Orthodox Talks

This talk is a continuation of Talk 43. In his own time, Saint Seraphim of Sarov said that Orthodox Christians had forgotten the true aim of the Christian life. Many had become immersed in the darkness of materialism or in routine and mechanical outward piety. Saint Seraphim revealed the true aim of the spiritual life to his disciple, Nicholas Motovilov. This revelation is considered one of modern Orthodoxy’s most important spiritual treasures.In this talk, Father Kosmas explains how if such ignorance existed in Saint Seraphim’s time, how much more does it exist now. In our times, many have a wrong view of the essence of spiritual life. He emphasizes how many are confused by what exactly is meant by “good deeds”. By analyzing the saint’s revelation, Orthodox Christians will discover not only what good deeds are, but also the most important thing of all: what we need to do to be saved.The following questions are also discussed: why is hypocrisy considered the worst of sins? Is confessing Christ as God enough, considering that the devil does the same? External versus internal piety – which is more important? Should not Christ have reprimanded those who followed man-made traditions? Should asceticism be considered more important than following the commandments? What is the first gift that God gives to those who are truly struggling?Other points covered in this talk include: the danger of trusting oneself in the spiritual life; the danger of being obsessed with particular aspects of Orthodoxy; how strictly observing Church practices can become a form of idol worship; how an answered prayer does not always indicate spiritual progress; how the devil can imitate the gifts of the Holy Spirit; and the story of how a prostitute’s prayer raised a mother’s only son.Acknowledgement: The Transfiguration of St. Seraphim, Mural in St. Seraphim Cathedral, Dallas, TX USA, by Vladimir Grygorenko, www.orthodox-icon.comTalk 44 duration: 3hrs 39minsChanting duration: 13mins (Hymns from the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos)Visit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com

The Holy Fathers teach that prayer, fasting and almsgiving are a means of acquiring the grace of God. Although many Orthodox Christians observe these holy practices, spirituality in the Church is steadily decreasing. While there are many reasons for this, the chief cause is that there are few spiritual guides with the gift of discernment. Because of this, pride and Pharisaism have spread like a disease among the faithful.In this talk, Father Kosmas explains why observing spiritual practices can actually be harmful and can even lead to the loss of one’s soul. Citing the ancient and contemporary Fathers, he confirms that afflictions and illnesses have been given by God as a safer means of salvation for Orthodox Christians in the last times.The following questions are also discussed: can one be holy but unable to guide? Why has the Church become more lenient with regard to serious sins? What did Christ mean by “when you pray, do not use vain repetitions”? Why did 100 monks die from fasting? Why did Elder Paisios wish that he might lose his legs? What did Christ mean by “do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing”? What is the first gift God gives to those who struggle? Why should spiritual fathers be aware of those with cunning minds?Other points covered in this talk include: the dangers of self-imposed ascetic labors; the purpose and importance of imposing penances in confession; why many people fast with no benefit; the ecumenists’ blasphemy against the miracle of Saint Euphemia at the Fourth Ecumenical Council; heresiarchs that were known for their prayer and asceticism; an explanation of Saint John the Baptist’s words, “Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance”; and why Christ continually warned against vainglory.Talk 43 duration: 3hrs 14minsChanting duration: 9mins (Service to St Euphemia)Visit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com

This talk is a continuation of Talk 41. We live in times of weak faith and a general lack of spirituality. One of the reasons for this is that experienced spiritual guides are very few. This gives rise to a major problem with respect to the inner spiritual life, namely, difficulty in knowing whether our spiritual feelings and experiences are real. These feelings include: joy, peace, warmth, sweetness, love, calmness, zeal, boldness, power, consolation and tears. Obviously, Orthodox Christians of today need to know the difference between false and true spirituality.In this talk, Father Kosmas explains the absolute necessity of seeking guidance from the writings of those Holy Fathers who have lived in recent times. Also, when possible, one should seek guidance from discerning spiritual fathers living in our times. All these spiritual guides emphasize the importance of understanding that spiritual life in the last times requires a somewhat different approach and attitude from that taught by the ancient fathers.The following questions are also discussed: why did one elder slap a novice? Why would demons encourage Christians to aim for virtues? Can audio-visual technology have an adverse effect on one’s spiritual life? Is there anything wrong with Facebook? Can seeking love for God prematurely be dangerous? What are the true signs of spiritual progress?Other points covered in this talk include: spiritual suicide; the spiritual tantrums of spoilt Christians; the Holy Fathers’ prophecies regarding monastics of the last times; why Christians of today need spiritual sunglasses; soul-saving advice on how to approach the writings of the Holy Fathers; the delusion of laypeople who seek to live as monastics; a young man’s strange absence of any passions; and how a quiet young woman was mistaken for a saint.Duration: 3hrs 47minsVisit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com

For quite a few decades now there has been an increasing interest in the practice of the Jesus Prayer. A large number of books and pamphlets have been made available to the faithful giving detailed instructions on this prayer, which even include breathing techniques. The main focus of this teaching is to force the mind into the heart in order to acquire prayer of the heart. Orthodox Christians, including beginners, are encouraged to practice the Jesus Prayer with the aim of acquiring unceasing prayer. The question arises, is this always advisable?In this talk, Father Kosmas mainly uses contemporary saints and elders to explain not only the benefits but also the dangers of the Jesus Prayer, something that is rarely mentioned. Most importantly, he emphasizes that Orthodox Christians must begin the spiritual life at the lowest step and not attempt to reach spiritual states which are beyond their abilities, in order to avoid spiritual catastrophe and even diabolical deception.The following questions are also discussed: how can the Jesus Prayer lead to self-hypnosis? What is spiritual indigestion? Can it be more beneficial at times to marvel at the spiritual heights of the saints rather than imitate them? Why is it dangerous to interpret events in one’s life? What are the five levels of prayer? Can imitating the saints at times be dangerous? Why did an elder strictly warn Christians not to force themselves to pray?Other points covered in this talk include: body heat during prayer; a saint’s positive and negative attitudes toward the Philokalia; the dangers of reading books beyond one’s level; married people and monastic books; sexual lust and prayer; the difference between prayer of the heart and prayer in the heart or with the heart; the danger of fantasy in prayer; and the danger of seeing lights during prayer.Duration: 3hrs 57minsVisit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com

This talk is a continuation of Talk 39. Much has been written on the subject of prayer, both by contemporary authors and by saints throughout the centuries. Yet the topic of prayer remains surrounded by ignorance, distortion and confusion. This is partly because the saints’ writings on prayer are often too deep for today’s Orthodox Christians to comprehend. On the other hand, articles by contemporary clergy and theologians frequently only add to the confusion.In this talk, Father Kosmas relates valuable advice on the topic of prayer, mainly using the writings of recent saints or elders. These holy men, possessing the divine gift of discernment, were able to instruct Orthodox Christians living in the world how to pray. They knew how to explain the writings of the ancient fathers without creating confusion and causing spiritual disasters.The following questions are also discussed: how does one prepare for prayer? What is meant by “shame in approaching the icons”? What is “spiritual paralysis”? Is it dangerous to be too confident in prayer? How does God protect the person who prays vaingloriously? What is meant by “pressuring God”? What should we do when we fail to say our prayers? Should we set a time limit for our prayer rule? How do we protect ourselves from excessive zeal in prayer?Other points covered in this talk include: depression and prayer; monotony and boredom in prayer; the difficulty of praying in one’s own words; how externals in prayer can be useful; the dangers of too many prayers and prostrations; how prayer and fasting can affect the mentally ill; a fearful example of one young man’s obsession with prayer; haste and carelessness in prayer; quality versus quantity of prayer; and self-examination by the mentally ill.Duration: 3hrs 14minsVisit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com

In the writings of the Holy Fathers we often read fearful statements regarding prayer, such as: “Whoever refuses to pray rejects his salvation”; “There can be no progress in the spiritual life without prayer”; “Without prayer there can be no victory over the demons”; “There is nothing more important than prayer”; and “Prayer is food for the soul – it is better to let the body starve than for the soul to go hungry.” Despite these warnings, Orthodox Christians frequently either do not know how to pray or, even worse, refuse to pray.Using mainly the writings of Saint Theophan the Recluse, Father Kosmas offers simple and practical advice on the topic of prayer. He emphasizes the importance of always considering oneself a beginner with regard to prayer, and explains how such humility draws the grace of God into our souls.The following questions are also discussed: what effect does technology, especially the Internet, have on one’s prayer life? Why did one drunken deacon’s face shine with God’s grace? Is Saint Paul’s commandment to pray without ceasing unrealistic for those in the world? Why is it unfruitful to take on too many prayers? How does one deal with wandering thoughts? What is meant by ‘time distortion’ in prayer? Are prayer ropes only for monastics? Is it beneficial to form mental images during prayer?Other points covered in this talk include: a fearful story of one young man’s spiritual disaster due to false prayer; a saint’s attitude towards those who do not pray; coldness and deadness in prayer; the danger of rushing through one’s prayers; how bows and prostrations help one to pray; demonic temptations during prayer; the importance of the morning and evening prayers from the prayer book; a very short prayer rule given by Saint Seraphim of Sarov; boredom during prayer; and the dangers of expecting an instant prayer life.Duration: 3hrs 23minsVisit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com

Despite advances in medical science, occurrences of cancer are becoming increasingly frequent. Many live in fear of falling victim or losing a loved one to this disease. However, few give thought to a far worse disease, spiritual cancer: that of pride and vainglory. The saints of old did all they could to fight off the spiritual disease of pride and vainglory by avoiding praise and even hiding their gifts of miracle-working. Today’s Christians, however, frequently choose not to fight against pride and vainglory or, are even unaware of them – in both cases with disastrous consequences.Using the Holy Fathers as a guide, Father Kosmas explains the dangers of vainglory and pride in the spiritual life. He also uses examples from the lives of saints to emphasise their attitude towards miracle-working and other divine gifts, an attitude which for many would be very surprising.The following questions are also discussed: where have all the altar boys gone? What is meant by pressuring God? Why did one elder beg God to allow him to become possessed? What is meant by ‘a proud person has become a devil and his own enemy’? Can divine gifts be harmful for the soul? Is the Pentecostals’ emphasis on earthly prosperity and health justified by the Gospel? What was the purpose of Saint Paul’s sufferings? Do Christ’s words “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works” lead to vainglory and pride? Is it beneficial to openly confess our sins and weaknesses to others?Other points covered in this talk include: overconfidence and unholy familiarity with God; why denying our natural gifts can be spiritually beneficial; obesity and holiness; why those who expose the passions are hated; how we should view those who praise us to our faces; the difference between the praise of demons and the praise of men; and the concept of “mad pride.”Duration: 3hrs 50minsVisit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com

This talk is a continuation of the very popular series “Miracles and Deception.” Since the beginning of time people have been fascinated by dreams, prophesies, miracles, and other supernatural phenomena. While this interest lessened with the spread of Christianity, in recent centuries it has once again increased even among Christians. In reading the Holy Bible and the lives of the saints, many people focus only on the miracles and signs, while showing little interest in the teachings of the Church, participating in the sacraments, fulfilling God’s commandments, and struggling spiritually in repentance and humility.Using the Holy Fathers as a guide, Father Kosmas explains why it is that, even though miracles abound in Scripture and the lives of the saints, Christ particularly praises those who have believed in Him through His teachings rather than through witnessing signs and miracles. Understanding the true purpose of signs and miracles will help Orthodox Christians to know what to focus on in order to receive spiritual benefit in this life and salvation in the next.The following questions are also discussed: why did some who saw no miracles asked Christ to stay with them, while others who saw miracles asked Him to leave? Why do many Orthodox Christians not change their sinful lives despite witnessing so many miracles—myrrh-streaming and weeping icons, the incorrupt relics of saints, and how holy water does not spoil even after many years? How should Orthodox Christians regard the lives and miracles of Roman Catholic “saints”?Other points covered in this talk include: an explanation of why Christ condemned one city that believed in Him because of His many miracles; why not everyone who comes to Christ for healing deserves praise; the spiritual schizophrenia of those who were at once astonished and offended by Christ’s wisdom and miracles; why many of the heterodox who witness the Holy Fire at Christ’s Tomb in Jerusalem and other Orthodox miracles remain in their heresy; and one priest’s realization that humility is more important than knowledge and miracles.Duration: 3hrs 13minsVisit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com

In reading the Gospel and the lives of the saints we come across many signs and miracles. These miracles were especially abundant during the time of Christ and the apostles, bringing many to Christianity, and though less frequent they continue to this day. Over the past 2000 years, however, many Christians have also been converted to Christianity or strengthened in their faith without miracles, merely by hearing and studying the Word of God.Using patristic commentaries on the Holy Gospel, Father Kosmas compares the effect of God’s word on the soul with the effect of signs and miracles, to determine which of the two is more powerful, lasting, and spiritually beneficial. He examines the distorted views regarding miracles and signs held by many Orthodox Christians, and why this can lead to falling away from the Church.The following questions are also discussed: is it true that many who converted after witnessing signs and miracles later fell away from the Church? What was the stronger medicine to which Christ resorted for unbelievers? Can an unbeliever be healed through the faith of another? Is it right to dismiss the fervent faith of non-Orthodox? Why did Christ offend the Jews by praising the faith of pagans? Why did many Jews reject Christ even though they saw Him perform numerous signs and miracles? What is “miracle mania”? Why is it wise to fear those who seek signs and miracles but do not study the Word of God?Other points covered in this talk include: how numerous Orthodox Christians remain indifferent or fall away despite the many signs and miracles in the Church today; “miracle-workers” and their hunger for attention; St John Chrysostom’s explanation of why signs were given to the unbelievers and not to believers; the difference between the inner and outer darkness of hell; the modern-day scribes and Pharisees of the Orthodox Church; an elder’s rejection of those who approached him as they would a magician; and the relationship between sins and sickness.Duration: 3hrs 13minsVisit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com

We live in a time of growing interest in supernatural phenomena, as is evident from the numerous films, television programs and publications being produced on this topic. Even many Christians strongly desire to see or experience signs and miracles, either out of curiosity or to confirm their faith in God and the Church. But is seeking miracles truly beneficial?In this talk, Father Kosmas uses the Fathers’ interpretations of the Holy Bible to explain why, even after seeing Christ humbly perform many miracles and healings that helped people, the Jews still demanded of Him visually spectacular signs from the heavens, meaning the air and sky. Father Kosmas likewise describes why modern Christians fall into this same trap, and how the faithful can recognize and guard against the demonic “miracles” encountered today.The following questions are also discussed: what is the difference between earthly miracles and miracles from heaven? Why do many people seek signs and miracles rather than the salvation of their souls? What is carnal-mindedness, and how does it make one vulnerable to diabolical deception? Why did Christ sigh when asked to perform a sign? How does the television assist false prophets and false christs? What will be the Antichrist’s greatest miracle? Why are the new mega-churches attracting more followers than more traditional churches? What is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit and how can we avoid falling into it?Other points covered in this talk include: how a distorted understanding of signs and miracles can deprive one of salvation; how we protect ourselves from false prophets and false christs; the difference between working miracles out of love and compassion and working them out of vainglory; a young girl’s frightful experience after attempting to communicate with spirits; an account of one man’s wilful rejection of the Holy Spirit; the danger of seeking signs and miracles as a form of entertainment; and how many people today are unknowingly being prepared to accept the Antichrist.Duration: 3hrs 22minsVisit our website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com