Orthodox Wisdom

Why does God allow the righteous to suffer? What spiritual laws are at work when we are prideful and when we fall? How does God help both the humble and the proud to walk the narrow path of salvation? St. Paisios the Athonite answers these questions and more. -BUY St. Paisios' book, "Elder Hadji-Georgis the Athonite": https://www.athoniteusa.com/products/elder-hadji-georgis-the-athonite -LISTEN to my playlist "St. Paisios - Teachings and Prophecies" https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzFKi22k2KYiSgEA_N0bQIIeUFas-lw_P -FIND an Orthodox parish and monastery near you: https://orthodoxyinamerica.org/ _______ St. Paisios writes: Since some people might have the question, "Why does God allow righteous men, such as the man of God Hadji-Georgis, even though he was a very pure soul from the time of his childhood, to be tormented with trials, slanderings, etc.?", I thought it good to write my feelings on this. Naturally, the unjustly treated are the most beloved of God's children. However, according to my thinking, they themselves do not see things this way. On the contrary, they see themselves as guilty, and if the Grace of God were to abandon them they would even be in prison as guilty and their consciences would torment them; they would be overcome with remorse. Although unjustly treated, they have in their hearts the unjustly treated Christ, and rejoice in exile and in prison as if they were in Paradise; because wherever Christ is, there is Paradise. Of course, those who work for reward are la-bourers, and those who avoid sin so as not to be condemned, again are looking after their own interests. Indeed, that is good, but there is no nobility in it because in the face of the great sacrifice which Christ made in order to redeem us, out of philotimo we ought not to go to hell, so as not to grieve Him through His sensing that we are suffering. This is the kind of love that the Holy Fathers of our Church had for Christ. But unfortunately many of us have only an inferior love that only goes far enough so as not to be punished. Love of this kind goes hand in hand with lack of faith; in other words we enjoy the things of this world to a degree just enough so as not to be punished in this life, but also not to be deprived of Paradise. The higher we throw an object, the greater the force with which it is drawn down by the gravity of the earth and is shattered (law of physics). As much as one is exalted, so too will be his spiritual fall, and according to the magnitude of his pride he will be shattered — unless his pride surpasses that of humans and reaches that of the demons. Then he is no longer within the grasp of spiritual laws of this life but rather that of the Apostolic one: "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived? However, when a man immediately perceives the lifting up of his pride, and humbly asks forgiveness of God, the merciful hands of God immediately pick him up with joy and bring him gently down without his descent being perceptible, and so he is not shattered since he has already been crushed in his heart beforehand by his repentance. _______ Orthodox Wisdom is dedicated to sharing the writings and lives of the Saints of the Orthodox Church. Glory to Jesus Christ!

St. Theophan's answer to arguably the most fundamental question for each man: How can I save my soul? "What does one say to the person who asks: 'How can I save my soul?' This: Repent, and being strengthened by the power of grace in the Holy Mysteries, walk in the path of God's commandments, under the direction which the Holy Church gives you through its God-given priesthood. All of this must be done in a spirit of sincere faith which has no reservations." -St. Theophan the Recluse -READ the text of this recording: http://orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/soul_save.aspx#:~:text=Theophan%20the%20Recluse,through%20its%20God%2Dgiven%20priesthood. -LISTEN to "What is an Anathema?" by St. Theophan the Recluse:https://youtu.be/N7LEV_WqRw0-LISTEN to "On Truth & Love" by St. Theophan the Recluse:https://youtu.be/rIOg5LTU-p4 -BUY “The Path to Salvation” by St. Theophan the Recluse: https://stpaisiusgiftshop.com/books/monastery-publications/the-path-to-salvation/ -BUY “Thoughts for Each Day of the Year” by St. Theophan the Recluse: http://www.sainthermanmonastery.com/mobile/Product.aspx?ProductCode=tedy _______ Orthodox Wisdom is dedicated to sharing the writings and lives of the Saints of the Orthodox Church. Glory to Jesus Christ!

St. Ignatius Brianchaninov, a revered Russian saint, shares profound insights on the dangers of distraction in our spiritual lives. He warns that while the world may view distraction as harmless, the holy fathers see it as the root of all evils. Distraction leads to superficial understanding and spiritual inconstancy, preventing deep emotional connections. Ignatius emphasizes the necessity of vigilance and attentiveness to genuinely fulfill our Christian obligations and avoid the emptiness that comes with a distracted heart.

Elder Athanasios Mitilinaios, in his examination of the Book of Revelation, sees "the depths of Satan" (Rev. 2:24) applying to today's satanic, neo-gnosticism: Freemasonry. Spreading its wicked tentacles throughout society, often in ways unknown the average person, Freemasonry is a powerful force that all Christians must not underestimate. Elder Athanasios reveals the true nature of Freemasonry, her symbols, rituals, and philosophy, offering to Orthodox Christians, and all who love the truth, tools to fight this satanic, secretive organization. 0:00 Beginning, Rev. 2:240:36 Homily begins 3:01 Freemasonry is Neo-Gnosticism and we will always fight it 4:57 The basics of Gnostic philosophy; the Apostles and Church Fathers wrote against Gnosticism 9:27 Masonic symbolism: The letter “G” 15:28 12th degree initiation ritual, Gnosis, and “Supposedly Historical Events” 19:01 Faith rejected, Rationalism embraced 21:14 St. Paul addressed Gnosticism in Colossians 2:8-9 24:37 12th degree initiation cont’d 26:34 The Freemasons despise the body and matter and hate that Christ came to save both 29:20 The Masons help the good god (Lucifer) overcome the evil god (Christ) 32:55 Why Gnostics venerate the evil figures in the Bible 35:25 18th degree initiation, “The Rosicrucians” 38:41 Leo Taxil on Freemasonry and Lucifer 39:36 Freemasonic prayer to Lucifer 42:19 33rd degree initiation: Worship of Baphomet 43:46 Freemasons are inside and outside the Orthodox Church 44:21 We must fight Freemasonry and bring Freemasons to Christ This homily is found in Vol. 1 of the Revelation Series from Zoe Press Thumbnail, top right: Ecumenical Patrairch Meletios (Metaxakis), and to the right, Ecumenical Patrairch Athenagoras (Spyrou) kissing the forehead of U.S. President Harry Truman. All three were 33rd degree Freemasons. See more below: -BUY the Revelation Series from Zoe Press: https://www.zoepress.us/all-books-cds/revelation-the-seven-golden-lampstands-volume-1 -READ: Freemasonry: Official Statement of the Church of Greece (1933): http://orthodoxinfo.com/ecumenism/masonry.aspx -READ: ​​Freemasonry in American Orthodox History https://orthodoxhistory.org/2012/11/20/freemasonry-in-american-orthodox-history/#:~:text=Freemasonry%20and%20other%20secret%20societies,Ecumenical%20Patriarch%20%E2%80%94%20was%20a%20Freemason -READ: Freemasonry and the Orthodox Church https://orthodoxhistory.org/2023/09/27/freemasonry-and-the-orthodox-church/ -READ: Greek Freemasons embrace EP Athenagoras: https://www.grandlodge.gr/athinagoras-w-57864.html -BUY “On The Masons And Their Lies” by Michael Witcoff https://www.amazon.com/Masons-Their-Lies-Every-Christian/dp/1986325474 -READ “Notes On The Influence of Freemasonry On Early Greek Ecumenism” by Fr. Seraphim Zisis: https://www.scribd.com/document/374965401/Seraphim-Zissis-Notes-on-the-Influence-of-Freemasonry-on-Early-Greek-Ecumenism -WATCH: Freemasonry: Today’s Satanic Gnosticism by Fr. Peter Heers (analyzing the teachings of Elder Athanasios) https://youtu.be/kUv6jfzRcts?si=uhoR9694xoQSflpU -LISTEN: On the Freemasonic Roots of the Ecumenical Movement - St. Seraphim of Sofia https://youtu.be/VyZS80sQRsw -WATCH: at 17:22 in “The Ungodly Errors of Archbishop Elpidophoros: All You Need to Know” we see the GOArch Archbishop wrote the Introduction to a book written by an open Freemason, saying, “With great joy and deep satisfaction, I read the work of the exceptional intellectual Nicholas Laos…” https://youtu.be/q6dBuopgoYg?si=FF5veI_o9oWJbXMP "Masonry is a contemporary reality which affects everyone and everything in our times. It is certainly not a good strategy to underestimate the capabilities of the enemy. In order to fight an enemy successfully, we cannot underestimate his power. Masonry is powerful; it is the power of Satan. That is precisely why we are fighting, and we will always continue to fight, as long as we live, against Freemasonry." -Elder Athanasios

Bishop (then Hieromonk) Luke gives a firsthand account of the Glorification (Canonization) services of St. John Maximovitch of Shanghai & San Francisco (+1966). Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us! Photo in thumbnail is from the 1994 Glorification services at Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco. -READ: the text of this recording from Orthodox Life, July-August, 1994: https://orthodoxlifemagazines.blogspot.com/ -READ: The Life of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco (+1966): https://orthochristian.com/54575.html -BUY many icons and other items of St. John from the SF Cathedral bookstore: https://www.hvcbookstore.com/ -BUY: the book "Man of God" which includes the reminiscences, miracles, sermons, and more on this exceptional saint on the 20th century: https://notofthisworldiconsandbooks.com/products/man-of-god-saint-john-of-sf?variant=4087103193115 _______ No one present during these holy days was there simply out of curiosity or by accident. Each person who took part had a sense of purpose, a conscientious desire to witness to an honor Saint John. We were all humbled by the knowledge that we venerated and sought help from on of whol Saint Paul wrote, "the world was not worthy" (Heb. 11:38). With this knowledge of our spiritual poverty, we were humbled and speechless when calling to mind the words of Holy Scripture, "What shall I render unto the Lord for all that He hath rendered unto me" (Psalm 115:3). Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us! _______ Orthodox Wisdom is dedicated to sharing the writings and lives of the Saints of the Orthodox Church. Glory to Jesus Christ!

These prayers come from the excellent book "On the Upbringing of Children" by Bishop Irenaius, published by St. Xenia Press 0:00 Intro 0:06 A Prayer of Parents for their Children 1:53 A Prayer of Children for their Parents 2:17 Another Prayer of Children for their Parents 3:33 A Prayer of Spouses for Each Other -BUY "On the Upbringing of Children" by Bishop Irenaius ---Physical book: https://sjkp.org/products/on-the-upbringing-of-children-1 ---Audiobook: https://stpaisiusgiftshop.com/cds/on-the-upbringing-of-children-cd/ ---Read the first 3 chapters free: https://saintkosmas.org/on-the-upbringing-of-children-bishop-irenaius -EDUCATION: Orthodox education resources at Saint Kosmas Orthodox Education Association: https://saintkosmas.org/ -PREGNANCY RESOURCES: ZOE for life! is a support center (in person and online) for women needing recourse for unplanned and planned pregnancies, adoption, and more: https://zoeforlife.org/ -BUY: Orthodox Christian Parenting by Zoe Press: https://www.zoepress.us/all-books-cds/orthodox-christian-parenting-recipes-for-raising-children-2020-2nd-edition -PRAYER: Akathist to the Mother of God, "Nurturer of Children": https://www.akathists.com/the-most-holy-theotokos/nurturer-of-children/ -LISTEN: Admonitions for Parents - St. John Chrysostom: https://youtu.be/lFcUbGHnU28 -LISTEN: The Holy Childhood of Archbishop John Maximovitch: https://youtu.be/hXB4wW4iozw --FIND an Orthodox parish and monastery near you: https://orthodoxyinamerica.org/ _______ Orthodox Wisdom is dedicated to sharing the writings and lives of the Saints of the Orthodox Church. Glory to Jesus Christ!

In addition to St. Justin Popovic's piercing theological clarity, this text offers us three significant examples: 1) The Serbian Hierarchs humbly asked a priest for his thoughts before making their decision 2) This priest, St. Justin, responded boldly and clearly 3) The Serbian Hierarchs followed his advice. All this is regarding a most tempting and powerful heresy attacking the Orthodox Church today: Ecumenism. -READ the text here: https://www.orthodoxethos.com/post/orthodoxy-and-ecumenism-an-orthodox-appraisal-and-testimony 0:00 Begin 0:11 Introduction and Historical Context by Bishop 7:17 Quote from Bishop Athanasius Yevtich on St. Justin not breaking communion with the local Churches 8:39 St. Justin’s reply to the Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church -BUY “The Orthodox Church and Ecumenism” by St. Justin: https://lazarica.co.uk/bookshop/ -BUY "Orthodox Faith and Life in Christ" by St. Justin: https://ibmgs.org/miscellaneous.html -LISTEN to more recordings by Orthodox Wisdom of St. Justin's teachings: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzFKi22k2KYgxvJMJchHwGAWGZebY0s2s -FIND an Orthodox parish and monastery near you: https://orthodoxyinamerica.org/ _______ St. Justin writes: The Church of Christ has defined her stand towards heretics— and all non-Orthodox are heretics—once and for all through the Holy Apostles and the Holy Fathers, namely, through the Holy Theanthropic Tradition, which is unique and immutable. In keeping with this stand, Orthodox are forbidden to engage in joint prayer or liturgical communion with heretics. Was it really necessary for the Orthodox Church, the all-immaculate Theanthropic Body and organism of the God-Man Christ, to be so monstrously humiliated that Her theological representatives, including even Hierarchs (among whom were also Serbs), should seek after “organic” participation and inclusion in the World Council of Churches, which thus becomes a new ecclesiastical “organism,” a “new Church” above the churches, of which the Orthodox Church and non-Orthodox churches are merely “members,” “organically” joined to each other? Alas, an unprecedented betrayal! Orthodox theologians should participate not in “ecumenical joint prayers,” but in theological dialogues in the Truth and about the Truth, as the Holy and God-bearing Fathers have done throughout the ages. _______ Bishop Athanasius Yevtich writes: “We were closely acquainted with the Blessed Father Justin and we know that he had never broke communion with any of the Orthodox Churches or a Bishop or a Patriarch, not even with the Serbian Patriarch Germans (1958-1990—as some "zealots "shamelessly lie—not even when the Patriarch Ger-manos was one of the "presidents of WCC" (a formal and honorary title without any binding conditions or duties as indeed was the participation of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the WCC). As a free and responsible member of the Church of Christ, Justin prophetically reproved and, when necessary, criticized in written form (having written a couple of criticism letters to Patriarch Germans and the Synod, inter alia, the letters pertaining to superficial western ecumenism). But on no account did he ever create a schism, but on the contrary used to say: “Schisms are easily made but they are enormously difficult to heal.” -Notes on Ecumenism, pp. 36-37 _______ Orthodox Wisdom is dedicated to sharing the writings and lives of the Saints of the Orthodox Church. Glory to Jesus Christ!

Listen to St. Nektarios praise these holy mothers who raised some of the greatest saints the earth has ever seen. He describes how these holy women planted Christ in their sons' hearts and cultivated the grace to maturity. How critical the role of the mother is in raising children and how firm the foundation she can lay down in the hearts and minds of her children. -St. Nonna is the mother of St. John Chrysostom -St. Anthousa is the mother of St. Gregory the Theologian -St. Emmelia is the mother of St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory of Nyssa, St. Macrina the Younger, St. Peter of Sebaste, and St. Theosebia This is an excerpt from "Mothers and the Upbringing of Children" by St. Nektarios of Aegina https://youtu.be/_e4Fn_MsxLI A new book I suggest reading for those interested in Orthodox education, homeschooling and more: "Formation in the Love of Truth: Principles of Orthodox Education" by Archpriest Peter Heers: https://uncutmountainpress.com/shop/product/formation-in-the-love-of-truth-principles-of-orthodox-education/ _______ -EDUCATION: Orthodox education resources at Saint Kosmas Orthodox Education Association: https://saintkosmas.org/ -PREGNANCY RESOURCES: ZOE for life! is a support center (in person and online) for women needing recourse for unplanned and planned pregnancies, adoption, and more: https://zoeforlife.org/ -BOOK: Orthodox Christian Parenting by Zoe Press: https://www.zoepress.us/all-books-cds/orthodox-christian-parenting-recipes-for-raising-children-2020-2nd-edition -PRAYER: Akathist to the Mother of God, "Nurturer of Children": https://www.akathists.com/the-most-holy-theotokos/nurturer-of-children/ -PODCAST: Admonitions for Parents - St. John Chrysostom: https://youtu.be/lFcUbGHnU28 -PODCAST: The Holy Childhood of Archbishop John Maximovitch (OW podcast): https://youtu.be/hXB4wW4iozw -TEXT OF THIS PODCAST: https://saintkosmas.org/st-nektarios-mothers-and-the-upbringing-of-children -FIND A CHURCH: Find an Orthodox parish and monastery near you: https://orthodoxyinamerica.org/ _______ St. Nektarios writes: These mothers, desiring to educate their children as perfectly as possible and to polish their minds through Greek learning and knowledge, did not at all hesitate to entrust them to pagan teachers, so that they might be suitably developed intellectually. They considered the teachers’ heterodoxy of no importance, because they had confidence in themselves, confidence that by their own example they had wholly channeled their own love for true learning and their fervent zeal for religion into their children’s hearts. They recognized that nothing would be strong enough to shake their sons’ religious principles and convictions, because these principles and convictions had been carefully built upon a rock! Consistent, then, with their convictions, Nonna and Emmelia, the good and noble mothers of Basil and Gregory, sent them off to Athens, to the hearth of learning and enlightenment, but the center also of idolatry, where the pagan religion was enthroned with all its magnificence. But their confidence was not disappointed, for the two young students, having alive in the hearth of their heart the fire of faith in Christ, remained uninfluenced during the whole period of their studies. What radiant examples we have before us in these pious mothers! What wondrous images! What wondrous models! Who can deny that it is the mothers who produce great and virtuous men? _______ Orthodox Wisdom is dedicated to sharing the writings and lives of the Saints of the Orthodox Church. Glory to Jesus Christ!

On occasion, I depart from my standard approach and record texts by those still alive in this world. Generally, I stick to texts from those who finished their race and are widely embraced as being victorious in Christ. This text from Fr. Zacharias, the disciple of St. Sophrony of Essex, is truly life-changing and worthy of your heart’s attention. As it has been said, “many confess, few repent.” Fr. Zacharias inspires us to confess more genuinely, bearing our shame, and teaches us how to make a confession that attracts the grace of God and brings greater power to live the life in Christ. The original title of this talk is "The Awakening of the Heart through Bearing Shame in the Sacrament of Confession". The video title is shortened due to YouTube and Spotify character limitations. Also, a Q&A immediately following this talk is included in the book. I did not record it in order to encourage listeners to buy the book and support the monastery in Essex, England. -BUY "The Hidden Man of the Heart (1 Peter: 3:4): The Cultivation of the Heart in Orthodox Christian Anthropology" https://essexmonastery.com/bookshop/the-hidden-man-of-the-heart-BUY the first book in this series of four, "Christ, Our Way and Our Life: A Presentation of the Theology of Archimandrite Sophrony"https://essexmonastery.com/bookshop/christ-our-way-and-our-life -FIND an Orthodox parish and monastery near you: https://orthodoxyinamerica.org/ _______ Fr. Zacharias teaches: When the believer becomes aware of his iniquity, he no longer does anything to conceal it, but he will confess his iniquity to the Lord against himself (cf. Ps. 32:5 Lxx). And the Lord forgives the ungodliness of his heart and renews him with the grace of eternal salvation in return for the shame he bears in the act of repentance. The deeper the shame with which he reveals his sins in the sacrament of confession, the greater the power and grace he receives for his regeneration. The presence of shame in the mystery of confession is not only healthy and normal, but also confirms that repentance is offered from the heart — that it is voluntary and deeply humble. Whoever truly repents and confesses his transgressions takes full responsibility for them, without justifying himself as Adam did in Paradise. He does not blame God or his neighbour. Instead, he endures the shame of his sins with humility and courage. The Gospel account of Zacchaeus' encounter with Jesus throws a great deal of light on our subject (Luke 19:1-10). This notable and influential man, a tax-collector of ill-gotten wealth, Was overcome by the desire to see who Jesus was. But his desire Was frustrated by the density of the crowd for he was of small stature. Zacchaeus, however, was so eager that he thought nothing of becoming a laughing-stock to the crowd. Because he was willing to accept whatever shame might come his way, he took courage, and climbed up into a sycamore tree so that he would be able to see Jesus. The Lord drew near, and He noticed Zacchaeus. Then He called him down from the tree so that He could meet him. He even gave him the honour of visiting his house and staying with him. And the result of this visit was truly marvellous: Zacchaeus who had despised his standing with the crowd was put right. All his former iniquities were made good, and his debts were restored fourfold in righteousness. Christ our God and Saviour declared: 'Salvation is come to this house.' _______ Orthodox Wisdom is dedicated to sharing the writings and lives of the Saints of the Orthodox Church. Glory to Jesus Christ!

Our holy father Paisios the Athonite exposes the plans of the enemy and calls those who love the Truth, Christ Himself, to be aware and resist. Repent, receive the Mysteries, prayer fervently, since, as St. Paisios says, "Perhaps you, too, will live to see many of the signs written in the Book of Revelation." This text is found in “Spiritual Counsels, Vol. II: Spiritual Awakening” by St. Paisios, pp. 197-201 -BUY “Spiritual Counsels, Vol. II: Spiritual Awakening” by St. Paisios: https://www.holycross.org/products/spiritual-awakening-elder-paisios -BUY "Saint Paisios of Mount Athos": https://churchsupplies.jordanville.org/products/saint-paisios-of-mount-athos -FIND an Orthodox parish and monastery near you: https://orthodoxyinamerica.org/ A similar text from St. Paisios: "On Our Times" -READ: http://apantaortodoxias.blogspot.com/2015/06/on-our-times-st-paisios-of-holy-mount.html -LISTEN: https://youtu.be/0KIEmH-qt2Q ______ St. Paisios teaches: -Geronda, tell us something about the Antichrist. -Let us for once say something about Christ... We must be as close to Christ as we can. Will we be afraid of the Antichrist if we are united with Christ? Isn't the antichrist spirit present today? One way or another, evil is done by the antichrist spirit. And even if an antichrist monster is created to do some horrible things, in the end he will be ridiculed. But many events will take place. Perhaps you, too, will live to see many of the signs written in the Book of Revelation. Ecumenism, the European Union, one huge nation, one religion made to fit — these are the schemes of the devil. The Zionists are preparing someone to be the Messiah. For them the Messiah is a king who will reign here on earth. The Jehovah's Witnesses are also looking toward an earthly king. The Zionists will present someone and the Jehovah's Witnesses will accept him. They will say, "He is the one." There will be great confusion. In that confusion, everyone will be looking for a Messiah to save them. And then they will present some who will say, "I am the Imam, I am the fifth Buddha, I am the Christ expected by the Christians, I am the one expected by the Jehovah's Witnesses, I am the Messiah of the Jews." He will have five "selves"… Rather, the anticipated Antichrist will, in some manner, be the incarnate devil, who will present himself to the Jewish nation as the Messiah and will mislead the world. Difficult years are ahead; we will be tested very severely. The Christians will suffer great persecution. And, you see, people are not at all aware that we are living during the signs of the times, that the sealing is already advancing. -Geronda, do the Zionists believe what is said about the Antichrist? -They would like to govern the whole world. To achieve their goal, they will use even sorcery and satanism. -Geronda, when I hear about the Antichrist, I feel a fear inside of me. -What do you fear? Will he be more terrible than the devil? He is a man after all. Saint Marina used to beat the devil, and Saint Justina dispelled so many demons. After all, we didn't come in this world to have an easy life. ______ Orthodox Wisdom is dedicated to sharing the writings and lives of the Saints of the Orthodox Church. Glory to Jesus Christ!