HAVE PATIENCE WITH YOURSELF! GIVE YOURSELF THE TIME AND THE CHANCE TO GROW SPIRITUALLY

[@thorndream680]

Thank you so much for your words and your videos. My husband and I are three hours from a church. We are very poor and have no vehicle to go anywhere and must rely on people to take my husband to get groceries. I am physically disabled and in a power wheelchair. We discovered there is a priest who comes to the mountains of Kentucky every few months and yesterday we had confession and Communion for the first time in three years. Listening to your videos has kept me going when I was even to the point of committing suicide. Yesterday, with Communion, my soul was healed. Thank you for what you are doing. God bless you and the monastery.

[@cassaundramariac9075]

Amen Thorn. 🙏🏼

[@andreahutchinson5783]

May the blessings of the Lord overtake you dear Thorn and your wonderful husband. May He give you strength and healing because of Jesus. amen, Mrs. Hutchinson

[@GottaFly]

ahh, you gave me such hope and put my imagined struggles into perspective - I thought I had it rough going 6 months without church - I haven't come CLOSE to your struggles!

[@65vwbug87]

God bless you Thorn, don't ever give up. This affects others not just you. Life is very hard especially when we reach our lowest point in life. This is God changing you and has something in store for you. Do they have a valley metro service where they can give you rides for real cheap? Friends? Family? who can take you? I wish you well in life and continue to pray to our Lord Jesus. I wish you the best. Amen

[@tommyboy19671]

thank you for your transparency in these videos. You are rare in orthodoxy with your understanding that God is patient with us in our spiritual growth .

[@marie-katerimoreau3531]

Hello Father Seraphim. I am a shy person which I usually prefer staying in the shadow, but I thought of writing to you a comment for our Beloved's glory. A big thank you for your spiritual teachings. My soul is hungry for God's "food". I would listen to you all day but I obviously have my duty. I am Christian Catholic and live in Quebec, Canada. Where I live, I haven't found anywhere such wonderful, beautiful and profound spirituality based on love, REAL LOVE. Listening to you, is hearing the Truth and who listens to the Truth, finds God. I am blessed and so much grateful to know you Father. May God bless your work and continue using you as a simple instrument to make our souls ascent towards our Beloved. I pray for your monastic brothers and sisters. What a beautiful vocation ! I will continue to listen to you in the shadow of my cell, nourishing it with God's unconditional Love. Oh ! And I would like to add that I wish I could spread your videos around here (in Québec to some friends and family) so everyone can drink from this fountain of love that your teaching, but nearly no one speaks english in my surrounding. But I promise, I will do my best to translate in french because the Love of God must be proclaimed and you do it so well in so much SIMPLICITY. Thank you for everything Father Seraphim ! Like you said in this video, we must be an example for the others, well Father Seraphim, you are MY example. I want to be a better Christian when you speak, not only want but I need to be. And I feel pushed to do so for God. He gave Himself totally for us, why can't we do it as well for Him ? ... I ask you, if you accept to have a little sister at the other side on the ocean that prays for you in the shadow of her cell. In God's love, Marie-Kateri Moreau

[@nathaliedube2913]

You're not the only French Canadian listening. Greetings.

[@kathymaxted6151]

You have the kindest face

[@mullmonastery]

That is such a kind lie, dear Kathy :) The truth is that it was cold and still dark outside, and I was half asleep. May God bless you for your kindness.

[@Kressa1111]

I wholeheartedly agree with this statement.

[@Gf-jr2hw]

@@Kressa1111 Kathy's? 😊 me too. I do not agree with Father's 😄

[@lc9902]

God's workshop father Seraphim! After all Jesus grew up in a workshop.

[@mullmonastery]

That is so true, dear one. Although I have a feeling that St Joseph's workshop was WAY tidier than this mess of ours! :) be blessed, dear one.

[@liehhungc3261]

@@mullmonastery It's just artistic not messy!

[@lc9902]

Father Seraphim I didn't see the mess just the beautiful holy spirit in you. Was completely absorbed in your loving wisdom.

[@deanaburnham9571]

@FrSeraphimmull Lol😊Father your face: big eyes and irresistible smile -- so cute snd adorable that i think we need to make a sweet child's toy---a Father Seraphim doll in your holy monastic garb. As long as the article was not an irreverent item in any way at all, but a sweet holy comfort, I think it would be a wonderful inspiration that many homes would want and young and old would want to have near them. We love your kind face and fatherly guidance. Sincerely, I'd like everyone to condider this if it is alright with you Fr Seraphim. I have not been an Orthodox catechumen long enough. What does a Benedictine know sbout this matter? Nothing. But know that my thoughts come from a caring and most appreciative place. Sr Deana Marie OSB ❤

[@alast2860]

Thank you for your words of wisdom Father! When I was a novice, I did just the same uprooting things and checking on them. It didn’t help the cause of the plant. But it was my curiosity and keenness 🙏🏻☦️

[@ThunderbirdRocket]

Hello 👋🏼 ! Thanks for providing this and so many other edifying messages !

[@virginiedesjardins7108]

I failed so deplorably in my first Christmas fast as an orthodox christian that i cannot thank you enough for this piece of wisdom. You are so useful to my husband's and my own spiritual life. Thank you for being on social media, like an island of spiritual sanity in this insane world. Amen, amen, amen our dear one.

[@deanaburnham9571]

So it has been over two years, dear Thorn. The Lord has ascended and we are looking forward to Pentecost. How are you? My heart is praying for you and all who supported you in spirit and encouraging words. May we all continue to thank God for holy Fr Seraphim and his mission and the grace bestowed upon us as we opened more to God today. Let us keep getting up when we fall and remain contrite and submissive in love. Lord please help us to lean into our little cross daily and closer to you our most Beloved Saviour. Amen.

[@akoskolok]

Thank you Brother! Christ give me hope inside of you!

[@midaspida8]

Blessings Amen!!!

[@postscript5549]

I have half of a mustard seed of faith. Thank you again for this message.

[@kevinegan6311]

Timely message father as I am patiently watching God restore my marriage. "Be the love that you hope to receive". Bless you Father, I patiently wait for your teachings each week. Merry Christmas to you and your brothers and sisters.

[@iroamalone6953]

God bless you brother. Praying for you. Went through this five years ago. He allowed me to lose her. I hope you have her back. But God has brought good out of evil and now I have a much better relationship with my young children. It also increased my time for spiritual reading andthe amount of growth. Praise God

[@PodvigAmerica]

The work shop is like my desk, both a metaphor for my mind and spiritual journey. I often say, “I know it’s here somewhere.” I find it, eventually. Take a deep breath, cross myself, and give gratitude to God for His love. And then I continue my podvig striving to follow Him and not lead. Patience is an acquired skill and this old priest is still laboring to acquire the skill. May our Lord have mercy.

[@flaman1967]

Holy Spirit guided me to this video , thank you !

[@Sophie-P]

Thank you so much for this video, it has made my day and I cannot stop rejoicing in tears at the truth you've beautifully shared with us. Thanks be to God!

[@midaspida8]

I love your delivery!! Makes me laugh!! Thankyou.

[@FiremanKevin]

Thank you, father. I see the violence my lack of patience does to myself. And I lament at the violence my lack of patience does to the world around me. I try so hard to be self contained and quiet. But i am loud and ridiculous. These words are very heart felt and helpful. God bless you and the monastery. Merry Christmas to everyone on here.

[@MaryvalePress]

I love your videos. There is so much depth in it. Maybe coming from a Catholic background, this is just a different angle which we don't hear about a lot in Catholic circles.

[@Dismas19]

🩸🌊Thank you, Fr.

[@inezvasquez8104]

YES! Your message Fr. Seraphim...is so perfectly timely. Thank you our Father in Heaven for sending Fr. Seraphim to us. Christ is born! Let us rejoice in HIM!

[@r.m5883]

I love him

[@mullmonastery]

May we all grow in this love, dear one. The more we love Him, the more we learn to properly love ourselves and our neighbour - not with the fallen love of this fallen world, but with the Love of the Resurrected Lord.

[@AM-nc5tg]

Mulțumesc, părinte Serafim

[@ronwood788]

Thank you so much. Christ is risen! ☦️

[@Kressa1111]

This message is on a whole new level. Iron sharpens iron. Refining in the fire 🔥. 2 Corinthians 3 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

[@mullmonastery]

May God bless you, dear one. May He send His Joy in your heart, so it may shine from there and bless all those around you.

[@cassaundramariac9075]

Thank you, Father for another edifying video! You looked really happy :-) (Brrrrrrrr it looked cold!)

[@mullmonastery]

I am happy, dear Cassaundra - I love Christmas. I love St Nicholas (and we just celebrated his Feast), then Christmas is beyond -words-beautiful, and a few days later St Seraphim's feast comes to welcome me into a new year. I feel blessed, I feel loved and I SO want us all to let go of the darkness of the world and embrace this Joy which is available to ALL.

[@siewtohong7138]

Even though this segment was made 2 yrs ago, it is ever so evergreen! As I have just embarked on my spiritual journey as a catechumen, I try to strive to become Christ-like but find it so impossible sometimes to not to hold on to anger or judgements! Thank you Father Seraphim for reminding me to be patient with myself and to keep working at it (ie to become more Christ like).

[@s.d.berquist6866]

Father, I am grateful that you mentioned "forgetfulness". I am definitely afflicted with this. However, I keep trying to fight it and develop some sort of organization and discipline in my life.

[@Quency33]

I am so sorry for my failings. I wish I was better.

[@Gold-bl7hz]

This is the exact thing I have been struggling with the very root of it. I thank you for your words. What you do makes a huge difference. Thank you.

[@PaxMundi118]

Glory to God in all things!

[@dianebeaulac9989]

Thank You my Brother!

[@iotapyrli6561]

Thank God you brought up this subject! Terribly hard for me this day. And now listening to you is an answer.

[@historypunkwargames4760]

I just relapsed today. But this video made me release that I need to get back up and keep trying. Thank you

[@nickmacagnone5259]

Thank you Father for your videos. They are very helpful to me in trying to grow in my orthodox faith. Merry Christmas to you and all the brotherhood and sisterhood at the Monastery!

[@mullmonastery]

May God bless you, dear Nick - and belated good wishes for your Name Day. May St Nicholas embrace you in his love.

[@kazzaville]

Thank you, dear Father Seraphim! Your faith, love, humility, and encouragement are precious gifts. May God bless you greatly - your sister in Christ in a Vineyard church

[@PhoebeK]

Father Bless, while it is far from the first time I have watched this video it appeared again in my feed today and answered a struggle which had come upon me in the last few days and encouraged me in the struggle with myself. In particular, it has encouraged me with the struggle of keeping the obediences my Spiritual Father has given me which I am still getting used to doing, as the seeds are far yet from germinating let alone bearing flowers or fruit.

[@mariaelenibalagiani385]

I need to try my best. I will not poke at the seed. I will allow God.

[@tallmikbcroft6937]

Bless Father, this brought me to tears. I'm still in Catachumin classes. This is the most violent process I've ever been thru. All I can see is my own sin and all I do is take it out on others. I pray my madness doesn't push then away from the Way of salvation. Thank you for being honest. My spiritual Father tells me to be patient. That is his only word for me. Patience. Thank you for sharing with us. Bless שלום M. Beecroft

[@stevenofkog]

Amen.

[@brandonbruzzese6676]

Wow. Just perfect. Thank you

[@INGHAM3]

Thank you Father. Amen, Amen, Amen!

[@fstri757]

This video was helpful to me, so I watched it again. The first 2 minutes or so are reminders I need every day. You see, I live in a monastery too. It's just in my "monastic community" I have a husband and two children. And every day I must remember that they are probably doing the best they can do. I am too easy to take offense and believe that their shortcomings are somehow personal attacks on me. Certainly they forgot to listen to me, because they don't love me, right? Certainly they made a mess in the living room because they don't care? It is good to remember that they do things that disappoint me and hurt me, not because they don't love me, but because they are doing their best in a very difficult world. When my children ask if dinner is done a hundred times in 5 minutes, it hurts me because I am hurrying as quickly as I can for them, and I am overwhelmed by the work I must do. But it is like you poking the seeds and bothering the sisters. The sisters have learned to respond patiently. This is my calling: to learn to be patient when my children act like, well... children-- to learn to be patient and humble and kind when my children are impatient and unkind. And so that's why I say I live in a monastery, because I have every bit as many opportunities to learn humility, patience, and kindness as any monastic. It is greatly encouraging to hear and to be reminded just how much a person can learn through a good example. Sometimes I don't discipline my children when perhaps everyone around me thinks I should. But my first thought is my own salvation. How can I be saved, if I don't respond to them as Christ Himself would? And when I am able to think this way (sometimes I am very forgetful), I find myself discipling a lot less often and a lot less sharply-- with joy and love, almost happy for the chance to love them through their brokenness, glad that I get the chance to model Christian behavior for them. But this is countercultural, and so sometimes I worry that maybe I'm living in a dream world to teach my children in that way. Maybe I am. Maybe I'm not. But by God's grace I'm learning something.... I'm not sure yet what it is, but I'm learning something, and I am sure that in time God will bring it to completion. I hope that it will be before my children are grown, so that I do not ruin them while I am learning. Thank you again, these were all very practical and helpful things for me to hear and to be encouraged in.

[@user-cl6uj5bn2f]

Father you're so lovely in your gentle manner and encouraging:) I take comfort in your messages 🙏

[@ekaterini2957]

Dear God you just talk to me with what I need every time I come here through Fr. Seraphim. There are just not words more than this. Thank you for your fortitude in speaking and speaking and speaking, dear Fr. Seraphim -- even when it is clearly so cold there as I see your cold breath on the video. Much love and thank you.

[@907pikealaska5]

I'm thankful for your suffering and growth because it has helped me o suffer and grow and I'm so thankful for all your lessons

[@arthurkearney6193]

Thank you Father. Wonderful spiritual advice. Pride is our enemy. Humility our friend.

[@Kathy12Ray]

From 12:38 felt like he was admonishing and correcting me. I have been poking at my seeds! I appreciate the correction. God bless you!

[@postscript5549]

Thank you for the kind words. I am very guilty of procrastination. My behavior is appalling. Your humility is sweet and admirable.

[@allthingsincommon1872]

Thank you.

[@evy684]

I love your channel. You do really help me, and others. But, I must tell you~~~ I really laughed when you were talking about prayer, and you said; Do I have any wings ? I think we all can identify with this. It was unexpected and very funny, and to the point.

[@zombiekiller13able]

Appreciate the video. Posting this after a rough night with a couple of friends and some thought. I struggle greatly with despondancy and have an immense fear of being a burden to other people. This habit has in the past, and will likely in the immediate future, caused me to alienate myself from my entire friend's group of three people at this present time. I have the most rigerous and unrealistic internal standards, but for everyone outside of myself, I expect very little. This leads me to be very easy-going with others, but the moment I make a mistake with people, my first reaction is to cut myself off completely to avoid further damage. To add to this, my frequent isolation and fear of failing others has lead me to consider and attempt suicide multiple times. All failed, obviously, but the temptation remains as the "most effective" means to avoid harming other people. I understand this stuff, but I can never apply it to myself because I feel like don't deserve any patience or mercy. For me, in my head, there is only the swiftest and harshest of judgements to be held, and nothing can shake it. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.

[@HarryAGeorgiou]

What shall we do when we get impressed by the amazing flowers like the saints who did miracles and get tempted to try to be like them with things beyond our strength, I guess a spiritual father needs to be there right?

[@Georgian1717]

Please make a video of Forgetfulness if possible. I feel if someone would of discussed this topic it could of saved me from going off track for years....by Gods grace he restored my memory of the Lord saving me from complete forgetfulness. Thank you Father for your kindness and mercy in making these videos. It was very cold in that workshop and you took the time to bring us this video. God bless you.

[@flaviadan9474]

The most beautiful words I ever heard you say...I love to hear you speak about everything God wants you to. Thank you for all your mission!

[@aisute8222]

Much love from Lithuania! I've been listening to all your videos since I found this channel a couple of months ago and your words have given me a lot of strength and encouragement, and a great deal to think about. You have no idea how much this is helping during this time. I pray for great health and a joyous celebration of Christmas to everyone in the monastery. Thank you so much for doing this!

[@amybastock8370]

Thank you, Father. I care for my 25 year old daughter who has Autism and Bipolarity. Although I love her more than life itself, I don’t always deal very well with her behaviors that make little sense to me. Then I beat up on myself for my failure to be patient and understanding. Please pray for me. I hope your migraines have stopped hurting you so much. Merry Christmas!!

[@melissadifini2190]

Thank you ! My confessor just told me the same thing : “pray for patience with yourself .”

[@dianagusterson9572]

Thankyou.

[@juliaanntheresatoth3495]

Hello Father Seraphim, thank you for your messages are always devotional to me and contemplative. May you have a blessed Christmas and Mull Monastery. Let there be Peace on earth🙏✨🎄💫❄️💫

[@jlmoreno9549]

Thank you, Father! Really needed this.

[@kaytilauridsen287]

I literally was just beating myself up for habitual sin I'm struggling with and I saw this. God bless you Fr. Seraphim

[@rose020222]

You are delightful and I get so much from your videos, this one in particular. Thank you so much!

[@mullmonastery]

Thank you for your kindness, dear Rose. May you be blessed - you and all those whom you carry in your heart.

[@rose020222]

@@mullmonastery Thank you.

[@JEROMLAG]

Thanks a lot, again for your wise words and stories

[@RobertGlaze1]

Amen, Amen.❤

[@pantaleimona]

Thank you once again, dear Father. Thank you!

[@maaikekamstra7353]

Listen to you again and again is neccesary for me. Because it help me to be connected and encouraged. It is Chrismas. A beautiful day to listen to you. Tears running out my eyes. Thank you Father. Thank you. This is the most important message and i thank the Lord for this message, really it is like a mail from heaven.

[@barrycartner3855]

Your words brought to mind the Apostle Paul's words from the Epistle to the Romans.

[@liehhungc3261]

Thank you so much for your teachings! It is such a blessing and comfort to me because I have been facing failures. And just yeasterday I felt especially strong with the failures. And I had to really confess in front of God and realized that what I had accomplished so far was nothing at all. And as such a sinner, I cannot stop having judgemental thoughts towards other people. But while listening to you, I realized that my failures actually humbled me so that my heart can be more tender and loving towards my brothers and sisters. By the way, it's funny to hear that you enjoy tormenting the sisters. And thank you so much for honestly sharing your own struggles with obedience. It is a valuable lesson! As what your abbot was doing, God sees us in a whole lot different way and He put us through all kinds of circumstances so that we can grow even though at times we may consider them rediculous. As for this fasting, it is my first time trying the Orthodox way. And it is so so so hard......this is the last week before Christmas and every single day in the morning when I passed by my kitchen, it was just so tempting. Fasting, especially a long period of fasting, has been humbling me, too! Deep breathe...the last week!

[@user-sarasara]

This is so timely! I laughed and I cried (in a good way), and am strengthened and reassured by the hope and love you have spoken into our hearts. Thank you, as always.

[@ak99]

I'm glad he did not throw you out!!! Love you Father!!

[@doduahdodoo4980]

Happy New Year Praying for a successful new year

[@jake115577]

Please pray for me Father

[@jancykattakayam6690]

Thank You Father.God Bless You.

[@mullmonastery]

May we all be blessed, dear Jancy

[@Oilofmercy]

Joy of the Lord is our strength. Thank you!

[@rossanapani8787]

I love this Saint ,pure, and lovable little child that will born soon 🙏🌠for all of us .I love Jesus 💙

[@blabccdcdc7200]

Very impressive ! Congratulation for your ccoperation with God. Such a pleasure to see that you exist. Your existence is meaningful, you enlight us, thanks to God and to you. ☦

[@pictopoezia]

Right on spot, father!🌱

[@Lordhavemercy17]

❤

[@katkat2340]

Beautiful ! My spiritual Fathers are always patient and encouraging me . The same still small voice. 😇🙏🏽💫

[@mullmonastery]

Dear Kathy, how blessed you are that you have a spiritual guide. May Christ keep you two in peace, so you may grow into His Image. Guard this treasure with all your might, dear one.

[@katkat2340]

Mull Monastery Thank you very much Father, I also follow all your words and the book on confession is exceptional and helpful in so many many ways. I too will thank God for your direction and help.

[@happyJan2516]

Thank you Fr Seraphim as always for reminding us that our Lord understands us completely and wants us to be kind to ourselves and others! Have a very blessed, peaceful and healthy Christmas 😊😇

[@kidistiamaniel6524]

Amen amen amen father may god blesses for all of us

[@orig999]

Thank you Father Your messages are what I need to hear God directs me to your talks when I am ready to hear and when I need to hear them

[@SketchyRaider]

Wow, this video was very powerful... I feel like this is just the message I had to hear today... Thank you very much, Father. God Bless.

[@badger0888]

The most wonderful reminder to bear with ourselves as we bear with others to grow in His Grace. Thank you again Father. I like the workshop. This is my most favorite place as it draws me to the kind of work which is life-giving. Christ has Risen!

[@constancedemmas423]

Thank you again . Helpful again today . I love being able to re-listen to the videos

[@mariez9422]

thank you for reinforcing the wisdom of God. God bless you and everyone on this video 🙏

[@JulieCunningham-rr7ub]

Thankyou brother in christ

[@robinhoodie3820]

"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." God Bless you and the monastery my beloved brother in Christ. Thank God for your effort to convey the message of resisting the devil by ignoring him... not being distracted or trying to fight back by engaging him and not being limited by perfection in pattern of prayer. I have had a major breakthrough today my friend. God has pushed the devil back whilst I said the rosary and listened to some psalms today during a most joyful meditation. I will sing his praises forever!

[@Mary-wy5cl]

Father, I REALLY, REALLY needed to hear this. Thank you. 🙏 I poke at actual seeds too, and am very impatient. I smiled about the gardening part, because I relate. Also, your joy is contagious. I'm trying not to think about potential spiritual growth, because I've definitely failed more than usual this year. Hopefully it helps someone somehow! Christ is born, Glorify Him! ☦

[@mullmonastery]

His Incarnation is the source of all Joy, dear Mary. It is the unshakable proof of His Life-giving Love for us, sinners, and it is the beginning of all Christ's work for our salvation. We need to slowly, patiently, humbly DO what we know that needs to be done, to the best of our ability, not assessing ourselves and not comparing ourselves with our brothers and sisters. Just do what needs to be done, try you best and keep moving forward in hope.

[@Mary-wy5cl]

@@mullmonastery thank you, Father. It's a lifelong process. I recognize that and accept this... But it's still hard. Haha. 🙏

[@Jamesdavis-vz3ho]

Thank you for your and you Give so much hope and love. However the Grace is awesome i hasn't heard grace so graceful. Thanks for honesty I needed to hear the simple yes of it. Sometimes we do feel to sadness positive or negative and you kind to point that out thanks again Amen

[@GregDinAZ]

Wonderful! Much wisdom ❤️

[@jesusmylight5357]

God Bless you Father, remember me in your prayer I need prayer 🙏.

[@jamestregler1584]

And if we take this to Heaven, well thanks for the visit !

[@mullmonastery]

May we all meet in Christ's Kingdom, dear James.

[@jamestregler1584]

@@mullmonastery hopefully sooner, thanks Father.

[@denniskoutavas4932]

Hi Father. Your message is soothing to my soul and comforts me. I'm so grateful your in my life to help guide me. I love the Lord. Christ has RISEN!

[@dskb83]

Thank you, father. Amen!!! Amen!!!! Merry Christmas!!!

[@brittanyrand2629]

Thank you for this message, Father! You mentioned perhaps expounding on the pitfall of forgetfulness in a future video. I personally would very much appreciate such a video as forgetfulness is one of my many sins that I battle daily. I know I continue to let loved ones down with my careless absent-mindedness and I would love to begin to work toward overcoming this with God’s help. Thank you once again for sharing your videos! They have been a great blessing to me!

[@e.a.c.2175]

Glory to God for this message of hope in Christ!

[@harrihuovinen9706]

Praise be to God! I am so thankful for these instructions the Holy Spirit has given us through you, dear Father. May the Lord bless you all abundantly!