I’m going through this ATM, suffering more than I ever have in my entire life for 4 years straight, ANGRY and BITTER, still believing and trusting in God.
You will learn some things and He will smooth others. I've had cycles of incredible loss, betrayal, betrayal of self (realized), isolation, ostracism... gnashing my teeth, weeping.. He will see you through.
Although I am Roman Catholic, this channel by Father Josiah has greatly helped me return to my faith and find my Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you very much for your work.
When I decided to take my faith seriously at 18 I was so high on pursuing it. Here I am 28, maybe 7 years of failing to properly pursue Christ. Needing to really kearn from the lows and accept Christ's stregth. Thanks for this message, not giving up.
Accept your flaws and that your flaws are the reasons for your suffering, and everything else will come afterwards so long as you still believe. It's hard when you're going through it but afterwards, it's a wonderful feeling of heavenly joy knowing that nothing else matters in this world except God.
This is truly a work of God because the timing is absolutely perfect. The message has hit me at my lowest and I still have so much to learn about the Orthodox faith. I’ve only began learning Orthodoxy and still need to be baptized. I love these videos and each one cuts to the heart
I encourage you to be baptized and keep on the spiritual journey with Christ. This content is truly edifying and it makes me glad to see others seeking God!
Same here. Closest church is 45 min away which is tough with my two girls 4 and 6. Really no excuse. We go to a non orthodox, but my heart craves Orthodoxy.
Have you read Lewis's follow up? Screwtape Proposes a Toast" - it's equally brilliant, it's part of a volume of essays: it contains the best description of the underlying evil of the supposed moral concept of democracy.
I totally agree. I’m a 16 y/o female, and I’m struggling with anxiety/ depression due to my social life (I’m lonely and have no friends so I spend a lot of time on social media) and it definitely is affecting me. I tend to be dry to God due to my over thinking and tiredness spiritually. I feel like a coward. I am. But I am not a loser. I want to get closer to God. But my anxiety has risen due to my own holes I dig and it’s genuinely sad.
Sister please don’t be hard on yourself . I am Catholic but please know that the Lord understands your sorrows through and through , and so does our blessed mother Mary , or as you call her , theotokos , You must take some steps to limit your screen time . When we’re called to be perfect it means not having any area of our lives overcome our identity in gods image/likness . Try praying the rosary 📿, it’s a blessing given to us from our Mother . And it’ll eventually illuminate you to seek her son and she’ll show you what’s not the best for you as a mother does .
And sister you are not a coward ! You are the maid and bride of the Lord . God has been obsessed with you since the moment of your conception . And sometimes he gives us troubles in order to bring us closer to him , as if we’re “perfect” in our own ways, we’d be too arrogant to seek and praise our father . Bring these troubles to our Lord and his mother . Ask for help to speak more kindly to yourself , and to catch your thoughts before they become words . Blessed are you child , you are 16 in the modern world seeking the Lord ! Beautiful!
Go to confession sister and tell the lord that you are sorry for becoming lost . Pray the rosary with intention for help being kind to yourself, with help to receive grace to see how much God loves you !! Ask him for help to heal , tell him all the feelings you’ve felt!. Go to mass once a week . Read scripture for 10-15 minutes a day at least . The lord doesn’t want you to be too hard on yourself blessed child . In fact , he wants you to rejoice in the fact that he has saved you , and he wants you to know he’s always with you and to not be afraid no matter what happens or what you feel because he is with you always .
I was in a similar position without any friends. When I gave my life to God for him to take care of me he lead me to a church where I can be. I still don't quite understand what it is, I never had something like that. This reminds me of Hagar from Genesis 16. God sees you, trust in him and he will take care of everything else.
One of the fathers that I am following said, when we experience spiritual dryness ( I believe he called it differently, but it was the lack of love in the heart ) he said we must do charity. Feed the poor. He basicly said it's time for good deeds. Practical action.
I look forward to this spirtual food every reflection release. The world is getting further and further away from the Truth, and these are much needed ☦️
Of all the videos I've watched on this incredible channel, this one has spoken to me the most directly. As an orthodox catechumen coming from atheism to agnosticism to where I am today it is very easy to fall into sensationalism and wanting to feel God. I am immensely grateful for this video, I will need to watch it multiple times. Peace be with you all!
Have you visited a monastery yet? Trust me, after waking up at 5 in the morning and spending the next several hours with the monks in morning prayer, you will feel God. You will also feel your ankles and hamstrings, too.
Wow! This video came right after I prayed about this dryness! The Lord is so good and quick to answer our call for help! Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit!
I feel the love of God towards us is so comprehensive once those of us whom are parents, reflect in how we teach our children. We not only don’t intervene sometimes when they’re gonna get hurt, but we choose the information we divulge to children carefully not to overwhelm them, but to get stronger and trust in themselves. While we do this, we hurt inside sometimes, because our knowledge and experience makes us know how great the challenges will be, but if we let our children get hurt and fail, we are providing them the experience needed for them to become stronger and succeed. I think God feels for us the same way we feel for our children.
One minute in I want to believe this is what I have been looking for. Am talking to priests, going for bible studies etc etc.... ok let's watch and give me guidence Lord, amen
What an interesting and educational reflection! It's important for us to understand the enemy and his patterns so that we can protect ourselves properly , Lord have mercy on us all.
So good and so relevant to my current struggle as I hit my first real dry spell as an orthodox inquirer. Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, gave mercy on me a sinner. ❤
Just been through a really deep valley and it's amazing how much He shows us His pure love and then revives us . And if we don't turn away from following Him the blessing is beautiful.....more of Him and less of me.
Right until now i was tempted by the enemy, but my guardian angel or the holy spirit (i dont know) guided me to watch your video and it is helping me a lot. God is with us and he helps us. Thank you lord.
Thank you Father, for this timely reflection! Glory to God in all things is ever more clearly His perfect will for our moment to moment consciousness. Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me, a sinner! Amen…
God bless your efforts and wonderful talk father. I just wana draw your attention to Evagrius of Pontus work on spiritual warfare and demenology, which I think is the most important literature in that area.
Please pray for my victory healing restoration of all lost, been fighting them I am exhausted. I am pressing in can’t do it alone, I will feel the prayers🥲😭🙏🙏🥰The kingdom of GOD is in us.
I have been using the app Patristic Nectar for the last 2-3 weeks I’m forever thankful Father.. “Do this and you shall live” is one of my favorite lectures ❤
Thank you for sharing brother 🙏entering into what is sure to be the most dismal time period externally stings less when I notice more and more people cognizant of the unique spiritual conflicts and dilemmas ahead. Best wishes
i was asking God for this particular topic what kind of wise words is this i think i level up my spirituality hearing this bless u father for this video
This is what I have been feeling. My life fell apart and no matter what I did, it kept getting worse. I would try to find work, and be hired only to never work a day. That has happened to me 3 times in the past 10 months. The job I have now, doesn't support me financially. I think the stress and anger from my relationship falling apart over a year ago cumulated with my thyroid just checking out. I was losing my hair, so angry at everything, and bitter. I felt like God had completely abandoned me. The protestant faith I grew up with wasn't aligning with what I knew to be true, and I was a sheep without a shepherd. Then i started watching these videos and a lot of Catholic videos. Catholicism is much bigger where I'm from, so there's churches and mass all times of the day. Soon I was going to mass everyday and have begun my conversion to Catholicism. And i joke around that my life had to become so miserable, that I needed to search out beyond what I was born into and pull closer to God. If it wasn't for this trough, I would pull away from God and not towards Him.
I've been going through a desert period since the beginning of this year. I'm glad to have come across this video as it has helped me understand better the purpose of this season of my life.
Your app is AMAZING. I hope you add the words to the psalters. I am trying to memorize them and if I can read as I listen it helps me to learn and absorb better
This is so weird. I just got Lewis' Mere Christianity today and saw the title Screwtape Letters and wondered what it was and now you've answered it for me
Lemme tell ya im parched lately...im def feeling dry! Feeling angry alot but grateful. the evil in the world is iether getting bigger or what i believe is Jesus is burning away the veil and if you ever had a question who the bad guys are, now they are naked and its clear to see.
I'm gonna pray for everyone here who is experiencing spiritual dryness. Please pray for me. I feel like i'm dying, os slipping away and i don't even know why.
Thank you, Father, for the videos. Always helpful and great. Had a massive part of my coming to Orthodox. If I could be half the man you are in the Faith I will be happy thank you.
I’m recently new to Orthodoxy so I have lot of questions which are getting answered and really opening my eyes. I see when he does the sign of the cross to us he goes (from his pov) left to right instead of right to left like when praying the prayer rope. Does he do that so it’s right to left to US? Thank you and May God bless you all big time!
to the married Orthodox... do you think the same applies to marriage? Do these low moments teach us to love more and exercise our freedom to act better, even beyond our desire to move away?
Wow, there are no coincidences! I just heard about this for the first time yesterday, and here is Fr. Trenham speaking about it. I have often wondered why I sometimes have an empty/dull (or lack of) feeling towards faith and family. And what to do about it. Thank you for words and praise God.
Wormwood is the Junior Devil, and Screwtape (the "affectionate uncle") is the one who is teaching. Not relevant to the content, but the names are reversed. This video is very timely for me, since I finished the book two days ago. Revisiting the material is absolutely necessary for it to really sink in. So thank you :)
Last Sunday I went to the Russian Orthodox Church. The first time for a long time. They were always so friendly to me but now they completely ignored me and the Priest gave me the worst ever death stare later. On the way home a Muslim who I hardly knew bought me dinner when I was about to order even though I was wearing a suit because of church. Maybe this is a sign but I will miss the community.
Come on, this is definitely not a strong basis for choosing a religion. This is a serious issue, it's about your salvation! The priest's stare might have many other meanings, think about it, why wouldn't he want you to be there? Go a couple more times, get to know the priest, let him know that you're interested in Orthodoxy, and see how he'll react. I'm sure he'll be welcoming and will help you. Or maybe you can try another orthodox church, it's normal to feel a bit more welcomed in one church but not the other. Keep learning about Orthodoxy, connect with orthodox people online. There are many groups for interested people.
@ I was there for 6 months but did not go after for a year because of too many nationalist pro war conversations after and a younger girl wanted to marry me. I feel I have been excommunicated because of the death stare and I heard Russian priests never forgive and forget. I big the Liturgy and community a lot.
@Bb-pw1zi do you go to church for the priest or to worship God? You treat it like choosing a social club. Who cares what they discuss or their political views. We go to church to worship God, and to take part in the holy mystries. Try looking for another orthodox church near you if you don't feel comfortable in this one
Good afternoon Fr! I wanted to reach out and ask if you knew of any Orthodox MDiv online/hybrid programs? My Spiritual Father said he is willing to support my attendance to seminary and the priesthood, but unfortunately with my current family situation, I am unable to be away from home for lengths of time. I appreciate any help and God bless!
After 10 years of antidepressants, my mind is broken, and my heart is dead. I feel only fear and despair that I'm stuck here, too depressed to live a good Christian life . I can't connect with my teen children, I don't feel human.
I’m going through this ATM, suffering more than I ever have in my entire life for 4 years straight, ANGRY and BITTER, still believing and trusting in God.
You'll get through this, brother. God bless! ❤☦
Same here brother, I’m praying for you!
Keep walking the narrow road
He will deliver you from this suffering, wait on his timing. Continue to have faith, even in the darkest of times. Especially then. Ask him for help.
You will learn some things and He will smooth others. I've had cycles of incredible loss, betrayal, betrayal of self (realized), isolation, ostracism... gnashing my teeth, weeping.. He will see you through.
"We ask why have you abandoned me and we still obey" - Praise God! Amen and Amen!
THIS.
No i ask “why me “ and then i make a second smile on my neck with a box cutter 😊
@@nexstbob6911actually disgusting, very unfortunate that you spend time this way, writing troll comments
@@nexstbob6911 Jesus loves you dear brother/sister :)
Although I am Roman Catholic, this channel by Father Josiah has greatly helped me return to my faith and find my Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you very much for your work.
me too. I'm Catholic!
When I decided to take my faith seriously at 18 I was so high on pursuing it. Here I am 28, maybe 7 years of failing to properly pursue Christ. Needing to really kearn from the lows and accept Christ's stregth. Thanks for this message, not giving up.
Accept your flaws and that your flaws are the reasons for your suffering, and everything else will come afterwards so long as you still believe. It's hard when you're going through it but afterwards, it's a wonderful feeling of heavenly joy knowing that nothing else matters in this world except God.
This is truly a work of God because the timing is absolutely perfect. The message has hit me at my lowest and I still have so much to learn about the Orthodox faith. I’ve only began learning Orthodoxy and still need to be baptized. I love these videos and each one cuts to the heart
I encourage you to be baptized and keep on the spiritual journey with Christ. This content is truly edifying and it makes me glad to see others seeking God!
Same here. Closest church is 45 min away which is tough with my two girls 4 and 6. Really no excuse. We go to a non orthodox, but my heart craves Orthodoxy.
Amin!!!!!. 😌🤌💕.
Screw Tape Letters is one of the best books I've read - and it completely obliterates the field of secular psychology 😊
Right? And here is me after getting masters in social psychology, realising how foolish it nonsensical all that is 😂🧑🎓
Have you read Lewis's follow up? Screwtape Proposes a Toast" - it's equally brilliant, it's part of a volume of essays: it contains the best description of the underlying evil of the supposed moral concept of democracy.
Wait til you read the desert fathers, they completely raze the field of secular psychology
@@KBBrown-pu3ec I haven't but I will now - thx 😊
@@MightyFineMedia My pleasure.
I haven't felt God's presence in 2 years. But I still believe.
If you still believe, then you're feeling God's presence.
@@KBBrown-pu3ec Nope.
U guys have felt god’s presence?
@@nexstbob6911 yes
@@nexstbob6911Yes
Take the unseen world seriously
I totally agree. I’m a 16 y/o female, and I’m struggling with anxiety/ depression due to my social life (I’m lonely and have no friends so I spend a lot of time on social media) and it definitely is affecting me. I tend to be dry to God due to my over thinking and tiredness spiritually. I feel like a coward. I am. But I am not a loser. I want to get closer to God. But my anxiety has risen due to my own holes I dig and it’s genuinely sad.
Sister please don’t be hard on yourself . I am Catholic but please know that the Lord understands your sorrows through and through , and so does our blessed mother Mary , or as you call her , theotokos ,
You must take some steps to limit your screen time . When we’re called to be perfect it means not having any area of our lives overcome our identity in gods image/likness .
Try praying the rosary 📿, it’s a blessing given to us from our Mother . And it’ll eventually illuminate you to seek her son and she’ll show you what’s not the best for you as a mother does .
And sister you are not a coward ! You are the maid and bride of the Lord . God has been obsessed with you since the moment of your conception . And sometimes he gives us troubles in order to bring us closer to him , as if we’re “perfect” in our own ways, we’d be too arrogant to seek and praise our father .
Bring these troubles to our Lord and his mother . Ask for help to speak more kindly to yourself , and to catch your thoughts before they become words . Blessed are you child , you are 16 in the modern world seeking the Lord ! Beautiful!
Go to confession sister and tell the lord that you are sorry for becoming lost . Pray the rosary with intention for help being kind to yourself, with help to receive grace to see how much God loves you !! Ask him for help to heal , tell him all the feelings you’ve felt!. Go to mass once a week . Read scripture for 10-15 minutes a day at least .
The lord doesn’t want you to be too hard on yourself blessed child . In fact , he wants you to rejoice in the fact that he has saved you , and he wants you to know he’s always with you and to not be afraid no matter what happens or what you feel because he is with you always .
@JavinMo-r4s The Orthodox Church says it’s okay to pray the rosary.
I was in a similar position without any friends. When I gave my life to God for him to take care of me he lead me to a church where I can be. I still don't quite understand what it is, I never had something like that.
This reminds me of Hagar from Genesis 16. God sees you, trust in him and he will take care of everything else.
One of the fathers that I am following said, when we experience spiritual dryness ( I believe he called it differently, but it was the lack of love in the heart ) he said we must do charity. Feed the poor. He basicly said it's time for good deeds. Practical action.
what if you are the poor yourself? ... i'd say praying is the answer
Father Josiah, through God u have equipped me for further combat
like the Boston song says, Orthodoxy is “more than a feeling”
I look forward to this spirtual food every reflection release. The world is getting further and further away from the Truth, and these are much needed ☦️
Of all the videos I've watched on this incredible channel, this one has spoken to me the most directly. As an orthodox catechumen coming from atheism to agnosticism to where I am today it is very easy to fall into sensationalism and wanting to feel God. I am immensely grateful for this video, I will need to watch it multiple times. Peace be with you all!
Have you visited a monastery yet? Trust me, after waking up at 5 in the morning and spending the next several hours with the monks in morning prayer, you will feel God. You will also feel your ankles and hamstrings, too.
@@NFS0038 I'll have to look for one near me. I haven't given it enough thought, thanks for the suggestion.
Wow! This video came right after I prayed about this dryness! The Lord is so good and quick to answer our call for help! Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit!
Yes! As Christ called from the cross called out “why hast Thou forsaken me”, Psalm 22 (21), the psalm closes with praise.
I feel the love of God towards us is so comprehensive once those of us whom are parents, reflect in how we teach our children. We not only don’t intervene sometimes when they’re gonna get hurt, but we choose the information we divulge to children carefully not to overwhelm them, but to get stronger and trust in themselves. While we do this, we hurt inside sometimes, because our knowledge and experience makes us know how great the challenges will be, but if we let our children get hurt and fail, we are providing them the experience needed for them to become stronger and succeed. I think God feels for us the same way we feel for our children.
That's a profound take. Thank you. I screen shot your comment to have it to read it again.
@ Thank you. 🙏
Thank you so much for this.
Glory to God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit - as it was from the beginning, is now and will forever be. A world without end.
This message gave me tears of joy, really needed to hear this. God bless you!
14:55 "wounds in love"... wow! Reminds me of St Porphyrios' book: Wounded By Love.
This book taught me to Love Christ, and be obedient.
Hallelujah
One minute in I want to believe this is what I have been looking for. Am talking to priests, going for bible studies etc etc.... ok let's watch and give me guidence Lord, amen
I recommend them on audiobook, with Wonderful narration, quite engaging
What an interesting and educational reflection! It's important for us to understand the enemy and his patterns so that we can protect ourselves properly ,
Lord have mercy on us all.
I would love this book by Cs Lews.
Watching this after anxiously finishing my prayer rule.
So good and so relevant to my current struggle as I hit my first real dry spell as an orthodox inquirer.
Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, gave mercy on me a sinner. ❤
C S Lewis is my favorite writer, he nurtured my soul with Christ better than any pastor.
Thank you, Father Josiah.
Just been through a really deep valley and it's amazing how much He shows us His pure love and then revives us . And if we don't turn away from following Him the blessing is beautiful.....more of Him and less of me.
I am a poorly practiced roman catholic and I love the extra insight and flavor Fr. Josiah provides. Thanks for all your hard work, Father.
Wow 😮🤔👍🏼 Thank you
I am experiencing spiritual dryness and this could not have been better timing for me, praise the Lord! ✝️🙏🏽☦️🙏🏽✝️
Glory to God
Right until now i was tempted by the enemy, but my guardian angel or the holy spirit (i dont know) guided me to watch your video and it is helping me a lot. God is with us and he helps us. Thank you lord.
Hi thanks for the video
This was so very timely. I stumbled in my walk today, but I am getting back up and continuing forward.
Thank you Father, for this timely reflection! Glory to God in all things is ever more clearly His perfect will for our moment to moment consciousness. Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me, a sinner! Amen…
God bless your efforts and wonderful talk father.
I just wana draw your attention to Evagrius of Pontus work on spiritual warfare and demenology, which I think is the most important literature in that area.
Glory to God! This is much needed. Lord, have mercy on me a sinner.
This reflection came at the perfect time. Thanks to God and to you father.
Thanks great homily fr , cradle catholic myself but enjoy your wise reflection and of course cs Lewis 👍
This was very helpful. Spoke to my heart. Answered the question I have had and been wrestling with for months now. Thank you.
Powerful and insightful word!
Thank you Father. Glory to God! ❤
Glory to Jesus Christ!
Thank you this is so helpful
Thank you father. These periods when I am reminded what it is like to just be me again are agony.
I desperately need this message. Thank you!
Wow this was a great reflection, God bless father ☦️
Please pray for my victory healing restoration of all lost, been fighting them I am exhausted. I am pressing in can’t do it alone, I will feel the prayers🥲😭🙏🙏🥰The kingdom of GOD is in us.
One of the best insights into the life of a Christian.. Screwtape letters.. it is a must read✝️🙏🏼
I have been using the app Patristic Nectar for the last 2-3 weeks I’m forever thankful Father.. “Do this and you shall live” is one of my favorite lectures ❤
Thank you for sharing brother 🙏entering into what is sure to be the most dismal time period externally stings less when I notice more and more people cognizant of the unique spiritual conflicts and dilemmas ahead. Best wishes
Thank you for this Father Josiah, this was the message I’ve been seeking for several years now!
Thank you so much for this. I really needed to hear this, especially right now.
So good. Worth saving and watching again many times.
thankyou Father I needed this video
This came at the right time
Thank you so much, Father. Very inspiring.
Thank you. Exactly the touch I needed this morning. Resolve. Yep.
My favorite author. Read that book it’s amazing
i was asking God for this particular topic what kind of wise words is this i think i level up my spirituality hearing this bless u father for this video
Thank you for this analysis; it affected me greatly and perfectly for the times I’m going through. God bless you
Thank you for sharing these amazing theological insights!
This is what I have been feeling. My life fell apart and no matter what I did, it kept getting worse. I would try to find work, and be hired only to never work a day. That has happened to me 3 times in the past 10 months. The job I have now, doesn't support me financially. I think the stress and anger from my relationship falling apart over a year ago cumulated with my thyroid just checking out. I was losing my hair, so angry at everything, and bitter. I felt like God had completely abandoned me. The protestant faith I grew up with wasn't aligning with what I knew to be true, and I was a sheep without a shepherd. Then i started watching these videos and a lot of Catholic videos. Catholicism is much bigger where I'm from, so there's churches and mass all times of the day. Soon I was going to mass everyday and have begun my conversion to Catholicism.
And i joke around that my life had to become so miserable, that I needed to search out beyond what I was born into and pull closer to God. If it wasn't for this trough, I would pull away from God and not towards Him.
Wonderful talk/message 🙏
I really needed this. Thank you.
Thank you, you’ve helped me thank you ❤
But I feel joyful in the Spirit. Because of Christ.
Wow! Thank you for that father Josiah.
this video literally came in the perfect moment in my life, love you
I'll feed your sheep, Christ. I don't need any rewards.
Wow May God Bless Your 10 Children 😮🎉❤❤❤
I really needed this video today! Thank you
Beautiful
I've been going through a desert period since the beginning of this year. I'm glad to have come across this video as it has helped me understand better the purpose of this season of my life.
Your app is AMAZING. I hope you add the words to the psalters. I am trying to memorize them and if I can read as I listen it helps me to learn and absorb better
I love your videos thank you
Amen
Father, what ORTHODOX books you recommend reading on this topic...demonology?
This is so weird. I just got Lewis' Mere Christianity today and saw the title Screwtape Letters and wondered what it was and now you've answered it for me
Lemme tell ya im parched lately...im def feeling dry! Feeling angry alot but grateful. the evil in the world is iether getting bigger or what i believe is Jesus is burning away the veil and if you ever had a question who the bad guys are, now they are naked and its clear to see.
Amen 🙌
Thank you, Father Josiah ☦️
I'm gonna pray for everyone here who is experiencing spiritual dryness.
Please pray for me. I feel like i'm dying, os slipping away and i don't even know why.
You'll be in my prayers, friend ❤
Good bless you father.
Is it possible to add Arabic captions to your videos
Thank you, Father, for the videos. Always helpful and great. Had a massive part of my coming to Orthodox. If I could be half the man you are in the Faith I will be happy thank you.
I’m recently new to Orthodoxy so I have lot of questions which are getting answered and really opening my eyes. I see when he does the sign of the cross to us he goes (from his pov) left to right instead of right to left like when praying the prayer rope. Does he do that so it’s right to left to US? Thank you and May God bless you all big time!
Your Videos always calm me down and give me so many valuable insights. Thank you so much, God bless you Father
I love the Screwtape Letters. Just a small correction, Wormwood is the name of the demon who is tempting the person, Screwtape is his retired uncle :)
{{{}}} the spirit of vigilant_vigilance be with you.
to the married Orthodox... do you think the same applies to marriage? Do these low moments teach us to love more and exercise our freedom to act better, even beyond our desire to move away?
Wow, there are no coincidences! I just heard about this for the first time yesterday, and here is Fr. Trenham speaking about it. I have often wondered why I sometimes have an empty/dull (or lack of) feeling towards faith and family. And what to do about it. Thank you for words and praise God.
First ! 💜☦️
Wormwood is the Junior Devil, and Screwtape (the "affectionate uncle") is the one who is teaching. Not relevant to the content, but the names are reversed.
This video is very timely for me, since I finished the book two days ago. Revisiting the material is absolutely necessary for it to really sink in. So thank you :)
Last Sunday I went to the Russian Orthodox Church. The first time for a long time. They were always so friendly to me but now they completely ignored me and the Priest gave me the worst ever death stare later. On the way home a Muslim who I hardly knew bought me dinner when I was about to order even though I was wearing a suit because of church. Maybe this is a sign but I will miss the community.
Come on, this is definitely not a strong basis for choosing a religion. This is a serious issue, it's about your salvation!
The priest's stare might have many other meanings, think about it, why wouldn't he want you to be there? Go a couple more times, get to know the priest, let him know that you're interested in Orthodoxy, and see how he'll react. I'm sure he'll be welcoming and will help you. Or maybe you can try another orthodox church, it's normal to feel a bit more welcomed in one church but not the other. Keep learning about Orthodoxy, connect with orthodox people online. There are many groups for interested people.
@ I was there for 6 months but did not go after for a year because of too many nationalist pro war conversations after and a younger girl wanted to marry me. I feel I have been excommunicated because of the death stare and I heard Russian priests never forgive and forget. I big the Liturgy and community a lot.
@Bb-pw1zi do you go to church for the priest or to worship God? You treat it like choosing a social club. Who cares what they discuss or their political views. We go to church to worship God, and to take part in the holy mystries. Try looking for another orthodox church near you if you don't feel comfortable in this one
This was such an amazing lecture, the things I never knew and others that were great reminders. Very up lifting.
Thank you Father ☦
Good afternoon Fr! I wanted to reach out and ask if you knew of any Orthodox MDiv online/hybrid programs? My Spiritual Father said he is willing to support my attendance to seminary and the priesthood, but unfortunately with my current family situation, I am unable to be away from home for lengths of time. I appreciate any help and God bless!
After 10 years of antidepressants, my mind is broken, and my heart is dead. I feel only fear and despair that I'm stuck here, too depressed to live a good Christian life . I can't connect with my teen children, I don't feel human.
I argued that it frequently come out of things like The Southern Baptist Convention and their adjacents.