I have watched about 3 dozen Fr Spyridon videos, and I can agree to nearly everything he has said, and I have the utmost respect for him. And though I can see a point to be made with this video ... ... Let me watch a few times first. Ok, I could write volumes here. I see a point to be made here. It is wise not to encourage the masses in the pursuance of actual spiritual development, so that they break into cults rooted in deceptive experiences. I can see some wisdom to that. The church has a massive responsibility in dealing with the masses of people, and I don't envy it. OTOH, there are those of intelligence, firmly rooted in critical thinking, knowledgeable, balanced, open to investigation, desiring of undeniable truths and insight into the nature of reality and existence, but never eager. Willing to make prudent efforts, willing to sacrifice, yet stable, grounded. Accepting of reality as it is, and whatever it may be. Because there is a strong spiritual desire, not a sensual desire, a hunger or thirst to know more, and a strong dissatisfaction with what is known. And in my view, these people are neglected, ignored, ridiculed, and made to be the enemy of Christianity, as if such people are demons or have lost their way or suffer from delusions of grandeur. And this is an outrage in my view. But I really don't know the practical solution. The church can't set up one church and teaching for the masses of people, and then another for those with another level of understanding, as public schools have attempted to do for 'gifted children'. Though, they presumably have a path for monks and nuns, in my experience, they make a strong attempt to discourage you, and it may not be what you are looking for. I do not agree with any discouragement in the seeking of truth, knowledge, or understanding. And I had/have the same view as this poster, and I can firmly state that there is more to see than meets the eye, more to know than you can ever read in all the books, more to understand than any teacher can ever teach. That there is knowledge via direct contact that is not of a material nature or anything rooted in it. And I would not discourage you at all. But, I would also say that a very healthy mind is important, discipline, as well as an element of grace and a history of dedication in the living of a virtuous life. A life always lived firmly rooted in good conscience. I really don't have all the answers as to why everything is the way it is in this world. Often it seems the unworthy are praised, and the worthy are beaten down. I'd say follow your heart, be diligent, of strong virtue+concentration, avoid delusion like the plague, and do your best on your own, because nobody will understand you or support your efforts. And maybe that's just the way it should be and must be. Also, interestingly, the fruits are ordinary. Mundane. So, Fr Spyridon has another valid point: if you come across anything fantasmagorical, you've failed 😁👍 Quite simply the BEST word ever devised. It's a mixture of the words, 'fantastic', 'amazing' and 'magical' all in one juicy little package. It's important not to overuse the word. It's reserved for when ordinary, boring words just won't cut it. There's nothing supernatural about truth or reality. Though, there are very subtle things man will never understand. Maybe the church is similar to school. It gives you a high school education. Then, it can even offer you a BS degree. And if you succeed at that, you can try for an MS degree. But if you want a PhD, you're kind of on your own, and need to find your own funding and research on your own because you're now in the business of things that nobody knows yet. Your in the business of discovery, not study. I think this is new learning to me. I never realized or truly appreciated that the church must teach all ages, all races, all personalities, all levels of intelligence, all levels of education, in every culture, etc, all at the same time, all with the same words and teachings. The scope of that is unfathomable, and underappreciated. And that is my confession for the day. I never fully appreciated all that they must do. It's s an incomprehensible undertaking. I do think it may be valuable, for the benefit of the many, if the church did offer some way of practice for those that do care to live a more ascetic existence with an associated much greater allowance for much greater disciplines and practices leading to insight. I think there will be increasing numbers of people into the future that are completely dissatisfied with the standard menu. Those that don't want to be told, but want to see for themselves. Many would be happy with a prison cell and a minimal allotment of food just to find a way out thru the in-door. There's a lot of them. I don't expect to see a decline in the number of monasteries into the foreseeable future. Many would gladly give up the burdens + stresses of the material seeking life to find something of greater value. Many cannot tolerate the mechanized 9am-5pm assembly line where we are processed from birth to death. It's empty, shallow. To whatever extent, this lack of direct spiritual experience drives drug use, especially psychedelics. Amphetamines are used to have enough energy to get thru another day. People fill Buddhist monasteries because they don't want empty promises. They are willing to lay their life down to ensure they never return again. These are spiritual crises. Way of the world crisis. People are hungry and thirsty for something that truly delivers, here+now.

God bless you Alazar.

That's why I am so thankful to God for bringing me to this timeless wisdom. This is truly His Way, because Christ established this Church, and it has never changed. Rome used to be with us until 1054, but we would not follow them, because they believe in the Bishop of Rome as being First overg equals. St. Peter, himself, never made this claim, but rather, he believed he was first among equals, not first over equals. Only God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit can be the head of the church, not a man who proclaims himself as being the vicar of Christ on Earth. Keep listening to these, and if you really want to know more, come and see us and join us at as many Services as possible. I can assure you that you won't be disappointed. While you're at it, pick up a copy of the Orthodox Study Bible, or you can download the app on your IPhone or Android. This is the richest and fullest expression of what Christ called His Church, and the gates of hell have not prevailed against it.

@@heatherstub Amen. And, speaking of Popes, consider what Gregory I, Pope from 590 to 604, had to say about St. Peter and the question of one "universal bishop": "Certainly Peter, the first of the apostles, himself a member of the holy and universal Church, Paul, Andrew, John…what were they but heads of particular communities? And yet all were members under one head (Christ). I say it without the least hesitation, whoever calls himself the universal bishop, or desires this title, is, by his pride, the precursor of Antichrist, because he thus attempts to raise himself above the others. The error into which he falls springs from pride equal to that of Antichrist; for as that Wicked One wished to be regarded as exalted above other men, like a god, so likewise whoever would be called sole bishop exalteth himself above others." So, here you have a Pope of Rome, at the end of the 6th century, stating that the very idea of a “universal bishop” is not only anathema, but a precursor of Antichrist!

@@heatherstub I'm new to Orthodoxy (no church where I live). So I rely on online teachings and books. Thank you for recommending the Orthodox Study Bible. I will purchase one today. God bless you, and thank you Fr. Spyridon for this teaching.

Brother, the reason he speaks as he does is because of the Grace of God the Holy Spirit, in Holy Orthodoxy.

right bruh buddhist an yoga would hv sat nice with much of Christian fellowship!

Amen, God Bless you, wherever you are, take care of yourself, and others as you'rr able.

Amen, God Bless you, wherever you are. Stay safe out there. Take care of yourself, and others, as much as you can. God Bless you. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon us, sinners.

Orthodoxy is filled with apparent contradictions, e.g., dazzling darkness, first shall be last, etc. Among these is also the joyful tears of sweet sorrow of our sins, of discovering true repentance, the beginning, we pray, of change of mind and heart. These experiences, if and when they occur, also have a natural emotional dimension with them that could be generally called "feelings", though I understand your (Fr. Spyridon) use of good feelings in this video is where the Christian depends on their presence to validate their "spiritual experience". Thank you!

Yes, it sure does seem that way sometimes.

Augustine rutledge brother you discovered the path of real Truth, Orthodoxy. Make an effort to walk in this path and God will meet you half way to walk with you. God already showed you the Light, now as a human you have make sure not to let that Light out by neglecting your part.

@@BegoMekerTube2127 Indeed, He does even better according to Tito Colliander. "Take one step toward our Lord, and He takes ten steps to you."

(Then again, I see a lot of this type of thing in myself, too! Aaaagh!!!!)

Righteous Right Hand, yes and no, it can take time to heal, he would be accepted as he is, but with hope and longing for repentance, not accepted so that he may continue in his ways

All of us sinners are of course accepted in the Church, but we are also expected to admit our sin and repent. Saying "that's just who I am" will not be productive.

Amen. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon us, sinners.

Hello, thank you for your comments. I am aiming these videos primarily at Christians and don't wish to cause offence to those of other beliefs. With regards to Buddhism, Siddatha taught that there is no God and that self-enlightenment comes through our own efforts alone. Buddhism entirely negates the need for God's grace and God's Kingdom. The goal of nirvana as a state of peace is an illusion from a Christian perspective because it does nothing to prepare us for death and judgement. There can be no Christian-Buddhism, the two beliefs are fundamentally in disagreement and make entirely different claims to truth.In this sense, any human philosophy that is the product of man's reasoning alone is about self because it is not from God. The point I was trying to make in the video is simply that those practices that leave us with a sense of peace and calm that is manufactured outside of God's grace are not only an illusion but are preventing us from confronting the reality of our sin and our need to repent. By making us feel "happy" the demons can bring to an end the source of true joy that is eternal. As for me being an example of a life of prayer, I am no more than a beginner like most of us here, I am only relaying what the Church Fathers have given us. God bless you.

Father Spyridon Thank you for taking the time to reply so thoughtfully. God bless you and make your efforts fruitful.

And this is how conversations should be made. In peace and mutual respect for each other! Thank you father and thank you stringsandwhistles for this.

They apply to whomever has an open heart and the true desire to follow Christ: the way, the truth and the life. If you desire to journey more fully on the narrow road to the Kingdom of God, keep listening and learning all you can. also, may I suggest you find an Orthodox Church near you, and attend as many Services as possible, for this is how you can choose to become an Orthodox Christian. Just open your heart, not your mind only, because one cannot expect to fully understand the mysteries or Mysteries of God in this life. I did, and I'm still learning after nearly 34 years. Yes, I'm also an Orthodox Christian, and even if you're not, you're a human being, made in the Image and Likeness of God. Your experiences and your desire to know and seek His Kingdom, along with a humble heart and contrite spirit will be the spark that lights the candle. If I may put it another way, Orthodox is comprised of two Greek words: Orthros, which means "Truth" or "right belief", and Doxa which means "Glory". To the True Glory of God!

Andrew Behm Huh? He’s not teaching masochism.

I think when he said we shouldn't be, "taking on ascetic struggles that are beyond us, or not required of us by the Church," he was warning against anything that might be described as masochistic. He said true spirituality requires repentance, which is difficult but not masochism.

There is only one path to salvation - Christ. All other claims are counterfeit. Modern "Judaism" has little connection with the faith of Jesus - the Talmudic traditions were what he was in conflict with when He encountered the Pharisees. Do not be misled- Israel is the Church. This is where salvation is to be found.

The Hindu religions align with the book of Enoch and other inspired texts. Fallen Deities battling each other and claiming dominion over man. look at kali and vishnu and shiva with their 8 arms and belts and sashes made of human heads, war from the skies, Chimera human animal halfbreeds like genesh...nephilim offspring from great men of renown (beni ah elohim).......ALL hindu gods are little 'g" Fallen "Sons of God". To denounce them is not bigotry. They maybe saved by grace. However our Master said "WE WILL JUDGE THE FALLEN" at the Valley of Truth from our white horses, singing HIS praises. Laurence your question shows you to be a compassionate and intelligent person. Please don't let your heart be fooled by that very compassion....it lies. Brother Spyridon comes from a place of TRUTH , his wonderful teachings based on THE WORD. I don't see his statement as bigotry because....well......THE TRUTH that sets us free is not always what our itching ears want to here. Did not Jesus drive out Levite priests calling them sinagog and "your Father " is Satan? The Holy Spirit leads us to spread THE TRUTH and sometimes there is no TIP TOE ing around it to not hurt someones feelings.

Wayward Sailor the problem is that comments like these don't just hurt feelings but actually seem to neutralise and deny whole civilisations. I believe in Christ but this shouldn't give me the right to deny and alienate other religions and cultures. This is not helpful and I believe that it is not Christian. There are members of other religions who are thousands of times more compassionate and Godlike than we are how dare we decide the limitations of God's love for them?

We are commanded to JUDGE RIGHTEOUSLY. If you truly knew THE TRUTH there would be no argument here. When Jesus was asked "what about those that never here THE WORD" ??? Jesus said He will judge their hearts. You asked: "how dare we decide the limitations of God's love for them?" well for 1) The Dark doesn't comprehend the light. 2) God has no limitations.....He clearly states what is in store for those little "g" fallen gods. All hope is not lost for them. WE DO JUDGE THEM in the end 3) Regarding those following these false dieties, the fallen, the false light etc........we dont judge them...its up to themselves and the LORD if they are saved by GRACE. We are all in the same state. EVEN the Buddha came out of Hinduism. He taught that Hindu gods were the fallen. Furthermore he said and taught against idolatry and worship....but as soon as he died the new Buddhists immediately idolized and worshiped him, even though he was just a man, that others claim attained enlightenment, when he saw the evil ways of vishnu, arjurn, krishna, shiva etc........he was a northern India prince.....just A MAN. FORGIVENESS ends the cycle of evil Karma. Forgiveness= Faith= Forgiveness= Grace...not working your way to enlightenment or transcending.... ....we cant work hard enough, meditate hard enough, or climb our way out...WE CAN"T....its Grace alone.....Grace......we don't work for the LORD "we let him work through us", by KNOWING the TRUTH, through the SPIRIT. ....FLAT OUT, HANDS DOWN Buddhism and Hinduism ARE FALSE....The MOST HIGH made us to fellowship with him as friends.....the wicked one tempted us away. The dark angels hate us because they were ordered to serve us. they want to be us.......help us Sheppard the sheep back to the LIGHT brother, not away from it.

@Dojocho reincarnation is above my paygrade. Even yeshua was asked what the blind man did in his past life to deserve to be born blind. Trying to speculate on our heavenly fathers plan and direction on soul mechanics is a waste of time and leads to confusion. I just follow the gospel...period!