Orthodox Talks

One would have thought that in today’s supposed sexually free and enlightened society sexual problems would be at a minimum. Yet on the contrary we see that sexual problems are worsening, and among married couples can even lead to divorce. Many seek the help of sex therapists, marriage counselors, psychologists, doctors, and those involved in supernatural practices. This includes even some Orthodox Christians, who instead of seeking help from the Church are running to the same people mentioned above. Why?In this talk, Father Kosmas draws on the works of Saint John Chrysostom to provide solutions to many sexual problems encountered in marriage. In particular, he speaks in detail about Saint Paul’s teaching regarding the sexual rights of the spouses. Knowledge of this teaching not only helps to bring about marital harmony, but is also a remedy against the horrible disease of adultery.The following questions are also discussed: why were so many people embarrassed when listening to Saint John Chrysostom speaking about sex in marriage? What is the main reason for marriage: childbearing or avoiding sexual immorality? Is it worse for a woman to commit the sin of adultery than for a man? Why is the Church always cautious regarding sexual abstinence in marriage? How did Saint John Chrysostom describe households in which one spouse abstains from sexual relations without the other’s permission?Other points covered in this talk include: the many reasons a spouse can lose sexual interest and the problems associated with this; the difference between an unmarried person committing fornication and a married person committing adultery; how husband and wife are equally responsible for the honour of their marriage bed; the false belief that Saint Paul’s words, “The wife does not rule over her own body, but the husband does” is an example of the Church’s repression of women; and a saint’s advice to the married on how to respond to someone attempting to seduce them into adultery. Duration: 3hrs 36minsVisit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com

There exists today a general confusion regarding the topic of sex, due primarily to the considerable conflicting and often incorrect information available on the topic. Many Orthodox clergy and theologians are among those confused regarding sexual relations in married life. There is a growing belief amongst Orthodox Christians that the Church should stay out of a married couple’s bedroom. Instead, God’s commandments, the canons, and the teachings and examples of the saints have been replaced by sex therapists, psychologists, doctors, sex manuals, pornography, television and the internet.In this talk, Father Kosmas draws on various saints and contemporary elders and the Holy Canons to present the Orthodox Church’s teaching on sexual relations in married life. In particular, he answers some very important questions about which Orthodox Christians are often confused: is sex within marriage and the pleasure associated with it dirty or somewhat sinful? Should married couples avoid having sexual relations as much as possible if they want to progress spiritually? Are sexual relations tolerated only for the purpose of childbearing?The following questions are also discussed: how did the Church deal with those who considered sexual relations within marriage repulsive and sinful? Are there any specific canons forbidding sexual relations on certain days and during certain periods? Do some forms of contraception cause unintended abortions? What happened to one couple who were strongly encouraged by their spiritual father to live as brother and sister? Why did the Church anathematise an ascetical bishop who taught that sex, meat and wine are evil?Other points covered in this talk include: the varying opinions of clergy regarding contraception; how the Church condemned those who believed that there is no salvation for couples who have marital relations; an elder’s advice to a woman whose husband was demanding marital relations on days when they are not allowed; how some are offended that the Church places virginity and celibacy higher than marriage; an account of a man who feared he would commit a sinful act due to his ‘ascetical’ wife’s sexual abstinence; and how some believe that monastics should not give advice on matters regarding marriage and sex.Duration: 3hrs 57minsVisit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com

There can be no doubt that an all-out war is being waged against the holy sacrament of marriage. One of the main threats facing marriage is adultery, which is presented to us as normal and enjoyable, even a path to freedom and happiness. This message is emphasized in films, on television, in books and magazines, and on the internet. Online pornography, social networks such as Facebook, and even websites dedicated to cheating on your spouse all help to encourage adultery and the breakup of the marriage.In this talk, Father Kosmas draws on the writings and advice of various saints and contemporary elders to present the Orthodox Church’s teaching on adultery, its causes, and ways of preventing it. In addition, he answers the question of whether it is better to divorce or to forgive one’s spouse who has fallen into the serious sin of adultery, and what the adulterer’s attitude should be. By knowing the Church’s view on adultery and divorce, many marriages can be saved.The following questions are also discussed: how do adultery and other serious sins affect one’s marriage and children? How does the Church penance adulterers? What is the Church’s attitude toward those who cause divorce? How can abortion, unnatural sexual acts, and other serious sins lead to divorce? Why did Saint Nikodemos the Hagiorite place some blame on the innocent spouse of the adulterer? What did Elder Paisios say of spiritual fathers who apply the canons strictly?Other points covered in this talk include: the sufferings adultery brings upon a couple and their children; an account of a soldier whose wife gave birth while he was away; God’s gift to a man who prayed for his wife who had become a prostitute; a saint who left his wife because of adultery; how a woman dealt with her openly adulterous husband; an account of a married couple who secretly fantasised about committing adultery; how pornography can lead to adultery and divorce; and Saint John Chrysostom’s condemnation of adultery as evil and deserving of great punishment.Duration: 4hrsVisit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com

Despite great advancements in modern medicine, millions of people around the world suffer from bodily and mental illnesses, as well as spiritual illnesses caused by the passions and demonic influence. Many today are seeking help from practitioners of magic and New Age healing techniques. These techniques include homeopathy, hypnosis, yoga, crystal healing, meditation, faith healing, therapeutic touch, spiritual healing, channelling, and Reiki. Some of these “healers” have even claimed to be able to heal cancer and other serious illnesses.In this talk, Father Kosmas presents in detail the Orthodox Church’s teaching regarding true and false healing. He explains how Christians need to be aware of the increasing acceptance some of these “healing” techniques are gaining in the medical world, and how one can unknowingly fall under the influence of the evil spirits behind them. Today more than ever Orthodox Christians need to know the Church’s teaching regarding this very real danger, not only to protect themselves, but also their loved ones.The following questions are also discussed: what is the difference between demonic and physical sickness? Can magicians and New Age healers actually heal? How does the Church view those who seek healing directly from God rather than going to doctors? How do the saints view sickness and suffering? How should the sick deal with those who push them to seek healing from sorcerers and New Age healers? How does God use physical, mental, and demonic afflictions to bring us to salvation?Other points covered in this talk include: how a sick young man was “miraculously” healed and why he and his family later became Jehovah’s Witnesses; how Elder Paisios exposed the true nature of “healings” by the demons and their servants; the story of a witch who claimed to cure sick people with the Cross and prayers to the Mother of God; how one “healer” approached a desperate mother whose daughter was out of control; and examples of those who preferred to suffer rather than turn to sorcerers and other so-called healers.Duration: 3hrs 58minsVisit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com

Many Orthodox Christians fall into the great sin of employing psychics, clairvoyants, mediums, fortune-tellers and astrologers to gain knowledge of the unknown or to learn the future. Some are unaware of the Church’s strict condemnation of these supernatural practices, and of the danger involved. Others are aware of the Church’s teaching but choose to ignore it. Whether aware or unaware, one thing is certain: these people deny their baptism and therefore their salvation.In this talk, Father Kosmas presents in detail the Orthodox Church’s teaching regarding the forces behind these occult practices and their consequences. He explains how these practices are tools of the evil spirits, who use them to turn people from worshipping God to worshipping the demons. He notes that to be reconciled with Christ and His Church, one would need to repent, confess and promise to never again be involved in these demonic practices.The following questions are also discussed: can psychics, mediums, and others tell the future and do they ever speak the truth? Why is consulting one’s horoscope, trusting zodiac signs or believing in fate or chance considered a denial of God? What is the reason for the growing interest in the medical world in the full moon’s “negative effects” on human behaviour? Do demons and magicians really know what is in a person’s mind and heart? Could some Orthodox Christians be acting as mediums without knowing it?Other points covered in this talk include: an account of an Orthodox couple whose neighbour turned out to be a psychic medium who ‘communicates’ with the dead; how one international clairvoyant, spiritual healer and astrologer uses people’s problems to attract business; an Orthodox explanation of the haunted house phenomenon; the tragic consequences suffered by psychics and their clients; and a frightening account of a man who was told by a possessed person to become a preacher.Duration: 3hrs 58minsVisit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com

This talk is a continuation of Talk 58 - "Magic and Demonic Influence - Part 1". There are various views among Orthodox Christians regarding the topic of magic. Some believe that magic does not exist, while others believe that it does, and fear it to such an extent that anytime something bad happens to them they attribute it to magic. Still others believe that magic exists, but their ignorance of the subject leaves them unprotected. Few, however, understand the topic of magic according to the teachings of the Orthodox Church.In this talk, Father Kosmas uses the writings and advice of various saints and contemporary elders to present the Orthodox Church’s teaching on how to protect oneself from magic and demonic influence. Though the talk focuses on married life, it applies to all Orthodox Christians. Ignorance of this topic has led to many disasters in people’s lives, including the loss of souls.The following questions are also discussed: when does sorcery work and how can sorcery be defeated? What did Elder Paisios say to those who treated him like a psychic? Why would magicians advise people to participate in the Mysteries of the Church? How does Saint Nikodemos advise those who fear spells being cast during their marriage ceremony? Why are many of the clergy silent on the topic of magic? Is it true that magicians fear Orthodox priests? What are the symptoms of someone under the influence of magic?Other points covered in this talk include: an account of a man who began to hate his wife for no reason; an elder’s advice to a man whose wife suddenly wanted to leave him; how prayers, holy oil and holy water can have power against evil spirits; an account of a suffering man who could not get rid of the amulet (charm) given to him by a magician; how not all demonic influence comes from magic; how pride and ego can be the cause of demonic influence; and the confusion between mental illness, physical illness, magic, and demonic influence.Duration: 3hrs 58minsVisit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com

Many Orthodox priests sadly admit that it is becoming increasingly common for people to come to confession with sins involving magic. There are many reasons people seek a magician’s help: marital problems, learning the future, healing from sickness, financial success, protection from the evil eye and black magic, communicating with a departed loved one, for “good luck”, and for “love”. But some people go to magicians for very different reasons: to cause marital problems or divorce, to cause physical and mental illness or death, or to create financial problems.In this talk, Father Kosmas uses the writings and advice of various saints and contemporary elders to present the Orthodox Church’s teaching on the topic of magic. He especially focuses on the dangers of becoming involved in any type of magic, and the reason why so many married couples today are affected. He also discusses the problem of how some people believe themselves to be victims of magic anytime something bad happens to them or their close ones.The following questions are also discussed: can magic be used to make someone marry a person? Can magic be used to prevent adultery or divorce? Does the evil eye really exist? Can a magician heal a sick person? What materials and objects are used in magic? What do magicians do to the charms and amulets they give people to “protect” them from black magic and the evil eye?Other points covered in this talk include: an account of one mother who tried to end her son’s marriage; an elder’s response to a woman who wanted to marry a married man; how an in-law’s interference can lead to divorce; the saints’ stern instructions to those who have been involved in magic or gone to magicians; a saint’s condemnation of those who cast magic spells on couples during the marriage ceremony; and accounts of mothers using magic on their married children.Duration: 3hrs 27minsVisit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com

It is a sad fact that divorce, so widespread in secular society and other religions, has become a rising problem in our Orthodox Church, as well. People seek divorce for many reasons, but the underlying reason is usually the same: a belief that there is no hope of saving the marriage. We often hear statements such as: “My husband will never change”, or: “My wife is incapable of improving”, or: “There is no point in continuing the marriage.” Tragically, some clergymen have a similar attitude, which only encourages divorce.In this talk, drawing on the letters of the famous Russian spiritual father Archimandrite John Krestiankin, Father Kosmas strongly denounces this incorrect attitude. Such statements are blasphemous, he explains, because they deny God’s power to change circumstances and people. The saints and elders teach that with prayer, struggle, and the many church services available to all Orthodox Christians, marriages can be saved from the disaster of divorce.The following questions are also discussed: how can religion be a reason for divorce? What advice has been given to people whose spouses are out of control? What advice does Saint John Chrysostom give those whose spouses are trying to force them into immorality or unbelief? How do children react to the parent who instigated the divorce? What is meant by “praying out” someone close to you? Is it always advisable to stay in a marriage no matter what the circumstances?Other points covered in this talk include: an instructive story about a priest who was tormented by his wife; advice for people contemplating divorce; how divorce should not be considered a personal matter, but something which affects others; how the many divorces and remarriages in the Orthodox Church have become a joke; and an account of a man whose wife threw him out and divorced him because of his addiction.Duration: 3hrs 48minsVisit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com

In the New Testament Christ teaches that a married couple must remain inseparable to the end, and that the only just cause for divorce is adultery. Furthermore, Christ says that those who divorce and remarry for any other reason are condemned as adulterers. Yet, over the centuries the Orthodox Church has allowed divorce for a number of other reasons, and may even perform second and third marriages following a divorce. What few people know is that the Church actually acknowledges such remarriage as a transgression of Christ’s commandment. This raises the question: is the Church contradicting the clear teaching of Christ regarding divorce?In this talk, Father Kosmas explains that even though the Church sometimes grants divorces and allows subsequent marriages, Orthodox Christians should put great effort into avoiding divorce. Using the teachings of the saints and elders he gives practical advice on preserving one’s marriage by avoiding unnecessary problems which can lead to divorce.The following questions are also discussed: can psychological abuse be worse than physical abuse? How has feminism affected marriages? What is meant by ‘don’t run ahead of your spouse’? Can having an abortion lead to divorce? Can God reveal His will through one’s spouse? Can it sometimes be right to compromise on religious matters to avoid divorce? Has the Church’s use of ‘economy’ regarding divorce and remarriage caused greater problems?Other points covered in this talk include: how a temporary separation can prevent divorce; physical violence in marriage; how egotism can destroy a marriage; how simplifying one’s life can save a marriage; selfishness in marriage as a recipe for divorce; suffering with a difficult spouse; mental illness in a marriage; and why one should not be alarmed when old passions resurface after getting married.Duration: 3hrs 30minsVisit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com

In these times of spiritual ignorance, the true meaning of marriage is almost unknown. Most believe that marriage is all joy and happiness, and when this delusion is shattered the marriage falls apart. It is therefore important for couples to know the true meaning of marriage if they want to have a successful marriage.In this talk, Father Kosmas uses the writings and advice of various saints and contemporary elders to show that marriage is a struggle as well as a joy. He emphasizes Christ’s teaching that one attains salvation through suffering – that is, the carrying of one’s cross – and that marriage is one such cross. When Orthodox Christians understand that the difficulties and struggles of marriage are spiritually beneficial, then they will also understand that, except in extreme circumstances, leaving one’s marriage due to difficulties can be a rejection of one’s cross.The following questions are also discussed: why did an elder advise one couple to argue with others? Why did a saint describe spouses’ condemnation of each other as ‘poison’? Why did an elder compare people who look for faults in their spouses to filthy flies? How should one deal with a very difficult spouse? What valuable lesson did Saint Anthony the Great learn from a layman? What does the Church teach regarding those who desire to leave their spouses?Other points covered in this talk include: the disastrous effects of nagging; how Saint Paul condemns those who do not care about their spouses’ salvation; the saints’ advice on how to correct one’s spouse; the horrible effects parents’ quarrelling has on children; an elder’s advice to a woman who feared that her husband would divorce her; and the objection of some to the Church’s glorification of a woman who was physically abused by her husband.Duration: 3hrs 53minsVisit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com