Born as a roman catholic, I have never observed fast before Christmas, I have Orthodox study Bible (because I am drawn to orthodoxy and am discerning) and just when I was reading Matthew when Jesus fasted in the wilderness, there was in the notes mentioned fast before Nativity and I got very pulled towards it and when I checked youtube, first video recommendation was this. There are no coincidences, thanks Father, Glory be to God
I just had this exact inner thought that maybe through fasting, I can get rid of these lustful intrusive thoughts I’ve been battling the past few weeks. I feel the Holy Spirit inside of me inviting me to go forth with it and I just keep pushing it off… I will prepare for to fast this coming Christmas.
I just want to encourage all fellow Christians to not forget the holocaust happening today among the preborn. They also are among the fatherless. There is much to be done on this front. Prayer and sidewalk counseling at local abortion clinics, Educating young people (who are indoctrinated at school) about the evils of abortion (and all the sins that lead to it), and more. These things will often bring you the scorn of men, but will please the Father if done in the name of His Son.
I fasted Nov 4-5 to focus on prayer for the election. I prayed Psalm 27 over our nation and President. I know many people who also fasted. Witches were saying that their curses on President Trump were not working because of the prayers of Christians. Indeed, even they know Jesus is real. I am not saying my fasting is what led Trump to win, but I am saying that our prayers clearly protected this man. Fasting always teaches me just how much I make food an idol. I feel amazing today, November 6. Praise to the Lord for showing our nation mercy and honoring the prayers of so many believers.
Let’s hope he stops committing crimes, adultery, lying, and threatening those who offer honest advice with which he disagrees. He’ll hold up a Bible for a photo op, but does he go to church or have a faith at all. He seems full of pride, with zero humility.
How dose eating poisonous ultr Processed plant and soy-based food cooked on even more poisonous seed oil’s that were made to lubricate gears not from human consumption going to help me ( the only thing its gona help u with is meet god faster by geting the big C )
I'm thankful for these videos. I am protestant / reformed and fasted for the first time last year. These videos are truly helpful and Thank you for the encouragement.
@darthrevan2499 I struggle with a few things within orthodox theology such as icons. I don't think it is a salvation issue as salvation was bought by the blood of Christ alone. I have similar challenges with reformed brothers/sisters who believe in calvinism. As i also think the idea or pre destination and limited atonement is also in error. Im doing the best to learn from all sides, and as long as it lines up with the bible (in context). Then that hopefully will be enough.
@@MobileTechGaming Fr Josiah quotes St James the Apostle at the end of this video, saying faith apart from works is dead - works in this case meaning actions. If you refuse to kiss your loved ones, do you really love them? Would that answer satisfy your wife if she asked why you never kiss her? We venerate those we love, like kissing a photograph. Iconoclasm was an issue of such proportions that it was deemed worthy of the Seventh Ecumenical Council. The problem was already appraised and solved 1237 years ago. Never stop studying, and God bless you!
@NFS0038 thanks for that. And I do believe faith without works is dead, but it is important to understand the context with which James writes this. The actions here are in reference to taking care of one another and the church. We should absolutely be a people to ACT, but it think it's unfair to twist that scripture to try and fit icons. I don't have issues with pictures and remembering martyres, I take issue with the actions taken with these icons within the church. The wife argument is a strange one, very different thing me kissing an image of my wife to actually kissing my wife. Also saints are not omnipresent, even if it was a sign of respect to them. It feels like an empty gesture to me. The other thing where I find it challenging is that it distracts me from focusing on Christ. I bet if you spoke with St James, Peter, John or Paul and asked them they would point to Christ. Again much love to all sides of the argument. As I said, I don't think it's a salvation issue. I'm trying to follow the path as prescribed in the bible and shown in the early church
Dear Father Josiah, I lack words of gratitude for this teaching on fasting. Although born and raised in Serbia as a "nominal" orthodox Christian, I was not baptised as a child. I felt an urge to do so at the age of 35, while living in Sweden. Paradoxically, upon return to Serbia, I slowly begun reducing Church attendance, fasting... I did not lose faith, but failed as my spirit and body were not aligned. Surrounded by people who took much pride in their fasting mixed with my weak understanding and faith, I stopped fasting completely. I have been reading and thinking a lot about it for many years, but could not see or feel the real pull towards the true and, to me, comprehensive meaning. I paused this video twice to search for The Shepherd of Hermas and St. Leo the Great - found both in English and Serbian. It is sunday morning, Nov 10 , as I am watching the video and writing this comment. I am filled with joy and renewed and deepened determination to happily and freely realign my spirit and body, my thoughts and my deeds and to embrace the upcoming and all other fasting seasons and days as I should. God bless you!
Thank you for this inspiring video! Im a evangelical and former catholic with a love for the orthodoxy teachings! I had for half year I guess the thought, I should start fasting again and one month ago in my prsyer time I realized its really from God and started to do this regulary and want do this twice a week at most now after watching this! Thank you for your work and may God bless this channel and all my orthodox brothers and sisters in Christ! Greetings from Switzerland! 🇨🇭
I am currently fasting. God told me to fast for three days eating vegetables only to help a family member that is struggling with demonic influence. I’m on the 2nd day. It’s not so bad. But I’ll be happy to eat again. The hard part is not having sugar, cheese, and meat, or bread.
It's good sister but please don't say "God told me" because many people speak like that in the name of God but wolves disguise in sheep clothing. Demons give us commands and appear as angels of light. We orthodox should not use this language . With love in Christ.
Thank you Fr Josiah. This was truly one of my most favorite videos you've done in a LONG time. I initially learned this important aspect of fasting to care for the poor on my journey to becomming Orthodox by a very loving pastor, David Charlton. He was pivitol in my journey to the Orthodox Church....Christ follower that taught me connection to others, loving all like Christ....he's still Protestant, but I am forever grateful to God for his love & care. A true shepherd of God's lambs.
About May this year, I tried what I call a "Gratitude Fast", where I only had grateful thoughts and prayers during the fasting period. I felt like I'd been blessed with a greater measure of resistance to temptation, among other things.
Father Josiah, I hope this is a topic you could give clarity to. I am belittled and mocked on a daily basis by my supervisor at my workplace. Even to the point that a religious function I attended for an hour, I was told to prioritize Jesus another time. This was the only time I ever pushed back against her, saying that Jesus is always the priority. As I knew this was truly a violation of my conscience and truly evil words. However, all other times, I allow these comments and those by my subordinates who join in with her to pass. As I am not sure whether it’s my pride that is at stake or my conscience truthfully being violated. I am asking if the correct example would be to tell others that we expect to be treated with dignity or to allow them their taunts and mockery. Thank you.
Those of hardened hearts tend not to listen, so avoiding a confrontation if possible is good. But at the same time i would suggest for you to pray for them regularly that God will touch their hearts and change them. God is way more capable than us to change such hearts.
I am no expert in this field, but based on my current understanding, it is not biblically wrong to defend or stand up for yourself. There is biblical scripture that shows us we can defend ourselves, so long as we do so to DEFEND ourselves rather than take vengeance and/or cause unnecessary harm. In John 2:15-16 our Lord Jesus Christ whips and drives out people who are blaspheming the Holy Temple. Here he is defending Himself and the Lord's temple from blasphemers and blaspheming of the Temple. Also, Luke 22:35-36 Jesus Christ advises his disciples to keep a sword, likely for self-defense of themselves and loved ones, because He will no longer be with them in Body. Additionally, in John 18:22-23, when our Lord Jesus Christ is slapped in the face by one of the officials, though He did not respond with violence, He basically responded and said "If I have spoken wrongly, give evidence about the wrong; but if rightly, why do you hit me?" I hope this helps. Pray for your enemies and those who do harm for you as well.
Sorry to hear they are behaving this way toward you. Very unpleasant! Those who are without God are Truly lost. It's great that you are dedicated to Christ! Perhaps it is worth bringing up with her superiors, as this is a form of discrimination. “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” - Mark 8:34 and Matthew 16:26 - Keep close to your church and family, and confide perhaps in your Priest, or perhaps consider attending an Orthodox Church close to you if you don't already :) prayers for you!
Please pray for me, i have a strong monastic calling, but my parents are extremely opposed to it. I am extremely confused right now, My name is Matthew and I am 15.
Where are you from brother, if you get to 18 (or whatever the age you are independent of your parents) and your calling is still there, there is no worry, go for it. This sounds like something you should speak to a spiritual father about. keep in mind your parents only want what they think is best for you, do not hold/ build resentment.
You have to find traditional Catholicism. Fasting is very much alive and well there. Enemies captured the papacy in a coup in 1958 and have been destroying the church from within ever since. That was what was behind moving the tabernacles off the high altar, tearing out high altars and altar rails, communion in the hand, Eucharistic ministers, getting rid of the devotions including stations of the cross adoration, exposition of the blessed sacrament. The mass was changed by Paul VI. The holy sacrifice of the mass was thrown out, replaced with Swedish Lutheranism, and a dinner table (Jewish Seder meal) and the words of consecration were changed. The table looks just like those used in Masonic temples. The rite of consecration for bishops was changed to become invalid. There was no mention of the Holy Spirit and the consecration words were all changed while telling Catholics they were taken from an orthodox consecration ceremony. In truth they were the words of an installation ceremony which was used after the consecration. No valid bishops since 1968 means no validly ordained priests and no confected blessed sacrament. The new mass is called the novus ordo seclorum or new world order mass. It was the beginning of changing religion to the worship of man. It is no wonder people wish to convert to orthodoxy. They are attracted to truth and beauty of its worship. Please pray for the restoration of true Catholicism and the uniting of the orthodox and Catholics as one.
I love your videos I’m in the process of getting closer to Christ at the moment I’ve been going through unusual things I pray and they go away slightly but then they come back . And when I do pray it’s like I get a slight pain that travels from the back of my head to the side I’m not sure, I’ll keep praying but I think is something serious more than I might understand
@Beelynda / This sounds like demonic infestation. Are you born again and saved? Have you confessed each of your sins to Christ and turned away from them (having a change of mind - this is repentance). Have you been Baptized in the Holy Spirit in Fire? Follow me, I can help you, but I need to know your answers to these questions first ❤
In a nutshell, we’re looking at 40 days of no meat (other than fish) and no dairy, but also no fish or oils or dairy on Wednesdays and Fridays as usual. I’m new too. Will be 1 year for me come January
Thank you Father evlogete! Please do a video on the pagan celebration of Xmas. How non orthodox and anti Christian is . Totally alien to ancient old Christian tradition.
Wow, thank you so much father 🙏 does anyone have advice for an inquirer who hasn’t talked to a priest about a fasting rule and isn’t a catechumen yet? If they want to keep a fast but are the only one in their family doing so? Is only giving up meat an acceptable fast in this case?
What about somebody who still lives with parents and as parents provide food and everything, yes i try my best to fast when im home alone or for breakfast/ dinner but often for lunch its my parents that cook mother isn't Orthodox (neither have i been baptized yet but am trying to follow Orthodoxy and learn more about it withevery day) and father isn't a Christian, i still give to poor at church (red cross donations or something) and when i see somebody in need i give what from i have on me at the time. But i plan to move out within next year and will be able to fast more fully, what may i do untill then?
Your desire to fast is v inspiring! Also you don't have to fast from food alone. Maybe music or TV or other worldly pleasures. You could also fast from lunch to lunch maybe. Like eating lunch and fasting until lunch the next day
God is the superlative provider for us all! Took an ASVAB test recently without studying, resulting in a composite score of 85%. I trusted in god knowing I’d pass anyway but as always he exceeds my expectations, truly amazing. He deserves so much better from me.
For everyone seeing this, God is Good!!! ✝️✝️✝️I'm retired at 61, went from Grass to Grace. This video here reminds me of my transformation from a nobody to good home, honest wife, $35k biweekly and a good daughter full of love ❤️
I raised 75k and Maria Luisa Clare is to be thanked. I got my self my dream car 🚗 just last weekend, My journey with her started after my best friend came back from New York and saw me suffering in dept then told me about her and how to change my life through her. Maria L. Clare is the kind of person one needs in his or her life! I got a home, a good wife, and a beautiful daughter. Note!:: this is not a promotion but me trying to make a point that no matter what happens, always have faith and keep living!!
I know that woman(Maria Luisa Clare) If you were born and raised in new York you'd know too, No doubt she is the one that helped you get where you are!!
Yes, we are as long as bread does not contain oil. I make my own sourdough, and the bread comes up absolutely scrumptious. All you need is flour, water and yeast. There are plenty of videos on RUclips. It's super easy.
@@malcolmlang4501/ In the Old Testament, disciples ate unleavened bread. If you google the Daniel Fast, it’s 21 days of vegetables and water. Nothing pleasing. Some fasts last 3 days with no water or any food 😮💨 Some can be 40 days with no meat, starch, etc. There are different types of fasts depending upon what it is you’re aiming to achieve through the fast.
I'm Baptist, but I am very interested in Catholicism and Orthodoxy. Is there a dispensation for Americans on Thanksgiving? That day is a great family day for my family and we get together to give the Lord thanks.
What about oikonomia for health reasons or necessary fuel for high energy needs related to job where not taking in calories or nutrients would be dangerous? My ask is specific to my health and not a hypothetical.
I make just enough to pay for my rent and bills. And I never have anything left over for food which is why I applied for SNAP. So how can someone like me who is below poverty level be able to help feed the poor?
My friend collects wild nuts when he goes on walks--he knows where all the best trees are!---then gives some away over the next few months. Maybe you could pick an extra container or two and share with someone who can't afford to buy any.
I have a question that I have been having a hard time finding an answer to. Do Orthodox churches in America follow the Gregorian or the Julian calendar for holidays, feasts and fasts? Does the Nativity fast start November 15th, or 28th of the Gregorian calendar? Many thanks for an answer.
Some Orthodox churches follow the new calendar, while others follow the old calendar. So both the 15th and 28th are both the start of fast, depending on what calendar your Church follows. Blessings to you 🙏🏾☦️
Fasting is going without something that dominates your life. Following the traditions is important of course,but make it personal, prioritize this above all. You might not mind circumscribing yourself from food a heavy task, but this is the motif of fasting, to challenge yourself. Replace what your flesh desires for time with God, this is the reason for fasting.
I hear wlot of sedentary people talk about fasting. Putting others in guilt whom are put there building highways 60 hours a week. It's one thing to sit s a priest or office worker and fast it's another thing to be a working man and fast. Spiritual fasting is a whole different matter. Know your scripture folks all men! Insured to get knowledge out of sermons but the true word of God is our food.
Fasting is not safe for me as I am underweight and suffering from gastroparesis. I feel guilty and feel pressure from others to fast even though I could end up in the hospital. What do I do? I am already limited in what I can consume safely, eliminating those food items could cost me my life long-term.
Talk to your spiritual father. The Orthodox Church allows exceptions based on personal circumstances. (Just one example: pregnant women aren't expected to stop eating dairy products).
This is a difficult but welcomed video for me as a catechumen. I cannot say that I fully understand fasting, it appears to me as "letter of the law" rather than "spirit of the law". Again, I do not understand.
Since I have the text in front of me, I might as well copy paste it. "What is Orthodoxy? by Archbishop Averky of Syracuse and Holy Trinity Monastery ON THE FIRST SUNDAY of the Great Fast our Church celebrates the triumph of Orthodoxy, the victory of true Christian teaching over all perversions and distortions thereof�heresies and false teachings. On the second Sunday of the Great Fast it is as though this triumph of Orthodoxy is repeated and deepened in connection with the celebration of the memory of one of the greatest pillars of Orthodoxy, the hierarch Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica, who by his grace-bearing eloquence and the example of his highly ascetic private life put to shame the teachers of falsehood who dared reject the very essence of.Orthodoxy, the podvig of prayer and fasting, which enlightens the human mind with the light of grace and makes it a communicant of the divine glory. Alas! How few people there are in our times, even among the educated, and at times even among contemporary "theologians" and those in the ranks of the clergy, who understand correctly what Orthodoxy is and wherein its essence lies. They approach this question in an utterly external, formal manner and resolve it too primitively, even naively, overlooking its depths completely and not at all seeing the fullness of its spiritual contents. The superficial opinion of the majority notwithstanding, Orthodoxy is not merely another of the many "Christian confessions" now in existence, or as it is expressed here in America "denominations." Orthodoxy is the true, undistorted, unperverted by any human sophistry or invention, genuine teaching of Christ in all its purity and fullness�the teaching of faith and piety which is life according to the Faith. Orthodoxy is not only the sum total of dogmas accepted as true in a purely formal manner. It is not only theory, but practice; it is not only right Faith, but a life which agrees in everything with this Faith. The true Orthodox Christian is not only he who thinks in an Orthodox manner, but who feels according to Orthodoxy and lives Orthodoxy, who strives to embody the true Orthodox teaching of Christ in his life. "The words that I speak unto you are spirit and life"�thus the Lord Jesus Christ spoke to His disciples of His divine teaching (Jn. 6: 63). Consequently, the teaching of Christ is not only abstract theory merely, cut off from life, but spirit and life. Therefore, only he who thinks Orthodoxy, feels Orthodoxy and lives Orthodoxy can be considered Orthodox in actuality. At the same time one must realize and remember that Orthodoxy is not only and always that which is officially called "Orthodox," for in our false and evil times the appearance everywhere of pseudo-Orthodoxy which raises its head and is established in the world is an extremely grievous but, regrettably, an already unquestionable fact. This false Orthodoxy strives fiercely to substitute itself for true Orthodoxy, as in his time Antichrist will strive to supplant and replace Christ with himself. Orthodoxy is not merely some type of purely earthly organization which is headed by patriarchs, bishops and priests who hold the ministry in the Church which officially is called "Orthodox." Orthodoxy is the mystical "Body of Christ," the Head of which is Christ Himself (see Eph. 1:22-23 and Col. 1:18, 24 et seq.), and its composition includes not only priests but all who truly believe in Christ, who have entered in a lawful way through Holy Baptism into the Church He founded, those living upon the earth and those who have died in the Faith and in piety. The Orthodox Church is not any kind of "monopoly" or "business" of the clergy as think the ignorant and those alien to the spirit of the Church. It is not the patrimony of this or that hierarch or priest. It is the close-knit spiritual union of all who truly believe in Christ, who strive in a holy manner to keep the commandments of Christ with the sole aim of inheriting that eternal blessedness which Christ the Savior has prepared for us, and if they sin out of weakness, they sincerely repent and strive "to bring forth fruits worthy of repentance" (St. Luke 3:8). ... True Orthodoxy, on the other hand, is alien to every dead formalism. In it there is no blind adherence to the "letter of the law," for it is "spirit and life." Where, from an external and purely formal point of view, everything seems quite correct and strictly legal, this does not mean that it is so in reality. In Orthodoxy there can be no place for Jesuitical casuistry; the favorite dictum of worldly jurists cannot be applied: "One may not trample upon the law�one must go around it." Orthodoxy is the one and only Truth, the pure Truth, without any admixture or the least shadow of falsehood, lie, evil or fraud. The most essential thing in Orthodoxy is the podvig of prayer and fasting which the Church particularly extols during the second week of the Great Fast as the double-edged "wondrous sword" by which we strike the enemies of our salvation�the dark demonic power. It is through this podvig that our soul is illumined with grace-bearing divine light, as teaches St. Gregory Palamas, who is triumphantly honored by the Holy Church on the second Sunday of the Great Fast. Glorifying his sacred memory, the Church calls this wondrous hierarch "the preacher of grace," "the beacon of the Light," "the preacher of the divine light," "an immovable pillar for the Church." Christ the Savior Himself stressed the great significance of the podvig of prayer and fasting when His disciples found themselves unable to cast out demons from an unfortunate boy who was possessed. He told them clearly,"This kind (of demon) goeth not out save by prayer and fasting" (St. Matt. 17:21). Interpreting this passage in the gospel narrative, our great patristic theologian-ascetic, the hierarch Theophan the Recluse asks, "May we think that where there is no prayer and fasting, there is a demon already?" And he replies, "We may. Demons, when entering into a person do not always betray their entry, but hide themselves, secretly teaching their hosts every evil and to turn aside every good. That person may be convinced that he is doing everything himself, while he is only carrying out the will of his enemy. Only take up prayer and fasting and the enemy will immediately leave and will wait elsewhere for an opportunity to return; and he really will return if prayer and fasting are soon abandoned" (Thoughts for Each Day of the Year, pp. 245-246). From this a direct conclusion may be reached: where fasting and prayer are disregarded, neglected or completely set aside, there is no trace of Orthodoxy�there is the domain of demons who treat man as their own pathetic toy. Behold, therefore, where all contemporary "modernism" leads, which demands "reform" in our Orthodox Church! All these liberal free thinkers and their lackies, who strive to belittle the significance of prayer and fasting, however much they shout and proclaim their alleged faithfulness to the dogmatic teaching of our Orthodox Church, cannot be considered really Orthodox, and have shown themselves to be apostates from Orthodoxy. We will always remember that by itself totally formal Orthodoxy has no goal if it does not have "spirit and life"�and the "spirit and life" of Orthodoxy are first and foremost in the podvig of prayer and fasting; moreover, the genuine fasting of which the Church teaches is understood in this instance to be abstinence in every aspect, and not merely declining to taste non-Lenten foods. Without podvig there is altogether no true Christianity, that is to say, Orthodoxy. See what Christ, the First Ascetic, Himself clearly says; "Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (Mark 8:34). The true Christian, the Orthodox Christian, is only he who strives to emulate Christ in the bearing of the cross and is prepared to crucify himself in the Name of Christ. The holy Apostles clearly taught this. Thus the Apostle Peter writes: "If when you do well and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is accepted with God. For even here unto were ye called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps" (I Pet. 2:2-21). In precisely the same way the holy Apostle Paul says repeatedly in his epistles that all true Christians must be ascetics, and the ascetic labor of the Christian consists of crucifying himself for the sake of Christ: "They that are Christians have crucified the flesh together with the passions and lusts" (Gal. 5:24). A favorite expression of St. Paul is that we must be crucified with Christ that we might rise with Him. He puts forth this thought in a variety of his sayings in many of his epistles. You see, therefore, that one who loves only to spend time enjoying himself and does not think of self-denial and self-sacrifice, but continually wallows in every possible fleshly pleasure and delight is completely un-Orthodox, un-Christian. Concerning this the great ascetic of Christian antiquity, the Venerable Isaac the Syrian, taught well: "The way of God is a daily cross. No one ascends to heaven living cooly (i.e. comfortably, carefree, pleased with himself, without struggle). And of the cool path, we know where it ends" (Works, p. 158). This is that "wide and broad way" which, in the words of the Lord Himself, "leadeth to destruction" (Matt. 7:13). This then is what is Orthodoxy, or True Christianity!" From Orthodox Life, vol. 26, no. 3 (May-June, 1976), pp. 1-5.
Fasting for over a month is difficult for a 77+ yr. old man like myself who's also in less than best health. Giving to widows and orphans is difficult when I don't know any widows or orphans.
Babies in the womb who are killed are among the fatherless of our generation. Have you considered going once a week to your local abortion clinic to pray and to call mothers to love their children? This is one idea.
@@Paul-w3f1y They may lock you up if you decide to physically block the doors. Some are serving time for that now. As long as you don’t tresspass or physically impede any one, you still have freedom of speech and can offer literature/information or hold a sign. Maybe try going down the first few times to pray and talk to and observe other Christians who are also there. I‘m sure they would be happy to answer questions and to have your supporting presence!
@@mmccorm2 I have to pray about this and ask my Priest. You see I believe that even though abortion is an abomination we still live in a secular society. If that society says abortion is legal then as abominable as that may be Church and state are separate. Don't forget Lot lived in Sodom and he was vexed, but he didn't carry any picket sign.
@@Paul-w3f1y Although God instituted government to uphold justice, I agree that it isn’t our job to carry protest signs. I am talking about loving our neighbors as ourselves, even those in the womb. Would you want someone to persuade your mother to change her mind and heart, if she had contemplated that act (even if approved of by the state)? This can be done in a loving way and sometimes miracles happen. But many would be rather engaged in good works that gain them the praise of men. How can life go on as normal when babies are being killed? If the church does nothing to persuade these mothers and fathers, who will?
Eating vegan is not fasting and costs more than a healthy low carb diet. I left EO because of their obsession with Vegan diets. No one did anything for the poor but they sure talked about the fast a lot.
@@Nenad-ICXC-Shuput-GFAMMA If so why you write a comment ... your back year fastings were not true fasting to pursue the kingdom of God. Do everything not for this world but carry your cross to have the kingdom of God.
What good is fasting going to do when you're outside the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, i.e, "Catholics" and Protestants? "The superficial opinion of the majority notwithstanding, Orthodoxy is not merely another of the many "Christian confessions" now in existence, or as it is expressed here in America "denominations." Orthodoxy is the true, undistorted, unperverted by any human sophistry or invention, genuine teaching of Christ in all its purity and fullness-the teaching of faith and piety which is life according to the Faith." Archbishop Averky of Syracuse
Born as a roman catholic, I have never observed fast before Christmas, I have Orthodox study Bible (because I am drawn to orthodoxy and am discerning) and just when I was reading Matthew when Jesus fasted in the wilderness, there was in the notes mentioned fast before Nativity and I got very pulled towards it and when I checked youtube, first video recommendation was this. There are no coincidences, thanks Father, Glory be to God
Seriously, Glory to God!
Have you yet seen The Royal Path or Orthodox Ethos?
Most Holy Theotokos, enlighten my darkness!
☦️☦️☦️
Ypu should try to go to the latin mass. Thats when I started fasting.
😢❤
@@d0ksa I know orthodox Ethos, I do not know The royal path thank you for the recommendation, if you got any more feel free to do so, I would be glad
@@Maya220100 I would like to try, current situation does not make it able for me to do so
9:00 “If you eat, then you can give to the poor”
based.
Glory to God for all things
☦️☦️☦️
Fasting works. It helps me overcome lustful thoughts.
💥YES...as Jesus told us...some demons only flee from prayer AND fasting.🕊️
Retention is a very good practice for this in my experience. Godbless🙏
I just had this exact inner thought that maybe through fasting, I can get rid of these lustful intrusive thoughts I’ve been battling the past few weeks. I feel the Holy Spirit inside of me inviting me to go forth with it and I just keep pushing it off… I will prepare for to fast this coming Christmas.
✝️ ХРИСТОС ВОСКРЕС ☀️
БОГ С НАМИ ПРОТИВ ЗЛА И ИСКУШЕНИЙ ✝🙏⛪️💪🕊️❤
I just want to encourage all fellow Christians to not forget the holocaust happening today among the preborn. They also are among the fatherless. There is much to be done on this front. Prayer and sidewalk counseling at local abortion clinics, Educating young people (who are indoctrinated at school) about the evils of abortion (and all the sins that lead to it), and more. These things will often bring you the scorn of men, but will please the Father if done in the name of His Son.
Speaking both as Orthodox and as a rape baby, I just want to say thank you for saving lives! May your efforts be blessed!
@ Thank you for that blessing! We don’t always see the fruit, but we trust that someday we will. All glory to God!
Praise God! May the Holy Spirit be our comforter during our fasting and for the days ahead. ☦️
I fasted Nov 4-5 to focus on prayer for the election. I prayed Psalm 27 over our nation and President. I know many people who also fasted. Witches were saying that their curses on President Trump were not working because of the prayers of Christians. Indeed, even they know Jesus is real. I am not saying my fasting is what led Trump to win, but I am saying that our prayers clearly protected this man. Fasting always teaches me just how much I make food an idol. I feel amazing today, November 6. Praise to the Lord for showing our nation mercy and honoring the prayers of so many believers.
Let’s hope he stops committing crimes, adultery, lying, and threatening those who offer honest advice with which he disagrees. He’ll hold up a Bible for a photo op, but does he go to church or have a faith at all.
He seems full of pride, with zero humility.
@@leonardgoogle2262Better than the other one.
@@leonardgoogle2262The people under him will being God into classrooms.
@@leonardgoogle2262I don't care if he does it for votes, he still does it.
You will get what you wanted. 😢 that criminal is what you prayed for?
Give us Barabbas.
Charismatic here. But I truly appreciate these videos. Such wisdom here.
Just did my first 3 day fast. Felt great, actually.
Thank you for these videos father. I look forward to them every week 😊
Fasting helps us, that's why Christ told us to do it.❤
How dose eating poisonous ultr Processed plant and soy-based food cooked on even more poisonous seed oil’s that were made to lubricate gears not from human consumption going to help me ( the only thing its gona help u with is meet god faster by geting the big C )
I'm thankful for these videos. I am protestant / reformed and fasted for the first time last year. These videos are truly helpful and Thank you for the encouragement.
Brother go to catechism and convert to Orthodoxy ☦️
@darthrevan2499 I struggle with a few things within orthodox theology such as icons.
I don't think it is a salvation issue as salvation was bought by the blood of Christ alone. I have similar challenges with reformed brothers/sisters who believe in calvinism. As i also think the idea or pre destination and limited atonement is also in error.
Im doing the best to learn from all sides, and as long as it lines up with the bible (in context). Then that hopefully will be enough.
@@MobileTechGaming Fr Josiah quotes St James the Apostle at the end of this video, saying faith apart from works is dead - works in this case meaning actions. If you refuse to kiss your loved ones, do you really love them? Would that answer satisfy your wife if she asked why you never kiss her? We venerate those we love, like kissing a photograph.
Iconoclasm was an issue of such proportions that it was deemed worthy of the Seventh Ecumenical Council. The problem was already appraised and solved 1237 years ago.
Never stop studying, and God bless you!
@NFS0038 thanks for that. And I do believe faith without works is dead, but it is important to understand the context with which James writes this. The actions here are in reference to taking care of one another and the church.
We should absolutely be a people to ACT, but it think it's unfair to twist that scripture to try and fit icons.
I don't have issues with pictures and remembering martyres, I take issue with the actions taken with these icons within the church.
The wife argument is a strange one, very different thing me kissing an image of my wife to actually kissing my wife. Also saints are not omnipresent, even if it was a sign of respect to them. It feels like an empty gesture to me. The other thing where I find it challenging is that it distracts me from focusing on Christ. I bet if you spoke with St James, Peter, John or Paul and asked them they would point to Christ.
Again much love to all sides of the argument. As I said, I don't think it's a salvation issue. I'm trying to follow the path as prescribed in the bible and shown in the early church
@@MobileTechGaming Orthodoxy or eternal d e a t h.
Dear Father Josiah, I lack words of gratitude for this teaching on fasting. Although born and raised in Serbia as a "nominal" orthodox Christian, I was not baptised as a child. I felt an urge to do so at the age of 35, while living in Sweden. Paradoxically, upon return to Serbia, I slowly begun reducing Church attendance, fasting... I did not lose faith, but failed as my spirit and body were not aligned. Surrounded by people who took much pride in their fasting mixed with my weak understanding and faith, I stopped fasting completely. I have been reading and thinking a lot about it for many years, but could not see or feel the real pull towards the true and, to me, comprehensive meaning.
I paused this video twice to search for The Shepherd of Hermas and St. Leo the Great - found both in English and Serbian.
It is sunday morning, Nov 10 , as I am watching the video and writing this comment. I am filled with joy and renewed and deepened determination to happily and freely realign my spirit and body, my thoughts and my deeds and to embrace the upcoming and all other fasting seasons and days as I should.
God bless you!
Thank you for this inspiring video! Im a evangelical and former catholic with a love for the orthodoxy teachings! I had for half year I guess the thought, I should start fasting again and one month ago in my prsyer time I realized its really from God and started to do this regulary and want do this twice a week at most now after watching this!
Thank you for your work and may God bless this channel and all my orthodox brothers and sisters in Christ!
Greetings from Switzerland! 🇨🇭
Greetings from Texas friend. 🙏
I am currently fasting. God told me to fast for three days eating vegetables only to help a family member that is struggling with demonic influence. I’m on the 2nd day. It’s not so bad. But I’ll be happy to eat again. The hard part is not having sugar, cheese, and meat, or bread.
It's good sister but please don't say "God told me" because many people speak like that in the name of God but wolves disguise in sheep clothing. Demons give us commands and appear as angels of light. We orthodox should not use this language . With love in Christ.
Thank you Fr Josiah. This was truly one of my most favorite videos you've done in a LONG time. I initially learned this important aspect of fasting to care for the poor on my journey to becomming Orthodox by a very loving pastor, David Charlton. He was pivitol in my journey to the Orthodox Church....Christ follower that taught me connection to others, loving all like Christ....he's still Protestant, but I am forever grateful to God for his love & care. A true shepherd of God's lambs.
Me thn euxh sas pater mou for these pearls of wisdom about our fasting
Doksa olh ston Theo🙏🏻❤️
Imarton Despota🙏🏻🛐😭
Immigrant 🐛worm from South Africa🌿
About May this year, I tried what I call a "Gratitude Fast", where I only had grateful thoughts and prayers during the fasting period. I felt like I'd been blessed with a greater measure of resistance to temptation, among other things.
Amen father it is truly a blessing to learn the gift of fasting.
Great video. Thank you.
Praise God 🙏
Amen 🙏🙏🙏 all glory be to our lord Jesus Christ
Father Josiah, I hope this is a topic you could give clarity to.
I am belittled and mocked on a daily basis by my supervisor at my workplace. Even to the point that a religious function I attended for an hour, I was told to prioritize Jesus another time. This was the only time I ever pushed back against her, saying that Jesus is always the priority. As I knew this was truly a violation of my conscience and truly evil words.
However, all other times, I allow these comments and those by my subordinates who join in with her to pass. As I am not sure whether it’s my pride that is at stake or my conscience truthfully being violated.
I am asking if the correct example would be to tell others that we expect to be treated with dignity or to allow them their taunts and mockery.
Thank you.
Those of hardened hearts tend not to listen, so avoiding a confrontation if possible is good. But at the same time i would suggest for you to pray for them regularly that God will touch their hearts and change them. God is way more capable than us to change such hearts.
Pray for her
I am no expert in this field, but based on my current understanding, it is not biblically wrong to defend or stand up for yourself. There is biblical scripture that shows us we can defend ourselves, so long as we do so to DEFEND ourselves rather than take vengeance and/or cause unnecessary harm.
In John 2:15-16 our Lord Jesus Christ whips and drives out people who are blaspheming the Holy Temple. Here he is defending Himself and the Lord's temple from blasphemers and blaspheming of the Temple.
Also, Luke 22:35-36 Jesus Christ advises his disciples to keep a sword, likely for self-defense of themselves and loved ones, because He will no longer be with them in Body.
Additionally, in John 18:22-23, when our Lord Jesus Christ is slapped in the face by one of the officials, though He did not respond with violence, He basically responded and said "If I have spoken wrongly, give evidence about the wrong; but if rightly, why do you hit me?"
I hope this helps. Pray for your enemies and those who do harm for you as well.
Sorry to hear they are behaving this way toward you. Very unpleasant! Those who are without God are Truly lost. It's great that you are dedicated to Christ! Perhaps it is worth bringing up with her superiors, as this is a form of discrimination. “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” - Mark 8:34 and Matthew 16:26 - Keep close to your church and family, and confide perhaps in your Priest, or perhaps consider attending an Orthodox Church close to you if you don't already :) prayers for you!
Tell her firmly with strong and trict voice to stop mocking and that if she wants respect, she has to give it. Demand respect from her bro.
Thank you Father Josiah.
I’ve never heard it explained in this manner. Excited for the fresh perspective, thank you.
Thank you Father.
14:29 Fr. Josiah fumbled the football there for a sec lol.
God bless everyone 🙏❤️
Glory to GOD
Beautiful reflection father. Peace be to you.
Thank you friend ❤
Please pray for me, i have a strong monastic calling, but my parents are extremely opposed to it.
I am extremely confused right now, My name is Matthew and I am 15.
Where are you from brother, if you get to 18 (or whatever the age you are independent of your parents) and your calling is still there, there is no worry, go for it. This sounds like something you should speak to a spiritual father about. keep in mind your parents only want what they think is best for you, do not hold/ build resentment.
I have a strong monastic calling too, but I have a family and two children,
i live in kansas and the nearest orthodox church is 120 miles away, i come from a protestant family.
You have to find traditional Catholicism. Fasting is very much alive and well there. Enemies captured the papacy in a coup in 1958 and have been destroying the church from within ever since. That was what was behind moving the tabernacles off the high altar, tearing out high altars and altar rails, communion in the hand, Eucharistic ministers, getting rid of the devotions including stations of the cross adoration, exposition of the blessed sacrament. The mass was changed by Paul VI. The holy sacrifice of the mass was thrown out, replaced with Swedish Lutheranism, and a dinner table (Jewish Seder meal) and the words of consecration were changed. The table looks just like those used in Masonic temples. The rite of consecration for bishops was changed to become invalid. There was no mention of the Holy Spirit and the consecration words were all changed while telling Catholics they were taken from an orthodox consecration ceremony. In truth they were the words of an installation ceremony which was used after the consecration. No valid bishops since 1968 means no validly ordained priests and no confected blessed sacrament. The new mass is called the novus ordo seclorum or new world order mass. It was the beginning of changing religion to the worship of man. It is no wonder people wish to convert to orthodoxy. They are attracted to truth and beauty of its worship. Please pray for the restoration of true Catholicism and the uniting of the orthodox and Catholics as one.
Thank you
I love your videos I’m in the process of getting closer to Christ at the moment I’ve been going through unusual things I pray and they go away slightly but then they come back . And when I do pray it’s like I get a slight pain that travels from the back of my head to the side I’m not sure, I’ll keep praying but I think is something serious more than I might understand
@Beelynda / This sounds like demonic infestation. Are you born again and saved? Have you confessed each of your sins to Christ and turned away from them (having a change of mind - this is repentance). Have you been Baptized in the Holy Spirit in Fire? Follow me, I can help you, but I need to know your answers to these questions first ❤
Ευλογισων
To be Christian is to be serious about fasting ...
☦️
What type of fasting is this? Im new to orthodoxy.
In a nutshell, we’re looking at 40 days of no meat (other than fish) and no dairy, but also no fish or oils or dairy on Wednesdays and Fridays as usual.
I’m new too. Will be 1 year for me come January
@@matthewjason6992so just eat ultra processed soy and plantbased Garbage 😂 and then ur gona blame God when u get ♋️
Thank you Father evlogete!
Please do a video on the pagan celebration of Xmas. How non orthodox and anti Christian is . Totally alien to ancient old Christian tradition.
Wow, thank you so much father 🙏 does anyone have advice for an inquirer who hasn’t talked to a priest about a fasting rule and isn’t a catechumen yet? If they want to keep a fast but are the only one in their family doing so? Is only giving up meat an acceptable fast in this case?
Thank You Fr.! Recently chrismated I hadn’t thought of fasting like this. One of many weaknesses for me as Orthodox
What about somebody who still lives with parents and as parents provide food and everything, yes i try my best to fast when im home alone or for breakfast/ dinner but often for lunch its my parents that cook mother isn't Orthodox (neither have i been baptized yet but am trying to follow Orthodoxy and learn more about it withevery day) and father isn't a Christian, i still give to poor at church (red cross donations or something) and when i see somebody in need i give what from i have on me at the time.
But i plan to move out within next year and will be able to fast more fully, what may i do untill then?
Your desire to fast is v inspiring! Also you don't have to fast from food alone. Maybe music or TV or other worldly pleasures. You could also fast from lunch to lunch maybe. Like eating lunch and fasting until lunch the next day
Fasting is not only about food .
You can fasting in not going into gossip, doing something good for others
What foods should you eat during this period of time?
Pater mou thamk you & with your blessing did I hear correctly saying *LATE*
people fast.
Please explain.
Thank you.🙏🏻🌹🌿
God is the superlative provider for us all! Took an ASVAB test recently without studying, resulting in a composite score of 85%. I trusted in god knowing I’d pass anyway but as always he exceeds my expectations, truly amazing. He deserves so much better from me.
Fast starts on November 28th . This is first time i hear its 15th. Which calendar is that ?
It is the New or Revised Julian Calendar.
For everyone seeing this, God is Good!!! ✝️✝️✝️I'm retired at 61, went from Grass to Grace. This video here reminds me of my transformation from a nobody to good home, honest wife, $35k biweekly and a good daughter full of love ❤️
I'm feeling really motivated.
Could you share some details about the biweekly topic you brought about up? 😊
I raised 75k and Maria Luisa Clare is to be thanked. I got my self my dream car 🚗 just last weekend, My journey with her started after my best friend came back from New York and saw me suffering in dept then told me about her and how to change my life through her. Maria L. Clare is the kind of person one needs in his or her life! I got a home, a good wife, and a beautiful daughter. Note!:: this is not a promotion but me trying to make a point that no matter what happens, always have faith and keep living!!
Wow 😱 I know her too
Miss Maria Luisa Clare is a remarkable individual whom has brought immense positivity and inspiration into my life.
I started with a miserly $1500. The results have been mind blowing I must say TBH!
I know that woman(Maria Luisa Clare) If you were born and raised in new York you'd know too, No doubt she is the one that helped you get where you are!!
How many days , hours should we fast?
Thank you for this instruction. Are we permitted bread and water during the fast?
Yes, we are as long as bread does not contain oil. I make my own sourdough, and the bread comes up absolutely scrumptious. All you need is flour, water and yeast. There are plenty of videos on RUclips. It's super easy.
Thank you for reply. I will try your suggestion.
@@malcolmlang4501/ In the Old Testament, disciples ate unleavened bread. If you google the Daniel Fast, it’s 21 days of vegetables and water. Nothing pleasing. Some fasts last 3 days with no water or any food 😮💨 Some can be 40 days with no meat, starch, etc. There are different types of fasts depending upon what it is you’re aiming to achieve through the fast.
☦️❤️☦️🙏
I'm Baptist, but I am very interested in Catholicism and Orthodoxy. Is there a dispensation for Americans on Thanksgiving? That day is a great family day for my family and we get together to give the Lord thanks.
What about oikonomia for health reasons or necessary fuel for high energy needs related to job where not taking in calories or nutrients would be dangerous? My ask is specific to my health and not a hypothetical.
Yes...darling....my duty....
Another name for this fast is St. Martin's Lent.
I make just enough to pay for my rent and bills. And I never have anything left over for food which is why I applied for SNAP. So how can someone like me who is below poverty level be able to help feed the poor?
If someone is poor and does not have much food or eat very much other than wild berries and nuts at work how do you fast like this? Maybe phone fast?
My friend collects wild nuts when he goes on walks--he knows where all the best trees are!---then gives some away over the next few months. Maybe you could pick an extra container or two and share with someone who can't afford to buy any.
Thank you so much for this, but I need to know how to fast. What days do I fast? What do I eat on those days? I know nothing about it. Please help me.
I have a question that I have been having a hard time finding an answer to. Do Orthodox churches in America follow the Gregorian or the Julian calendar for holidays, feasts and fasts? Does the Nativity fast start November 15th, or 28th of the Gregorian calendar? Many thanks for an answer.
Some Orthodox churches follow the new calendar, while others follow the old calendar.
So both the 15th and 28th are both the start of fast, depending on what calendar your Church follows. Blessings to you 🙏🏾☦️
I’m carnivore. I only eat meat. How should I fast? Just don’t eat anything on a fasting day?
Im kind of new to Christianity but I see the importence of fasting, can anybody pls tell me the exact data and how many hours we should fast please?
Fasting is going without something that dominates your life. Following the traditions is important of course,but make it personal, prioritize this above all. You might not mind circumscribing yourself from food a heavy task, but this is the motif of fasting, to challenge yourself. Replace what your flesh desires for time with God, this is the reason for fasting.
Best of luck to you. Welcome to Christendom❤️
I hear wlot of sedentary people talk about fasting. Putting others in guilt whom are put there building highways 60 hours a week. It's one thing to sit s a priest or office worker and fast it's another thing to be a working man and fast. Spiritual fasting is a whole different matter. Know your scripture folks all men! Insured to get knowledge out of sermons but the true word of God is our food.
Fasting is not safe for me as I am underweight and suffering from gastroparesis. I feel guilty and feel pressure from others to fast even though I could end up in the hospital. What do I do? I am already limited in what I can consume safely, eliminating those food items could cost me my life long-term.
Please talk to your priest and be safe ❤️❤️❤️
Talk to your spiritual father. The Orthodox Church allows exceptions based on personal circumstances. (Just one example: pregnant women aren't expected to stop eating dairy products).
Start eating raw beff liver and meat u need the nutrition from it cooking destroys 80% of the nutrients and for the love of god stop using seed oil’s
Others should not pressure you…yes, talk to your priest for a blessing to do a different fast.
Your Priest will tell you what else you can do instead, like fast with your eyes or talk less.
This is a difficult but welcomed video for me as a catechumen. I cannot say that I fully understand fasting, it appears to me as "letter of the law" rather than "spirit of the law". Again, I do not understand.
Since I have the text in front of me, I might as well copy paste it.
"What is Orthodoxy?
by Archbishop Averky of Syracuse and Holy Trinity Monastery
ON THE FIRST SUNDAY of the Great Fast our Church celebrates the triumph of Orthodoxy, the victory of true Christian teaching over all perversions and distortions thereof�heresies and false teachings. On the second Sunday of the Great Fast it is as though this triumph of Orthodoxy is repeated and deepened in connection with the celebration of the memory of one of the greatest pillars of Orthodoxy, the hierarch Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica, who by his grace-bearing eloquence and the example of his highly ascetic private life put to shame the teachers of falsehood who dared reject the very essence of.Orthodoxy, the podvig of prayer and fasting, which enlightens the human mind with the light of grace and makes it a communicant of the divine glory.
Alas! How few people there are in our times, even among the educated, and at times even among contemporary "theologians" and those in the ranks of the clergy, who understand correctly what Orthodoxy is and wherein its essence lies. They approach this question in an utterly external, formal manner and resolve it too primitively, even naively, overlooking its depths completely and not at all seeing the fullness of its spiritual contents.
The superficial opinion of the majority notwithstanding, Orthodoxy is not merely another of the many "Christian confessions" now in existence, or as it is expressed here in America "denominations." Orthodoxy is the true, undistorted, unperverted by any human sophistry or invention, genuine teaching of Christ in all its purity and fullness�the teaching of faith and piety which is life according to the Faith.
Orthodoxy is not only the sum total of dogmas accepted as true in a purely formal manner. It is not only theory, but practice; it is not only right Faith, but a life which agrees in everything with this Faith. The true Orthodox Christian is not only he who thinks in an Orthodox manner, but who feels according to Orthodoxy and lives Orthodoxy, who strives to embody the true Orthodox teaching of Christ in his life.
"The words that I speak unto you are spirit and life"�thus the Lord Jesus Christ spoke to His disciples of His divine teaching (Jn. 6: 63). Consequently, the teaching of Christ is not only abstract theory merely, cut off from life, but spirit and life. Therefore, only he who thinks Orthodoxy, feels Orthodoxy and lives Orthodoxy can be considered Orthodox in actuality.
At the same time one must realize and remember that Orthodoxy is not only and always that which is officially called "Orthodox," for in our false and evil times the appearance everywhere of pseudo-Orthodoxy which raises its head and is established in the world is an extremely grievous but, regrettably, an already unquestionable fact. This false Orthodoxy strives fiercely to substitute itself for true Orthodoxy, as in his time Antichrist will strive to supplant and replace Christ with himself.
Orthodoxy is not merely some type of purely earthly organization which is headed by patriarchs, bishops and priests who hold the ministry in the Church which officially is called "Orthodox." Orthodoxy is the mystical "Body of Christ," the Head of which is Christ Himself (see Eph. 1:22-23 and Col. 1:18, 24 et seq.), and its composition includes not only priests but all who truly believe in Christ, who have entered in a lawful way through Holy Baptism into the Church He founded, those living upon the earth and those who have died in the Faith and in piety.
The Orthodox Church is not any kind of "monopoly" or "business" of the clergy as think the ignorant and those alien to the spirit of the Church. It is not the patrimony of this or that hierarch or priest. It is the close-knit spiritual union of all who truly believe in Christ, who strive in a holy manner to keep the commandments of Christ with the sole aim of inheriting that eternal blessedness which Christ the Savior has prepared for us, and if they sin out of weakness, they sincerely repent and strive "to bring forth fruits worthy of repentance" (St. Luke 3:8).
...
True Orthodoxy, on the other hand, is alien to every dead formalism. In it there is no blind adherence to the "letter of the law," for it is "spirit and life." Where, from an external and purely formal point of view, everything seems quite correct and strictly legal, this does not mean that it is so in reality. In Orthodoxy there can be no place for Jesuitical casuistry; the favorite dictum of worldly jurists cannot be applied: "One may not trample upon the law�one must go around it."
Orthodoxy is the one and only Truth, the pure Truth, without any admixture or the least shadow of falsehood, lie, evil or fraud.
The most essential thing in Orthodoxy is the podvig of prayer and fasting which the Church particularly extols during the second week of the Great Fast as the double-edged "wondrous sword" by which we strike the enemies of our salvation�the dark demonic power. It is through this podvig that our soul is illumined with grace-bearing divine light, as teaches St. Gregory Palamas, who is triumphantly honored by the Holy Church on the second Sunday of the Great Fast. Glorifying his sacred memory, the Church calls this wondrous hierarch "the preacher of grace," "the beacon of the Light," "the preacher of the divine light," "an immovable pillar for the Church."
Christ the Savior Himself stressed the great significance of the podvig of prayer and fasting when His disciples found themselves unable to cast out demons from an unfortunate boy who was possessed. He told them clearly,"This kind (of demon) goeth not out save by prayer and fasting" (St. Matt. 17:21). Interpreting this passage in the gospel narrative, our great patristic theologian-ascetic, the hierarch Theophan the Recluse asks, "May we think that where there is no prayer and fasting, there is a demon already?" And he replies, "We may. Demons, when entering into a person do not always betray their entry, but hide themselves, secretly teaching their hosts every evil and to turn aside every good. That person may be convinced that he is doing everything himself, while he is only carrying out the will of his enemy. Only take up prayer and fasting and the enemy will immediately leave and will wait elsewhere for an opportunity to return; and he really will return if prayer and fasting are soon abandoned" (Thoughts for Each Day of the Year, pp. 245-246).
From this a direct conclusion may be reached: where fasting and prayer are disregarded, neglected or completely set aside, there is no trace of Orthodoxy�there is the domain of demons who treat man as their own pathetic toy.
Behold, therefore, where all contemporary "modernism" leads, which demands "reform" in our Orthodox Church! All these liberal free thinkers and their lackies, who strive to belittle the significance of prayer and fasting, however much they shout and proclaim their alleged faithfulness to the dogmatic teaching of our Orthodox Church, cannot be considered really Orthodox, and have shown themselves to be apostates from Orthodoxy.
We will always remember that by itself totally formal Orthodoxy has no goal if it does not have "spirit and life"�and the "spirit and life" of Orthodoxy are first and foremost in the podvig of prayer and fasting; moreover, the genuine fasting of which the Church teaches is understood in this instance to be abstinence in every aspect, and not merely declining to taste non-Lenten foods.
Without podvig there is altogether no true Christianity, that is to say, Orthodoxy. See what Christ, the First Ascetic, Himself clearly says; "Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (Mark 8:34). The true Christian, the Orthodox Christian, is only he who strives to emulate Christ in the bearing of the cross and is prepared to crucify himself in the Name of Christ. The holy Apostles clearly taught this. Thus the Apostle Peter writes: "If when you do well and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is accepted with God. For even here unto were ye called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps" (I Pet. 2:2-21). In precisely the same way the holy Apostle Paul says repeatedly in his epistles that all true Christians must be ascetics, and the ascetic labor of the Christian consists of crucifying himself for the sake of Christ: "They that are Christians have crucified the flesh together with the passions and lusts" (Gal. 5:24). A favorite expression of St. Paul is that we must be crucified with Christ that we might rise with Him. He puts forth this thought in a variety of his sayings in many of his epistles.
You see, therefore, that one who loves only to spend time enjoying himself and does not think of self-denial and self-sacrifice, but continually wallows in every possible fleshly pleasure and delight is completely un-Orthodox, un-Christian. Concerning this the great ascetic of Christian antiquity, the Venerable Isaac the Syrian, taught well: "The way of God is a daily cross. No one ascends to heaven living cooly (i.e. comfortably, carefree, pleased with himself, without struggle). And of the cool path, we know where it ends" (Works, p. 158). This is that "wide and broad way" which, in the words of the Lord Himself, "leadeth to destruction" (Matt. 7:13).
This then is what is Orthodoxy, or True Christianity!"
From Orthodox Life, vol. 26, no. 3 (May-June, 1976), pp. 1-5.
Fasting for over a month is difficult for a 77+ yr. old man like myself who's also in less than best health. Giving to widows and orphans is difficult when I don't know any widows or orphans.
Babies in the womb who are killed are among the fatherless of our generation. Have you considered going once a week to your local abortion clinic to pray and to call mothers to love their children? This is one idea.
@@mmccorm2 It's a good idea. I need to look into that and pray for courage. I live in IL. and they lock you up for things like that.
@@Paul-w3f1y They may lock you up if you decide to physically block the doors. Some are serving time for that now. As long as you don’t tresspass or physically impede any one, you still have freedom of speech and can offer literature/information or hold a sign. Maybe try going down the first few times to pray and talk to and observe other Christians who are also there. I‘m sure they would be happy to answer questions and to have your supporting presence!
@@mmccorm2 I have to pray about this and ask my Priest. You see I believe that even though abortion is an abomination we still live in a secular society. If that society says abortion is legal then as abominable as that may be Church and state are separate. Don't forget Lot lived in Sodom and he was vexed, but he didn't carry any picket sign.
@@Paul-w3f1y Although God instituted government to uphold justice, I agree that it isn’t our job to carry protest signs. I am talking about loving our neighbors as ourselves, even those in the womb. Would you want someone to persuade your mother to change her mind and heart, if she had contemplated that act (even if approved of by the state)? This can be done in a loving way and sometimes miracles happen. But many would be rather engaged in good works that gain them the praise of men. How can life go on as normal when babies are being killed? If the church does nothing to persuade these mothers and fathers, who will?
Eating vegan is not fasting and costs more than a healthy low carb diet. I left EO because of their obsession with Vegan diets. No one did anything for the poor but they sure talked about the fast a lot.
I have fasted for 6 years back in 90s. Being a refugee in Serbia had nothing to eat, was skin n bones. I am not fasting anymore.
Brate mili zar nebi tek sad trebao da postiš kako bi se setio božije blagodati u tim vremenima
So if u shower u say i showered last year i dont need to take a shower again ?
@@Nenad-ICXC-Shuput-GFAMMA If so why you write a comment ... your back year fastings were not true fasting to pursue the kingdom of God. Do everything not for this world but carry your cross to have the kingdom of God.
@@thenarrowdoor7 i want to see you all be hungry for 6 years and then try to fast later.
@Nenad-ICXC-Shuput-GFAMMA why were u hungry for 6 years ?
Keep there your worth I don't need you.
What good is fasting going to do when you're outside the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, i.e, "Catholics" and Protestants?
"The superficial opinion of the majority notwithstanding, Orthodoxy is not merely another of the many "Christian confessions" now in existence, or as it is expressed here in America "denominations." Orthodoxy is the true, undistorted, unperverted by any human sophistry or invention, genuine teaching of Christ in all its purity and fullness-the teaching of faith and piety which is life according to the Faith." Archbishop Averky of Syracuse
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I’m a Roman Catholic. And will be forever.
ok
Ok but who asked tho if i see u in haven im challenging u to a mma fight remember that see u there 😊
@ 😂😂what
@@556klsyes sir we can have archangel Michael be the referee😊
Does taking communion count as breaking a fast?
Protestants fast; what are you talking about, mate?
Erskine, you seem proud of your money?
Thank you