The devil has millennia of experience on how to bring us down

SUPPORT OUR MONASTERIES ON MULL & IONA:
By PayPal & Credit / Debit Cards: mullmonastery.com/donate/
BY CHEQUE (USA only) - Cheques should be written to 'American Friends of the Celtic Saints' and sent to: 3736 W County Rd 4, Berthoud, CO 80513. All cheque donors will receive a tax-receipt for their donation.
-
ICONS, SPIRITUAL BOOKLETS and PRAYER ROPES are available through our online store: shop.mullmonastery.com
-
Remember to SUBSCRIBE and SHARE !
-
The video 'The devil has millennia of experience on how to bring us down' was recorded by Fr Seraphim (Aldea) at Iona Monastery (The Orthodox Monastery of the Dormition of the Mother of God and All Saints of Iona), on the Isle of Iona.

[@mullmonastery]

To support our Monasteries on Mull and Iona, you may make a donation here mullmonastery.com/donation/ or join our Online Community here mullmonastery.com/our-online-community/ or join us on one of our 2024 Scottish Isles Pilgrimages here shop.mullmonastery.com/product/scottish-isles-pilgrimage-2024/ May God bless us all!

[@kalbertdr]

I believe what you say. But, finding a ‘church’ to rely on is inconceivable to me in this world the way it is. I long for a spiritual leader. I have none. Pray for all us orphans out here struggling alone. Thank you✌️

[@medotaku9360]

Christ Himself is the leader of the Orthodox Church. I encourage you to find a local parish and have a conversation with the priest.

[@RichardSzabo-yz7ks]

I live in UK, tried to find Orthodox church for years, only found close to me Romanians that i don't understand, and one English that has vaxxed ecumenist priests and people .. So yeah its too hard to find a real Orthodox Priest that follows the Holy Fathers instead of following the new world order

[@juliand607]

*the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church

[@laureah21]

I agree and in the same situation. Perhaps I’m expecting too much from my church and leadership. After all they are human like me

[@rahawa774]

I understand your pessimism. I am a returning Catholic, and when I came to make my big, ‘covering the last 20 years’ confession, the priest practically told me off for being over scrupulous about confessing all my small sins (they weren’t: there was sone serious stuff in there). I felt so depressed afterwards, knowing that I had spilled my heart out to a confessor that did not even respect the import of the sacrament he was administering…

[@mmaakkiinn]

:Saint Paisios ""The devil does not hunt after those who are lost; he hunts after those who are aware, those who are close to God....☦️

[@PaulTheHermit77]

I have been under attack from the old enemy. I live off grid in the woods. Recently my health is failing. In and out of hospital for months last week I collapsed, ended up in hospital with suspected stroke. So. I have joined a church finally. I am trying to learn and follow instead of my old self reliant self. I have withdrawn to a hotel for two weeks to recover my health. I can do this. But not alone. I'm trying to use this hardship to make my spiritual life stronger by as you put it , to join the ranks of others that have done battle with the evil one. Strength through numbers. My pride was strong and trying to keep me going, but I can't do this alone. I am weak. I'm a sinner. I need Jesus's help and the help of the body of Christ, the Church and the saints. This video is an amazing message.

[@Chrisc-sn6uh]

He certainly does know when to attack. Lord have mercy.

[@thehulk7629]

Thank you Father Seraphim. Since I have given my life to Christ, the spiritual battles have been intense… losing my job, my health, my marriage and sometimes I wonder if God really sees us and if we are important to him at all. We are so small and insignificant in this big world. It is hard to find a spiritual father and harder still to find a good church. Pray for us father that we may endure to the end. We are Praying for you and for Mull monastery. Your words have been a blessing for us.🙏☦️

[@riseandshinejp]

I feel very alone where I am. I live in a city obsessed with drink and drugs. The churches are "modern" and condone the rainbow obsession. It feels like the people here invent Christ to fit whatever their feelings and urges demand. Please pray for me. I depend on your words; they give me strength.

[@mullmonastery]

The sin that surrounds you does make one's spiritual battle more difficult, but God found righteous people even in Sodom, dear one. If you can, fight where you are. If your own weakness makes this battle impossible (it would make it for me), then move forward and find a better place to live your only life, a better battlefield for your spiritual struggling

[@sophiamac9100]

Roman's 5, 20 : But where sin increased, grace increased all the more. Pray, be steadfast, and have hope, and the Lord will find a way to bestow His grace! ❤

[@DChristina]

Look up and attend your local Orthodox church- you’ll find a loving community of like minded believers ❤️

[@GunnarLoeb]

You are not alone brother

[@thescaleofnature5775]

The timing of this video was perfect. This is just what I needed to hear. God bless you, Fr. Seraphim. Your videos are so helpful and edifying.

[@mullmonastery]

Glory be to God for all good things, dear one. If you found anything useful in this, please keep us in your prayers - monastic life is beautiful, but hard, and we greatly benefit from everyone's prayers

[@thescaleofnature5775]

@mullmonastery I certainly will, Father Seraphim. God bless you, and thank you for all of your wonderful content. I have been in a difficult part of my spiritual journey, and your videos have been helping me.

[@user-ne8vl2uh8g]

Absolutely

[@kevinsusnar7070]

This is what I’ve been saying brother monk, the father of lies, likes to “divide and conquer. Gets us alone, vulnerable in our grief and then he attacks! There is strength in numbers, why you think I’ve been trying to get to the monastery? Because I realize that my being all alone is no match for the adversary. He knows my triggers, he knows my weaknesses and if he can catch me alone then he has the upper hand-especially those of us who don’t have years or decades of spiritual training. A soldier in a battle all alone is in serious jeopardy! The soldier for Christ needs his teammates if he is to survive. We learn this from wolves….”the strength of the pack is the wolf and the strength of the Wolf is the pack” Please pray for me, that I can find my brothers and join their ranks because by myself, I have no chance. Just look at all the lonely people in the world, living in isolation, and seclusion and no one is talking to each other anymore. They are literally drowning in the ocean’s abyss and no one is swimming out to pull them back to shore. I like the word fickle. It’s a good word and it fits the topic perfectly. Yes, the world is fickle.

[@robb6059]

Stand up to the devil and he will turn and run. Come close to God and He will come close you. (James 4:8)

[@liana-maier]

Praise the lord !...for only He "arranges" your teachings to synchronice with my every day spiritual needs and journey to His kingdom. Be blessed, father Serafim 🙏

[@mullmonastery]

Glory be to God, dear one. God does have a wonderful way to 'micromanage' every detail of our lives if we allow Him to. God is not a bully, one has to willingly open oneself to His presence

[@jenniferpollard4466]

Please pray for me to find this kind of church . I’m still a baby at this and for the first few years of myself giving my life to Jesus there was Covid and no church . I have no idea where to start . Please pray for me ♥️🙏

[@marioroma7325]

This brought me to realization to give up on my delusional mind and just be obedient to the ones who know how to fight

[@andreafirth577]

Thankyou , this was very much needed to hear it at this time today , I am severely struggling and losing , because of being in the position I find myself , and the enemy has found a way to make me feel all the more sorry for myself in it all , So thank you for the kindness and blessings and I wholeheartedly receive your words of faith . God Bless Mull Monastery and all the brothers and sisters in Christ ❤️‍🩹✝️

[@billiebareed]

As a muslim follower I find this channel very interesting! And I am very hopeful to see other young people following their religion. May God be pleased with you.

[@Nesto79]

Thank you father, many blessings to you and the monastery

[@AnniWho600]

Your words are so wonderful but it is so hard when you depend on people who are in the grip of the evil😭. I Sometimes feel so helples and despair. But despair is a sin, I know....but sometimes it feels that I can' t take it anymore. 😭 Please pray for my family. Thank you and God bless you❤

[@bored5481]

i hope you will find peace and keep going🙏❤️

[@gretagarbo1119]

Mind -blowing!I commit myself to Thee in trust.Let not mine enemies triumph over me.Teach me Thy paths.All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth.Turn Thee unto me,and have mercy upon me,for I am desolate and afflicted.Consider my enemies,for they are many.and they hate me with cruel hatred.The troubles of my heart are enlarged.O,bring Thou me out of my distresses!😔🙏💔

[@cubbles6801]

The Gnostics are back brothers🗝, I was one, there are many "benefits", but all of them take more than they give, weird how closely mushrooms ring true to the Tree of Knowledge: beware those who limit the divinity of our Triune God ♾✝🕊

[@Terri7665]

Amen ☦️🙏

[@JoshuaBlais]

The personal experience one has in the spiritual sense is the beginnings of tremendous pride and thus a stumbling block (perhaps the greatest one) - I have seen it within my own life.

[@guybuddyman838]

It sounds exhausting to be constantly in a state of readiness against sin. I suspect that God will help us so we stay strong. I haven’t reached that level yet.

[@TemisAZ]

So true, Many thanks !

[@RoxanaAncora]

Thank you, father. I needed this message. ☦️

[@sosinaayalew6219]

Amen❤

[@adamburwell4081]

This message is powerful. Thank you

[@jag9563]

Thank you fr Seraphim. The battle against the devil and our pride is such a difficult one. All ye angels and saints of God pray for us and keep us close within the heart of Jesus our saviour. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me,a sinner , and on your whole world. Prayers and blessings fr Seraphim for you and your communities on Iona & Mull.. I jenny - Dunedin NZ

[@mullmonastery]

It is a difficult battle, dear one, and Christ has foretold us that it would be difficult. What makes it even more difficult is that we live in such a fallen world that even among Christians there are some who are no longer aware of the very existence of the battle, let alone how difficult it is. Keep praying, keep following Christ, keep lifting up your cross daily, and all will be well.

[@jag9563]

@@mullmonastery Thank you fr Seraphim. Your reflections as well as getting to the heart of the matter are always affirming and encouraging. Blessings.

[@mkeenan1955]

Thank you Father for those encouraging words. I am an old man of 68. I am still on the spiritual way of Christ. Yes, we must hearken to the Desert Fathers for advice in the spiritual battle the devil wages against us for our souls. (Thank God I no longer have to deal with raging hormones, “soups of hormones,” as you called them 😂.)

[@yeahsure9035]

We have power to tread ✝️ on serpents and scorpions and all Power ✝️ Over the enemy In Jesus ✝️ Name. The devil is a defeated foe. he can not bring a true Servant ✝️ Of God ✝️ down. God ✝️ Bless everyone!

[@spenny8233]

Thank you so much father seraphim your homily’s are so greatly appreciated. I thank you from the bottom of my heart I love you my brother ❤☦️☦️😺

[@mullmonastery]

Glory be to God, dear one. Please remember us in your prayers - that would be an enormous help for all of us.

[@Demokritos31]

AMEN❤!

[@MalikaIC]

Despite the devils miljoens of years of experience..discouragement is what it is all about..Falling over and over again discourages the many of us..frustration and shame and an increasing sense of powerlessness this is the strategy of the Devil..That is why should never ever give up..fall..rise up again..in the power of Christ our Lord..By Gods grace as we repent and keep calling and crying out to God our God..

[@grit1679]

What a great message! And I'm saying this as a Protestant in the Midwest.

[@deanaburnham9571]

❤ Dear Father, I cannot pass up your video try tho I might 😉 bc the frozen video frame always shows you smiling! You have big baby seal-like eyes and I always say, "Oh Father Seraphim knows the Lord has given him the grace to hook and reel me in to a good homily, every single time!😊 And you seem to get better and better at it! Oh my goodness! Once again, you have disarmed us and rendered us pliable and able to receive a teaching for the good of our souls and God's glory!❤

[@kiriaioulia]

Kyrie Eleison! Amen!

[@mtango9985]

Humans are already finished! Only a chosen few will prosper

[@GunnarLoeb]

Follow the good shepherd (christ) and not the wicked one

[@user-kh1vo2fc6s]

Pray for me, please. My Name is Sergey. I am in Siberia.

[@shannon6708]

Be Blessed father Seraphim!

[@marymonroe7042]

Excellent, so helpful.

[@waddles757]

Thank you

[@shouftas]

Can relate to the unreliability of fealings and how hard it is to not trust in them. It really seems that God is either happy with me or angry at me depending on whether I had proper sleep and food the previous night. Food and rest can either make me feel overly guilty or overly spiritually relaxed. Its good to have another to reorient your mood and thoughts to what is healthy!

[@mullmonastery]

The simple fact that you are aware of all of this, dear one, is a wonderful gift. Glory be to God! I am certain that the same Christ Who taught your heart these truths will hear your prayer and will guide you to His Light.

[@positivevibeskx1102]

This topic is so important,thank you Father!

[@mullmonastery]

Glory be to God, dear one

[@stylist62]

Please pray for me coming out of lot of loss trauma and grief, and he is caught exposed for crimes, the Lord to heal restore for me. The devil sounds nicer then who I am coming out of marriage with, the thief comes to kill steal and destroy as an angel of light If someone is abusing cheating stealing lying can’t live them to God, hard living in this world so many deceivers

[@carenkurdjinian5413]

Amen…….🌞

[@Boba899]

Спаси, Господи!

[@STMukr]

Слава Богу за все. Христос посреди нас ❤

[@VloggingCastles]

Greeting Fr i live also on a small scottish island and am struggling without a connection to a church. Please pray for me.

[@Sotsky]

I know I will be returning to this talk time and time again until it becomes engrained in my heart. Thank you Fr. Seraphim. ☦️❤

[@paulthompson4332]

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 1 Peter 5:8-9 James 4:7 How often my feelings and thoughts interfere with my faith. That's why we need the faith of a child, for a child's faith is pure and simple We are in an invisible battle, the spiritual battle, BUT, we have the blood of the Lamb, our Savior Jesus Christ to lead us to victory. This is a wonderful message Thank you God's blessings

[@torbs1252]

God bless you father

[@amirasaad630]

Thank you father The heart is indeed so deceiving ! Lord help us all 🙏 The devil has used and abused this in our society today ´´ I feel like a man ..I feel like God is not listening or doesn’t exist ´´ May the sheep always recognize the shepherd’s voice 🙏… It takes humility to follow tradition and go to confession and be obedient etc… thank you for the reminder , only In HIM can we be conquerers 🙏

[@mullmonastery]

It is so strange to me that there are people who think of themselves as followers of Christ, but then they only follow their own instincts and feelings - that is a clear sign that the God they follow is their own self, and that is nothing but nothingness leading nothingness; a sinner leading himself to ever more sin.

[@igor_vasilchenco]

Спасибо большое, отец Серафим! Удивительно как актуальна поднятая вами тема ) она беспокоит меня в последнее время особенно остро. Что является истинной причиной которая побуждает нас к тем или иным усилиям, в том числе и в духовной жизни.. Вспоминается из святоотеческого придания..учиник возвращается из пустыни обратно в монастырь к своему духовнику и спрашивает "отче, почему я больше не имею духовного дерзновения к подвигам будучи отшельником".А он ему отвечает " В пустыне твоё гордое эго не имеет возможности сравнивать себя с другими, и тщеславие которое тебе помогало вставать на молитву и посты отступило.."

[@STMukr]

Истинно. Вроде это писал отец Макарий Великий.❤

[@GLang-kq5lw]

I have been attacked many times physically, spiritually, financially.... since I became Christian, the first thing I speak out is: THE BLOOD OF JESUS! this stops demons right away. Following the teachings of Jesus or apostle Paul, you will be protected and blessed. But you need to know bible scripture, wear and use the armor of God (Eph. 6 V10+++). All glory to be to God!

[@raba650]

I felt like i needed this reassurance/admonition. Thank you for your time in gathering this reflection.

[@biljanakocanovic6778]

😇😇😇

[@RoadKing-ky2bs]

A beautiful message. Thank you.

[@Julian_Films]

What a wonderful teaching Father, thank you so much for sharing!

[@roblemeire9441]

Excellent! Your advice is not only working against evil, but also for living in general a good live. Like child rearing: how do we do that best? Do we follow our own inclinations in pride? I think it's how child rearing is done today in many families and leading to quite some issues. Or do we want to rear or children in accordance with the tradition? Of course, child rearing is a very circumstantial endeavour where no external advice can solve everything, but that's again not unlike fighting the evil.

[@Nubako463]

Jesus said to him I’m way, the truth and the life no man come to the Father but by Me John 14:6

[@mistyskies6396]

I needed to hear thank you so much, God bless you 🙏

[@lindaglendenning3896]

THANK YOU SO MUCH - VAN YPU PLEASE SPEAK ABOUT TESTING THE SPIRITS? ☦️

[@jdesarro73]

Amen 🙏

[@stylist62]

Thank you appreciate the teaching 💐🙏💕

[@ChildofGod98765]

I’m healing surviving and thriving by the grace of GOD! There is freedom in Jesus Christ. God please continue to empower me with your grace so I may keep going. As a single mother I’m struggling to provide for my sons both are on the spectrum and I’m overwhelmed! Every month is a struggle to survive. Jesus help me to overcome my fears. Because I am fearful all the time. As I struggle to buy groceries and as I struggle to pay rent. Just know I trust you Lord. I won’t be discouraged NO MATTER WHAT! I choose faith!

[@daeseongju8567]

🙏

[@didihrpro3499]

Father.. I love your message.. May God bless you. Glory to God.🙏☦️🕊❤️

[@pyrotex8]

Thank you Father! I long for the community and environment of a monastery, and I admire asceticism greatly. However I also plan on getting married. How can I pursue the spiritual life of monasticism, being surrounded by so much holy tradition and guidance, while also being a married man?

[@johnstdm1]

Father Serafim, I kiss your hand and thank God for the fathers and mothers who went before us: what a blessed treasure we have in Christ’s Church. Pray for us, and may God’s will be done in us. Yours in Christ, Daniel

[@MaryKane-qv5vz]

We have an Eternal Father and Mother Mary was given to us at the foot of the Cross. We are not orphans. Cling to them.

[@helenedragone2532]

Dear Father Seraphim, thank you for these words of truth which give perseverance on our path... Little by little I discover the beneficial force of the inner fight, of holding on with prayer, and not feeling sorry for myself - even, as soon as a difficulty arises... it is wonderful to see the reality about oneself, its smallness and its insignificance... because deep down there is a dawn of joy and true life which appears delicately ! What a miracle...and you give us a lot of lessons to help us! Glory to God ! May our Lord and His All-Holy Mother watch over you and your blessed monasteries !

[@alicebeshay6124]

Thank you again and again for your guidance on the pathway to Christ our Lord! You are one we can follow in the great tradition of the Church, because so many have nowhere to go to seek this ‘shield’. But by experience I know that the Lord is always present,even when we do not realize it. Asa small child of 6 years in a not Christian family , I once visited a friend and we where on the streets near her home in Amsterdam. I was standing on a big square with a big building. It was huge in my eyes. I suddenly felt a present, an awe maybe, because I felt that this building was very special. I didn’t know what a church was! It took me almost 30 years to be baptized in a Coptic monastery, and a am still a little one swimming only by the strength of my Lord and the wisdom of the fathers. I will never be perfect. Only God is! God bless you father Seraphim🙏🌹🌹🌹🌹❤️❤️❤️ I love you in Christ🙏

[@clarametzhagopian2665]

Thanks God amen

[@loveisintheair3487]

❤❤❤Amen❤❤❤

[@TheMLMGold]

Very powerful message, thank you

[@angelachiorean5151]

Thank you Father! You bring so much peace with your talks! 🙏God bless

[@mullmonastery]

Glory be to God, dear one. I say a little prayer before opening my month and I try my best not to allow my sinful heart to guide me, but to speak from a place of love for everyone who may be hearing these words. Please keep us in your prayers.

[@KazX37]

Eye opening. Great sermon.

[@jimfoard5671]

Bless you.

[@nassergabriel4778]

Profound and powerful as always Father, God bless you ☦

[@STMukr]

Father Seraphim many thanks. God bless you for video and your podcasts on AFR. Great job you doing. ☦🕊

[@orthodoxsaulo]

Even my spiritual father said this but i never get it, it seems like i should constantly remind myself of this. I struggle so badly with this passion of logolismi, and i always get miserable and happy because of my thoughts or feelings. Im truly controlled by the cunning evil one, may you keep me in your prayers dear Father seraphim. I was baptized a month ago and i dare to try and fight the devil Who has millennium upon millennium of years on me.

[@mullmonastery]

You will overcome everything in Christ, dear one. Your only focus should be to stay close to Christ and He will win all your battles for you. None of us can defeat the evil one alone - we all need Christ and His Bride, the Church.

[@orthodoxsaulo]

@@mullmonastery sorry dear father I meant logismoi that's how its correctly spelled

[@user-qp8xe3sx6h]

FATHER pray for me❤❤❤

[@user-ne8vl2uh8g]

I"ve heard that he is a 4,000 year old serpent I've also heard he has been annointed, nobody can fight him but Christ.

[@WisdomSeeker369]

☦️🕊🔥📿

[@glennpesti6519]

God bless you and thank you brother

[@heathstjohn6775]

Yes, yes; yes, keep praying for that. And, after your videos, back to that '' Soup '' of '' Hormones '': the world.

[@deylynn6280]

🙏💐💖

[@BlackHermit]

The "invasion of Gaza"? That is quite a controversial take!

[@mgtowstanleyzoltanov9808]

Devil has infinite years of experience. He was created before univerce

[@Neodreth]

As much i would like to blame the Devil for bringing me down and use him as an excuse, i can't...The way i feel is like i have millennia of experience on sin. I once asked my self, if you knew that there is no Hell and we will all go to Heaven when we die, would you still pray and try not to sin? Then i realized that all my petty attempts were not because of my love for God and my desire to do His will, it was all for me and the fear of going to Hell. I have come to a point that i am ashamed to pray and ask the Lord's mercy, or go to confession and ask forgiveness for sins that i already know there is no way i will never commit again. Maybe i am like the case of Judas and it would be better if i was never born.

[@user-pl8kc2lo1r]

I think the repentance itself is difficult but since you usually feel good and better usually after a while one whould think it's easy. But there is something inside us like blocks one from taking the road to repentance. And as you say sooner or later we fall again into sin

[@mullmonastery]

I know what you say, dear one. That 'thickening' of our hearts which stops us from repenting can come for many reasons, from prolonged habitual sin to pride, despondency, all the way to pure demonic attack. But through all of it, patience and perseverance in prayer will always lead one to Christ's Light.

[@user-oe9go7wb7j]

The holy fathers says thats because when we go to commit sin the devil takes away our shame and when we go to confess that sin the devil gives us back our shame...so we dont want to confess it.

[@user-fi6lm1ec8b]

Longer than that he's like an alien species that gets into and infects you

[@lauradewein2042]

❤️‍🔥

[@user-hg7wl1kr8y]

🙏🙏🙏

[@oana479]

Bună dimineața. Ce bine ar fi și subtitrat in romana, dacă se poate. Ajuta pe cei care încă nu cunosc atât de bine engleza

[@michaelaozuka5179]

God bless you🙏👑 i only have two questions regarding the orthodox church, why sunday worship? why worship/veneration of saints and graven images of our God/Jesus? Two commandments breached. Why???

[@berniegran5391]

I have really bad anxiety that makes me scared of going to church, im taking medication but im improving very slowly , what should i do ?

[@Brody.W]

Jesus Christ of Nazareth..

[@Beta-XYZ]

The king of confusion, the lord of illusion, the prince of deception, is doing quite well in today's world. For example, it changes weak minds, to confuse the creature with the Creator, to worship the flesh, not God, to embrace moralism instead of prayer, puritan ideology instead of asceticism, philosophical reflection instead of Liturgy, meditation instead of vigil. The demon turns words into curses, embrace into suffocation, mercy into harsh judgment. The demon soiled by the supreme sin of pride, eternally unrepentant, gives lessons in hygiene, humility and repentance. The dictator of the wasteland preaches fruitfulness, the desert sheik of the dark wasteland teaches courses of springs of light. Non-being always accuses those who are. The non-liturgical defames the Liturgy man. The follower of sweetened hypocrisy condemns the sons of true love. Servant of sin - horrible miasma, defies the fragrance of the Spirit. The demiurge of lies is horrified by the truth. What can we do? Let us pray more, more fervently and more truly.

[@zianniculae6700]

❤️💚💙🌹

[@user-qp8xe3sx6h]

❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉😊😊😊😊