context of corona. The query is more about where, how and who will the threshold be reached before the Church disobey government instruction? If one Metropolitan disobeys it could lead to a schism.
Very helpful Fr. Peter.
These matters are the conflicts in our spiritual warfare to manifest the mercies of God in our own lifetimes. Thank you.
In the United States the Church volunteers to accepts a tax-exempt status from the IRS; which is given under provisions which broadly apply to speaking or acting contrary to public policy. Though this may not have been upwards in the Hierarchial mind, it still warrents being a factor because of it's insipid nature to stifle strife against or towards public policy.
In certain places costly fines are being levied.
The anti-health care mentality is masked as well. The Church, the healer of the nation is categorized as a "public health risk".
Rdr John Dunn
www.crowdcast.io/theorthodoxethos
♡+ Great, thank you.
viruses dOnt exist the way we're told. God's providence and our Faith along with humility and repentance i would think is all we need thru all of life
We do not do live stream church in our house
Could UMP reproduce that booklet potentially?
It’s a good idea.
Signomie pâtir,Boris n'a millasse elinika y Nata meyaphrasete Gallia 🇬🇷🌹🕊️
Θέλουμε και προσπαθούμε ότι μπορούμε να κάνουμε και στα ελληνικά. Συγνώμη για τις ελλείψεις μας.
Beautifully said.
Drinking milk is easy... chewing meat is difficult without the drinking of milk to strengthen the what's inside the loins.
I want all of God, so my choice would be 3 in the furnace. I can see why one would desire to recieve and take another person's cancer so they would live, IF filled with the Holy spirit the purpose and end can appear crazy or undesirable but that is because of little faith that needs to grow.
God will not leave His children in death. He is a living God; a God of the living not god of the dead.
Whether we live or die , we live with Christ.
This was what I searched for at 3yrs of age. It sparked at 12 and lite up at 30. Now I'm 60 and fired up once more but this time this journey is with 2. Christ and me... and God makes 3.
It's been adventurous and treacherous. Unbearable, just as if thorns was pressed against the skull.
It's been glorious and insightful that I can see God's kingdom being built and want to be a builder of such wonderment is an honor.
Crazy? Yes, I am.
Crazy that some has tried to place me in a sanatorium and was amazed to be told they was the problem.
This is why we need Jesus. This world has been decived and I feel I've become their enemy. How I don't really know. It happened over night and the more I recieve revealing, the hate grows if I share.
This has taught me the things your channel now teaches many.
I pray they have patience. This is something I find most lack. Peace be unto all and be patient and faithful and grow slowly like a flower. How beautiful the light. Climbed the highest mountain is such a a beautiful climb.
Those who find freedom, finds the Lord God. This is where we get lost in the love that fulfills every requirement and beyond its capacity. A Bath. Others get tangled up with those who walk sternly upright in the passions and traditions in this world who need slavery to maintain a standard but cry for freedom.
It wasn't until I got into healthcare that I considered what my elder sister said to me while crying. She shouted; "Those who are locked up in the insane asylum are the truly sane people in this world forced to be lunatics" .
I loved science. I saw growth in ways people don't seem to consider.
Smiles of a child is beautiful but a smile of an elder in their 90's has its glory too.
When you see the inner working in medical, you see what very few see or perhaps they don't see the continual harm within the cellular level that is hidden from view. They are only concerned with the outer layer that's sagging or aging according to their lifestyle and conversations with themselves as right or wrong. Questionable or an absolute to turn to. I turn to the Lord.
Paying off those years for degree and study I had to repent from has been.difficult. Some would say a curse but it was something unpleasurable that my mouth would have ended my career anyhow. People say I'm paranoid. They should be if they saw the things I was shown in secret.
I speak to the insane and discarded. I find they got they way listening or disobeying authority.
In a fallen world we must pay what is due to live but we know that we will live in the fallen world according to the will of God... whom Satan must abide within limits.
To hide is no good and to be seen may lead to being verbally stoned...but God hears and sees it all and this is recorded. This great book of ours will either condemned up here or hereafter. We must be ready to give an answer without excuse or blaming another like Adam/Eve.
This is what needs purification.
Everything I listen to this it empowers me.
Thank you. 🕊... ❤
With your blessings Father, Question: I am and correct me if I am wrong but God's Law is above all Laws! Government Constitutions around the world have used the Bible to create these. Also Justice Lawful Systems abide with the Highest Law of the Land... God's Law. Therefore the Legal Pyramid of this World begins and ends with our True Orthodox Faith and no Government should therefore intervene, which also listed in our Living Human Inalienable Rights! Why does the church not take a stance?? Forgive me for being outspoken to ask if you can provide an answer with your blessing!
Is Christianity a Western institution of religious idealism? Perhaps in general it is. From the time ancient Roman Empire took up Christianity as its religion to the present U.S. empire it can be shown that Christianity has been an idealism and institution of the changing Western empires.
CHRIST IS RISEN+
XRISTOS ANESTI+
ICXC NIKA
ΑΛΗΘΏΣ ΑΝΈΣΤΗ ο ΚΎΡΙΟΣ!
Dear Lord in Heaven! Does no one see what has happened!
What does our Fathers Church have to do with what man contrived under worldly aspirations? The only thing that prevented the visible Church from being turned into a modern world convenience was the guidance from our Holy Saints. Who are no longer followed. The golden path lost. The visible Church long sold.
For now. As our Holy Saints are clearly no longer truly welcome or followed by the official heads.
Not one bit.
But in any one who has returned to the Father the Church we find the Church unchanged. An ark. Until God calls us forth again. For a renewal or the return of our Lord.
But the Living Church remains exactly as it was set up by our Lord Jesus Christ and his apostles. Untouched and untouchable by the world or anything in it. Nothing in this world can change that. Thus the rage of those who imagine in vainglory they can replace it or shut it down and the confusion of those thinking it has been shut. Shut by who? Only an apostle has the power to bind and loosen. And who is an apostle for God today?
I see none.
Glory to God.
coronoscam
Come on, enough already.DO you not go to a medical doctor when you sick, or your child is sick.
As far as i know the Church has always stated, when sick, with persistent pain or discomfort you best go see a doctor and soon. And what medicine he or she prescribes you had best listen to and take.
Everyone on hear is crying the blues, over reacting to what the medical profession is prescribing.
OK so go out mingle and run the risk of getting sick or worse making others sick also.
Lets be honest, good advise is just plain ole common sense and respect for your neighbor.
Honestly, has anyone noticed how good monastics live? in monasteries especially those popping up in America these days.....Far cry from the desert Fathers is putting it mildly... Eat good wholesome food, grown on the aces of land they own. live in these mini cities of self containment all year round in beautiful huts? Looks more like gated communities for the rich.
Still, they cry the blues, oh, donations are down, we need more Money, crying with two turkeys under their arms.
God forbid they should go out like any other, and get a real job to support themselves. And also like the working class be exposed to a deadly virus , or starve, and get thrown out of the house or apartment onto the street for lack of payment. One monastery in particular popped up in America, years ago, and has such a thriving business and ever rising, prices ever going up and up, that i always thought of it as the Walmart of monasteries. Look folks, i hate to be the adversary, but really folks, take the blinders off already, enough is enough,
You should always know that we should all be praying daily in our lives all along and practice being respectful to our neighbor. Church attendance is a must, as it is said and don;t forget the communing with the Church, In due, time that i pray will happen, However, in everything one thing remains the same,
Gods will be done in all things. We may not like or understand now.
Demetrios
Thank you for your comment and taking the time to engage the topic. I do not believe that the heart of the matter which is being addressed here, in these podcasts, or by many Orthodox Christian clergy and monastics in Greece is whether or not 1) there is a serious health risk by the flu, 2) whether the State has its duty to take reasonable measures, or 3) whether we should disregard our doctors.
What is being addressed is 1) whether the churches should be close and services suspended for the laity, including, in many places, even communion and confession, 2) whether one can justify the closures on the basis of loving our neighbor, since the Greatest Commandments are inseparable and loving God and neighbor cannot be opposed.
Why is there a double standard, with churches being closed while supermarkets and many other stores are open? Why is it that “social distancing” cannot be practiced in the churches? Why is it, in Greece, at least, that, even though the law says nothing of communing the faithful (but only of avoiding gatherings) two clergymen are being prosecuted for *communing* people?
These are the main issues being addressed among Orthodox Christians, and only secondarily other related issues. Nevertheless, with regard to your comments, they beg the question - a question, however, which is highly disputed as to its answer: is the “medical profession” indeed prescribing a settled answer? No. Opinions and judgements vary greatly and thus it is not obvious that the quarantine was the only or even the best response. It is a matter, at least, you must agree, that sincere and serious people have differing opinions about.
With regard to your foray into judging monastics and monasteries, I would strongly suggest that you avoid doing this, if, for no other reason than that the monasteries have been and will be in the last days the refuge of the faithful. If you don’t personally find peace or your place at one, go to another. Avoid, for your own salvation’s sake, standing in judgement, especially when the spiritual state of the people of God and world is so terrible compromised.
Indeed God’s will be done. It is revealed to us in every age through the Church in Her Saints, most of which (in every age) are found in the monasteries. If we read the Synaxarion daily, we will encounter two main groups of saints: martyrs (and confessors) and ascetics/monastics (with ascetic bishops being included). These are the witnesses of the 8th Day in every age and all who seek to live in the Day of Resurrection follow them in the Way and Truth and Life of Christ they shine forth.
@@OrthodoxEthos You might want to read the article in the NY Times April 29.
Greece has defied the Odds. Apparently, so it seems, so far, the governments swift action has payed off.
And no, forgive me i'm not against monastics at all, they have a blessed calling all throughout the history of this world. All i am saying is life is different, when you are living quite good, in a self contained small community, as opposed to the rest of us who have no choice but to be out in the world if we want to feed out families, and not end up in the street.
James D Whether or not Greece is truly an exception, is a question. But, given that this is the case, the question still remains: why? To assume that the measures taken by the government are the reason points to 1) unquestionable accepting the narrative being presented, 2) a high dose of trust in human measures, 3) ignorance or indifference to the spiritual reasons behind events and, 4) most of all: the all-powerful, all-encompassing reach of the Providence of God.
As for the monasteries, again I think that your comments are out of place and also quite general, to the point of being useless. Every monastery, like every family, is unique and every situation different. Some monasteries are continually open tot he public and others have taken in the sick.
@@OrthodoxEthos
As to the news article referenced and its accuracy while it could be questionable, however, the numbers, that tell the story, of the possibility of lives saved, is the bottom line.
IS this just a result of social distancing or just luck,, i would suggest the first.
My point was on monasticism, is the Church and monasticism is inseparable, since really we are all called to practice to the best of our ability. That said, i was pointing out the difference between those who probably by the grace of God, can live in a self containment small community are the few, while the majority live on the outside and like it or not have to face the reality of a higher risk of possibly getting infected is very real. Honestly, i can not see how you could make a comparison to having stores open for people to buy food when the reality is we have to eat just to stay alive and healthy.Could you just imagine, telling your child, no you cant have milk or eggs or anything, we have to wait for the stores to open up again in maybe two or three months. For some, small families who live on farms that might work, but since most people live in densely populated urban areas, that would not go over to well and could lead to riots in the streets.
Lastly, i don't think its reasonable or just to judge what the government is doing on a much broader scale to possibly save as many lives as possible, that, that is an attack on Christianity.
As far as confession and communion are concerned, i would suggest that if anyone, feels the need, that perhaps for now, that they make that decision with their priest in either the priest, or their own home or the Church individually by appointment.No problem.
Your opening statements contradicts your conclusions.
The great physician. We go to the doctor when we are sick, yet you have demanded everyone sick in sin (ie: literally everyone) to stay home and locked away from Christ.