The mad circus of having to vote for the lesser evil

[@NickBrodziak-jk4fk]

As an American, it’s frightening what is going on in my country.🙏

[@clairemccartin]

agreed . Scotland is a mockery too

[@neilwhitaker6284]

As a Canadian who was born in England its frightening what is happening in Canada and the UK. I suppose the whole Western world. However in regards to the USA often when I see some of the people around me acting really manic and weird I find out a few days after there is some hysteria in the USA politics because I don't have tv or follow mainstream media. It is something how things said in the USA cause all this fighting and people in Canada pick up on it and start to try and push their political agenda as if it matters. I start getting antagonistic and angry from other people acting manic. I get sucked in and I don't even follow it hahaha. I came to the conclusion that democracy was a very bad idea and don't bother voting any more.

[@zidzius]

Your not alone I feel the same way sir

[@annaperes4565]

Globally, voting has devolved into a contest among the baser minds. I recently heard someone compare U.S. elections to choosing between cancer and AIDS - God forgive me. Either way, the outcome is always the same: war and more wars. I truly feel for American Christians of all denominations witnessing and fighting to contain the horrors unfolding around them.

[@Mike-do8bc]

As a Christian in America, this message was welcomed in the midst of this chaos! Thank you and bless you! 🙏

[@annaread3829]

Thank you Father Seraphim for this needed message. There truly is no “Christian” choice.

[@davewesterman7926]

Thank you Fr Seraphim! I am going to vote *against* what I perceive to be the greater of two evils, and then I'm going to go home and throw up and weep for what I just had to do.

[@JesseRickett]

I am an American. I am Catholic. I will be voting. I give thanks to our Lord with all my soul for you, Father Seraphim. I wish to say this without any hint of flattery, but with the deepest humility and respect. You have articulated the very cry of my conscience and what I believe Christ Himself would say to all His Church. Thank you so much. I pray for you and all the brothers and sisters at Mull and Iona. I give thanks to the Holy Spirit for you all. What a blessing it was when the Holy Spirit led me to you on KZbin, shorty after my baptism six years ago. Forgive me my egotism and excessive praise, I am an infant in Christ.

[@annanavarrete6993]

My sentiments exactly! I wanted to cry when I saw this message. Thank you Fr Seraphim. I am not alone anymore. 😢

[@milesfowler5020]

Humbling. Amen.

[@virginiachryssikos5630]

Thank you, dear Fr Seraphim, for this extremely important message to those of us living in the States.

[@TheModesOfBeing]

Even for an atheist, this guy would be one of the few preaching uncompromising sense these days.

[@thepowerfulpractice]

Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s. When you said “unless there is one with a policy of dying on the Cross for their enemies, there is no Christian political party”, I have not unheard it. It is impossible to win in politics and be a true Christian, and of course neither candidate is. And I can’t think of a single candidate who ever was.

[@elijahmountainfire888]

Thank You Jesus for using beloved brother to put us in our place. Yes Lord, Father GOD we are sick. And we need help.

[@patricegray4117]

Oh Father, you have given peace to my soul about this upcoming election here in the states. God bless you today and always!

[@kathleenanderson9585]

Thank-you Father, you as always give me courage, as a Mother of eight beautiful children

[@respectkindness-oj6xz]

wow... be merciful to them. my mother gave birth to less in total of which aborted a few and those who remained alive were domestically abused all the time and my father was like that too, one of my shocking surprises was meeting a guy who was adopted and lived in foster care having better life quality than my biological parents allowed me to have and he unfortunately was less rich than my family which is mind-blowing and shows that moral priorities impact life quality more than material gain

[@tribulus]

Father Bless. Prior to this video I had determined to abstain from voting here in America. Now I am uncertain about how to proceed. I will have to talk with my priest. Thank you and bless you for allowing Christ's love to speak through you.

[@divanbrits5146]

Can you please pray for me? I am not Orthodox but I am open to Orthodoxy.

[@martingrof1685]

Prayed for!

[@denamenagias1462]

Thankyou so much Father Seraphim for all you do! And thankyou for all your wise lecture. It’s a very sad world right now! Please pray for me and all of us in the states and Baltimore Maryland and likewise. I’ll do the same

[@mkeenan1955]

Thank you for this timely message. Indeed, as an American, I am struggling with whether even to vote in the upcoming presidential election. Indeed it is a media circus. I think of Christ’s comment to render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God what is God’s. Or, I think of what St Augustine said, “Do not despair; one of the thieves was saved. Do not presume; one of the thieves was damned.” As we say here in America, “You’re damned if you do, and you’re damned if you don’t.”

[@sarahgalarza7420]

I heard your love today. Thank you for putting all the chaos into perspective.

[@annytaksoul]

Dear father Seraphim. May God Bless you ☦️

[@dennisdmenace2416]

Have stopped watching the news. It disturbs my soul.

[@neptunetriton]

Good! Thats exactly what it’s programmed to do….disturb our soul, take our peace, and keep us all living in a state of fear and confusion.

[@aledannypobla5757]

Thank you Father this is exactly what I needed to hear. It’s so easy to be distracted by the hatred that is in politics. I pray that your words resonate with everyone who hears them and that you continue to say the difficult things that wake us up from our delusions. May Christ be glorified🙏

[@andreigl]

Thank you Father Seraphim. Christ brings together, and conquers us by His love on the Cross. Politicians divide to conquer and employ fear. God bless.

[@andreaslaugh2487]

I'd say it's the devil BEHIND the politicians who orchestrates chaos and fear. Many politicians worship the twin idols of money & power, and don't even realize they're Satan's "useful idiots."

[@zidzius]

Thank you and bless you sir 🕊️❤️‍🔥🙏

[@ChirripoCory]

One of the most beautiful speeches I’ve ever heard.

[@levonhebert7967]

As an American we get bogged down with so much selfish media we forget or are ignorant to how much our country effects others. Its hard to watch my home become so corrupt and aggressive. We have left Christ and it breaks my heart. I pray every day my home will come back to Christ.

[@cathy3130]

Thank you Fr Seraphim for your perfect timing with this video. May God bless you and keep you happy and well. You speak the truth about politics being separate from our spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ. The Eternal Power of God has sent to us Jesus Christ the Lord. One Lord. Forever. Thanks be to God.

[@BreukelenAmatz]

This is my perspective on this subject! Thank you for being my second confirmation in two days!

[@ArchangelIcon]

It really is the only Christian perspective.

[@dalescott831]

We seek the Kingdom of God! It is to that nation alone that I pledge allegiance! "The Lord hath prepared His throne in the heavens; and His kingdom ruleth over all." (Ps. 103:19) Thank you, Father Seraphim. Love to you from Texas!🤠

[@MichelleLovesJesus4ever]

Yes! My kids go to a private Christian school, and I just found out they are having the kids pledge allegiance to the Christian flag, the Bible, the US Flag, and the state flag. Ugh. So I just had this conversation with them.

[@stevobear4647]

My understanding is that our salvation is in the church and in love for our neighbors. If their political ideals are not mine or lifestyle choices are not the same as mine, it does NOT matter because MY salvation is in ❤ loving my neighbor. Trump nor Harris will save us, Christ alone is our salvation. Trump nor Harris is our enemy, Satan seeks to devour our souls. LORD HAVE MERCY

[@petergunn9149]

God bless you my brother in Christ ☦️☦️☦️

[@MariaReynoldsWeir]

Thank you, Fr. Seraphim. This was a hard lesson for me some decades back. When we vote, we taking part in a civic act, doing it with knowledge that neither side is "God's," and that the real work is love. Amen to this.

[@lordoftheeaglesreaches3710]

God bless you father, politics is Poison for the soul.

[@mattdavis2985]

Amen I did not fear no man I fear God 🙏

[@petergunn9149]

Prince of the world 👹 They will not give up power no matter who you vote for it is already set in place the only way we can help is to pray for mercy on us☦️☦️☦️

[@seeker2219]

You are one of my blessings here on KZbin. I thank you for all your words of wisdom.

[@bobsweeney7644]

Thank you Father.

[@Arianne680]

Truth and well said Father

[@marinajoydunsmore7480]

Thank you for sharing! As American prayers for our election. God Bless !

[@elijahmountainfire888]

Living in the world. But not of the world.

[@jjedix5]

Amen. Yes we have to vote for someone, but none are right, only Christ. I gave up the madness of worrying about which party is right. Take one side or the other and it tears you apart, while you argue with everyone. The devil plays both sides and laughs while we fight. I now know that there is only one side and Christ is the only one I follow. Glory be to Him. Unto the ages of ages.

[@thanasistama3943]

Maranatha! Until that day, find ways to love your neighbor even if they disagree with you. I am a son of immigrants in the USA and pray for peace. May the goodness found in my country survive this election.

[@mariami2670]

Thank you, father ☺️ We will have elections in Georgia soon, so this video is also relevant for us.❤

[@Benjaminsmallwood]

I believe the usa is going thru ( and into) what Germany experienced in 1930' s ....we will be forced to confront the wickedness we have become, after the horrors of our actions are in front of us and undeniable. God's love requires this of us i believe...as a nation. We have become an abomination....may God keep and preserve His faithful...in this world and the world to come.

[@Harris-u6m]

Appears to be questionable global agendas (whatever the country or political party). However, all that matters is following and loving Christ Jesus. When a falter or get caught up in earthly concerns I pray for Christ to forgive me, direct me, soften my heart and give me the wisdom I need. All glory to abba Father Almighty God ❤✝️

[@BreukelenAmatz]

“And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, “Are You for us or for our adversaries?” So He said, “No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, “What does my Lord say to His servant?”” ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭ I watched a podcast yesterday with this subject and he mentioned this❤️

[@joshmyoungblood]

Thank you so very much Fr. Seraphim, this message came at the perfect time in my contemplations over the last few days!

[@OrthodoxIslands]

O Most Holy Theotokos save us ☦️⛪️♥️📖

[@arthurkearney6193]

God bless you Father. We need your wisdom.

[@inezvasquez8104]

Thank you! Father, thank you.

[@amybastock8370]

God bless you, Father. I really needed to hear this. I have dear friends and family who inhabit both of the more rabid ends of the political spectrum. I love them dearly, but I don’t agree with either of their views. This gave me some much needed perspective. Please pray for our country. Thank you for being a voice of reason in the chaos. ❤️☦️

[@ColynWard]

Father, thank you for your inspiring words. One thing that pings in my mind, though, is that a vote for the lesser of two evils is still evil. Why would we do that? The American political system is infused with evil. To vote for someone is to give them permission to act in your behalf. To not vote is a vote, a voice. You can vote No to all. Thank you so much. Bless you.

[@spencercat56]

Amen and Amen!!

[@ciddoctor6993]

Psychological studies of fear and irreverence were used to create some of the most powerful marketing AIs . You got the case studies to back his words up with or without scripture.

[@mathildemariagianferrara8039]

Thanks

[@atreasuredpast]

God Bless you Father. I’ve been asking the Holy Spirit to guide me. I have been troubled with both sides and trying to decide whether to vote or not. This video has blessed me and your message is well received and has confirmed how I feel as a Greek Orthodox Christian woman. Thank you.

[@mariebahnan2309]

God bless father 🙏🙏🙏

[@JamesWhite-s8y]

First, I'm destroyed by how temptations killed our saintity. Now, the fear of this mad circus... Perfect love casts out all fear.

[@seanbelanger8708]

amen thank you!

[@cassiane7]

Refreshing, wonderful message, thank you :)

[@petergunn9149]

Yes Father☦️☦️☦️

[@lizflowers7423]

Amen!

[@TinaHyde]

Glory to God for the Love He radiates through you, beloved Fr. Seraphim! 💗 Just beautiful!! 🥹 I’m going to save this video in case anyone ever asks me “How do Orthodox Christians reconcile Christ and the civic duty to vote?” So lovingly articulated! 💜☦️

[@densaakaldte1]

Wisdom of this world cannot save the world. The parliaments, the governments, the complex organizations of the most advanced contemporary states are powerless. Humanity suffers without limit. The only solution is to find within us the wisdom and the resolve not to live according to the ideas of this world, but to follow Christ. How can we find our way? According to the Gospel, *Christ is our way.* + St. Sophrony of Essex

[@angelachiorean5151]

God bless you immense , dear father! ❤

[@mattdellarosa7365]

Amen brother. Than you for giving context to a lot of what I am thinking and feeling as well in this season. God bless.

[@marylouiselambert9866]

Amen.❤

[@strannikcom]

Well said - thank you!

[@MarkoZorecHimself]

Thank you, dear Father, I agree 100% with everything. I am a Catholic from Slovenia. And let me add, there are still people in this world today who are truly God's people, such as Pope Francis or Pedro Opeka, a Slovenian who lives in Madagascar and helps millions of poor people survive, thus proclaiming Christ. These people are undoubtedly God's people. I absolutely cannot find any politician who would allow themselves to be crucified by their opponents and be, for us, like a kind of 'candidate on the cross.' However, perhaps we should not ignore the aspect that, just as we highlight Western leaders, we should also mention the leaders of Eastern, Orthodox countries, like Russia. Are these Christian people who allow themselves to be crucified by their opponents, love their enemies, and turn the other cheek? Of course not. Dear Father, all the best, and may God bless you.

[@Benjaminsmallwood]

We truly must prepare ourselves as Christians in the United States for actual martyrdom....periodically, when needed, ( due to our sins) God requires His Church be nourished by the blood of His faithful...by Christian witness....to strengthen the faithful, many not yet born, that they might continue to resist the World, the Devil, and the Flesh. In but not of. These days are now beginning for us i believe.

[@mattdavis2985]

Father Jeremiah 50 and 51 God judgment is coming to my country

[@ruthshivani]

I would not vote... !!! ....I dont feel voting for devils... greater or lesser is appropriate. Both are not worthy ... only my opinion and I live in uk... Voting is not a christian obligation ? is it ? 🙏 Father if they dont represent christ and or represent church.. WHY is is a christian obligation to vote for one or tuther ? thankyou for excellent sharing...

[@gailjoynt-sigley9929]

Unfortunately your no vote actually counts as a vote😮

[@yokobono3324]

You spoke the truth. It is a tough pill to swallow. I would rather not vote at all due to the inevitability of endorsing a lesser-evil, but I must do what I must do. I am making my decision based on one factor alone, and that is to vote for the candidate that is more committed to defending and upholding the religious liberty of Christians. I won't name names, but I think it is apparent to anyone halfway familiar with recent events in this country. Is it a lesser-evil? Yes. But can I do my part in making this country a place where Christians can worship freely and stand for their convictions without fear of government repression? That is the only silver lining that I can find in this mess.

[@angelachiorean5151]

Please pray for me father to get better soon! 🙏 😢Thanks

[@direkhtor4061]

❤️

[@robbievezzuto2099]

Thank you for the Wisdom Father, as always. You have a beautiful way of relating such important lessons to us. I think there are some helpful anecdotes from the modern-day saints of our Church. Elder Ephraim of Arizona has said, “Look, they both have horns; you have to vote for the one with the smaller horns.” Similarly, St. Paisios has stated, "Well, look here. All olive trees are the same; all of them are affected by the same disease called dakos. However, some are affected 100% by it, others 80% and others 50%. Since we are in need of olive trees, we have to look for the ones that are affected the least." With this in mind, I think we can and should do our best to cast informed votes with the greater picture in mind. Our only Savior is our Lord Jesus Christ. We should truly focus our soul and energy inward and on tangibly helping our neighbors, as our Lord has directed us. This is what we ourselves are accountable for, not our political leaders. We are grateful for your prayers and these lessons, Father; you will be in our prayers.

[@shannon6708]

Thank you so much for this video. I think both parties are antichristian. However, I choose the side of the poor. Because that is how you remember Jesus. We are living in a crumbling economy, and I vote for the poor more help for the poor and working class less tax breaks for the rich and corporate greedy clones.

[@patriciaschneider-zioga2500]

Holy Father, it would be so wonderful to have an Orthodox video for our high school students where they learn about compassion as you describe in this video. Also, is there a prayer for the increase of compassion?

[@susannemyall7699]

Pro life is the whole of life, both parties fall short. What would Christ do?

[@petergunn9149]

Lord have mercy ☦️☦️☦️

[@XSD.1.]

All lives matter. You are right. I would vote for a more stable sound of mind person as POTUS has such wide impact and in the hands of an insane selfserving person can cause harm in a very serious way

[@inboxaddict44]

I used to abstain from voting instead of voting for the "lesser evil." If it's all evil, why vote? I vote now because I want to hold back the entropy that the country is falling into. One of the parties is obviously way more evil than the other in this case. I will be voting for the preservation of as much good as possible, not the destruction of our civilization.

[@Bernergirl2008]

Thank you, Father!! I think that more and more young American are disillusioned with the increasingly polarized two party system, which I actually find quite hopeful, depending on what we do with our disillusionment. I once read a Serbian bishop’s words on the dangers of religious nationalism, and (I hope that my memory is not misrepresenting anyone) I believe that I have heard both some of our Antiochian bishops and this Serbian bishop condemn religious nationalism as a sin. That perspective really makes a lot of sense to me.

[@sara-anna]

Thank you, Father. All you say I have taken to heart. I think about this a lot. I abhore politics! Where voting for the president is concerned, it's a useless exercise for me; however, I will still mark my choice on the ballot even knowing my vote will not count (for president) because the state in which I live (as do most states) has a "winner takes all" policy; in other words, without a doubt, the Electoral College votes in my state will go to the other candidate because so many more people here will vote for that person. And it is only the Electoral College votes that elect a president. So basically the only reason I am voting is to have a voice in the other items on the ballot like state propositions involving state policies, or electing state legislators, or our representatives at the federal level. I try to make wise choices, but what do I know about any of it? Not much.

[@jaroslavkyprianpolak]

I definitely heard love and only love, Father Seraphim. Thank you for your words. I'm just not entirely sure that the decision not to vote at all isn't ultimately just as legitimate as voting for one evil or the other. My country has a proportional electoral system, so at least there are more political options to choose from, but of course neither represents Christ... I vote with increasing reluctance, and I'm increasingly interested in municipal elections because deciding whether my town should rather fix the ice hockey rink or the local school is somehow non-ideological. Even in my country, even though we don't have a two party system, people are very divided by politics and it affects families etc. I'm sure the evil one likes that a lot. I'm nearly 50 and I remember a time when someone voted for the right, someone voted for the left and unless someone voted for some complete fascist extremist nut it didn't affect friendships etc. Now it does. That's scary...

[@neilwhitaker6284]

I'm nearly 50 and remember those days. I don't think about them now much because its too sad. Ironically I'd vote for the fascist extremist nut if I bothered to vote because at least they'd put an end to this madness. On the bright side I understand the 1930s in Europe better now.

[@lex61519]

I don't vote. I refuse to be part of this.

[@JesusLovesYouBro7]

That does not help the situation at all. Why would you put your opportunity to have an educated voice in the hands of others?

[@andreaslaugh2487]

I understand where you're coming from. Truly do. My only take is, you WILL suffer consequences of whatever agenda gets put into place by whomever wins. That is to say, you can't wall yourself off & escape from their policies--whether the policies are fiscal, educational, administrative, military or whatever. So for me personally, this is where St. Paisios' advice (choose the "least worst") comes into play.

[@lex61519]

@@JesusLovesYouBro7 presidents are selected not elected

[@lex61519]

@@andreaslaugh2487 we all will suffer the consequences of whoever is put into office, whether you voted for them or not.

[@theShamrockShepherdWagon]

Isaiah 5:20. Pray.

[@guybuddyman838]

✟

[@patriciaschneider-zioga2500]

Thank you, holy Father! IC XC NI KA

[@stevennagel9264]

No idea how you could be confused about who to vote for in this election

[@Kurtofon]

He said he knew who he'd vote for, but he did not want to say because it would take away the point of the video.

[@FrankFernandezGod1]

I feel that this time is the start of the end of times. We all need to need preying and strengthen our faith in God. I pray we all are choosing God over anything else.

[@kadmii]

Put Not Your Trust In Princes

[@remahunt4277]

It is hard to follow the advice of St. Francis to "Wear the world as a loose garment." It is hard to watch the news without feeling nervous and sick. If not for Jesus Christ I would be in the forest crying every day from sadness. But with Christ we can still laugh and be happy. We can dream of Heaven and eternity coming soon, and put the sadness of this failing world in the place it belongs. All is well with my soul as the song says. Thank you dear Father for trying to make sense from nonsense. You are ever helpful and always show love in every situation. Thank you and may God cover you up with His unmerited favor. ❤

[@davidfogle9729]

Truth is not something but someone is Jesus christ! Love god above everything else! Don't pay attention to earthly things and doings! Live for god! Not for government! But love god above everything else! More importantly is loving god and the orthodox churches are very important to all people who are entering into a holy church!❤❤❤

[@BunsBooks]

Thank you for your words Father. When we vote for the lesser evil we still vote for evil. My husband and I will be writing in a name for our votes this year, as our own form of protest against this corrupt two party system that pits us all against each other. Many of my friends are freaking out about the state of our nation, but I feel calm, and I think it’s because I don’t care anymore. I have the church, it is my rock, it doesn’t change with the wind like our culture or political climate. The number of catechumens at my parish have tripled in the past year, more people are looking for the unchanging stability and sanctuary of Christs church. It doesn’t matter who becomes president next, our kingdom is not of this world.

[@JeffreyEpstein-f6y]

You're not choosing evil. It's more like choosing a less dangerous route at a crossroads. It's a logical and sensible action.

[@ColynWard]

Amen.

[@ColynWard]

@@JeffreyEpstein-f6y Politicians and political parties lie. That's evil. It certainly isn't love. Why not follow love instead?

[@XSD.1.]

Vote properly for the saner candidate. As the insane candidate will be a huge risk for the whole world and could cause loss of billions of lives

[@gretagarbo1119]

🥺😔💔🙏🫶

[@joseph-uq4hn]

Good message as always but I don't think you can limit God by saying neither candidate is chosen by God. He uses who He Wills when He Wills

[@TinaHyde]

I can’t imagine God ever choosing a politician.

[@Beatrice.Ndungu]

Pope Francis is right, vote for the lesser evil. A good Christian ought to vote.

[@nikolayjerev6138]

Thank you

[@windflowler]

❤

[@janeenbreyman212]

❤