Me, Pharisee?

[@andreaslaugh2487]

I read something by St. Theophan the Recluse on this topic. He wrote: "People rarely speak like the Pharisee in words, but in the feelings of their heart they are rarely unlike him." How very true (at least for me).

[@Grizaptimus]

Just started my journey into Orthodoxy. You helped with that Father. I am very thankful for you

[@nicolashill8837]

This is one of my favorite Sundays it's such a sobering experience

[@valwhelan3533]

Father, I'm a catholic who appreciates your videos and find them inspiring. Keep up the good work, ignore the haters.

[@physics1518]

Catholic here too.

[@Athonite]

Fr. Tryphon, I am always happy when I see an upload from your channel. A lot of people, especially younger men, are feeling more alienated and lost in the current environment. We are fortunate to have your voice out there.

[@sabrinalisten]

Father you never strike me as prideful. Warm, generous and wise is a better description. I thank God for all His servants in the Church.

[@stnilus3294]

We should always be wary of the Pharisee within ourselves. I had a conversation with Fr. Spyridon recently, which made me realize that. Even when we think we are factually correct, we are in the wrong apart from continual repentance and humility before God.

[@virginiasouthas6748]

Appreciate every one of your videos, Father. Thank you.

[@wade43671]

I'm sorry you had to go through that, Father. May God continue to bless you and keep you! I'm praying for you!!

[@jeanneelisabeth]

Dear Abbot Tryphon: i am very sorry that you were subject to hateful commentary and decided not to accept comments. I thought You Tube had censured you for some reason. I love and am thankful for all your videos and am happy that you are accepting comments.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@kaylakincannon3458]

Fr I am newly baptized. I had debated back and forth on whether or not to wear my baptismal cross out or tucked in. But when I have asked my spiritual father, he has said that the world has turned so far from any symbol of Christ that it should be important to clearly declare our cross that we should pick up. It is a reminder of that which we deserve, it is a reminder of our guilt before God, and undeserved reconciliation through Christ God. We should all hope to be as honest as the Publican or the thief on the Cross. Fr bless! ☦️

[@michaelbrooks9647]

Welcome to the family, sister.

[@RatSplatigan]

That's what my Priest told me too. He said if we lived in an Orthodox country it wouldn't be as important, but in a secular and mostly Godless society like America it's very important for us to stand up for our belief in Jesus Christ. ☦

[@synthesaurus]

In Russia it is called literally “on-the body” cross. It is meant to be against your skin I was told

[@kingdust2718]

You are far from a Pharisee. I'm a Protestant and I love watching you. I've learned so much through you. I recommend you all the time to people. GOD truly works through you.

[@densaakaldte1]

I stared following a simple prayer rule a couple of months ago and immediately turned into the Pharisee, so I understand why and I’m very happy that the Church puts so much emphasis on this parable ❤️ Lord have mercy

[@Oldparson220]

God bless you Father Tryphon. I'm a Roman priest of advanced years and receive great consolation from your talks

[@anamarijamarinovic4922]

Father, do not pay attention to any negative comments. There are a lot of unhappy people out there. Pray for them. God bless you. Greetings from Serbia.

[@Saint_nobody]

Father, though the priestly robes (cassocks?) are an Uncanny sight for me in my LDS upbringing, I know that you and many of your brothers thereof have your heart in the right place. Bless you, sir. And forgive me if I've ever offended you or the orthodox faith. 😊

[@WisdomOfSolomon7]

It's insane to me that people trashed you. Your videos help me so much I often feel like God is speaking directly to me through you. You have helped change my life and correct my course to hell into heaven on earth the Holy Orthodox church. The gates of hell will not prevail.

[@WisdomOfSolomon7]

Not feeding you pride. I am thanking you for your service to change young men's like myself lives.

[@dravenocklost4253]

I can imagine people trashing him when he went against what the world powers (i.e. mainstream news outlets) were saying. Simple examples being Kenosha kid and vaccine mandates. Other than that yeah, I feel sad that he seemed to take them to heart, seemed like he was hurting himself today. 💔

[@WisdomOfSolomon7]

@@dravenocklost4253 agreed. I love the man. I hope to find a spiritual father full of love like him

[@WisdomOfSolomon7]

@dravenocklost4253 true yeah I didn't even think about that.

[@WisdomOfSolomon7]

Every time I talk I feel like I have to repent.

[@richardwagner-ky9mz]

Abba Tryphon, you are a wonderful example of faith an perseverance to believers, especially new converts to Orthodoxy, such as myself. Please especially our videos coming.

[@EarthCitizen09]

Bless you Father Tryphon

[@yourneighbour3309]

Keep on the comments!!! Thank you for all these videos!!!

[@abhabh6896]

Sticks and stones, Father, sticks and stones. If a doctor was only a doctor because of his clothing no man would ever be cured, if only criminals wore orange jumpsuits, no one would be selling them at the store. Maybe a layman doesn't se it but God does and the kindness you carry and the way you carry yourself, it cannot be replicated just by wearing some clothes because its achieved trough fasting, prayer and repentance. I have seen clergy from other faiths but they don't have that peace around them. On e upon a time I met a, who is now reposed in God, but then and now very famous, Mitropolitan Amfilohije Radovic. I was just passing bu him, going back from high school, near the temple. I was in awe at his presence, but he, he just smiled at me and winked at me, as if we are school buddies. Such was his humility. Many people feared him, even more people respected him and then and now he was and is seen as a holy man. But he had time for everyone. At one time he would hold Liturgy, at other time he would play football with kids or sing. I see that humility in you too, Father, anyone who bothers to listen or can listen notices the warmth in your voice and a prideful man would never talk about "being trashed" and not being able to take it. He also used to say that when someone throws a stone at a man of God, that stone was mean for Christ, but the man intercepted it with his body, so each stone they throw at you (including these bad words) is one less stone thrown at Him and He sees that and will make it up for you. The fact people judge you for the way you dress shows they only judge outwardly, it shows their lacking. Many in the east don't know there are Orthodox in the west and many in the west don't know what even are Orthodox. Your video helps both in the best way possible. I know it has helped me with some issues too. So, don't give up, Father. This is a great channel.

[@lindaphillips4646]

Thank you, Father. And thank you for allowing us to leave comments. I thought that there was a way that comments could be removed.. I know that some really troubling ones were removed from a site that i was on recently. I was relieved to see that they were gone..

[@johna3322]

I thank you for allowing comments. It provides us with the opportunity to show our gratitude for sharing your wisdom and experiences with us. We all have our thorn in the flesh and perhaps its purpose is to keep us humble as we ascend the ladder of theosis. As negative opinions and comments temporarily stunt our progression, it is the kind and encouraging words and also the harsh truths that exemplify the wisdom of God that lifts us back up. I look forward to your next video.

[@starstray4326]

I despaired so hard for missing church. I finally had an opportunity since my truck broke down to use another car from a family member yet I completely failed God

[@alfmaxey6090]

I thank God that He is working through you;praise Him.

[@Art-mo5bt]

The truth is ment to be crucified. Glory to the Living God for His care for you. ☦

[@alephzahir5608]

We need to do the actions of the Pharisee with the disposition of the Publican.. everything the Pharisee did was good except judging the Publican so we have to walk the Royal Path between the 2! That's what my Priests homily was about today...

[@UrsusPolaris01]

Father Tryphon, I watched this movie called Man of God, which is about Saint Nektarius. Everytime someone is rude to me or I get angry, I try to see this image from the movie in front of me. In the scene, the monastery is violently search by the police while all the nuns and Nektarius are standing in the court. One of the nuns runs up to the Saint and wants him to intervene. But he just puts his finger on the lips and then points at the sky. I am bad at imagining this, but sometimes it calms me down and sometimes I can even pray for the other person. To me your channel and your stories help me in such a way that I am not alone in my struggle. I am thankful to God that you do this.

[@IndianaJonesTDH]

I am Catholic currently in Catechumen class, even with differing positions we both know the ancient conflict between our churchs, there shouldnt be any hateful or rude commentary at all how would that bring across a point or a discussion... I love watching you and Father Spyridon, you give me such inspiration and give such great content. Peace be with you, hopefully one day schism may end between East and West of course our Oriental Brothers down South

[@lindaphillips4646]

Abbot TRYPHON, about being easily tempted to be proud pharisees in the Orthodox Church... because of the specialness of the Church: i was listening to a talk radio show several years ago,.when a clearly-fine police officer was reacting to some social upheavals going on.. He said that whenever he put on his badge to go to work in the mornings, he was not functioning as someone above the law, but, by putting on that badge, he had become someone also under laws. It seems to me that when we put on the 'badge', to continue my thought here, of the Orthodox Church, we might be tempted to be proud, but we are putting ourselves under important authority..and ought only to be humble before it. ☦💝📿💝☦. Now i must remember what i just wrote.

[@andrewmcreynolds4677]

Pray for me father my name is Andrew that God helps me live in a state of grace

[@davidkehrer7342]

Thankfully our God sees the heart.

[@steelfalconx2000]

Father, I too am a pharisee. I tell others not to judge but I judge. I look down on sinners but I am of course one as well. I even judge people who judge others! I look at people commiting sexual sins and deem them worse than I when I secretly want that as well. So in pride and in sin I live thinking I'm great. Pray for me to become more like the publican father.

[@therealinak]

I am so glad you turned your comments on. You’ve been a massive influence in my life recently, as I have moved away from the Protestant doctrines I was raised in. Orthodoxy, Catholicism and Prostant Christianity online are full of actual Pharisees; cyberdox men who aggressively champion their system, condemn all others, and push more hate and disdain for others than love for us, the icons of God. There is too much counsel; too little of it in love, and less in humility. Your videos have been a refuge from that. Thank you.

[@DanicusRex-m1m]

When I was first researching orthodoxy, I made the same visual connection as well 😅 in fact, it worried me coming from a protestant background. I mean, sure, I was having disagreements with protestantism, but did I want to become a pharisee? Anyway, I decided to just attend an orthodox church service and find out for myself. I don't think I have ever heard the word "humility" stated so often in such a short period of time 😆. The people and the priest of our humble little parish were so kind and loving that I put to rest any doubts. My wife and I are now catechumen ❤

[@dougbell9543]

Even if your appearance is similar to a Pharisee, your wonderful character is unquestionably Christ-like. ✔️ God bless you, Father.

[@Byzantios1]

God Bless Father Tryphon

[@stufen11]

How can anyone criticize you, what is wrong with these people? Thank you Father.

[@craigAnello]

Father Tryphon, you are awesome . Was it Abe Lincoln who said can't please all the people all the time. Almost, maybe President Abe was, can't fool all the people, whatever, keep on teach'in, Father.

[@sweetPeas7763]

Thank you so much for your videos ☦️❤️

[@dunsbroccoli2588]

Being alive can be so confusing. There's an impossible list of things to do just to be lawful and then fulfilling that as well as being merciful and loving in a world full of cruelty is impossible for a human. I'm often tempted to despair not only for the sins I've committed but my fallen nature, which tempts me to forget that through God anything is possible. Fr Tryphon, I'm sorry I have judged you. It's a kind of natural impulse towards defence that often happens on social media or out in the world socially. You can't say anything without being prideful or hypocritical. You can't hear anything without getting wounded by the mostly unconscious weaponization of Pharisee in all of us. Most of the time I don't even realize I'm justifying myself needlessly, but it's difficult because it hurts to feel attacked, misunderstood or stifled from expression at the expense of others. I have trouble remembering, especially in the the heat of the moment that love is more important than righteousness. The worst Pharisee is the one who judges others as a Pharisee. It's something a lot of us tend to overlook. We understand the story, but applying the message so it's alive in our contemporary lives is more difficult to keep in mind. It's a spirit that exists in all of us, unchanged over time. Yes, Pharisees are alive and well in each church, but there are also laypersons who are of the same spirit, secular people and those who don't even go to church. It's so easy to feel justified when we have earned it and fall into prelest, which is like adding up all our virtues and then multiplying it by zero. Please forgive me if I have offended you. I'm a fool. Even though I meant no harm, I lost sight of what is important.

[@kazb6526]

You're alright, Fr

[@westerngent]

Father, I am but a worthless sinner but I pray every day for wisdom from the Holy Spirit, salvation from by blessed Savior, Jesus Christ and forgiveness of my sins from Lord God. You exemplify the true faith. I mingle with Protestants, Catholics and Unbelievers on a daily basis. I pray with them, I discuss scripture with them, I help when I can both materially and spiritually. I know I am on the right path as an Orthodox believer and that they are not. I never bring it up but if asked I share but only with love, never condemnation. I am correct, but I do not correct. Only He corrects. I feel sorrow for their errors but see my own faults so much more. Truth will out for each soul in its own time and manner decided only by the Eternal. Amen.

[@normmyers4337]

God bless you and keep you…….make his love to shine upon you ,and give you peace

[@westerngent]

Your blessing fills my heart with indescribable joy and humility. Thank you. I am not worthy even for you to spend one minute on.@@normmyers4337

[@homemetalstudios759]

it saddens me to see the eye of contempt that christians have for one another and other forms of christianity. I say this as an outsider who has just begun his journey. On the outside looking in, it feels like people have taken the power of judgement upon themselves and wield it as a hammer to bludgeon others. The power of judgement is for the lord and him alone. I myself have been HEAVILY criticized by christians for the way i dress, the music i listen to, the company i keep, but never how i treat others. The fact these people haven't soured my view on christianity as a whole is a testament to the pull of the holy spirit, and I wonder how many people that would have been devout christians, were turned away by how the majority christians seem to act towards one another.

[@AlanTrulock]

In some ways, I preferred no comments. I just want to argue with everyone. I would certainly call it "debate" so as to absolve myself of any wrong doing. At least in my mind. Anyway... I would love to hear more of traditions within the Church. Your recent video about "where is the Bible in all of this" has me thinking that I really know little, if anything, about Church tradition. On a side note, I would love recommendations on an OT translation based upon the Septuagint. Everything on my bookshelf is based upon Masoretic Text.

[@christinah128]

💚

[@rhondab9792]

Wouldn't it be convenient if being a Pharisee were just a matter of how one is attired? The little devil is far more sneaky than that. Thank you for this reminder, Father.

[@JohnDoe-fv2qk]

You are my father

[@ELXABER]

Father Tryphon, it can be easily forgotten that not all interactions online are with actual people. You will probably get comments of lesser quality, but as an IT specialist, I assure you that the Dead Internet isn't just a theory, and about half of the interactions online are with AI or bots.

[@petergunn9149]

☦️☦️☦️

[@SeraphimLeo]

The problem of the pharisee was that he was quick to point out the problems in someone else whilst being blind to his own problems, not the fact that he was a pharisee and wore that attire. Ironically many who are so quick to accuse others of pharisaic behaviour are themselves most guilty of this.

[@maximt6509]

How is it surprising that the demons attack you? A man of your stature should be unfazed by such attempts.

[@SeraphimLeo]

A man of great stature is still a man. Negativity eats away at everyone. How you manage that negativity determines whether it works like acid rain or battery acid, but it still eats away at a person merely by virtue of them being human.

[@ciddoctor6993]

If they'd call you a boomer, that's fair. You miss some modernist things sometimes. But calling you a Pharisee just isn't fair.

[@shawnpatrick1877]

Calling someone a pharisee because they wear monk's attire or clerical robes is to be ignorant of the Bible, Christian history and the very definition of what a pharisee is. It's also the sin of judging someone, as you're making a baseless assumption and a nasty accusation against someone's character and spirituality based on nothing but looks. It's the same sin as looking at someone's shabby clothes or maybe their hairstyle, tattoos or even their ethnicity and judging them based on that. God specifically told Moses to have the Levitical Priests wear ornate robes and headwear. Also, we've come to think of the term pharisee as someone who is judgmental and self-righteous, but not all of the pharisees were evil. They weren't all doing things for show, some of them even believed in Jesus. Their clothing was never the main issue, not even "wearing their broad phylacteries and long fringes," or praying in public. Doesn't everyone pray in public in the Church? The problem was their attitude and motivation to be seen by others and thought of as important. They were fake, prideful people. Many Protestants are prideful people whether they wear business suits or robes behind a pulpit, and the ones judging you sound a lot like the pharisees who were always falsely accusing Christ of one thing or another. God forgive me, because I also once had foolish ideas like that about anything "traditional," before I came home to the Orthodox Church.

[@guvnc1]

Christ said the Pharisees that they set at naught the will of God by their traditions. These were laws not from God.

[@guvnc1]

Please consider how you may be resisting and judging the work of the Holy Spirit among Gentiles in Protestant churches.

[@moldyapple1789]

people conflate anything traditional as pharisaical. typical cope to do what thou wilt

[@lindaphillips4646]

Thank you, Father. And thank you for allowing us to leave comments. I thought that there was a way that comments could be removed.. I know that some really troubling ones were removed from a site that i was on recently. I was relieved to see that they were gone..