The 'exciting' spirituality of non-believers vs the dryness of a Christian's Cross

We live in an age of new paganism. The distance we allowed between ourselves and Christ has created a spiritual void in the world, which is rapidly being filled with spiritual experiences and rituals that mirror those of the ancient pagan world.
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The video 'The 'exciting' spirituality of non-believers vs the dryness of a Christian's Cross' was recorded by Fr Seraphim (Aldea) at Mull Monastery (The Orthodox Monastery of All Celtic Saints), on the Isle of Mull.

[@mullmonastery]

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[@dublinfitzpatrick7838]

Are you not going to be putting anymore videos on the youtube?

[@lindamcauley4728]

Oh, thank you, thank you Thank God. I need to hear these talks everyday. My sin can overwhelm me daily. Hour by hour, minute by minute. Please, please pray for the salvation of the world, for the drug addicts, the prostitutes, the homeless, the rejected and all those who suffer 🙏

[@brodmitkase]

Amen friend, Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on us all!

[@atomicsnowflake]

The world scares me 😢 there are very strange things going on these days. I don't even recognise it now ☦️🙏🕊️

[@mullmonastery]

Courage, my dear one. 'God is with us' - as we sing daily during Lent. God is with us! What greater power can there be?

[@evaschroeder4614]

At times I hate this world.

[@zimtage1744]

Evil walks the earth. We can all feel it. We can all see it.

[@Athanasius1975]

Agreed

[@d0g_0f_Christ0s]

Thank you Father Seraphim, for over 3 decades as a protestant I have carved a god & saviour in my own image, I'm astounded at how easy it's been to believe my own lies based on my private interpretation of scripture. Even since being led to the Orthodox faith, way, church my conceit relentlessly interferes in everything I do & say, even typing this, Lord have mercy. God has promised to finish what He started, if us Protestants would humble ourselves to admit our error, mine more in number than my brain cells, then hope in the crumbs that fall from our Lord's table is all we need on this 'royal path' this true body of Christ teaches. I am nothing but for the Lord's command of my breath & heartbeat, I would rather never feel again than feel the joy of sin for a single minute. Praise God for His mercy endures forever. Thank you Father Seraphim, you are clean air to my rotting lungs, God bless & keep you, and your beautiful Christ praising words. Amen.

[@MJS2376]

God bless you and Our Most Holy Theotokos guide the hearts and minds of our Protestant friends and families to accept the one true Orthodox Christian faith. ☦️

[@GimbalLocksOnly]

☦️

[@mikebaker2436]

What an appropriate icon to have this talk next to.

[@dschmid8845]

A friend of mine who I went to school with decades ago lost his faith in Christ and got mixed up with eastern spiritualism. Now I hear he’s trying to write a book on eastern spiritualism. I pray every day for his conversion, asking our Blessed Holy Mother of God for her assistance in bringing him back to the Christian faith. After several months of prayer, not much has changed it seems. But I will continue to pray, because I believe in prayer and that God is listening. Perhaps God has a plan.

[@zoilife3929]

May our Lord Jesus Christ Son of God have merci on your Friend!🙏🏻

[@emmaschauer5409]

Don't give up, my dear sibling in Christ. Sometimes we have to hit rock bottom before we are open to hearing the Truth.

[@brandonhall9959]

If you believe in Christ go with him, your friend is also on a spiritual journey, it can take you to many places, sometimes to heaven other times hell. Remember it's all apart of it. Take it from me Ive tried it all, the good and the bad. It takes feeling things out in your own way at times, god has a strange way of bringing you back. Don't fear my friend, have faith.

[@patredman3733]

“What is our aim but to find the salvation of our souls” “it’s not our emotion that will save us but the TRUTH of the One that we follow” Amen, by Gods mercy 🙏

[@caiusballad4162]

Rightfully and legitemly said words, redemption is the gift of God to men who have mistaken and have recognized as so, and now seeks complete rebirth from all sins and lies.

[@ln9462]

Father, please pray for me for healing

[@mullmonastery]

May God bless you and heal you, dear one - inside and out, in soul and body.

[@Clarinetboy82]

Thank you Father! I needed to hear this today! As always, your messages come at a time when I most need to hear them! Glory to God!

[@elenahelen8958]

Ditto from me, Father.

[@mullmonastery]

Glory to God indeed, dear one. Nothing good comes from us, it is all His gift.

[@tracieclark8546]

Me too

[@mritchie85]

@@mullmonastery Amen

[@terrycarriepiker3383]

The new paganism is secularism. Thank you for this message ☦️🙌🏼

[@emilya9485]

Dear father thank you so much for the message❤️. It is very dear to my heart. I was one of this person's friends 3 years back, all this new age spirituality is evil and a lie from the pit of hell. I was blinded to it until the Lord saved me. Glory to God.

[@mkeenan1955]

Thank you Father. I am grateful that you so clearly elucidated the falseness and evil of the so-called New Age. Here in the US it so pervasive everywhere. Yes, we must distance ourselves from it. (Fr Seraphim Rose foresaw it and wrote about it in his book “Nihilism”, which I recommend reading. He was especially knowledgeable because, before his conversion, he was on the scene in the 60s in SF, California, where he was even a student of Alan Watts.)

[@allisonsmith7794]

The most exciting moment of my life was when I realised that the Son of God had opened up the way into his Father's presence by laying down his life on the cross. I realised the depth of my sin in rejecting Him and simutaneously felt the burden of that sin lifted as God wrapped his loving arms around me. That opened up access to riches that endure when all the alternative "spiritualities" of the world prove empty and crumble to dust.

[@ryrocks9487]

Our excitement will, Lord willing, come later…at the success of our hard spiritual struggle. ☦️

[@davidmaligo5647]

The "big four" sins, as I like to call them, have always existed since the fall of Adam and Eve. These sins are sexual immorality, sorcery, idolatry, and murder. These sins are the worst. Of course, there are other sins like bullying, theft, drunkenness, and the usage of drugs that are bad too. Gosh, just by writing this I'm realizing how much of a sinner I am. Please pray for me.

[@mullmonastery]

May God bless you and enlighten you, dear David. May He lead your way out of all darkness and into His Light.

[@davidmaligo5647]

@@mullmonastery Thank you Fr. Seraphim

[@ioanaradu6106]

Bucurie! Câtă bucurie, cât de mult ne mângâie cuvântul dumneavoastră, Părinte drag Serafim ! Dumnezeu sa va răsplătească! Doamne, ajută!

[@mullmonastery]

Cu Domnul inainte, oriunde ne poarta El pasii.

[@vongillan]

All I know is that I know nothing. No man knows God. We run around as human beings "knowing " that our version of who or what God is is the right one. No man knows God. All I know is that I know nothing. Seek God Fear God. Praise God.

[@TraceyRolandelli]

Praying for Fr. Seraphim and the community 💙

[@sandragrace4613]

Hello. Are there any updates on Fr. Seraphim? Is he ok?

[@positivevibeskx1102]

Very good question and like always wise answer by Father Serafim ,thank you Dear Father Serafim I found this discussion very useful,I ve been earlier surrounded by " spiritual" friends as well and felt dry ,exactly the way it's mentioned , now I prefer to be alone ,reading Orthodox literature and ,no confusions....

[@mullmonastery]

There is a fine line between our calling to give witness and the need to keep a (spiritually) healthy distance from the world. At times, we cross this line one way or the other, but - ultimately - we must always watch not to lose our way. be blessed, dear one.

[@Muddy-water]

People: Father is very ill and needs our prayers. Storm heaven for his recovery and return to good health. Father Seraphim please know we all love you, praying for you. Sending you every healing and blessing. Please God and Saints in heaven, restore our beloved brother to health and all goodness. 🔥💪🙏🏻🌹✝️. Saint Panteleion pray for him.

[@roblemeire9441]

Thank you, Father, for your wise words which resonate with my life as well. Like yesterday, when I felt bad in church during mass and when I felt many other present people in a similar unhappy state as myself (the first time I experienced that). Now I know better than before why, and why it's part of the spirituality of the Cross. Do you agree that as a christian, our happyness should not depend on our daily life, but on our christian spirituality? So ideally, we should always be happy, whatever we encounter, which is, surely, only saints are really able to do.

[@mitchs5612]

I really love the way you communicate. Reminds me of drinking a nice hot tea. God bless you!

[@TinaHyde]

When I play Father’s videos on the TV instead of my phone, my elderly mother-in-law (who’s not Orthodox) comes out of her room to listen. “I just love the way he talks,” she says. ♥️ Truly, truly, this is Fr. Seraphim’s gift and calling. 🙏 Thanks be to God for sharing Fr. Seraphim with all of us, and placing him on our path to salvation. ☦️

[@mullmonastery]

That is so kind to say, dear Mitch. It makes it a bit easier to keep recording knowing that there is at least one person who receives a bit of courage and pleasure from listening.

[@mullmonastery]

That is so kind of her, dear Tina. Please give her a hug on my behalf. May God bless you all.

[@TinaHyde]

@@mullmonastery I will, Father! She’ll be so touched. ♥️

[@nassergabriel4778]

Thank you Father

[@johnpaulhumphrey2981]

It never clicked that feeling dry was a spiritual experience! I always learn something from your videos.

[@sandragrace4613]

Amen. Thank you so much, Fr. Seraphim. 🌸🌸✨✨🕯️🕯️✨✨🌸🌸🙋🏻‍♀️

[@toastedsniper9248]

Wow Father, you walk in the footsteps of Christ. Amazing. God bless you. Thank you.

[@toastedsniper9248]

Cooperation to fulfill God's vision was what Jesus wanted for the Samaritan village. You are amazing at cooperation. You sow many seeds to be reaped when their time has come. How beautiful, powerful, inspiring to see God's work being done. You make many, including myself, feel less alone in working for God's vision. Thank you.

[@davidmaligo5647]

The boringness of the cross, yet the Orthodox Christian religion is the true religion.

[@vince3292]

Thank you Father Seraphim for this most loving, well articulated Homily. Wishing you and everyone at Mull Monastery a Very Blessed Sunday.💫 All Praise and Glory to God.💫 🙏🙏🙏

[@gretagarbo1119]

It really is tremendously difficult,Fr.!But,at least,if I m falling,if I m failing all the time,maybe there s someone else,somewhere,who,somehow,is standing for me,so that I might not be completely lost.My cross is nothing withoutJesus' Cross.There s always Someone,Who,discreetly and silently,bears my cross,your cross,the cross of the whole world.💔🙏

[@elvenkind6072]

I remember I tried to google Father Seraphim, that talk here, and I found some very harsh, unforgiving, hateful things said about him, but I understood that these messages from Eastern Europe and some very right-wing, "conservative" circles, probably don't understand the message being told make so much sense for people like me, that have grown up in Western Europe, Scandinavia, where Atheism are so strong, and at least I, here, are very happy that I get the regular conversations online on KZbin, that talk clearly about Christendom, from someone that don't pretend to be "holier-then-though", nor talk that way, and this I respect a lot.

[@hexaarmortaga9957]

His humbleness is proof that what he is saying is the truth. The fact people can be upset at such a delicate soul who simply try’s to help in anyway he can is proof that it’s correct.

[@simonaune2829]

There is something g with the way you say the name Christ, Father. Not your pronunciation, your accent or dialect - I am talking about the strength, the passion and the devotion. Every time I hear you say the name Christ, it's like a dart, flying straight and piercing into something deeper within me. It hurts a little. Not a lot, but the way a medicine may sting, even though it will cure you. The strength, passion and devotion in which you say the name Christ is also quite comforting. Thank you, Father and Mull Monastery, Scotland, for the fantastic video.

[@melodydream9300]

Am Greek Orthodox, am living in Germany, I would like to say , I love your Videos, and the way u r talking, the way you explain, .. God bless you ☦️

[@mariami2670]

Christ is risen! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@evaschroeder4614]

You are so right! I had dry spells. I felt depressed empty. But that's part of it.

[@sultanaxavier7108]

and those people will always pretend to be happier than they actually are! let's not forget this.

[@shaggedfaggedfashed]

Father, please speak more on modern spiritualism - I am coming out of new age/satanism and this video really spoke to me. I am very curious about the lifestyles letting in such spirits can inspire and what you said here shed so much light on why I did certain things I did while in that lifestyle and letting those spirits into my life. thank you and God bless you

[@evaschroeder4614]

I came out of witchcraft. I got into it because of my interests in other cultures such as native American African American south Asian ECT being an artist musician these cultures appealed. The alternative spirituality did as well I didn't really understand the origins of such pagan cultures. Knowing these were false religions demonic I was glad to come out of it.

[@JW99736]

I also came out of witchcraft and deep into other occult practices. It’s easy to get brainwashed into them slowly over time and seeds are planted in us at an early age through music, movies, and media, which seem harmless and unrelated, but in fact many of them are intentional seeds being planted in order to point us in a specific direction (many wrong directions which lead away from connection to God). But we move towards them because we don’t know how to recognize the more subtle signs of evil. I think all of us who got deep into these things in life can now recognize them much easier.

[@remahunt4277]

Thank you, dear Father Aldea, for your videos which are always informative and from your heart. God Bless you and keep you every minute of every day.

[@mullmonastery]

May we all be blessed, dear Rema. May Christ keep all of us in His love and mercy.

[@davidyess1]

Thank you, Father. Your words bring me life and encouragement.

[@katkat2340]

Thanks be to God 🙌

[@Beautifullybroken868]

I would distance yourself and seek God through prayer, fasting and Bible study. If you don’t feel the desire, ask God for it. I had to do that until my faith was firm and the foundation built. And even then ask the Father for discernment and wisdom for when you are around them.

[@Samantha-rv4ss]

Dear Father Seraphim I feel so so blessed to have found your channel. I am not orthodox Christian but I have always known God to be in my heart ♥️ since I was a little girl. I really enjoy your videos 🙏 thank you Father Seraphin😊God Bless you 🙏

[@amirasaad630]

Dear father Thank you for the message As mentioned in your video I find myself distancing more and more from from non believers and I can no longer pretend to be someone I’m not or hold conversations even that are not of the same mindset but at the same time we are called to love everyone and be nonjudgmental and embrace people and bring them to Christ and I find the balance between the two very hard - any thoughts? Thank you

[@positivevibeskx1102]

Dear Amira, before I read your comment I also thought about the same thing....

[@VN-rn7yg]

Hello, Amira! I hope you are well today! I'm just going to share what I know. I'm sure you now see that since we are no longer part of the world, there's no use in trying to be like it. You have now been commissioned to spread the gospel and be salt and light, and God has given you the gift of "fire shut up in your bones" for the gospel. The question is how do you relate to the world naturally with this need to evangelize... Well, what I've gathered from the Word is that our interactions with the the world have completely changed, and now we only interact with the world to share God's love, not to be like it or in fellowship with it. Our fellowship comes only from true believers, because light has no fellowship with darkness. Every opportunity you now have in the world is to witness, because Jesus says preach the gospel to ALL creatures. This is one of your main vocations as a Christian disciple. The remedy to your problem is to focus on asking God for the power of the Holy Spirit to witness naturally and with love, which is the most effective way (you CAN witness like Jonah and still win souls, but do you really want to be full of bitterness and judgement towards people and hate when they change for the better? Lol). And build yourself up in the Word because zeal without knowledge isn't good. Zeal is CRITICAL and truly a gift, don't get me wrong, but you DON'T want to preach the wrong thing because those who teach will be judged more harshly. Remember, the world, maybe even your closest "old" friends and family, will tell you it's unnecessary the way you want to share your faith constantly, but it's because Satan knows you are now a strong witness. Don't let him fool you through others. And don't be down on yourself, either. These flesh bodies we still live in will tell you this is unnatural, the way you share God. So then you have another enemy, your own soul, trying to get you to stop sharing. As long as we have these earth suits, we will still want to be like the world. That's why when we evangelize, at times, we are shocked at the power flowing through us... or it doesn't feel so good when the mood in the room changes and everyone has made you enemy number one for speaking about the Lord... It doesn't feel right to our own bodies. But who cares. What if Jesus didn't go to the cross because it didn't feel good. I mean, He didn't want to at one point, but He ended up going because it was needed. My point is that no matter what we do or say when sharing our faith, it will never be truly 100% comfortable.. but don't focus on making the approach or the words you say more "comfortable feeling," lest you lose the power of the gospel. ALL OF THIS TO SAY, Jesus says since we are called to be salt, salt is going to sting. We are going to look different, act different, etc... Because we've been made good. The world is evil, they don't like good. So when you are your truly good self in this evil world, it's gonna sting people's consciences, like salt. BUT, Jesus warns us not to lose our saltiness and become like the world to nullify this sting (because when it stings them, you better believe they're gonna sting us back at times) because if we do, we will get trampled on. If we try to lessen our goodness because of the pain of sharing and being the light, and become more like the world, they will reject us and deem us cowards because we still believe in Christ and are not completely of the world and it is still noticeable, and so we cannot ever truly fit in with them again, unless we denounce Christ. And because we have failed to be the light, we are also ineffective in the kingdom. Jesus says if we deny knowing Him before others, He will deny knowing us before others in Heaven. So we are utterly useless if we try to be like the world while being Christian. Be careful also not to witness by your own strength because righteous indignation is very easy to overdo for mortal man. It's a holy thing to be angry at evil, but if you give the enemy a foothold in your anger and give full vent, you could do or say something unholy, being we are still imperfect and can't afford to get out of control. God's wrath is perfectly controlled, ours isnt. It's easy to get overwhelmed and bitter at everyone with all the evil everywhere and pull a Moses and strike the rock, but just let the Spirit of God teach you to express this emotion by His leading and indwelling. Which brings me back to the remedy for everything, which I mentioned before: focus on rather asking the Almighty Spirit of God to help you to wield this gift of evangelism by the FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT, and NOT propagating the gospel in the flesh. Above all, remember that only what is done in love will last. It's all about the heart, and that's why we need God, the One who determines the course of every heart, to help us in our evangelizing. We can't understand the approach we need to take unless we're walking naturally by the power of the Holy Spirit. So, do not ever focus on balancing your desire to evangelize with the world. Rather, focus on the Spirit of God and the Word to guide you every moment of your life so that you're life will be a witness, as well as your words!! You won't have to worry about missing a beat, because when you walk in authority, carrying out God's Sovereign plan for your life, and are filled with and constantly speaking the Words of truth, and heeding the call to preach the gospel to ALL creatures, you will not struggle with knowing how and when to share as much anymore. But it will always be uncomfortable for us around unbelievers and vise versa, because we come from different worlds. But that's WHY we're here, why Jesus didn't just take us out of this evil world when we got saved, we're here ONLY to be a bridge for the people in the wrong world. Our life on this earth is now no more than a drink offering. Rest up when we get home, yeah? Lol. Grace and peace to you on this journey, sister! Praise the Lord Jesus! :) Love in Christ, kayla

[@mullmonastery]

My dear Amira, thank you for asking the question. My instinct is to say that distance from the world is not only an option, but a necessity. At the same time, that distance must be motivated by love and the desire for salvation (ours and that of those from whom we separate), not by hatred or judgement. I'll pray about it and maybe I'll receive some clarity about it so I may talk about it in a future video. May we all be blessed, dear one.

[@rebornrovnost]

Remember the teaching of Saint Jude Thaddeus. To some, practice mercy, reprehending them, to others, announce them the imminent judgement of the Lord, and despise even the piece of garment you possess that is stained by their influence. Many think to live in Christ is to unite with all, but as Our Lord, we show all the Truth, letting others hate or love us because of it. However, to speak to them the Truth, when called for, is to love them perfectly, infinitely more than the world's view of "love" that we have, where we should embrace other's mistakes, not correcting them, rather allowing them to remain in their sin. Remember: to love your brother is to speak the Truth to your brother, with the intention of bringing him to the knowledge of God and repentance. And to embrace and nurture your brother's sin is to hate him, and to hate yourself, because you allow him to remain guilty before God's judgement, also becoming guilty yourself, for omitting the Truth from him.

[@nicolaj622]

@@mullmonastery @Amira Saad I pray for the non-believers when I am closing my vigil in the night, as all sleep and I stand calm in prayer in the darknes. I only call their names for the Lord and beg his Divine Love for them. I do not mention their "problems", the Lord knows them as He knows me. And He will do the work, in due time, as He sees they are cared for, they are precious, while recognized as being created by His Love. The prayer in the night is mighty, try it! The Lord has special joy in it. God bless you all. Again, and again, and again. Father, praying for your health as well!

[@KindMercenary]

Beautiful video! Much Love Fr. Seraphim!

[@raydamoiseau]

Please, you GOOD SOUL and HUMBLE MAN, keep doing your contents from your HE(ART) alright ? 😎🙏⭐☀🎸🕊🔱💖

[@alexhartland2469]

Dear Father, thanks for your videos. Please pray for me God bless

[@kiriaioulia]

So much to hear in this! Thank you for the question and thank you for the answer. Bless you all.

[@bruno-bnvm]

Amen father, thank you.

[@lindamcauley4728]

Thank you so much for your wonderful teaching. God bless you 🙏

[@knekki.]

I have been desperately struggling lately, with the urge to return to the paganism that I practised in my youth, for the spiritual "richness" like you mention here. I will even admit that I have had many moments of weakness, and I have slipped many times. Near the end of your video, I began to cry a little bit, although I do not know exactly why. All I know is that I am grateful to have found this video, this little gem of much needed guidance today. Thank you.

[@caiusballad4162]

Absolutely the same as you

[@dublinfitzpatrick7838]

You have come to the right place then.🙏

[@ruthshivani]

As ever appreciated, and heard from within - divine love and respect for your shared wisdom, INsight and caring 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@mullmonastery]

That is so kind, dear Ruth. May God bless all of us and enlighten us through each other's gifts, so we may all be saved.

[@archangel7628]

I tattoed myself plenty of times in a period of time when I was in great pain and anger. I regret doing it now since I've repented and am repenting from my ungodliness. It is pretty hard to remove them so I'm in a dilemma.

[@josephk4310]

The Christian ☦️ Life is not for Entertainment Purposes. It is a way of life to get us through Theosis unto Deification.

[@davidkehrer7342]

Thank you and God bless you father.

[@anitaandazola2029]

Thank you and the Holy Spirit for your clarity. I will listen to this over and over.

[@ritakevorkian2649]

Thank you father❤🙏❣

[@susanmann8643]

❤ Beautiful reflection!! Wish everyone could hear this. God bless you..

[@glisha8200]

Please make the videos a bit longer if possible its of huge help during these times...

[@mullmonastery]

Thank you for your suggestion, dear one. I am actually purposely trying to record shorter videos, because the last thing I want is to waste everyone's time.

[@glisha8200]

​@@mullmonastery oh dear father, how can time be wasted when talking about Christ? In recent times more than ever before, the confusion and fear from going either too far to the right or left is something i would love to make a bit easier sience i bashed my head on the wall way too many times, any advice on how to learn without the unnecessary pain (sometimes it is needed but not always - correct me if wrong) thank you for your efforts anyways, even if you dont have the time to answer to this...

[@brittani6720]

the dryness was so welcome after wading and exploring all different religions when I was young and even more massively ignorant, after understanding on a direct level that He is truly the only way, no other resonance was felt in all the years of witchcraft I practiced, nothing compares to my brief experience of the Presence of God. The Dryness soothed my heart, and now I chase its pure feeling and turn away from sin. I could never repay all the blasphemy I committed in this life formerly as a witch, but I am so gracious of being shown He is real

[@christopherknight921]

Thanks Father.

[@vali6763]

Thank you Father Seraphim!

[@peteh2603]

God Bless you & Thank you Father ☦️🙏🏻

[@pepecopter]

Thank you Father.

[@greatstyle6343]

I enjoy your videos so much father ! Thank you for always being so nonjudgmental and open and caring with your answers.

[@tallese]

Thank you Father. Blessings from the land of 7 churches.

[@carmencampeanu7810]

Amen 🙏 🙏 🙏

[@atomicsnowflake]

Please pray for Fr Seraphim because he is currently sick in hospital with a spinal infection 😢🙏may his recovery be full and uneventful 🙏☦️

[@johncassles7481]

Very helpful advice as usual. Have a blessed lent father.

[@jamierusche6419]

Thank you

[@anna.iakobidze]

I hope your health condition improved, Father. May you be blessed, asking your blessings 🙏

[@PHaytas]

So good!!! Amen!!

[@motivation01625]

I needed this today thank you Father

[@nsofokli]

I HAVE YOU IN MY HEART...PLEASE PRAY FOR ME!

[@DarkaniaWorks]

Thank you!

[@RuthRandoms]

I love this discussion. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this.

[@marvelator8303]

This was a timely video, seriously

[@DiegoAndrade-ig1qs]

Thank you very much! I live in Bolivia and there is no orthodox church here. But listening to the wisdom of Christ and understanding our constant strife is very helpful to say the least. Thanks again.

[@johnpeterson7264]

Excellent. Thank you for this sermon.

[@quetzalliband]

God bless you father Seraphim

[@girihajifan5321]

Thank you very much for yet another deep and insightful video, Father. May God bless all of us.

[@eden7736]

Thankyou, Father, for delivery of such eloquent truths, I'm always happier, for it . 🦋🌈🕊

[@tallmikbcroft6937]

Thank you Bless Father. This is an experience I can relate with. Esp this week. Thank you

[@caiusballad4162]

Your videos are always awesome

[@davidhensley76]

Yes, blessed Father.

[@vivien7586]

Such a great and clear explanation, it's rare, thanks

[@Michel-ov1sv]

Thank you dear Father Seraphim. We are blessed with your words of spiritual wisdom clearly distinguishing what is Christian especially orthodox and what is of the world, vague, confusing and deceiving. This video helps me to be better in discernment of what is good and what is evil. I humbly pray that I may use this information to remind my self to be on the right track and to use it should somebody asks for an advise.

[@carltondexter1651]

Thank you and. God bless you, Father!

[@greatpharoh0303]

Thank Blessed Father....your voice is so sweet and gentle

[@TheUnknownKnows989]

Amen

[@cyprianperkins]

Thank you for the helpful words, father. The icon behind you is the most beautiful icon of the Annunciation that I've ever seen.

[@mullmonastery]

That is very kind of you to say, dear Cyprian. It is indeed a beautiful icon of the Annunciation and we are very grateful to the people who gifted it to the Monastery. May God bless them and enlighten them.

[@kimthetruthofit6965]

Father our is a realm beyond imagination A glimpse of our trueself at our beloveds transfiguration. Our salvation is a wealth beyond measure for surely it is our eternal treasure. Followers of Christ are Sons of Light On our journey to the richness of eternal life. God bless

[@adrianhunt6651]

Your path is your own in your heart you will know to many lables in my humble a pinion

[@caseymckee6856]

Please pray and offer some sufferings and sacrifices for my salvation brother. I have lived a sinful life. Thank you!

[@lauradewein2042]

❤‍🔥

[@littlesoul8908]

9:36 .....You are not following a God you've created according to your own image, the image of your falleness.....You are trying to follow God who was REVEALED to you in the Gospel..../ Bang on.🙂/

[@Livingtabitha]

Hi I am new to the Orthodox faith and I find myself full of so much doubt during my studies. Constantly asking questions about why this is the right way and why everyone else is wrong? It’s pretty constant. I feel like I’m always trying to convince myself of something. Is this normal? I come from an agnostic maybe slightly atheist background though I was raised as a Protestant. I think what the heck am I even doing like maybe I’m wasting my time. It’s discouraging always having these thoughts in my head.

[@daddycool228]

Thank you! I am nourished by your guidance. I wonder if you will read this. I have been struggling with similar I agree there are so many things that create a space between us and Christ. I try to not to be judgemental on my fellow human. It is getting increasingly hard with the pressure from the false, secular culture that is being created. Emphasis on identity politics, the new age, an anti-humam and anti creation sentiment, technology being used recreate people from one sex to another (flawed as it might be) extreme pornography. Worship of self. It is like a neo paganism. It's being pushed in my work place and pushed in the schools. Our poor children! I fear for the children. Like king Canute against a tide.

[@Sean-fu9wr]

Not catholic but that was great.

[@sultanaxavier7108]

those people are not honest about their experiences at all! christian or not, moments of excitement/apathy are normal those people are just placing excitement on a pedestal. they ALWAYS get bored of their spirituality after a while, and then go after the next shiny object. that's how excitement works! it's fleeting. i'm an ex new ager, so i know this pretty well. they are simply overestimating good-feeling states. you can get that by exercising more, and trying different hobbies i'm not denying the obvious demonic influence, i'm just saying that you aren't really missing anything out. better go to heaven and just add more play into our lives 🙏🏻

[@evaschroeder4614]

Hard is the way that leads to life.

[@aenigmatica8]

The demons will let you have a good time for only as long as it takes to get you hooked. Do not worry about how great your friends seem to be doing and worry about why are you doubting your faith? Are you praying and going to church and seeking Him??

[@volusian95]

A really great question. You hear a lot about everyone falling away into atheism, which is all too common, but lived experience shows that the 'spiritual vacuum' tends to be filled with something a little different, something without a set name. Even the term 'new age' isn't always entirely accurate. But I'll bet that nearly everyone here knows exactly what the questioner is talking about, followers of a secular god who is there when you need him and won't judge you when you don't want him around.

[@gomertube]

This is a good point. It’s not really atheism that fills the vacuum but more often just a blind wandering about, letting impulse and feelings drive all choices. I am guilty of having I have lived this way most of my life. The term ‘wastrel’ comes to mind.