Don't Fall for the Devil's Entertainment (w/ Fr. Seraphim Aldea)

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Don't Fall for the Devil's Entertainment (w/ Fr. Seraphim Aldea)
#orthodoxchurch #easternorthodox #orthodoxy #ancientfaith #christianity

[@JohnCarroll-e6n]

Dear Father Seraphim, when we are willing to remove, and do remove, all that which stands between us and Christ, we will on that Glorious Day go to Heaven and see the face of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and as He truly Is and worship Him forever! Amen!

[@KatAdVictoriam]

Thank you. This resonated deeply for me. It's a message I've been getting repeatedly lately from numerous places. Pray for me a sinner. ❤

[@ThomasSheehan-n6l]

Dear Father.. This is the most important internet sermon, on how to deal with the internet,, this has only been here half my life... and it's really addictive.. I keep getting brought back into stuff that wastes my time.. gets me riled up in useless debates.. IN GRATITUDE 🙏

[@KingZeb8]

thank you Father Seraphim Aldea, ancient faith is one of my favourite channels along with Father Spyridon Bailey, highlighting the teachings of god/ Jesus Christ, it truly is a blessing to listen to you all, and helps all who listen and watch these videos, praise the good lord and praise you all on ancient faith

[@AncientFaithMinistries]

Thank you for your kind feedback

[@ThomasSheehan-n6l]

Thanks. I appreciate what u do for us isolated peaple without a local church teachings of these topics in gratitude

[@susannahusov272]

Thank you Father Seraphim true words you speak. 🙏

[@radioredoctober]

Amen ! One of the most powerful words I've ever heard.

[@GodLovesYou1980]

Thank you Father

[@dave_dave_dave_dave_dave]

Im so weak in my flesh, Im so lost from my own decisions. Why do i do such things, knowing the Lord is truth. Why do i ignore the path. Why do i still have impatience. Why do i Lust. Why cant i just do what i need to do. I pray for nothing but strength and knowledge but when i receive it, i ignore it. I want to just leave, i want to go in the woods with nothing but my bible and cross. I want to leave this evil place, where im tempted beyond control, Where i see the light but still walk in darkness. I have put myself here, every decision was not the devils fault nor Gods. But my own. Its not the Lord who puts us in hell. Its completely OUR FAULT. I love you all my fellow Brothers And Sisters. I pray we all reach salvation. I want to meet and speak with every single one of you in the Kingdom. I Pray the Lord Brings you Peace and Love, regardless if its been a good day or bad. Thank you Fr. Seraphim, the more i weep and the more i regret the closer to humility and the closer to god i get. We all need to do our part so that every soul makes it to Our Father In The Kingdom Of Heaven. Warm Wishes and Good Days too you all. Christ Is King.

[@JustinSwimberlake5236]

Are you surprised as to why? That's the bigger question. Pray. Repent. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and put Christs sacrifice ahead of your self focus.

[@dave_dave_dave_dave_dave]

@@JustinSwimberlake5236 Your completely right, I hate the fact that im hurting him, But as you mentioned putting Christ's sacrifices in front of my self focus is very correct. A very difficult skill, but one im dedicated to follow through with. Thank you for the reply. The Devil snares me in my moments of weakness tempting to make me dread what iv done. But having my fellow Followers Of Christ helping me reminds me of the important mission we all have. Thank you again Brother, I hope you are doing good in your faith and stomping on the Devils neck when ever he tempts you. God Bless And Thank You Again.

[@julezz444]

i’ve been feeling similar lately. there is an app called “days since” that i’ve been using to track my progress. you set a counter, and every time you fail you reset the counter. personally this helped me see how many days i can resist temptation for, which is a valuable insight and also a source of motivation. i also started fasting. it’s only been a few days. i think tackling the issue by participating in fasting has already helped my mindset tremendously. i feel stronger already, a very noticeable difference from how i felt before. removing all temptation from your life is necessary and it has helped me. delete all your social media. taking fasting very seriously may be the best solution for you. i wish you well on your journey.

[@neestovekin8251]

Fasting really helps, couple that to prayer 🙏 Fasting is especially powerful against lust, in fact

[@neestovekin8251]

St. Paul had this struggle too, we all did/ still do.. and we learn more from our failures than our successes.. Romans 5:20 Law came in, to increase the trespass; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more Romans 7:14-17 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

[@durango5281]

What a wonderful message in today’s world

[@Charlemagne1177]

thank you for everything you do from the bottom of my heart

[@davidfogle9729]

Thank you for your encouragement Father abbot seraphim!! I needed to hear it! I will pray for you friend and your nuns and monk's ❤ you to Father

[@anomalous9771]

May Christ bless all!

[@1sttoro286]

Glory to GOD, this message is pierces my heart

[@PleaseForgiveYourself]

Thank you so much Fr. Seraphim God bless you ALWAYS. 🙏☦️🕯️🔥🙌🌈💀💦

[@mikedavidson1970]

I needed reminded thank you

[@melanie_mouse]

Thank you Father Seraphim

[@théophanealexandre]

Greate topic, well said. Blessings☦

[@watchwizard4864]

Thankyou father

[@davidlynch5998]

What an awesome message!! Thank you so much, I want to become exactly what you are describing, I praise you Lord Jesus

[@AllofJudea]

My skeptic nature is hard to overcome. God help me to see you

[@richardwatterstan]

I recommend the Holy Rosary! I got so many graces from daily prayer. And demons attacked me for a few months too. Eventually (around 6 months later) they went away for the most part. And read the stories of the saints! Early saints are awesome! I recommend reading Catholic Saints too. Our Lord Jesus multiplies His example through all of His saints. Saint Augustine is amazing, he often cites scripture throughout his writings as well. Read Scripture every day! Kneel when you pray, make the Sign of The Cross in public. Make humble gestures before The Lord. You could also completely trust God and throw your life away for His sake. Then you might see something beautiful. This could start as simple as talking to old people/widows/the homeless and literally loving them. Look into their eyes! You don't have to offer anything but your presence. God love you! ✝️❤️

[@estherbelleza7125]

You are right when you said not to be in another's battle because this is not our own battle but if we would be concerned, knowing we can help our neighbor, physically or through prayer, can we not do something about it? Should we not pray or care at all? Christ calls us to also help others carry their cross and also what saint Paul says. Carry the burdens of others. of course according to our own capacity.

[@durango5281]

We should do what we can as long as they are in our immediate area of effect. Father Seraphim says that we should be aware of the spiritual state of the people around us and help as we can, but not be concerned with events and conflicts that we cannot have an immediate effect on. If we could help our neighbor, then by all means do that, but what he means by staying in your cell is that we shouldn't let out time or energy get wasted by doing things that are not in regard to our immediate salvation or damnation or things that are distractions that may seem like our battles (like the boy and the camel) but aren't really because of our duty to focus on Christ and because they are dead to the world (like the monk that took his vow before God to stay in his cell). He reminds us that our cell is not always physical but mental and emotional as well, and we should always be focused on being more like Christ and reflecting his light by cleansing ourselves through the boring things that the church teaches us to do and that we see Christ doing, such as fasting, praying, and keeping vigil.

[@ThomasSheehan-n6l]

I get your message Father. Great teaching i needed to hear. Don't be disappointed that some Don't get it, and attack you with windy arguments. These are attacks of the Enemy. I will pray fo Lord Jesus to protect you From attacks from the Evil One. Glory be to God

[@ThomasSheehan-n6l]

Thanks. But i return to my cell. GOD BLESS YOU

[@saladfingers.]

Just because someone has a contradictory opinion does bot mean it's from 'the evil one.' Open discussion is allowed you know

[@mercihelling8922]

Amen

[@pamtaylor2584]

Fr. Seraphim, could you say a bit more about the "co-salvation" you mentioned at the end?

[@iubestefrumosul1]

❤

[@chrisalan11rus]

Matthew 25:41

[@JohnCoons-d1u]

Exactly. If you're wondering folks, read the previous verses as well. I knew his story rubbed me the wrong way for a reason

[@K7.2023]

hello, i love hearing orthodox teachings! ❤ how can i become a pilgrim? and spend time near brothers... please help. thanks!

[@lisamarie5980]

Would love to learn - What is fasting exactly? What does this refer to? Thank you

[@Colin32001]

Thank you. I have an important question, I have for a while wanted to go to a church. But every time that a time to go is available to me, I get in my own way. Being distracted by temptation or just full of fear and anxiety. I don’t know what to do. I’ve started doing prayer more along with my fasting and I’m doing my prostrations more.

[@OrthoBrit]

This is something I've come across so many times, mainly with people wishing to attend a Divine Liturgy for a first time. The devil does all he can to keep people away. I have no advice, other than to try and be determinned to go and ignore all distractions. I know it never seems that simple.

[@royalbirb275]

contact the priest! see if he'll get coffee with you, and ask him for prayers/assistance.

[@nikolastanojevic4983]

"Every time that a time to go is available to me" Theres your issue dear friend❤ We need to make time no matter how insane it is to the world We need to embrace christian insanity for "The kingdom of god is taken by force" This means we need to be truly willing to let go of worldly cares for god even though it might look crazy to others But this fight youre experiencing is a great blessing for it will strengthen your faith greatly when you commit your heart into the hands of christ and offer up the worldly cares keeping you from attending to him

[@danvalare]

We are call to do one thing only. Love God above all and our neighbour as ourself. How can we do this if we reclude ourselves from the world? We are not of the world but we are in the world, how can we help and shine God's light to this world if we reclude ourselves like the monk in the story. Yes, he's not harming anyone but he also isn't helping anyone. He should have went outside and try help the boy in the desert. God doesn't want sacrifice, he wants mercy. And in the story, the monk gave sacrifice but not mercy. I agree we should not fall in the traps of this world but what good we do if we hide from this world? What is better, a rich man who gives all his goods to the poor and then lives in ascetism, or a rich man who gives half of his goods to the poor and wisely administers his other half to keep his poor neighbours well. Think about it. The light is not meant to be put under the bed but high up to enlight all the room.

[@JohnCoons-d1u]

Matthew 25:38-41, as someone cited earlier, explains why his polemic rubbed me the wrong way. Because it's wrong.

[@AncientFaithMinistries]

Does the intent with which we do things matter?

[@ThomasSheehan-n6l]

I will not try to defend you Father. As i am being judgemental toward the peaple that attack you.i am internet niave, and made the mistake of attacking those who attack you. This is going outside my cell. I will b positive in feedback , and ignore the Devil, and stay in my cell. I learn a lot from you. Keep up your essential word. With Love. Thomas

[@TboneWTF]

Why do you think god is real? Thank you.

[@kazb6526]

Cellmaxing

[@milagroman75]

The story of the monk and the boy at 14:00 served no purpose to me but show me that some specific tales of Desert Fathers reek of delusion and are likely myths. It's not God's will for the boy to be devoured. This implies that God intentionally willed for the boy to be devoured by hyenas and removed God's gift of human agency to us to be put to good use in helping one's neighbor. Maybe I am misunderstanding and the man was so feeble he wouldn't have been able to do anything at all so it was futile. If the man was so holy perhaps a miracle could have been performed and the boy would have been saved. I guess St Gerasimos should have just left the lion with his thorn. The Samaritan should have just said "well I guess it is God's will for him to die in the road". It also sort of implies the hyenas were placed by the enemy as a temptation to the monk, when in reality it was nature taking its course. Next time I see a homeless person I will just not help him and chalk it up to God's will. This sort of thinking is too esoteric for a common man. I get your point overall and agree with it, but that example sort of sullies the rest of the video. Idiorhythmic monasticism has it's place but some of it is too much. edited for spelling

[@melaniewalker162]

I appreciate your comment because this story/fable has been disturbing me for weeks.

[@piratesandseekers]

could you tell me why the slave bible was renamed to the king james version?

[@AncientFaithMinistries]

The slave bible was published 200 years after the King James Version

[@piratesandseekers]

@@AncientFaithMinistries and the Ethiopian is 500 years before king james. look man study every version of the book and look for almighty God laws and commandments and dont follow mans doctrine.

[@homelesseconomist]

With all due respect, aren't you leaving your cell to reach out to people online? The entire video is correct and great but my only thing is the story you told of the boy being chased by hyenas and the monk in his cell contradicts Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan who is the only one who stops on the Jericho road, despite the possibility of robbers, and helps the injured man with oil and bandages and puts him up in an inn. The Samaritan was certainly reaching out of his cell and getting involved in someone's life

[@DunsQuintus-sb7zo]

It's easy to say that when you haven't taken unbreakable spiritual monastic vows to the Lord declaring that from now on every minute of you're entire waking life will your mind now belong to him solely and will spend the remaining of existence with the purpose of glorifying, focusing and communing with him to your fullest extent of faculty. It's easy to say that when you aren't for days and nights endlessly fasting and praying to God and for the salvation of the world. It's easy to say that when you yourself haven't decided to literally surrender your own will to God. You and I aren't "Dead to this world" like the monk Fr Aldea is talking about.

[@martingergov6562]

About the story at 13:30, I'm sorry father, but you're incorrect this time. One soul is worth more than the entire world. There are many many(!!) stories of saints sacrificing themselves for seemingly "unworthy" humans. It is very much in line with Jesus sacrificing himself for us.

[@rebekah7635]

But how can you do this? I was nice and helpful and Christian, and I ended up homeless. I worked in the entertainment business as a talent manager and made decent money. How are we supposed to do this when it's literally dangerous? My mom stole every cent I made as a kid, about $31,000. She also harassed me into homelessness. She would come to the parking lot of the business where I worked and lurk and bother me. She did a bad address change in my name, so I didn't get a check I really needed. My aunt & uncle demanded I do all kinds of unpaid eldercare and childcare for them, then they laughed at me when I was homeless. So what is the point of being Christian if all it gets you is taken advantage of and abused? Why would you do that? As I said, in LA I worked in the entertainment biz: people took care of each other. I got paid well. Why would I be a rube and a mark again as a Christian? I have a cousin who's a Catholic priest, he's the worst person I know. Why would anyone do this when it just opens you up to being taken advantage of, and being unsafe?

[@rupertholmes5828]

my friend being a Christian does not mean you allow people to trample you. Martydom does happen in the church, and many times christians do suffer unjustly, but how many times at our own hand have people suffered? We tend to think of wrongdoings the most when they are against us of which I am deeply guilty. Do know however, that being Christian comes with needing and praying for discernment. You can love people from afar, but the key is still loving despite the hate they have for you in a safe manner. God bless, and I am sorry to hear. hope all goes well.

[@BMC867]

Be cunning as a serpent, innocent as a dove.

[@chrisalan11rus]

I’m so sorry you’ve experienced such deep hurt from your mother. There are so many true believers who have stories similar to yours. I pray you hold onto the hope of peace the surpasses all understanding. Being a Christian is about being a follower of Christ. It’s about being with Him for eternity, starting now. Christ was poor, was mocked, was slandered, rejected, abandoned and tortured. Yet He had peace when uniting in prayer with the Father. He promises peace found in Him not in things.

[@tinag7506]

It's sad that people are lost due to terrible examples from clergy or nuns. But you could see them like mushrooms: some are great, some are poisonous. People are different and wearing a robe doesn't always mean they're good. But that's not the point of being christian it's about Love and receiving the love and comfort from the Lord. You will experience that once you're there. I've had terrible experiences too btw. Not as bad as yours though.

[@tinag7506]

You are allowed to maintain boundaries in Christianity. Proverbs 22 talks about cutting off toxic people. But that's not what the person in the video is alluding to. It's about focusing more on the Lord and having a sort of detachment from our pains, at the same time acknowledging their reality and the horrible impact it's had on you. Tough, but doable.

[@jessejames88]

This had the makings of such a good video, but unfortunately the story told around minute 15 (of the boy potentially getting devoured by wild animals) is COMPLETELY morally and spiritually wrong and not in accordance AT ALL with Christ's teachings in the Gospel. ... Father, we must pick our battles - yes - BUT we are called to serve neighbor as the second part of the greatest commandment given to us by Christ ("...to love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul and all your strength AND TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." - CAPS emphasis mine). Surely you know this -- serving another who is in dire need or at risk of losing their lives is NOT a lapse into a distraction; it is in most circumstances a reflection of God's love for us. God bless, Ave Maria.

[@DChristina]

@jessejames88 & others agreeing: looks like you missed a major part of this story, maybe listen again. It was shown the boy turned out to be not real, but a mirage trick of the devil to lure the monk off track, then maybe be a victim of what you feared the boy would succumb to. And the monk, being devout and clued to these possibilities, didn’t immediately emotionally react and act. He likely delved deeper into prayer and his Guardian Angel and other God sent heavenly help swayed him to keep going. Sheesh, so quick to come to an immature conclusion.

[@Mindreadrr]

Staying in your “cell” when someone is in need of actual help is selfish and not very loving. What about the sacrifice that Christ took for us? How are we more Christ-like by hiding because it’s “not my battle.” Very cowardly and a cop-out, that is an example of using the Lord’s name in vain. Hiding behind fear and using God as an excuse not to help someone.

[@TboneWTF]

" What about the sacrifice that Christ took for us? " What was his sacrifice? can you elaborate? Thank you.

[@Mindreadrr]

@ I don’t think “elaborating” would do any good, seeing that your intent is to deny (based on your other comments). However, I will point you into a direction that no one else has (that I’m aware of). 2 Corinthians 4 is a good chapter bc it talks about being blinded by satan. We are all blind, in some way or another. Typically, this occurs when we have sin on our heart that we continue to let grow. I am no one to talk, I have plenty of problems. However, I have become aware of this fact and know the Truth. It seems as though you are interested in the Truth too. Otherwise, why would you be here? Christianity, as a religion, has many issues. None that I can resolve on my own. But being a Christian doesn’t equate to being religious. It is not the same thing at all. If you are truly seeking God, putting away things that the Bible outlines as sin, and remaining patient and faithful - you will understand. Until you make that step, then you will continue to repeat the cycles of your life until you do come to understand. Beyond that, I’d say, just go stare at the stars for more than a few minutes. Truly ask the question - it was all just one big accident? Is our existence simply irrelevant. Our journey in life? Is it worthless? These are thoughts that plague the unbeliever. But once you see past them, it is quite evident what the Truth is. Best of luck on your journey. I will pray for you.

[@TboneWTF]

​@@Mindreadrr " I don’t think “elaborating” would do any good," LOL. How sad. You didn't even want to try! LOL. Oh well, why bother as you would only embarrass yourself, right? tell me something: why do you think bible quotes answer questions? Why is it difficult for some people to form their own opinion? Good luck my friend.

[@Mindreadrr]

@@TboneWTF why is your only goal in life to troll Christian youtube? Why are you so triggered bro? Sounds you blame God for all your problems. How ironic. One day you'll figure it out, I hope. Take care.

[@DunsQuintus-sb7zo]

​@Mindreadrr You do not remotely know more, let alone have more spiritual experience and wisedom than a monastic. Have some humility.

[@TboneWTF]

LOL. How sad (and worrisome) that a supposed adult would believe that monsters are real. My children have enough schooling to know better than to believe in the supernatural and this grown man is preaching magic and fantasy! What a sad joke. Here's some good advice my friend: grow up. Good luck.

[@MrCritterJohn]

Being dead to the world doesn’t mean you shouldn’t help save a boy who might be devoured my animals. What a disgusting teaching.. insanity.

[@DunsQuintus-sb7zo]

It's not insane but you and I wouldn't understand being as we are people of the this world and not monastics who have left it behind and taken unbreakable spiritual vows to the Lord for the remaining of our lives. So of course we the fools who belong to society and the world would not understand.