Orthodox Talks

Many Orthodox Christians today obtain most of their information on married life from television, films, secular books and magazines, and the internet. Unfortunately, much of this information is incorrect and can not only be harmful to the marriage, but can even cause the loss of one’s salvation. Thanks be to God, there are a number of Orthodox books on married life which offer essential advice on this much-neglected subject.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 married life. He especially focuses on the relationship between husband and wife, and how many problems between them can be avoided with a proper understanding of Orthodox marriage.The following questions are also discussed: how did some elders advise young men who were afraid of marrying women with faults? Why did an elder react negatively to the belief that couples need to have similar personalities and interests to have a successful marriage? What advice was given to a woman whose husband avoided coming home at night? How important is it for couples to have priests and monastics praying for them? Why is it so difficult for a married couple to pray together? How important is the spiritual father in a marriage?Other points covered in this talk include: an elder’s reaction to a man who “worshipped” his wife; an elder’s advice to a man whose wife disliked incense and the oil lamp; some important things to consider before marriage; why it is good for a person to marry young; how serious passions can affect a marriage; a saint’s advice to a woman to choose the lesser sin; how the remembrance of one’s own sins can be very beneficial to one’s marriage; and the false belief that the initial love in a marriage will continue without any effort.Duration: 4hrsVisit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com

Many know of the great Greek saint of the last century, Nektarios of Pentapolis the Wonderworker. Saint Nektarios is especially known for the countless miracles that he has performed, and many turn to him for help in their time of need. Yet the majority of these people know very little about this saint’s life, and still less about his beneficial teachings and writings.In this talk, Father Kosmas examines a broad selection of the saint’s teachings and writings. He describes how many modernists have given a distorted view of Saint Nektarios’ character, saying that out of humility and meekness he did not speak out against the enemies of the Church, when in fact the opposite is true. Saint Nektarios was especially critical of the “wolves in sheep’s clothing” in the Church, and of the incorrect teachings of the Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches.The following questions are also discussed: why did the saint praise some of the writings of the pagan philosophers? Did the saint teach that memorial services can free some of those held in Hades? What did the saint write concerning the possibility of union between the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholics? What was the saint’s attitude towards frequent Holy Communion? What valuable advice did the saint give concerning confession? Why is self-knowledge absolutely essential for salvation?Other points covered in this talk include: the saint’s condemnation of the Western dogma of purgatory; his view on Darwin and evolution; how the rapidly-spreading message of “don’t judge” is actually demonic; how some confuse weakness and fear with the virtues of humility and meekness; how Orthodox ecumenists proudly believe that they are above the Holy Fathers of the Orthodox Church; and Saint Nektarios’ teaching concerning the Holy Theotokos and the saints.Duration: 4hrsVisit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com

Christ said, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.” These words were shown to be true in the life of Saint Nektarios the Wonderworker of Aegina. This saint of God endured from his fellow clergymen exactly what Christ foretold: they disdained him, excluded him, hated him, and slandered him, all because he followed Christ’s commandments. But greatly was he rewarded – not only with salvation, but also in that his holy relics emitted a sweet fragrance and myrrh, performed many signs and miracles, and remained incorrupt for many years.In this talk, Father Kosmas discusses in some detail the miraculous relics of Saint Nektarios and a number of his miracles. He describes the forty years after the repose of the saint leading up to his canonization in 1961. He likewise emphasizes the importance of examining all aspects of one who is to be considered a saint – not just signs and miracles.The following questions are also discussed: what did Saint Nektarios prophesy regarding his monastery on Aegina? Was it right to paint icons of and compose services to the saint before he was canonized? How are fanatical zealots and ecumenists similar in spirit? Why are truth without love and love without truth satanic? Are incorrupt relics always a sign of holiness? Why do the bodies of some saints remain incorrupt, while others decompose?Other points covered in this talk include: how Protestants wrongly condemn the veneration of saints and relics; healings of the possessed at the saint’s tomb; a miracle involving a dying paralyzed boy; the conversion of an unbelieving bishop; the miraculous deliverance of a sinking ship; the meaning of the statement “miracles are for the unbelieving and not for believers”; and true saints versus false.Talk 52 duration: 3hrs 45minsChanting duration: 18mins (Canon to St Nektarios)Visit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com

Many people in the Church today unfortunately hold incorrect views regarding spiritual life. For example, many believe that when they progress in the spiritual life, God sends them fewer temptations and afflictions. The question arises: why do so many hold this view when the lives of the saints and the writings of the Holy Fathers teach us the exact opposite?In Part 3 of the life of Saint Nektarios, Father Kosmas explains that not only is this view wrong, it also prevents one from progressing in the spiritual life. To illustrate this, he describes how even though Saint Nektarios had reached such a high level of sanctity that he even performed miracles and saw visions, God still allowed him to suffer from slander, persecution, and sickness to the very end of his life.The following questions are also discussed: what was the saint’s attitude towards fasting and sickness? Why did he present the negative aspects of monasticism rather than the positive? Why did the saint believe that Christianity without monasticism is dead? Why was he disobedient to the school authorities? Was he always sure of God’s will? Why did the saint emphasize love and humility above asceticism? How did he overcome demonic thoughts of doubt? Why did the saint get involved with properties, wills, and finances?Other points covered in this talk include: the importance of being mentally, physically, and spiritually strong before considering marriage or the monastic life; the saint’s amazing encounter with a possessed youth; how unfortunate those Orthodox Christians are who have no trust in God; an example of an Orthodox woman who could not pray for her husband; the error that holiness can be achieved without almsgiving; the saint’s horrible encounter with a proud and rude former student; and the devil’s attempt to destroy Saint Nektarios and the convent through an evil mother.Duration: 3hrs 58minsVisit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com

Due to his countless miracles, Saint Nektarios of Aegina is considered a wonderworker like Saint Nicholas and Saint Spyridon. However, few know that the saint suffered greatly from persecution, slander, and afflictions. Many would be shocked to learn that Saint Nektarios’ greatest enemies were actually Orthodox bishops and clergy. Thus, Saint Paul’s teaching that ‘all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution’ means persecution not only from those outside the Church, but also from those within the Church.In this talk, Father Kosmas emphasizes that God allows those He loves to suffer temptations and afflictions in order to benefit their souls. He also discusses how distortions can occur in the accounts of the lives of the saints. One such distortion is found in some accounts of the life of Saint Nektarios. They write that Saint Nektarios endured trials meekly and without complaint, making no attempt to justify himself. In part 2 of the life of Saint Nektarios, Father Kosmas outlines in detail not only the saint’s trials and persecutions, but also the immense pain they caused him and his attempts to correct the injustice against him, and his love and forgiveness towards those who hated him.The following questions are also discussed: how did the saint deal with a suicidal teenage boy? Can one be saved without sufferings? How did the saint prepare himself before preaching? What is the best way for priests to help the mentally ill? Why did the saint place so much emphasis on preaching the Word of God?Other points covered in this talk include: children and emotional repression; how the world promises freedom without religion; how today many clergy worship psychology rather than God; and the saint’s valuable explanation of the importance of expressing one’s feelings, and the harmful effect when this is not done.Duration: 3hrs 54minsVisit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com

Saint Nektarios the Wonderworker is one of the best-known saints in the Greek Orthodox Church. Anywhere in the world where there are Greeks, you can be certain of finding a church dedicated to him. Countless miracles attributed to the Saint have been reported in Greece, Australia, Canada, Europe, England, and the United States. Yet many know little or nothing about this great Saint.In this talk, Father Kosmas emphasizes that it is important and beneficial for Orthodox Christians to read detailed lives of saints. In fact, this holy practice is absolutely essential in the struggle for the salvation of our souls – a fact that becomes obvious upon listening to this talk. In part 1 of the life of Saint Nektarios, Father Kosmas describes in detail the Saint’s upbringing and early spiritual development, his young adulthood and entry into monasticism, and his ordination to the diaconate, priesthood and episcopate.The following questions are also discussed: what did Saint Nektarios consider the main purpose of education? Is it true that Orthodox saints oppose the theology and spirituality of the West? Which is worse, bodily cancer or spiritual cancer? Is it really important to reprimand and warn our children? How did Saint Kosmas of Aetolia influence Saint Nektarios? Do the saints experience any pain or despair during their persecutions?Other points covered in this talk include: the false idea that the saints never experienced physical or spiritual crises; Saint Nektarios’ fear of falling into pride; how life’s difficulties can teach one true prayer; how children bond more with the TV than with people; how Orthodox ecumenists use deceit for their unorthodox agenda; the difficulties of living under Turkish rule; and the importance of not pushing children to follow a fixed path.Duration: 3hrs 50minsVisit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com

Orthodox Christians who read the Holy Bible will have read Christ’s words: “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Regarding these words, the Holy Fathers clearly teach that at the Last Judgment only those who show mercy will obtain mercy. This is why the saints put great effort into fleeing from the soul-destroying passion of mercilessness by practising works of mercy. Hence, it is important for all who desire salvation to know exactly what works of mercy are.In this talk, Father Kosmas uses the writings of various saints to explain how almsgiving is not the only way to be merciful. Works of mercy can be broken up into two groups: physical and spiritual. A significant part of the talk is dedicated to providing many practical examples of works of mercy. By the end of the talk we will see that, no matter what spiritual struggles we undertake, without mercy there will be no mercy.The following questions are also discussed: why did the thief on the cross receive mercy? Why were the five foolish virgins not shown mercy? Why does God create inequality in the world? Is the desire to show mercy equal to the deed itself? Are the rich allowed to enjoy their wealth? Do Orthodox elders require Christians to tithe? Why are many supporters of Susan Boyle hypocrites?Other points covered in this talk include: how one young man gave up his ‘freedom’ in order to show mercy; how ‘merciful’ euthanasia is actually merciless; how the attitude ‘I don’t want charity’ is from the devil; how those who give alms benefit greatly not only in the afterlife but also in this life; how some of the rich begged the poor to take their money out of mercy; and the worthlessness of prayer, fasting, confession, and communion without compassion.Duration: 3hrs 42minsVisit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com

This talk is a continuation of Talk 46. There is considerable opposition to the teaching of the toll-houses. This opposition has been increasing over the last 150 years, and has long been recognized as one of the signs of ecclesiastical “modernism.” These modernists make a number of accusations against the toll-houses, including that they are not real, but rather are myths and fables, that they are fearful, that they are based on demonic visions, that they are a Western influence, and that because they are not dogma they should not be believed.In this talk, Father Kosmas outlines and discusses the many accusations made by a number of Orthodox clergymen and theologians against this soul-saving teaching of the toll-houses. To refute these accusations, he uses numerous examples from the following four sources: a. The Lives of the Saints; b. The Divine Services of the Orthodox Church; c. The Writings of the Holy Fathers; and d. The Holy Scriptures. After listening to this talk there will be no doubt that this teaching is indeed Orthodox, because for the entire history of the Church it has been “believed everywhere, always, and by all” (Saint Vincent of Lerins).The following questions are also discussed: should the Church use fear tactics similar to those used in the world? Are all visions regarding life after death true? Why did one saint excommunicate zealot monks? Do clergymen and theologians who deny the teaching of the toll-houses become a reason for the loss of many souls?Other points covered in this talk include: how two non-Orthodox theologians put many Orthodox bishops to shame; spiritual schizophrenia in the Church today; how some zealots also oppose the teaching of the toll-houses; the Catholic Church’s attitude towards supernatural references in the ancient lives of the saints; and how Church controversies can be immensely beneficial.Duration: 3hrs 57minsVisit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com

Explore the journey through aerial toll-houses, a significant Orthodox teaching regarding the soul's challenges after death. Father Kosmas highlights the balance of fear and hope, emphasizing divine mercy and compassion. Learn about the guidance of guardian angels, the importance of repentance, and the role of prayers for the deceased. The talk tackles intriguing questions about sin, consciousness at death, and societal perceptions on dating and media's impact on youth, all while embracing the simplicity of Christian teachings for a genuine faith.

This talk is a continuation of Talks 43 and 44. Saint Seraphim of Sarov teaches that we acquire grace through doing good works, not for virtue’s sake, but for Christ’s sake. In these times, more than ever, there is great confusion about what are good works. In the media, celebrities are often portrayed as doers of good works such as helping the poor, donating to medical research, adopting children and encouraging others to donate to “worthy” causes.In this talk, using the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes as a basis, Father Kosmas shows us what exactly is meant by good works. Furthermore, he explains that what the world considers to be good works are not necessarily recognised as good works by God. In order to avoid deception and to attain salvation, a balanced spiritual life is of utmost importance.The following questions are also discussed: what is meant by “true Christianity consists of practicing the commandments”? What comes first, love for God or love for our neighbour? How can recognizing our lack of love be a good thing? Is it true that the Church encourages physical punishment of children? How does repentance relate to keeping the commandments? Why can focusing on certain aspects of Orthodoxy lead to deception and heresy?Other points covered in this talk include: how the commandment to honor one’s father and mother surprisingly also refers to the upbringing of children; the deception of those who think that persecution is easy to endure; how not all anger is considered a sin; how the women’s liberation movement has done more harm than good; how the upbringing of children has become a forgotten or despised commandment; and how those who fight against ecumenism frequently lead their children into heresy.Duration: 3hrs 36minsVisit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com