Orthodox Asceticism in the Real World (2). True prayer and fasting amidst "all earthly cares".

[@Nonny1112]

Oh you are the one who wrote that amazing The Sacrament of a Difficult Life! I remember reading and sharing it, not knowing anything about you. You came onto my radar again rather recently and accepted my friend request. This was so good. My husband who is not Orthodox has wondered about prayer and I just quoted you, The person who lives in the present moment and can be grateful, is praying. Thank you!

[@EsmeeElisabeta]

Wonderful talk. Thank you.

[@coolsebz]

Very beautiful! Thank you! God is good!

[@OrthodoxReview]

First! (Lol) good to see you on the tube!

[@normadaly7506]

Thank you Steve.

[@robynnielsen4299]

Thank you for this! I really needed to hear it, and I’m certain the timing was no accident.

[@kathleenhale7602]

I leave this podcast grateful and a good deal lighter. Thank you!

[@JohnAnon-mh5el]

Wonderful! Thank you for sharing.

[@APaineProduction]

31:34 “can phony baloney make you St. Sophrony” - Steve 2k24

[@paisios2541]

You should read the first Epistle of St Symeon the New Theologian on confession, where he speaks about how it is the monks possess the authority to bind and loose, how monks are the true inheritors of the spirituality of the Apostles. A so called "monastic capture" of the Church would be a good thing if it were actually true and described reality. In America we have the opposite problem: an ignorance of and hostility towards monasticism.

[@sevprobinson]

I would agree that there is ignorance of what monasticism is and its proper place in the grand scheme of the life of the Church. In my 25 years of experience with mostly converts the issue is not hostility toward monasticism but an infatuation with it that often leads to delusional spiritual pursuits.

[@paisios2541]

@sevprobinson that might fall under ignorance though since most Orthodox Americans have little or no actual experience with monasticism. We live a very unusual life here in America so separated from monastics, most Orthodox historically didn't live like this. So we have a fantasy sort of image of it. We can't ignore the fact that the basic patristic axiom is that "the laypeople imitate the monks and the monks imitate the angels". The monasteries are the heart of the Church. We must look to the monks as examples, not to live literally like them but to apply and approximate their life.

[@dt5975]

Who is this priest , can i find more videos of him talking ?

[@sevprobinson]

I'm not a priest, just a sub-deacon. I don't have any other videos but I have a couple podcasts and a blog if you're interested in reading and listening.

[@dt5975]

Yes I am , I like yours perspective, I watch this video with open mind without trying to judge , even if I was not arguing with you on some topics but I like yours perspective on this , send me . Thank you anyway keep going , people need more of this

[@sevprobinson]

@@dt5975 My blog steverobinson.substack.com/

[@sevprobinson]

@@dt5975 My old podcast www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/stevethebuilder/

[@lamarpowell5168]

So I’ve listened to part 1 and 2 (I’ve watched some but try to listen and do my work) and even stopped to back up and share a bit with my wife who’s had to come home early from Community Bible Study because of our 3yr old whose become painfully clingy in recent weeks. This has been a blessing. I see your casket-maker video in queu and as an upholsterer (the thumbnail was for a leatherwork business I tried to start up years ago but never took off) I’m eager to understand how I can be faithful to God in all that I do.