Father, I have a question, if you're an Orthodox Christian, is it okay for you to read books from other Christian denominations, as long as they teach Sound Doctrine?
Just finished Vampire 70 AD in one sitting - absolute page turner. Bishop Ignatius is the man! One of the most engaging entertaining books I have read. Please write more historical fiction like this Father.
@i I know a man who isited St Paisios, his cell attendant used a great deal of humour to avoid men having high opinions of them. We who are less spiritually mature need to be careful, but good humour has its place.
@@randalejetmagalit1198 Hello, the danger with reading non-Orthodox books is that small heresies which may be presented in attractive or seemingly sound way may implant themselves within us and put our salvation at risk. It is immoral to believe heresy. We must guard our minds and submit our thinking in obedience to God's revealed truth.
It is so amazing that what I have used to sin, and skills I’ve used to gain the pleasures of my own passions can now be used for Christ , and His glory! So much of “modern Christianity “ / Protestantism tells a person that your “good enough, follow your heart, your able” but yet when I come close to Christ, I begin to start to see myself for who and how I truly am. Completely helpless and miserable, and weak with passions… thank you Father, we so desperately need to hear this and to not only hear but obey and rush to repentance!!
Fr. Spyridon, I just wanted to thank you for all your videos and let you know how much help they are. Last September I went on RU-vid just on a whim and your video popped up. I have never known anything about or cared much about Orthodoxy - baptised as a Greek Catholic and then for many years jumping between pentecostal/charismatic and other non denominational traditions. Your video started our journey of intense search and prayer and learning. By God’s mercy and grace we first visited the Orthodox church here in Cambridge, UK on St. Nicholas day. This last Lazarus Saturday I have been chrismated and my husband and children baptised here in our Orthodox church. I am also a Ukrainian and this joy of finding and joining the Church has been keeping me from despair at such a time as this. Please pray for us and for my family and friends in Ukraine. Thank you!
(1) Fr. Spyridon speaking + (2) Sheep baa-ing = (3) Perfection Though, I would only add, we need to be careful not to be found saying "I thank God I'm not like the Pharisee" because, then, we've fallen into the trap.
This lesson is one that is hard for me personally to live up to. In my current circumstances, I am surrounded by people and peers who, us being so young in today's society, live sinful lives. I myself am not clean of sin, for no one is, but I find it difficult to not look upon my peers without an air of superiority of myself, thinking that I am better than they are, for I believe I lead a less sinful life than they. There are times when the idol of self-delusion is a very tempting thing, and I have reveled in it before and found great pleasure in myself with it. Yet I do not want to live like this. I want to love my brothers and sisters. I want to help them better themselves, and to see my own sins in them and to overcome them together. I see and know that glorying myself at their expense is wrong, the sin of Pride; but it is hard to resist, especially when it is a temptation daily. Thank you, Father. For your wise insight and for bringing us the word of Christ, that we may better ourselves in the eyes of God. It will be difficult, very difficult, to atone for my sin of Pride. But I shall try. Thank you, Father, and all of my brothers and sisters in the world.
This is a very treasured speech. It was Jesus that went to the places of sinners, and everyone was shocked that he gave attention to them instead of the upright, holy, self righteous. God loves us all and wanted to save us all, as a great father does. It was the rich and wealthy that loved to show off how holy they were, that Jesus ignored or gave reminders to.
I have a similar situation to yours, and a humble thought that helped me was: "You are in the Church and know the Truth, while these people are outside the Church, nor do they know the Truth. You sin too, but since you know what is right, you are worse than them."
St Paisios also said: "never look at other people, we only look at the Saints. If I look at others, I can say "well they don't go to Church, I fast!"" - its very hard NOT to think this. But always say, 'If I were in there situation, and if I grew up how they did (which you probably don't know how they did), I would DO worse." We should always justify how people are and see how much we waste away what God has given us, such as faith in the Orthodox Church.
For those who get confused on 'hate yourself, this is meet and right' - we are very poisoned by western egoism and 'self esteem' theology. See OrthodoxTalks, Talk 31: Does Christianity Really Cause Guilt, Depression and Despair? The western conception of 'woe is me, I am horrible' is egoism, and leads to Judas - we must be as Peter! Recognizing ourselves as sinners, and believing that God will forgive us, and help us heal - which is to slowly stop sinning!
I struggle with feeling mentally superior to fellow man. And thus frustrated with them a lot.. I know this is so wrong and I am no better, that I fail and lack in so many areas including the one that I feel superior about. I need to be more diligent with not allowing those thoughts. Thank you
@Andel-1995 while i agree so much about feminism is a joke, its definitely not because im a woman that i have felt mentally superior to people. I meant sometimes i feel mentally superior to people regardless of gender , in general
Alcoholics Anonymous says the same thing. “I’m not such a bad fellow.” It’s hard to get sober on that. I am absolutely unable to stop doing what is killing me, and without a Power Greater than Myself, I am doomed.
To sum it up: Christ does not reject us in our human brokenness because of our sin. To the contrary: As a man he took it upon himself and embraces us when we stop pretending to be "good" by our own efforts and standards and run to him in order to be forgiven and restored. And in this moment the miracle of transformation can happen that we become who we are already in Christ: A new creation. Orthodoxy is calling that process "Theosis".
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God have mercy on me, a sinner. I am in no way a "good person" and I should never deem myself as such. It is my own pride that is the chief of my sins and is the sin that is truly blinding me!Thank you Father for this video, Glory to God!!! ☦️☦️
Have been watching your videos for a number of years. I remember when there were just a few hundred watching, so glad these Orthodox teachings are now reaching a wider audience.
Why I came to the faith. It commands discipline and self-criticism. Even though there are objectively horrible people, you are a stone throw away from being like them when you think about it.
Thank you father for your teachings on how to lead a good christian life. It is really difficult sometimes, and your videos are a great help. God bless you.
@KING DAVID THE MESSIAH ISAIAH 53:3-12 He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. 4 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. 8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away. Yet who of his generation protested? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was punished.[b] 9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes[c] his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. 11 After he has suffered, he will see the light of life[d] and be satisfied[e]; by his knowledge[f] my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,[g] and he will divide the spoils with the strong,[h] because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
@KING DAVID THE MESSIAH king David did not die for our sins , he died because of his own sins since he had many such as adultery, murder etc. So use some brains and read Isaiah 53 properly instead of spamming the same comment everywhere you jobless dimwit.
Thank you Father Spyrdion! As a young man struggling with sin & common degenerative struggles, your videos & knowledge helped me have a deeper connection with God & finally get my life going on the right track.
Father Spyridon should truly go to heaven, many people use the internet for nonsense like money, fame, lust and many more sinful acts. Thank you Father spyridon for helping the community stay strong in these tempting times may god be with you.
@KING DAVID THE MESSIAH first off, when you say Jesus never existed, where did you get this information. Did you read it off the Internet? Did you come to this conclusion yourself? Can you please give me a reason why you don't think Jesus never existed. Are you going to single-handedly disprove all the proof we have for Jesus? Josephus, Tacitus, Pliny the Younger, Mara bar Serapion, The Babylonian Talmud? Will you disprove them? Will you disprove the Gospels also? Can you disprove them? Then please explain then. And what of those Archealogical Discoveries we have that allude to the fact the Gospels we'rs talking about actual Geological places? The Pool of Bethesda, Nazareth? Will you disprove them also? Can you please give me a reason why you think Jesus never existed?
@KING DAVID THE MESSIAH You say that those who sacrifice to other Gods other than YHWH will be destroyed, well yeah, that's what Jesus did. He gave Himself to His Father, which is YHWH. On what basis do you say that Jesus doen't make anysense? The Trinity? Then ask. Can you please tell me what basis do you believe Jesus's Sacrifice doesn't make any sense.
@KING DAVID THE MESSIAH first off, you're not even giving me any specific verses, you're just giving Deuteronomy 24-16, what on Earth is that supposed to mean? Is that supposed to be a chapter or a verse? And what is this rubbish that God never said He will sacrifice His Son? I've never read a single verse from the Old Testament that testifies to the Fact that God will not sacrifice His Son. I've read the entire book of Deuteronomy front to back and I've never seen a verse with your specific quotation "God will never sacrifice His Son". Forgive me if I'm wrong, if I somehow forget the Contents of that Book, but I never saw a Verse from Deuteronomy, no, the entire Old Testament, that says what your saying. Either what you're saying is true, and for some reason it's not in the Bible, or you're just pulling something from your own imagination.
Like I said to my friend once, a good person does not need a reason to be good and he/she does not compare how much of a good person is compared to others.
Thank you again... God is so great and I am so little. I don't understand why God would love me. But I do recognize God's goodness because he is changing my heart. I don't deserve such a good thing. And it's hard to accept sometimes. I am broken when I come to God.
@@icrushtheenemy1047 That's a great question! I am not an authority to speak on behalf of the Church, but I had some of the same questions before and have researched it a bit. My understanding is that if someone is given authority they shouldn't boast about it, want everyone to address them with their 'proper title', and or make themselves out to be more important than the laity. I think that Priests have more pressure on them then most people because our Lord Jesus Christ said "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required; and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. (Luke 12:48)". I think when someone wears these clothes for others to see them, and always wants to be addressed by an elevated title it can be dangerous for their souls. I am sorry for the long answer. I hope it helps! I know that there is an answer for these questions even if I do not have the full/correct one. God bless you! :)
The Only way that we can be pleasing unto Christ Jesus is to walk in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14-30)…. Seeking His ways for our personal life’s journey (Galatians 5:14-26, 1 Thessalonians 5:14-26, Colossians 3:23-24, 2 Corinthians 10:4-6)
Thank you Father. I fight this always as I just others . I am far worse then those I judge I now know. Lord Jesus Christ Son Of Have Mercy On Me. Sinner . 🙏🙏🙏🙏🇺🇸
How Far have I strained away from Christ, please father, pray for me. I'm currently in my countries navy preparing for my military career, i've become angry and i'm cursing a lot. Please pray for me that i may be forgien
This is one of the most important parts of Christianity that we should not be like the Pharisees. The more we learn and grow spiritually, we should never be boastful and arrogant and think of ourselves that we're good people, these are tricks of the devil and sometimes we fall into them. I think this is one of the hardest things to do and we can really fall like the angel of God and he lost his place in Heaven. however, through prayers, we can get up again and start all over. Lord Jesus Christ help us to be humble and meek and to follow in your footsteps. Thank you father Spyridon for all the beautiful videos you bless us with, and may they reach many with the blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ Amen!🙏
Please pray for me anyone would feel like it. I have been led by god and he have helped me so greatly but still i am sinning and still I chose to walk my own way, and it ends in despair and death, but still I do. Please pray i will let god take my hand and lead me, I know he will show me the right way and that I can trust in him, please let me not walk my way, and let me remember where it ends.
You’re one of the most powerful speakers I’ve come across, so thankful I discovered your channel. Your message does not beat around the bush, it’s spoken with direct intention, yet it is kind and soft. God bless you, brother in Christ!
God Bless you Father Spyridon for being here as you are, allowing me a window out from this place, to listen to your wise thoughts and words on God ! Thank you from the bottom of my lonely Heart of an old man a sinner that looks for and finds here with you, a way to Redemption and Salvation, through the Grace of God we are found !
Having just been extracted recently from the fire of destruction, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, I now engage the passage inside the fire of purification, from the perspective of your teachings that I discovered a few hours ago today. Fire burns, Spyridon! Yet, I am happy to complete the process of salvation and redemption. The weight of the cross is far heavier than that of endorsing responsibility for my sins. Pray for me Spyridon.
Thank you Father Spyridon, I know that I am a sinner, I've repented many of my sins, & pray to Jesus everyday asking for mercy & grace! I know, as long as I'm on the materialistic, physical world that I will always be a sinner, even if I repent every day, earthly sins creep into my mind. I do fight them off for the most part, but will always ask God/Jesus Christ & The Holy Spirit for mercy & forgiveness as I love The Holy Trinity with all my heart, but I must also love our fellow humans as much as I can in this realm, filled with so much unGodliness! But your sermons & advice have helped immensely! Thank you & God Be With You & Us, in Jesus Christ's name! Amen!!!
Dear Father Spyridon, I like many of your videos and comments. I like the words god offers to you :-) I am a member of baptist church, but nevertheless striving for my sisters in "other" communities. Yes, we are all sinners - an aspect many people does not want to hear. But that offers on the other side a great justification by Christ! An unbeliviable acceptance by his Love :-) Thanks again for the videos and I hope we will see us in heaven - someday :-) Cheers, Norbert
Love your videos and love your books Father. You speak and preach the truth in ways that is easy to comprehend and influential. Thank you and God love you.
Absolutely love this message Father. It maybe subtle in our lives but most meaningful in the long run. Thank you for this Father Spyridon and God love you.
I just want to say that I love that you are always in nature. You are always in the forest. So many people have problem, no religion -etc, they think nature is against them. Father Spyridon every time I watch your video I am filled with joy. This brings so much love. You are in the forest, this is where Jesus wanted us to be. Jesus did not fast fourty days for no reason. All answers come from God, and God is in the land. You bring so much joy.
What a great message in this video ! I, for very long time know that pride is great sin of mine but can not help it not to exercise it, i feel guilt and joy everytime at same time (or switing back and forth) when i do it... i reason with myslef that i am too young (early 30') to be thinking or try to get rid of such sinful behaviour just yet, and that the people that are "victims" of my sinful behaviour are actually not better then me as a matter of fact way worse.. Just sharing
We humans all have this struggle. Keep the faith, ask Christ to grant you the grace of repentance. Remember what we sing during Lent at Orthros: “Open to me the doors of repentance, oh giver of Life!”
