by St. Paisios the Athonite –
If Christians don’t begin to witness their faith, to resist evil, then the destroyers will become even more insolent. But today’s Christians are no warriors. If the Church keeps silent, to avoid conflict with the government, if the metropolitans are silent, if the monks hold their peace, then who will speak up?
The spirit of lukewarmness reigns. There’s no manliness at all! We’ve been spoiled for good! How does God still tolerate us? Today’s generation is the generation of indifference. There are no warriors The majority are fit only for parades.
Godlessness and blasphemy are allowed to appear on television. And the Church is silent and doesn’t excommunicate the blasphemers. And they need to be excommunicated. What are they waiting for? Let’s not wait for someone else to pull the snake out from its hole so that we can live in peace.
They’re silent out of indifference. What’s bad is that even people who’ve got something inside have begun to grow cool, saying: “Can I really do anything to change the situation?” We have to witness our faith with boldness, because if we continue to be silent we’ll have to answer in the end. In these difficult days each must do what’s in their power. And leave what’s out of their power to the will of God. In this way our conscience will be clear.
Today’s generation is the generation of indifference.
If we don’t resist, then our ancestors will arise from their graves. They suffered so much for the Fatherland, and we? What are we doing for it?…
If Christians don’t begin to witness their faith, to resist evil, then the destroyers will become even more insolent. But today’s Christians are no warriors. If the Church keeps silent, to avoid conflict with the government, if the metropolitans are silent, if the monks hold their peace, then who will speak up?
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Make War Against Evil
You see, if we don’t begin to make war against evil, to expose those who tempt believers, then the evil will grow larger. If we throw aside fear then the faithful will be emboldened a bit. And those who wage war against the Church will have a harder time.
If we throw aside fear then the faithful will be emboldened a bit.
In the past our nation lived spiritually, so God blessed her, and the saints helped us in miraculous fashion. And we were victorious against our enemies, who always outnumbered us. Today we continue to call ourselves Orthodox Christians, but we don’t live Orthodox lives.
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Beware of Lukewarm Clergy
A lukewarm clergy lulls the people to sleep, leaves them in their former condition so they won’t be upset. “Look”, they say. “By all means don’t say that there’ll be a war, or the Second Coming, that one must prepare oneself for death. We must not make people alarmed!”
And others speak with a false kindness, saying: “We mustn’t expose heretics and their delusions, so as to show our love for them.” Today’s people are water-soluble. There’s no leaven in them.
Spiritual meekness is one thing, and softness and indifference are quite another.
If I avoid upsetting myself to protect my fleshly comfort then I’m indifferent to holiness! Spiritual meekness is one thing, and softness and indifference are quite another. Some say: “I’m a Christian and therefore I have to be joyful and calm.” But they’re not Christian. They’re simply indifferent. And their joy is only a worldly joy.
He in whom these worldly seeds are present is no spiritual person. A spiritual person consists of nothing but pain. In other words, he’s in pain at what’s going on, he’s in pain for people’s condition. And divine comfort is bestowed upon him for his pain.
HT: The Holy War
Sadly, many Orthodox, including clergy, are mesmerized by the political left’s social warrior crusade against the “evils” of capitalism, the fallacy of “white privilege”, and the acceptance of the LGBT agenda. It appears they believe this is the way a benevolent government will help the “masses” receive “equality.”
Do they ignore the war on Christianity, the destruction of the family, and the slaughter of the innocents in the womb? Or are they “blinded” somehow? Some have even succumbed to this demonic materialistic ideology such as Frank Schaffer, forgetting that Christ said, “My Kingdom is not of this world” they viciously fight alongside those who would consume them.
I am not saying to embrace the political right completely because they too have their faults, especially when the rich seem to be getting richer and ignore those who can use their help. But at least a free people can make the decision for themselves. This move toward socialism is way more dangerous.
If you look in the Bible, the reason misery and tyranny come in, is because God’s people have rejected him. 1 Samuel 8
So true! Moral issues are no longer preached in churches anymore. It’s called meddling, no wonder many Christians are confused. God help us!
It’s sad, but some of the laziest people I’ve met are clergy and missionaries. They go about their day doing the bare minimum to be considered “set apart”, but seldom get involved in weighty matters. Our shepherds are falling asleep!
can someone help me to witness my faith on social media. i’ve open air witnessed for 8 years, but can’t anymore cuz i’m 76 years old. if you care to call me at: 956-361-0129 any time, i’d appreciate it. many shut-ins and those in rest homes i’m sure would like the same information. because He rules and reigns, don
Amen, Amen, and Amen!!!
Abbot Tryphon