Thank you Father. It is a trap, and it was when I became Orthodox that I noticed that. When I start ruminating and having anxiety, I go to the Jesus prayer or ask the Saints for help. It works every single time.
I am a catechumen, and yesterday I blasphemed against God. I haven’t had a chance to talk with my spiritual father yet. Thank you Father, and God bless!
0:40 Thank you for your advise here. Very wise! Demons can recreate in people the symptoms of psychological problems, so it's best to not fixate on it.
Me too !!! I'm a Serbian Orthodox Christian and have stopped going to church because of my shocking, terrible and fifth thoughts !! We both need to pray about it more and ask the HOLY MOTHER OF GOD to help us !!! GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY WE BOTH HOLD ON TO THE TRUTH AND OUR SALVATION !!! WE NEED THE CHURCH FOR SALVATION !!! WE CAN'T LET THE DEVIL DEFEAT US !!! ALL THE BEST !!!
Same here, I always repeat it multiple times because I feel I went too fast and it doesn't count or I had a foreign thought, or my stomach made noise and so on... 😕 my spiritual father said to continue when that happens but my OCD can't... I'm always thinking that it's not good enough or something of that nature :(
@@stephen3000xBrother this was EXACTLY my problem and it still kinda is. I think what helped me is praying about the specific issue. My issue was that I had to say "amen" in a specific way or it doesn't count. What helped me is to think if this really is what God wants of me. Then I realized that this is actually disrespectful because I was reducing the Lord to something that satisfies my OCD, and there is no way that God could want that. The Lord knows how many hairs are on your head brother, I don't think you should care too much about thoughts (although I am also now struggling with this.)
@@cronic6707 That's true, lately I can let some thoughts go, but if something feels funny with my body or I get a noisy cramp from my stomach etc, most of the times I repeat, but lately I try to "override" that instinct and continuing. In the end the only thing that matters (in my opinion) is to not give up... Wish you all the best in your journey!
It is true that we should not base our identity off of disorders and struggles. However, to claim that OCD is not real or that it is not big deal because everyone has bad thoughts suggests a lack of knowledge on the subject. Yes, everyone has bad thoughts - but OCD is not just bad thoughts, but an obsessive disorder that cannot in many cases be helped. You seem to think that the obsessive thoughts are simply being stuck in the past. Such ideas give fuel to those who think religion belongs in the dark ages. We must apply the ancient knowledge to the new knowledge that builds upon it. Modern psychology has its problems, but it should not be thrown out.
I don't believe he's claiming that it's not real, he's saying not to make mountains out of molehills or to let a medical diagnosis trap your way of perceiving the world, or to make you feel more special or different than anyone else on this planet. I was diagnosed with Aspergers, and if you know how autistic people on the internet go, it could have gone very badly, but I make a point of never bringing this up unless I have to. Maybe some people will figure it out on their own, but that doesn't matter; prior to modern diagnoses, no-one actually cared all that much, and I'm absolutely positive that many of the saints suffered with what we would now call mental illness or disorders. The difference is whether you let a modern diagnosis rule over you or not. The saints absolutely did not, and instead chose to put all their faith in Christ. Taking that into consideration, it seems abundantly clear what the correct path is. May the lord bless you, now and ever and unto the ages of ages, Amen.
@@benkai343434 He may have not said it wasn't real - although he did do the finger quotes when saying "diagnosis", which gives that implication. That aside, he did make it seem as no big deal by dismissing it as something everyone has. The person likely said that he had OCD so that the priest would have context of the situation. It is impossible not to use labels as they are helpful. Yes, we should not make it our identity, but there is no indication that this is what the person was doing other than mere speculation. Diagnosis' help us to understand why people are a certain way. I have Asperger's myself, and learning about how it effected me was freeing because suddenly I knew why I had this and that symptom. I am more than that, but it was very helpful to me. What is not helpful is people dismissing modern sciences off hand as if there is no benefit to diagnosing someone. It is true that many suffered in the past without diagnosis, but that should not stop research. People definitely cared - which is why they researched it and found out what was wrong with them. Having OCD or other similar disorders can be terrifying. Spiritual Fathers need to work with modern science and not against it to truly help the whole person. Likewise, medicine without religion is not much use either. If a priest is ignorant on a subject he should not speak of it, especially on topics that can do more harm than good. God bless.
I have OCD. The church wrecked my mental health entirely. All the priests in my city and even the monks in the monastery told me it's all completely my fault, rather than a psychological issue. I was told '"it's my pride". I was so ashamed of my illness for so long. Now that I left "orthodoxy" my illness has become much better. I am getting psychological treatment and I'm never going back.
When one leaves the Church, the demons tend to back off, and your life gets easier. However, if they notice that you are getting ready to get back in the ring, the assaults start to happen again (from within and without)_I know this from experience. St Paisios of mount Athos touches on this when people complain that they don't believe that they are making spiritual progress. He says that the progress is being made but not necessarily noticeable because the attacks multiply along with the progress. The cross represents the crucifixion of the flesh and is not an easy thing to handle, but it's the only way towards real freedom.
@@XMontgomery0 this is exactly the problem. All you talk about is "demons". Mental illness does not exist in your world. Your worldview is medieval. I also find it amusing that the cowards of who run this channel frequently delete comments.
This is now the second time my answer got deleted by the cowards behind this channel. Your problem is that you only adress the sprritual (demons), and not the psychological. This is pretty much what the church did to me. It made me feel suicidal. I will never go back. To the person deleting my comments: do you really think that's what God wants? You censoring people? If you had the truth you wouldn't have the need to censor people. As it stands you're just a liar. Keep deleting the comment, I'll keep reposting it.
This is now the third time my answer got deleted by the cowards behind this channel. Your problem is that you only adress the sprritual (demons), and not the psychological. This is pretty much what the church did to me. It made me feel suicidal. I will never go back. To the person deleting my comments: do you really think that's what God wants? You censoring people? If you had the truth you wouldn't have the need to censor people. As it stands you're just a liar. Keep deleting the comment, I'll keep reposting it.
Going along with this, I really hope you make a video about Jehovah's Witnesses. I have strong distrust too because I came from that faith, and so many lies and much abandonment came from them. Its made me very cautious, and distrustful. I really hope you make a video on it as it relates to the distrust subject.
Thank you Father. It is a trap, and it was when I became Orthodox that I noticed that. When I start ruminating and having anxiety, I go to the Jesus prayer or ask the Saints for help. It works every single time.
Agreed!
I’ve also experienced the same recently. Praise the Lord!
Jesus prayer is our sword and a shield or just like ven father Paisios the Athonite said it's a "machine gun" against demons.☦🕊🔥
I agreed. The more we do Jesus Prayers, the more peaceful we've become. Experienced it and love it always!
This is true
I am a catechumen, and yesterday I blasphemed against God. I haven’t had a chance to talk with my spiritual father yet. Thank you Father, and God bless!
I had a family member who was a psychologist and he quit because he didn't like labeling people and that profession only labels people.
most are liars anyways
0:40 Thank you for your advise here. Very wise! Demons can recreate in people the symptoms of psychological problems, so it's best to not fixate on it.
Please pray for me I suffer terribly with blasphemous thoughts alway
Thank you Father Peter.As a convert in Canada, I have battled with this, on and off all my life. Prayer is the only true answer I think.
I am a convert from roman catholicism. Terrible thoughts force me to give up the Church.
Thank you father
ПОМЈАНИТЕ!!
ТЕОДОРА
Me too !!!
I'm a Serbian Orthodox Christian and have stopped going to church because of my shocking, terrible and fifth thoughts !!
We both need to pray about it more and ask the HOLY MOTHER OF GOD to help us !!!
GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY WE BOTH HOLD ON TO THE TRUTH AND OUR SALVATION !!!
WE NEED THE CHURCH FOR SALVATION !!!
WE CAN'T LET THE DEVIL DEFEAT US !!!
ALL THE BEST !!!
I thank God for this message reaching me now and for the Church. Thank you also Fr Heers.
Thank u so much father much much much needed candid words of wisdom thank u so much❤☺️☦️🙏🕯️🤗🕊️🦋
thank you Fr Peter...
I literally asked God yesterday if He could give me a sign if He forgives me because of my blasphemous thoughts, Glory to God.
Repentance AND Confession. Prayer form you AND from/by the priest. Return/communion with BOTH GOD AND MAN (the brethren).
Thank you father for sharing this wise talk☦️🕊️🙏🏽
“Godless psychology”
I wish I could hear more about this topic that I never even thought about
excellent!
Thank you, I needed this today!
Thank you FATHER!!!
Too Good!!!
Father, this is incredible
Love you very much
Amen ☦️
I hate having OCD. I struggle everyday with praying because of the internal thoughts to the point I'm starting to dread when its time to pray
Same here, I always repeat it multiple times because I feel I went too fast and it doesn't count or I had a foreign thought, or my stomach made noise and so on... 😕 my spiritual father said to continue when that happens but my OCD can't... I'm always thinking that it's not good enough or something of that nature :(
@@stephen3000xBrother this was EXACTLY my problem and it still kinda is. I think what helped me is praying about the specific issue. My issue was that I had to say "amen" in a specific way or it doesn't count.
What helped me is to think if this really is what God wants of me. Then I realized that this is actually disrespectful because I was reducing the Lord to something that satisfies my OCD, and there is no way that God could want that.
The Lord knows how many hairs are on your head brother, I don't think you should care too much about thoughts (although I am also now struggling with this.)
@@cronic6707 That's true, lately I can let some thoughts go, but if something feels funny with my body or I get a noisy cramp from my stomach etc, most of the times I repeat, but lately I try to "override" that instinct and continuing. In the end the only thing that matters (in my opinion) is to not give up... Wish you all the best in your journey!
@@stephen3000x Thanks, brother, God bless you and all the best.
@@cronic6707 God bless you 🙏
Very helpful video father 🙏🏻
As always your channel is an oasis
It is true that we should not base our identity off of disorders and struggles. However, to claim that OCD is not real or that it is not big deal because everyone has bad thoughts suggests a lack of knowledge on the subject. Yes, everyone has bad thoughts - but OCD is not just bad thoughts, but an obsessive disorder that cannot in many cases be helped. You seem to think that the obsessive thoughts are simply being stuck in the past. Such ideas give fuel to those who think religion belongs in the dark ages. We must apply the ancient knowledge to the new knowledge that builds upon it. Modern psychology has its problems, but it should not be thrown out.
I don't believe he's claiming that it's not real, he's saying not to make mountains out of molehills or to let a medical diagnosis trap your way of perceiving the world, or to make you feel more special or different than anyone else on this planet.
I was diagnosed with Aspergers, and if you know how autistic people on the internet go, it could have gone very badly, but I make a point of never bringing this up unless I have to. Maybe some people will figure it out on their own, but that doesn't matter; prior to modern diagnoses, no-one actually cared all that much, and I'm absolutely positive that many of the saints suffered with what we would now call mental illness or disorders.
The difference is whether you let a modern diagnosis rule over you or not. The saints absolutely did not, and instead chose to put all their faith in Christ. Taking that into consideration, it seems abundantly clear what the correct path is.
May the lord bless you, now and ever and unto the ages of ages, Amen.
@@benkai343434 He may have not said it wasn't real - although he did do the finger quotes when saying "diagnosis", which gives that implication. That aside, he did make it seem as no big deal by dismissing it as something everyone has. The person likely said that he had OCD so that the priest would have context of the situation. It is impossible not to use labels as they are helpful. Yes, we should not make it our identity, but there is no indication that this is what the person was doing other than mere speculation.
Diagnosis' help us to understand why people are a certain way. I have Asperger's myself, and learning about how it effected me was freeing because suddenly I knew why I had this and that symptom. I am more than that, but it was very helpful to me. What is not helpful is people dismissing modern sciences off hand as if there is no benefit to diagnosing someone.
It is true that many suffered in the past without diagnosis, but that should not stop research. People definitely cared - which is why they researched it and found out what was wrong with them. Having OCD or other similar disorders can be terrifying. Spiritual Fathers need to work with modern science and not against it to truly help the whole person. Likewise, medicine without religion is not much use either.
If a priest is ignorant on a subject he should not speak of it, especially on topics that can do more harm than good. God bless.
..amen, amen. the Past is the Past. and the Future hasn't happened. rejoice in Today..
Some sound advice here. Take heed!
I have OCD. The church wrecked my mental health entirely. All the priests in my city and even the monks in the monastery told me it's all completely my fault, rather than a psychological issue. I was told '"it's my pride".
I was so ashamed of my illness for so long.
Now that I left "orthodoxy" my illness has become much better. I am getting psychological treatment and I'm never going back.
When one leaves the Church, the demons tend to back off, and your life gets easier. However, if they notice that you are getting ready to get back in the ring, the assaults start to happen again (from within and without)_I know this from experience.
St Paisios of mount Athos touches on this when people complain that they don't believe that they are making spiritual progress. He says that the progress is being made but not necessarily noticeable because the attacks multiply along with the progress.
The cross represents the crucifixion of the flesh and is not an easy thing to handle, but it's the only way towards real freedom.
@@XMontgomery0 this is exactly the problem with you people. All you see is demons. Your church is false and full of contradictions.
@@XMontgomery0 this is exactly the problem. All you talk about is "demons".
Mental illness does not exist in your world. Your worldview is medieval.
I also find it amusing that the cowards of who run this channel frequently delete comments.
This is now the second time my answer got deleted by the cowards behind this channel.
Your problem is that you only adress the sprritual (demons), and not the psychological. This is pretty much what the church did to me.
It made me feel suicidal. I will never go back.
To the person deleting my comments: do you really think that's what God wants? You censoring people? If you had the truth you wouldn't have the need to censor people. As it stands you're just a liar. Keep deleting the comment, I'll keep reposting it.
This is now the third time my answer got deleted by the cowards behind this channel.
Your problem is that you only adress the sprritual (demons), and not the psychological. This is pretty much what the church did to me.
It made me feel suicidal. I will never go back.
To the person deleting my comments: do you really think that's what God wants? You censoring people? If you had the truth you wouldn't have the need to censor people. As it stands you're just a liar. Keep deleting the comment, I'll keep reposting it.
Are vows made as religious in roman catholism still valid, if one turns to orthodoxy?
❤
What is OCD? Can anybody help, please.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
@@NoOneInParticular94 Thank you!
Going along with this, I really hope you make a video about Jehovah's Witnesses. I have strong distrust too because I came from that faith, and so many lies and much abandonment came from them. Its made me very cautious, and distrustful.
I really hope you make a video on it as it relates to the distrust subject.