What to ask the priest of the last times. Can God Change the Past? How people come to Optina Pustyn for spiritual experience
Maria, Kaluga
2 days ago
Good afternoon. I work as a salesperson in the Pyaterochka store. May I work on Good Friday and Good Saturday? After all, a lot of alcohol passes through my cash register, like any other, these days.
Priest John Kurbatsky
It's your job. And what people buy is their choice. After all, the Lord does not deprive each of us of freedom, does not destroy alcohol and its consumers. Secretly observe your fast and do not be tempted by booze, do not judge. After Easter, beware of drunkenness yourself. And pray for people when you see something like that: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).
Evgeniya, Rostov-on-Don
2 days ago
Priest Nikola Muravyov
Good! At one time, I had to read a lot on the topic you are raising. As far as I remember, the fathers, who with their lives and deeds proved their Orthodoxy and loyalty to God and the Church, believed that the imposition of the seal of the Antichrist by his false prophet would take place in those 3.5 years of the reign of Antichrist, at the same time the construction of a temple with the accession to it is expected Antichrist, the preaching of the prophets Enoch and Elijah, their murder in Jerusalem, the preaching of the false prophet. That is, in the times that will immediately precede the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. If we assume that the placing of seals has already begun, then we will have to accept the pop-free idea of a “spiritual antichrist”.
I really liked the opinion of Priest Georgy Maksimov about the so-called “electronic concentration camp” (improving the means of tracking a person): “ If you want to hide something, you still won't be able to do it. Even if you do not accept the INN, even if you do not accept SNILS and everything that you come up with new there, you will save paper money, etc. etc. The Antichrist will still know where you are, what you are doing, who you are - all your ins and outs. Because the Antichrist will be associated with Satan, demons will be in his service, they know everything perfectly about you and who know much more information about you than there is in any state system ... Demons do not need any chips to track you ... Christian. Lead your life so that you can be watched and found nothing.».
The religious philosopher and controversial protodeacon of the ruling church, Andrei Kuraev, points out: “ If the holy fathers were silent on a certain issue, then one must be able to remain faithful to patristic silence. For example, the holy fathers never discussed the question of what material, by what technology, the seal of the antichrist will be made. This means that any person who, on behalf of the Church, tries to see the laser as a tool for printing the Antichrist is engaging in theological hooliganism. They say: ... lasers or the Internet, a computer is all printing, barcodes are the technology of printing the Antichrist, this is not true».
I have come across an interpretation, it seems, from St. Andrew of Caesarea, that seals on the forehead and hand mean our personal susceptibility to passions, both mental and mental, i.e. reflections and sinful dreams, and our deeds, which are represented by a mark on the active, right hand.
“So, go, teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the age. Amen "(Matthew 28.19-20).
If God is with us, then all seals and lasers cannot harm us.
“For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor Angels, nor Beginnings, nor Powers, nor the present, nor the future, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord ". (Rom. 8.38-39).
It is only important that we ourselves do not turn our backs on the Savior, do not betray Him and our part in the Kingdom of Heaven.
So, the acceptance of the seal of Antichrist is associated with the rejection of Christ, with such a sinful life, which in itself, regardless of the acceptance of the seal of Antichrist, leads to destruction. The violent technical or medico-biological imposition of the Antichrist's seal on a believer in Christ and living according to His commandments, especially if he does not realize this, cannot separate him from Christ.
Throughout its history, when the Church lived in various state systems (imperial-pagan, Orthodox appanage princely and autocratic, liberal-democratic, totalitarian-communist, occupation), it was subject to civilian institutions related to military duty, census and tax collection , even if these establishments were indicated by pagan religious symbols and inscriptions.
The martyrs refused to participate in the civil and religious festivals of the Roman Empire when it was connected with their personal direct participation in a religious cult, in sacrifice.
But there is also a sinful opportunity to burn out with fear, when people, in the vain hope of being “holier than the Pope”, consider themselves worthy of “divine revelation” about the future destinies of the world (for example, I came across “An urgent prophetic warning from God the Father and His Son Yahushua HaMashiach ( Jesus Christ), received through Julie Wedby (September 4, 2017) "). Cool!
Christ says: “ It is not your business to understand the times and seasons that the Father has put in His authority"(Acts 1.7). And further: " Fear not, little flock! for your Father was pleased to give you the kingdom"(Luke 12.32).
Therefore, the Church is not silent, but tries to shout to everyone who considers himself a Christian, rings all the bells: “ Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven!"(Matthew 6.33).
Pray, cleanse your soul by confession, partake, if possible, of the Holy Sacraments of Christ. Run away from sin, not forgetting caution and in the "signs" of the time. By that you will be saved!
God help!
Valery, Tyumen
4 days ago
I have a big sore mole (wart) on my neck. The chain and cord are constantly chafing. I am afraid this may cause complications. Is it possible not to wear a cross around your neck?
Priest Nikola Muravyov
Good! In my understanding, wearing pectoral cross only shows, both to ourselves and to those around us, our acceptance of Christ's sacrifice made for us. That He was crucified and Risen for our salvation. This can be correlated with the words of the apostle Paul:
"Always the deadness of the Lord Jesus bears in my body, so that the Life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body" (2 Cor. 4.10).
The specific place of wearing the "symbol of salvation" is not specified in the Scriptures, although it is customary to wear it around the neck. I think this is part of the tradition. Its fulfillment in the sense of being obligatory is probably more correct to coordinate with your spiritual father.
With regard to health. Now there are medical techniques for removing formations, quite harmlessly and inconsequentially (according to today's statistics). Maybe it makes sense to address the appropriate people in "white coats"?
Evgeniy, St. Petersburg
a week ago
Hello. I'm 55 years old. At the age of 48, I lost my job and became of no use to anyone, despite my education and experience, they refused, as soon as they found out about my age, they had an indication - not older than 45. I managed to hardly get a job as a guard at the parking lot - the work of a pensioner, salary corresponding, from penny to penny, in the literal sense, and not in a figurative, small failure - and already a pawnshop. In his youth he was engaged in business, you may not believe, but honest, by virtue of his profession, he did not save up treasures on earth, but, apparently, did not save up in Heaven and met a poor old age. And the years go by, with them strength and hope, I turn ...
Priest Nikola Muravyov
Good! You are puzzling me! In my opinion, we live in a rather dynamic world. You can feel sorry for yourself for seven and twenty-seven years, remembering the past, while not trying to change the situation from the inside, i.e. in itself.
If you were a businessman in your youth, as I understand it, then you understand that with all the risks there is a chance to change the situation, find new opportunities, without getting hung up on narrow professional activities. Unfortunately, the Soviet-Union social guarantees ended soon after the death of the state.
We are almost the same age, I think we can give you examples of how they react to difficulties, including economic, but, most importantly, mental, ours are the same age. Someone passes on their professional experience without being lazy to communicate on the Internet; someone is engaged in needlework, weaving, knitting, sewing (these are the hundred and thirty kilogram men) and have an additional two or three hundred enemy pieces of paper per month; there are people who have hobbies and have learned to make money out of them: aircraft and ship modeling, growing flowers, breeding parrots and other exotic things. Now, with networking opportunities, there is demand for almost everything except despondency and laziness. If there is a river nearby, then there is always a demand for live, albeit smallish fish (I checked it myself). If you manage not to get hung up on limiting the working time from 8 to 17 hours or in another interval, then you will be able to find that area of application of your forces, which will give you not only a worthy reward, but also inner satisfaction with life. And if, with all this, gratitude to God remains with you for every hour lived and its fullness with warmth to others, then, consider, you won the jackpot.
I do not know you at all, your preferences and thoughts, in order to give a "non-standard answer", this requires a real spiritual father. So - reflections. The devastation begins not outside, but in our heads. And only we determine how our future will be built. The age of 55 is the time when people begin to learn new things, strive to realize themselves in what they are interested in. In the village of Pavlikovo, Yaroslavl Oblast, Aunt Anfia Filippovna, having retired at this age from a leading position, began practically "from scratch" to master the charter of worship and hook singing; now she is about eighty, she does not rest on the Hawaiians, everything is simpler: she is calm and satisfied with life, thanks to her, the service to God is performed in a remote temple.
You can reproach yourself for not becoming a millionaire, a general or an authoritative bandit (everyone has their own guidelines), but the feeling of their need for the world and the desire to be included in its life is in us.
Wake up, your head and hands will help you get out of the gloom, do not limit yourself, fantasize, and you can find your "niche"!
God help! Pray, ask for hints, but it's up to you to work and "spin"!
Maria, St. Petersburg
a week ago
Good afternoon. I have always been interested in one question. I do not like children and have never loved, but I am categorically against abortion, but not because it is murder, but because it is a vile operation, unworthy of a real woman, it is cowardice and inability to take responsibility for my actions. But what if a woman / girl was raped by some male creature (sorry, but this is the softest thing I can say about such individuals), after which she became pregnant? It is clear that even in this case, the church will say that abortion is murder. But what about women who have been raped? Give birth to a child they already hate, and then take it out ...
Priest John Kurbatsky
Yes, the Church will say abortion is murder. Science will also say so, because life begins from the moment of conception. If this thesis is recognized as true, which it really is, the rest of the question disappears by itself. The child is not to blame.
Why do you think that women will certainly hate a child?
By having an abortion, she will make a fatal mistake. No, she will not be a thousand times right, although you can somehow understand. You write correctly, living after an abortion will not work happily. Happiness cannot be built on sin and blood.
Rest assured, God will find a way to bless a mother who refused an abortion even in such a situation and yet gave birth and raised a child.
Mila, Shatura
a week ago
Hello. Could you tell me what this dream could mean? Thanks in advance. My mom is very sick. She was found to have benign tumors in both breasts. They grew, and the doctor said that they must be removed so that they do not develop into malignant ones. Mom was taken to the hospital, and on the eve of the operation I had a strange dream. I see a gloomy restaurant, round tables, twilight, almost quiet and deserted. I am sitting at one of the small round tables, sitting alone and I clearly understand that he will come now, that I have a meeting with the devil. He appeared to me in the guise of a man, a TV presenter of the "Wait for Me" program. I understood everything perfectly, who was in front of ...
Priest Nikola Muravyov
Good! I think that you know the attitude to dreams in the church community. It is indifferently cautious. The "brain" processes the amount of information that has got into it. Sometimes yesterday's, and sometimes it raises deeper layers, showing us in pictures now cartoons, now football, now the XXVII Congress of the CPSU. The attitude should be like this: "looked" - woke up, prayed, let go and forgot.
With regard to the sinfulness of decisions made in a dream, I can give an example with men. With prolonged abstinence, and among monks it is generally for life, from time to time there is a "discharge" of the seed. If this happens, then a person must judge about himself, what is the reason for what happened. It happens that this is just physiology, and it is sinless. There are expirations with dreams, i.e. "Such" dreams. And then it’s time to think whether they appeared by themselves or whether the person warmed himself up by seeing himself once or being with him earlier? Were there “dreams of fornication” or were there just cartoons? Was there an opportunity and desire to wake up in order not to fall into sin? Those. an unauthorized passionate subtext mixed in with "sinlessness". There are other cases, but let's keep quiet about them. But everything is ambiguous and can be learned by reasoning with an experienced confessor.
To your case. It is clear that most of your daytime thoughts were subordinated to your mother's well-being. Perhaps in your thoughts there was a willingness to sacrifice "everything" for her health. The question of “selling your soul”, “sinfulness or sinlessness” of your dream and the decision made in it, in my opinion, refers to the confessional. When you go to confession, next time, do not forget to discuss this issue with your confessor.
Give, Lord, to us and our neighbors spiritual and, if possible, bodily health!
Marina, Reutov
2 weeks ago
Good evening. My dad died. He was unbaptized, because my grandfather, my father's father, was a military man. Subsequently, the Pope was not baptized. Died suddenly and suddenly in 2 minutes - heart. Dad believed in God; he went to church with his mother for Holy water. Well, when the funeral service for his parents - grandfather and grandmother were baptized - his soul dad believed in God. Please tell me what to do with mom? How to pray for an unbaptized soul? Can we go to the temple?
Priest Nikola Muravyov
Good! My condolences! As far as I know, it is customary to pray for those who have died outside of Orthodoxy to the martyr Uar (his memory is November 1 in a new style). According to his life, he has the grace from God to pray for the forgiveness of their sins and deliverance from eternal torment.
Try not to leave prayers for the deceased and do deeds of mercy in memory of him. I hope that your father not only believed in God in his soul, but also tried to live by the truth, by conscience. One can hope for the mercy of God, because, as the Apostle Paul writes:
When pagans, who do not have the law, do what is lawful by nature, then, without having the law, they are their own law: they show that the work of the law is written in the hearts, as evidenced by their conscience and their thoughts, then accusing, then justifying one another ( Rom. 2.14-15).
The neglect of accepting Holy Baptism is very serious, but at the Judgment everyone will be denounced by their conscience and “ for every word people say, they will give an answer on the day of judgment"(Matthew 12.36).
May the mercy of God cover all our hardships and rest in places of light and deceased!
Hello! My husband left me for another girl. After the wedding, we lived only 4 months, cheated with that girl before the wedding. She survived a strong blow, forgave, thought that if she marries, she takes responsibility for the family, for what will be different. Before that, they lived in fornication for 2 years, were “formally believers,” and forgot God. I understand that everything happened for our sins. Remained in soul-tearing loneliness and despondency. I understand that without this sorrow I would never have reached the church. Now I slowly pray and begin my spiritual life. But it's very hard. We're not divorced yet. He lives with the other and with him ...
Priest Nikola Muravyov
Good! I may be wrong, but it seems to me that it is worth separating the revival of your spiritual life and a failed marriage. Knowing that the future spouse combines attention to you with the "other girl", that is, the fact that the Law of God is not "guiding and directing" in the life-building of man, it would be worthwhile to stop and think before marrying. Not hoping for a miraculous change in a person outside the confines of the Church ...
The fact that you lived with him “next to the Church” for two years, forgetting God, shows that, perhaps, a miracle happens to your soul. Take the trouble to learn prayer, perhaps even start praying the Psalter with prayers of repentance. The Lord, through your prayer, will strengthen your soul and show you how to build your bright and godly "tomorrow."
« Pray for those offending you”(Matthew 5.44), but at the same time build your own future, proceeding from Christ's commandments, and not just according to carnal desires and movements. Trust God and "He will feed you"! Do not try to "spy" your future now - live day after day, with faith and patience!
Priest Nikola Muravyov
Good! In my not so distant past, in Soviet times, coins from 1 to 5 kopecks were called copper, or coppers, and from 10 to 50 - silver, although I strongly doubt the percentage of these metals in those coins.
The Gospels do not indicate which coins are called silver coins. It could be both denarii and drachmas, but usually this name is associated with the Tyrian staters or shekels that were in circulation in Hierosalim - they were minted in the city of Tire in the period from 126 BC. and 19 A.D. - or with ancient Greek tetradrachms.
Calculations in such a "currency" are referred to in the book of prop. Jeremiah, ch. 32; prop. Zechariah chapter 11; Book of Exodus, ch. 21.
Attention to details, especially such detailed ones, of course, is very wonderful, but let’s still try to remember the main thing in the Gospels - the Gospel of Christ, so that, digging in the little things, we do not lose the essence, we do not notice the forest behind the trees.
Priest Nikola Muravyov
Good! The Lord says:
“Let the children go and do not hinder them from coming to Me, for such is the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 19.14).
He reminded others of the words spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “ My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations"And added from Himself:" And you made it a den of robbers"(Mark 11:17).
Raising children in a Christian way, instilling love for God, prayer, worship is a very difficult process. This business requires great patience and discretion. Children who take a conscious part in the service, singing and reading the Holy Texts can touch the toughest soul. Rampage, running around, screaming and other fuss, even produced by children, can distract from reverent prayer even the most pious prayer book. On this I completely agree with you.
In the service book of the liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is a reminder for the priest “ About the fact that the hedgehog does not enter the altar to worldly people, except for the sexton. Let Lyudin not enter the holy altar, unless there is a single Orthodox Tsar, when he brings the gifts of the Lord, according to the 69 rule, to the hedgehog in Trulla", Because Orthodox tsars have died out in our time, then even for the priest's children free entrance to the altar is not correct.
It seems to me that you can try to offer the priest an opinion on this issue of A.I. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkxwVWLVVog). If he does not listen to him either, I can propose to turn to your dean; I think that the senior priest will be able to find the right words to put things in order in the heads and in your church. The next step is diocesan administration, but I hope you won't have to go there.
We believe that all the efforts of our pastors will not be in vain, even if at least one of those who asked will receive some spiritual benefit!
There are situations in life when a person should be directed in the right direction. Who can do it? Often close relatives, sometimes friends, and always the Lord God. A person, even if he does not really believe in God's prompts, simply goes to the temple to ask a question to the priest, while the priest is a servant of God. He will definitely help.
How to ask your father your question correctly? Let's talk about this in more detail.
A priest is not an old man
Questions to the priest are sometimes the strangest. People are confident that if there is a priest in front of them, he simply must know everything. In general, in Russia these servants of God are treated with childish awe and respect. Father is the same.
No matter how deplorable it may seem, a priest is, first of all, a person. And he cannot always give an answer to a very serious question. More precisely, he can give an answer, but he is not obliged to make a decision for the questioner.
For example, a woman comes to the temple. Father sees her for the first time in his life, and the woman asks him: “Father, what do you recommend? Should I do the operation or not? "
And what should the priest answer? Moreover, so as not to offend the woman? Will advise you to do an operation, what if she dies on the operating table? And if she says to follow the recommendations of the attending physician in this regard, the woman may be offended. How so? The priest does not even know whether she needs to do the operation or not.
This story is absolutely real. Like many others like her. People go to church often with the desire to relieve themselves of responsibility for making a decision. It's easier to say that the priest advised that, if something didn't work out, than to admit that he was wrong.
Father is not a seer. No, there are, of course, elders in Russian Orthodox monasteries, but there are very few of them. In an ordinary temple one can hardly meet an elder. Ordinary priests serve there; they can only direct the questioner, give him a hint. But priests have no right to dictate what and how to do. The Lord gave people freedom of choice, who is a priest to suppress this freedom? The decision must be made by the one who asks the question to the Orthodox priest. Weighing all the pros and cons.
How to ask
It also happens that you come to the service in the morning and queue up for confession. There are a huge number of confessors. And now, it’s a woman’s turn. And everyone stood up. They have already sung "The Grace of the World", and "Our Father" will soon be sung, and she keeps asking questions to the priest. Father cannot drive her away and stop her. The line begins to quietly murmur: "Just about to go to communion, and the woman asks and asks everything." Yes, even loudly, with expression, so that the confessors who are the first in the queue hear everything.
To avoid such a situation, your questions must be resolved certainly not on Sunday at confession. If time permits, come on Saturday night, be the last person in the line for confession and ask anything you need to know.
When to come with questions
Whether it is possible to ask the priest a question in confession, we have found out. It is better to do this on Saturday night or after the service in general. But how to get to the priest after the service, how to talk to him? Especially if it's a Sunday afternoon. And for priests, as you know, Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days.
At the end of the service, when the priest gives the cross to kiss, you can ask him for permission to talk after the kiss is complete. If the priest is in a hurry, it is likely that he will give his phone number and say when he can call and talk. This is now a completely normal practice, there is no need to be afraid of this or be offended that the priest could not allocate time for a conversation. If the father sets a time for the call, it means that he will be able to give the asking person as much attention on the phone as necessary.
Duty priests
You can ask a priest a question not only during confession or after service. In many churches there are so-called priests on duty. To get to him with a question, it is enough to come to the temple, ask if there is a priest on duty, and ask to call him. After the priest is called, ask permission to ask him a question.
Father online
Questions to the priest can also be asked on the Internet. There is a project called "Father Online". Here you can ask any questions to the clergyman and get an answer to him.
In addition, it is a very common practice to ask questions on the websites of Orthodox churches. There is even a separate heading for this, usually called "Questions to the priest." Of course, not all sites have it, but very many.
Let's summarize
The main purpose of the article is to tell the reader how to ask a question to a clergyman. Aspects of this article are as follows:
- Father is the same person as all of us. Turning to him, one should not think that the will of God is open to him. The priest can only direct the person, advise him, but not decide for the questioner.
- Questions are best asked on Saturday nights or after Sunday services. At Sunday's confession, it is worth refraining from long dialogues with the priest. Unless, of course, the situation requires an urgent solution.
- There are temple priests on duty. You can approach them with your problem any day, without waiting for Saturday or Sunday.
- The Internet has not been canceled yet. You can ask questions to the priest on the "Father Online" project. Or on the websites of parish churches in a special section.
Conclusion
When the question is very serious, then it is better to turn to the elder with it. For example, in Borovsk or Sergiev Posad there are still such elders helping people. For a simple priest is hardly endowed with the gift of clairvoyance. And there is no need to be afraid or ashamed to ask. Seek, and it will be given to you, knock, and it will be revealed to you.
Dear site visitors!
Dear site visitors! In this section of the site you can ask questions to the clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate). Fill out the form below for sending a letter. Questions are published after reviewing them by the site's editors and receiving a response from the clergy, while the date of publication is indicated, and not the date of receipt of the question.
We remind you that communication in the virtual space does not replace personal communication with a priest, and even more so - visiting a temple and participating in services. Information on most questions about the Christian faith and life, Sacred history of the Old and New Testaments, church history can be found in other sections of our site.
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Good day! Some time ago, I dreamed about the death of my mother several times, after the last such dream my mother died (a month ago). Now I dream that my husband is dying (I dreamed this already 2 times). It is also often a dream that my mother seemed to come to life. I don’t understand anything. Help me understand what all this is about. What should I do??? I am very worried about my husband.
Maria
Dear Mary, do not be afraid of dreams, but trust all your fears to the Lord God in prayer. Since you began to worry about your husband, pray especially for him, read the holy Gospel well. God bless you!
Priest Sergiy Osipov
Hello, priests, I want to thank you, and in your person, the entire Orthodox priesthood, for invaluable help and blessed labor! Praise the Lord for his care for people with your hands and words! A question. In my prayer book there is a follow-up on the departure of the soul from the body, consisting of one canon. It is signed that it is read by the laity if there is no priest. It's just that I can't quite figure out whether this is a canon about a single deceased or another canon that should be read immediately after a person's death? I would like to read it for the peace of my father's soul. Is it possible? And further. Is it possible to wipe the face on the icons with a cloth, or do you just need to carefully blow off the dust from it? I was told that the face should not be touched. It's true? Save me, God!
Tatyana
Hello, Tatyana. The canon of the one-dead man and the follow-up to the exodus of the soul are different successions. You can read it. You can wipe the icons, do not touch (and do not kiss) the face, so as not to damage it, and not from sacramental motives. God help you!
Priest Sergiy Osipov
Hello. I am interested in this question: Is it possible to pray for the health and well-being of unbaptized children and grandchildren? (the son-in-law does not give consent to the baptism of the child) And will the Lord hear such prayers?
Natalia
Hello, Natalia. Of course, it is possible and necessary to pray, both at home and in the church. Only in the church, remember them yourself while reading the hours (then a proskomedia is performed before the liturgy), only baptized people can be written in notes. God bless you.
Priest Sergiy Osipov
Hello priests. Is it possible to listen to the audiobook of Hegumen N Sacred Athos I liked it when I listened to it once and Hegumen N is Hegumen Efrem Vinogradov, he also wrote a book why they want to save us I liked both books Can I read and listen to these books?
Ekaterina
Yes, Ekaterina, you can. God help.
Priest Sergiy Osipov
Hello! Thank you very much to Priest Sergiy Osipov for answering my question about "... is it possible to change the name given to me at baptism if no one remembers and does not know it ..." But the fact is that when my wife goes to church, to the temple and writes notes with names, then my name is crossed out by the grandmothers who accept these notes, motivating that my name is not on the lists of Orthodox (my name is Edward) and this has already happened in no church or in a single temple Believe me, I'm not complaining to you, I just want to know what to do in such situations? Is it possible to take your answer on the phone and show it in churches and temples, if my name is crossed out again? Or change the name of your heavenly patron? Excuse me if you are annoying and illiterate in church matters. Thank you very much in advance.
Edward
Hello Edward. This issue will be resolved with the blessing of the priest of the church where the candle-holders so zealously check the notes. The wife can approach him, but it is better, of course, for you to defend your saint yourself :) God bless you.
Priest Sergiy Osipov
Hello. To my child 1.9. Baptized with Love. That was the name of her father's mother. He left me about 5 months ago and I want to change the name and surname of the child. Name to Vitaly. There are no patron saints with such a name among the holy women, as I understood from the Internet. Which even seems significant to me: let her be love in baptism, I loved her father, although we lived in fornication, he was the first to leave the family and even divorced. Had I called her Vitaly right away, she would have been baptized with a different name anyway, do I understand correctly, since there are no female saints with that name? Will I sin a lot if I make such a change, or do I have the right to slightly ease my grief of my loss of support and hope for family happiness with such a step? After all, this is all that I can. I'll make a reservation right away that I don't believe in God's mercy and I can't wait for relief by prayers and cultivating faith in myself, it's too hard to be left alone. I need more effective and real support.
Maria
Mary, the name given in baptism does not change. If you decide to change the "worldly" name for a child, think about whether it will be difficult for her to live with a somewhat unexpected, unusual name for a girl, Vitaly. God bless you.
Priest Sergiy Osipov
Good day! Father, I have three godchildren - Alexander (born January 5), Sergius (January 12) and Pavel (July 29). Which saints should be considered their heavenly patrons and when is it right to congratulate on Angel Day?
Tatyana
Dear Tatyana, in order not to guess and not to be mistaken, it is better to ask the parents which saint is recorded in the baptismal certificate. By the name of the saint, it will be possible to determine the day of the angel, referring, for example, to the website days.pravoslavie.ru. You can congratulate with any words that will fall on your heart, and on the day of the Angel it is good to bring (if the godchildren are still babies, of course) to the church for communion. God bless you.
Priest Sergiy Osipov
Good afternoon, a question to Sergei Osipov. I have a small child, her father is my roommate for two years, left me this summer. The feeling of affection and admiration for the child disappeared. I live only with a sense of duty, that I don’t read life and she’s burdensome. The father does not mind taking her from the words. I myself feel that in his family where he left for me and got divorced, his daughter will be calmer in every sense. What's more sinful is to give it to him (I myself am ready to go to a monastery, I have nothing to do with a coma of duty here, I am already 40, we have several monasteries in the city, I have already written to the abbess, to seek humility and faith) or keep it to myself as a matter of principle (the principle that is, what is considered to be better for children with mothers), tormenting her with his inescapable despondency (I cannot fight with him, I'm tired). Thank you.
Maria
Dear Maria, do not choose the lesser of two evils. "Perpetual discouragement" is called depression. The doctor will help you heal her. Then you won't have to choose from unacceptable options. God help you!
Priest Sergiy Osipov
Hello, Father Alexander. If I took Matushka Fotinia's books to the church, and then let them do whatever they want with them, did I do the right thing? It happens in our country that people bring icons and books to the temple, while others take them.
Ekaterina
Hello Ekaterina. When something useful, but no longer needed, is brought to the temple so that others who want or need take advantage of this thing, it is good. But sectarian literature must be destroyed immediately so that no one will catch the infection. Imagine that someone will take the book you left and read it with confidence, because he took it in the church, which means that it is permissible for reading. This man, if he turns out to be ignorant of the Orthodox faith, will be damaged, and the sin will be on you. Correct what you have done, if it is not too late, and be sure to confess.
Priest Alexander Beloslyudov
Hello fathers! Help me figure out this issue. I believe that God is not subject to change. I also believe that Jesus Christ, our Savior, ascended into heaven together with human nature (because in Jesus Christ both natures were united inseparably and forever), and thus human nature through Jesus Christ became part of the Holy Trinity. It seems to my unenlightened mind that there was a change in God after all at the moment when Jesus ascended to heaven. Help me find a mistake in this reasoning. Save me, God!
Paul
Hello Pavel. The image of the union of natures, the Divine and the human, in Christ, the Chalcedonian Oros, is defined by four negations (apophatically): non-merged, immutable, inseparable, inseparable. You have paid attention only to the last two, "inseparable and inseparable." Now notice that this is the third and fourth definition, while the first and second indicate the "non-fusion and immutability" of natures in Christ. Neither human nature has acquired anything unusual for it, nor the Divine nature has undergone changes. Humanity was "hypostatized" - perceived by the Son as the second Person of the Holy Trinity, and not perceived into the single nature (essence) of the Divine, the One and indivisible Holy Trinity. Otherwise, both God and man would have changed, but this did not happen. And even in the Hypostasis of the Son, His Personality, there was no transformation into something in between the Divine and humanity. Oros describes the properties of the compound apophatically, because nothing cataphatic can be said about it without distorting the truth. We do not even see our own created nature, we see only the skin, how can we judge the nature of the Divine? Therefore, the Holy Council simply cuts off everything that distorts the truth, but does not formulate the truth itself, for lack of the possibility of a logical understanding of this issue. The mystery of Godhood cannot be comprehended by the mind, but can be cognized by experience. As the fathers put it, God is known by the power of living. The mystery of the inner divine being is known in the Kingdom of God, about which Christ said that it is within us. The entrance to it is narrow, and not many find it. But those who entered saw the truth there, which cannot be expressed in human language. Experience cannot be conveyed in words. The experience can only be repeated. So that those seeking the knowledge of God through their experience did not get lost, the fathers set guidelines for them. These guidelines are dogmatic definitions and ascetic teachings. They are in our system of coordinates, but using them and forcing ourselves to an appropriate way of thinking, a way of life, we can gain experience that corresponds to our dispensation, about God, about Providence, about Love. In the preeminent Church, only those who knew God in the cell of their hearts were called theologians, and not those who speak well about God. I think that you are quite within your power and it will be useful to read the works of St. Isaac the Syrian: both "Ascetic Words" and "On Divine Mysteries".
Priest Alexander Beloslyudov
Hello, Father. I recently came across this video evidence (...), and as a believer, an Orthodox person, it shocked me. I know that this testimony cannot be trusted, but I still wanted to know if this testimony is true? God bless you!
Dmitriy
Hello Dmitry. Most likely, this girl speaks sincerely. But what confuses you? In Catholicism, for a long time, the delirium of a sick imagination, the delusion of demonic and direct demonic content has been elevated to the rank of revelation. The content of such "revelations" is not a reflection of objective reality, but reflects only what was shown to the unfortunate demons. She speaks the truth, that she saw what she heard, then she speaks. Only the source is confused. And she has no means to distinguish the demon from the Angel. In Orthodoxy, this phenomenon has been known for a long time and has its own name - charm. I advise you, for your personal spiritual safety, never under any circumstances to look, listen or discuss anything related to supernatural phenomena and mystical experiences. After the fall, the Lord gave a man of leather vestments to protect him from the direct influence of demons, exiled to earth, in the same space as man. But we are curious .... So we strive to dig a hole in these protective vestments. But it is not the knowledge of the truth that enters into the hole, but the knowledge of demons. The goal of these subjects is death.
Priest Alexander Beloslyudov
A question to Priest Alexander Beloslyudov. Father! Tell me please. I am married, my husband is not a church member. I lack communication. And it has been developing this way from the very beginning of our relationship. Few common topics of conversation. I have few friends, and I am always very happy when I find people who are close in spirit. This happens to all my friends, regardless of gender. In this regard, the question is: what to do if a close-minded person with whom a warm relationship develops is male? Need to stop talking just because he's a man? Or is it still possible to be friends? And if it is possible, then how to understand where the permissible limits of this friendship are? God save you!
Olga
Hello Olga. In communication, it is difficult to draw a clear line. In actions, yes, you can. While we are drinking tea, this is normal, but when we are already embracing, then this is fornication. But pay attention to yourself, whether a voluptuous thought creeps in even in the conversation itself. It seems to me that one should pay attention to the words that the Apostle Paul addressed to wives who have unbelieving husbands: "How do you know a wife, will you save your husband?" Probably, you should not run away from your husband in search of communication, but look for points of contact from which you can lay down the prerequisites for spiritual interest drop by drop. I cannot tell you exactly what to do, you yourself have to find it. Millet think in this direction. And friends are a good thing, until you begin to value them more than your husband. God help you.
Priest Alexander Beloslyudov
I ask you to resolve my perplexities. What is the degree of obedience of a parishioner to a spiritual father? 7 years ago I asked for a blessing to buy a car, but I never received it. Father said: "You will perish." I learned and got my license. But since there is no car, she did not drive. Now I understand that a car is necessary for trips to the country, to take, to bring building materials, things, crops, to go to order something, to transport pets. Until now, I went by train (it's really hard to carry 20 kg) or with my parents in a car. But the parents will soon grow old. I'm not married. I was afraid to buy a car, but I understand that it is difficult to manage a dacha without a car. Sorry for asking this.
Evgeniya
Hello Evgenia. The priest has no moral right to give orders. Obedience in the proper sense is possible only in the relationship between the disciple and the elder. This is a phenomenon of monastic life. This word also refers to the relationship between the subordinate and the boss. In a broad sense - following Christ, as obedience to God. In the relationship between a layman and a parish priest, this form is inadmissible in principle. In matters of clergy, the priest, if he has sufficient experience and common sense, can give useful tips, and you can fulfill them or not, according to your reasoning. If you see that the advice is useful and does not contradict the teachings of the fathers, follow it. If you see that the advice contains passion (authority, vanity, pride), or it contradicts the teachings of the fathers, then you do not need to fulfill it. And everything that concerns privacy, relationships with people, work, everyday life, does not concern the priest in any way. If he climbs into these topics, then this is an alarming sign. Perhaps, in all other respects, the priest is wonderful. Then do not tempt him any more, do not ask questions concerning your life. And take the blessing only for the spiritual. For prayer, fasting, any good undertaking. But you make the decision. You, and only you, are accountable to God for your decisions, actions and intentions. If you need a car, take it. Anyone can be killed. Everything is in the hands of God. However, since you do not have any practice, be sure to take special courses on safe driving. Get useful skills that are worth the time and money spent. God help you.
Priest Alexander Beloslyudov
Hello, Father Alexander. Did the apostle Paul lose his freedom when the Lord appeared to him and asked why he was persecuting Him? And if sometimes I want the Lord to appear to me Himself and show demons, or put them in hell for at least 5 minutes in order to know what it is like to be in hell, can I ask Him about it? The Monk Seraphim of Sarov saw demons as well.
Ekaterina
Hello again, Ekaterina. Saul has always been a sincere believer in the One God. He unknowingly persecuted Christians. When on the way the light shone on him, and the Divine voice addressed him, then he immediately fell to the ground, bowing before God. Having learned that it was Christ, he immediately threw away his former conviction and freely surrendered himself to the Lord: what do you command me to do? Remember how the Virgin answered the Angel: behold the servant of the Lord, be it to me according to your word. Like the apostles, having thrown their nets, they followed Christ at His call. There is no loss of freedom, there is a choice. And the choice is obvious. The Jewish leaders, after all, also did not doubt the divinity of Christ after the resurrection of Lazarus, but did not recognize Him, but became hardened. They made a different choice. And Judas made a different choice. Asking God to show demons and hell is foolish. The Lord shielded us from the perception of spiritual beings for our own safety. If a child asks you to let him run barefoot in the snow or eat an icicle, will you allow? Isaac the Syrian said that in order to see Heaven and the Lord, you must force yourself to enter your heart. The kingdom of God is within you. And Angels, and demons, and hell in the same place. Be sure to read "A word about sensual and spiritual vision spirits ", St. Ignatius Brianchaninov. Get comprehensive and sound information about this issue.
Priest Alexander Beloslyudov
Hello, Father Alexander. In the letters of Hegumen Nikon Vorobyov about suicide, it is written that whoever, even on purpose, in order to frighten other people, climbs into the noose, the demons will strangle him against his will. And how can they do this if they are spirits, and without God's permission they cannot do anything with a person? And if I had thoughts that it is better to die than to live with sorrows, is it from demons? Is there an audiobook "Great Russian Elders" by Abbot Aristarkh Lokhanov on the Internet, and is it possible to listen to the soulful teachings of Abva Dorotheus in audio format?
Ekaterina
The answer to the first question, Catherine, you will find in the same "Word" of St. Ignatius. The suicide submits himself to the demons, so they get power over him. But even in this case, they remain instruments of God's providence. The books you are looking for are here: http://predanie.ru/audio/izdanija-predanie-ru/velikie-russkie-starcy/ - this is "Elders", and this is Abba Dorofey: http://predanie.ru/audio/jitija_i_tvorenija_svjatih / prepodobnii-avva-dorofei /.
Priest Alexander Beloslyudov
Can a priest serve two liturgies in one astronomical day? One in the morning, as usual, and the second in the evening, after Vespers and Matins, on the next church day?
Elena
Hello, Elena. The day is counted from midnight to midnight. This is indicated in the "Teaching Testimony" placed in the Service Book. And every priest uses the Service Book. During the day, only one celebration of the Liturgy is possible. Once a day on one throne, one priest. Here is an excerpt from the Priest's Handbook: “The ancient rule defines the time for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at the third hour, according to our reckoning, the ninth. only a few days when the liturgy is celebrated "poranu" or is combined with the evening service. These are the day of Holy Easter, the days of the Holy Forty for the liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, the days of the eve of the Nativity of Christ and the Epiphany, as well as the days of Great Saturday and Pentecost. a day of more than one liturgy. The participation of a priest who has already served on the same day in the conciliar celebration of another liturgy is unacceptable. Only one liturgy can be performed on one altar on one day due to the unity of the sacrifice of the cross made by the Lord Jesus Christ. " Although the Liturgy is celebrated several times a year in conjunction with Vespers, it is not celebrated at the usual time for Vespers, not in the evening, but in the morning, so that the Liturgy is performed during daylight hours. The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts does not contain the Eucharist, but is simply Communion, therefore it can be celebrated in the evening. Let me remind you that in Great Lent the Eucharist (the full liturgy of Basil the Great and John Chrysostom with the consecration of the Holy Gifts) is celebrated only on Saturday, Sunday, the Annunciation and the Great Four.
Priest Alexander Beloslyudov
Father, tell me, how does the church feel about circumcision among Orthodox Christians? Medicine speaks of the hygienic benefits of this procedure, but from the point of view of religion, if a person abstains, won't this be a kind of help to him in this? Or is it self-harm? Sorry for the pun.
Dmitriy
Hello Dmitry. Circumcision has no effect on lust, and therefore abstinence is of no help. Hygiene must be maintained with water and soap, both circumcised and uncircumcised. So this is not an argument either. The only one medical indication to circumcision is the inability to have sexual intercourse in view of the peculiarities of the anatomy of the penis.
Priest Alexander Beloslyudov
Answers to your questions
Answers to your questions
note: not all correspondence is published here!
: ">CHRIST IS RISEN!
Reception of new questions in this section is temporarily suspended for the period of Easter,
that is, until the day of the Holy Trinity (Fifty).
Question: Hello, I have a delicate question. I wanted to go to church service on April 20 at Easter, but these days it will already be my period. Is it possible?
Answer: These days are given to a woman for humility and repentance for the fact that she became a mediator for the fallen angel in seducing the first person into sin. Therefore, with humility on such days, a woman should refrain from participating in the Sacraments of the Church.
Question:
Good day, father!
Please tell me if the document "On Preparation for Holy Communion" has been adopted?
Is it possible to take communion on this Sunday - Easter?
And is it possible to receive communion in a state of female impurity?
Answer: The document you have indicated is in the all-church discussion. You can find out about the acceptance of all church documents on the official website of the Moscow Patriarchate (section Inter-Council Presence). Female impurity is an obstacle to Church Sacraments, except in cases of mortal danger.
Question:
Hello! According to studies of human blood, scientists have found that the level of testosterone in the body in men is 20 times higher than in women, as a result of which men perceive this world more sexually. They constantly look at women, pay attention to them (and when they look, they don't know what they think ... sometimes they look like they are undressing with their eyes). But for women to stare so openly at men is such a great rarity! The question is. How could God DO THIS ??? I don't find the answer to this question anywhere. I became a man-hater and
stopped going to church and taking communion! I cannot take communion, if only because I am shocked by the fact that God has done this and I cannot and I DO NOT WANT to accept it !!! Please answer only clearly, and there is no need to say to scientists that they are doing something wrong. RESEARCH! Thanks in advance!
Answer: Testosterone, as scientists have found, is a male hormone, in women - some other hormone, and it is pointless to argue with this - science has reached great heights in microbiology. As for the influence of testosterone on thoughts, this is no longer a scientific area, but a moral area, that is, directly related to the state of the soul. This has nothing to do with science. Judge for yourself, men - monks, ascetics, holy saints - remaining men - "carriers of testosterone", they, nevertheless, overcame their carnal attraction to the opposite sex. Otherwise, they would not have sustained the chosen path. Faith is stronger than flesh. And Christian men remember the words of Christ in the Sermon on the Mount "whoever looks at a woman with lust, he has committed adultery already in his heart." And if someone is struggling with thought-suppositions, then this, as a rule, is an internal process that does not have external consequences and ends in sincere repentance. So God, creating a man and a woman, gave them certain differences in accordance with their purpose and functions, but did not give anyone a tendency to sin. This is an already acquired property in the process of life. In a moral sense, neither man nor woman has special advantages.
Question: Hello father, please tell me if there are real elders now? It's just a very difficult situation, and no one can help. Maybe there are such elders somewhere who see the problem? God save me!
Answer: What kind of students - such are teachers, what kind of believers we are - such are our elders. Well, if, more seriously, no matter what the situation is, first of all we need to seek help from God. As for wise advice, the wisest advice is when we follow the will of God. But God can reveal his will even through the first comer, if, of course, we ask God to reveal His will. In times of difficulty, the saints, with prayer to God, turned for advice even to children, if there were no adults nearby. And the Lord answered them according to their humility. Thus, the Lord reveals his will first of all to those who are ready to fulfill it. And then all doubts are dispelled.
Question: Is it not considered a sin - the wedding of a husband and wife, but not a strong believer? we rarely go to church, only I pray. I strive to get married with the goal of strengthening the family, and maybe to strengthen my faith, my husband - because it was like that before in Russia. is it not considered a sin to approach a wedding like this? Or is it better to stay unmarried all your life (only registry office)?
Answer: Not getting married is no better than getting married. Well, the fact that you need to prepare is true. Try reading the sermons of Metropolitan Anthony (Bloom) on the topic of marriage.
Question: Hello, I have a question. I have a scar on my face, namely a little to the left of my left eye, above my temple, it is in the form of a cross. It appeared from nowhere, by itself, even in childhood, perhaps even from infancy, or even from birth in general. What is he for? What does it mean? And is it true that people who are marked by God have this scar?
Answer: The body that we have now is intended first for burial, and then for rebirth, but in a different substantial quality. So you should not unnecessarily fix your attention on scars, moles, etc. As for "being marked" by God, it is more correct to speak of God's chosenness. Such are all who, being called to Christ, responded and followed Him. If you remember the Gospel parable about a banquet with the Lord: "Many are called, but few are chosen."
Question: Hello. If one of the godparents cannot attend the Sacrament of Baptism, is it possible to carry out the rite without him, but write him down as a godparent?
Answer: With the blessing of the priest performing the Baptism, it is allowed if one godfather is in absentia.
Question: I was married, now I am divorced, I have a daughter from marriage 1.9 years. Now I am in a civil marriage and I have a daughter from a common-law husband, she is 5 months old. Is it possible for my common-law husband to be godmother and can we legalize relations and sign in the future?
Answer: It is necessary to legalize the relationship, and the godfather for the eldest daughter needs to choose another.
Question: I had an abortion 6 years ago. I constantly think about it. I hate myself. How can I pray for forgiveness before God and before the unborn child?
Answer: In this case, there is different kinds constant prayer rule. It can be both bows and additional fasting on some of the days of the week. For a blessing on such a rule, you should turn to the priest in the church for confession.
Question: I am the godmother of my friend's daughter. Now I want to baptize my child - can she be his godmother?
Answer: You can.
Question: Good evening! Please tell me, in a month we are going to baptize our daughter, she is 11 months old. I was told that my brother and sister (they are my own) cannot become godparents of our child. Please tell me if this is so
Answer: There is no strict prohibition against siblings being godparents for one child, but it is recommended that godfathers be from different families. In extreme cases, there may be one godfather.
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Tell me please, can a girl and a guy baptize a child and then get married in 2-3 months?
Answer: The bride and groom should not be godparents to one child.
Question: Hello, father, what worries me is that on July 17 the church commemorates the Holy Royal Martyrs, on this day is still my birthday and the date of registration of our marriage with my husband. Tell me what to do in this case? ...
Answer: The evening service begins a new church day, so if you celebrate your wedding anniversary in the afternoon, there will be no shame in it.
Question: I have to leave the child in the hospital, abandon him, will this be considered a sin or a crime?
Answer: There is hardly anything more important for a woman than to bear, give birth and raise a child. This is the meaning of her life. "A woman is saved by childbearing" - said St. John Chrysostom. Find the strength to overcome this challenge and keep the child with you. The world is not without good people, and the Lord will not leave, if only we do not go off the straight path.
Question: Hello, Father, help with advice! I know that you need to treat your parents with love, but when parents do something for me, it seems to me that they take love away from me and feel inconvenience, do you need to give it away, do you need to accept it or will it be harmful?
Answer: A person is inclined to change his assessment of what is happening over time. So, perhaps in a few years you will also see the meaning of your current relationship with your parents differently. Therefore, it is better now to yield to your parents in their prudent actions and you will have less reason to reproach yourself later.
Question: Good evening! I am going to baptize my daughter next week after Easter is it possible? And can an unmarried girl be godmother? And an unmarried godfather? There is no relationship between them. Thanks for the early thanks.
Answer: The date of baptism should be negotiated with the parish priest. There are no big restrictions regarding godparents, as long as there is life maturity and an awareness of responsibility.
Question: Good afternoon, we have commemorations on Friday for 1 year from the date of death, the local priest forbids them to be done on Friday, says that it must be rescheduled for Saturday, is that right?
Answer: Following in spiritual matters the prudent blessing of the Church in the person of a priest, a person follows the will of God.
Question: Is it possible to get married for pregnant women and pretty late ..?
Answer: It is acceptable, if only there were no complications due to the health condition of the expectant mother.
Question: Why do mothers hate children, in order to honor their parents .. they need to show their example ... For example, I don’t know my biological father at all ..... My mother ignored me altogether and laughed all my life .... rarely for me her heart hurts ... I can't say that she hates me, but sometimes it's scary ... how can you?
Answer: Many people do not have a spiritual upbringing from birth, are confused in moral concepts and, often, do not live by them. But mankind was given the Bible - the Book of Books - an ideal moral model is formulated here. Quite a lot of people sinned, not knowing the Bible, but when they found out, they began to change their lives for the better. Likewise, if you realize that the life of the older generations is not correct, correct this situation in your life. And we have an example of how to live correctly - this is Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, many saints. They are our teachers and role models.
Question: hello, please tell me what should be used for communion in church with wine or grape juice. And what if we receive communion with wine, but we don't drink alcohol at all?
Answer: Holy Communion - the Holy Gifts taught in the Sacrament of the Eucharist in an Orthodox church - this, according to the word of the Lord for those who believe in Him, are the blessed Body and Blood of Christ. After the consecration of the Holy Gifts at the Liturgy, it is not correct and appropriate to talk about the substances used for the preparation of this Sacrament.
Question: Hello, father! April 14, 2014 will mark 40 days since the death of my grandmother. Since this day falls on Holy Week, when you can remember the deceased - in advance or on Radonitsa? Is it possible to commemorate Palm Sunday and is a requiem service in the temple on this holiday? Thank you in advance. God bless you!
Answer: You can always pray for the dead at home. You can also order a memorial service in the temple for Palm Sunday. You can distribute some food for the commemoration of the soul. But to collect funeral dinner is better after Easter celebrations - on Radonitsa.
Question: Hello. Recently I confessed (received Holy Communion) and received the Unction on the same day. For two days I was in some special spiritual state - as if I were floating on my wings, there was a special inner peace, everything around was so beautiful. I probably felt a piece of the Holy Spirit. But, starting from the third day, the same anxiety returned again, which was before, again despondency and gloomy thoughts returned. Why is this so?
Answer: For holy people - true ascetics who have cleansed themselves of base passions, the grace of God is a natural state, they are ready to live in grace without scattering it. But for us, ordinary believers, a grace-filled state requires some kind of tension in order to keep it in our hearts for as long as possible. How long we feel the grace of the Church Sacrament depends on our behavior and circumstances. Some are overcome by vanity, some by pride, and others by fleshly sins. But even if, due to our sins, we cease to feel grace at some moments, the Lord is still with us. And anxiety, etc. sensations so that we again and again seek and correct in ourselves that which removes us from God.
Question: Good day, father! Please advise how my husband and I should be! We have a long-standing conflict with our neighbors who live on the floor above. They constantly make noise at night, the audibility in our house is such that we constantly shudder and wake up from the harsh sounds they make. Often we cannot rest properly, we have a small child who needs silence. The worst thing is that these circumstances constantly cause irritation and anger in my husband and me. We tried to talk to these people, called the police, but all this only made the situation worse. Tell me what to do to cope with the anger and anger that eat away at our souls? Help, give advice! Thank you.
Answer: Sometimes experienced confessors bless to pray for those people through whom temptation comes. Why, because they help us see our shortcomings and then correct them.
Question: Hello, father! I have a question about the general confession. I recently started to church. I am 24 years old. She received Communion for the last time about 8 years ago, when I was still in school. Now she began to attend church services regularly. Before Great Lent, I decided to confess and take communion. I now live in St. Petersburg, and now I came to one of the churches and got to a general confession, where a general list of sins was read, and then a prayer of permission. A month later I decided to take Communion again. In another church I again got to a general confession. I would like to know if sins are forgiven in a common confession. And then there is some feeling of dissatisfaction that this is not entirely correct. At home I remember my sins, I repent. And with a general confession, there is no opportunity not only to ponder over the list of sins that are being read, but even to hear them all plainly. Please tell me what to do in such cases? Next time, when you manage to get to an individual confession, then re-name these sins? Or what to do? And, in this case, with the communion of the Holy Mysteries of Christ, is it possible to receive the same grace as with a full individual confession?
Answer: This practice of confession is known in the history of the Church and has rather an educational value. Unfortunately, in our hectic time, people often, coming to confession and communion, do not bother to properly comprehend their actions, by and large, they do not know what to repent of. So the priest has to make lengthy explanations in confession. And if it is in a large parish, and even on a holiday, it is no longer possible to explain to everyone. But even after reading the general confession, when you go to the priest for a prayer of permission, you can briefly voice the most painful sins and then receive a prayer of permission. Brevity in confession does not mean that it is not useful. A sense of repentance is important. And the feeling of repentance should not arise when we approach the priest; repentance should arise during the period of fasting (which requires fasting before the sacrament). With a feeling of repentance, we should already come to the temple. The degree of spiritual benefit received in confession most often depends on this. Nevertheless, if you are already ready for full-fledged churching, then you should try for confession and communion to choose not a holiday and not a central parish-temple, when you can more or less calmly confess.
Question: During Lent, stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers worsened during Lent, how to continue fasting?
Answer: Fasting in the Church is established for spiritual rebirth, but not for the loss of health. In the event of a health disorder, the way for spiritual improvement will not be fasting, but the uncomplaining patience of the disease. In your case, it will be correct, on the advice of an experienced doctor or your own experience, to select the minimum necessary products (albeit modest ones) to overcome the disease, and taste them as medicine.
Question: Hello! Suppose that a group of people (for lack of time) paid a person to go to the church for them, pray, put a candle for them. Is this a sin?
Answer: To light a candle, order a note for church prayer for someone who, for a good reason (illness, urgent matters, caring for children or infirm), cannot come to church is quite acceptable. But it must be remembered that nothing can replace personal participation in church worship, which should be as regular as possible.
Question: Hello, tell me, is it a sin to build a relationship with a man 25 years older than you, if you feel a great interest in him, but are afraid to feel more?
Answer: In church rules, there is no official limit on the age difference between the bride and groom. But, making an important step in their life, experienced confessors advise to choose not only for themselves "today", but also for "tomorrow." In other words, when we make our choice at 20, we do it for ourselves and for a 30-year-old and a 40-year-old, etc. And the choice should be such that in 20-30 years we will not reproach ourselves for youthful unreasonableness.
Question: Good morning! On April 5, my spouse and my mother had an accident, only I did not get injured, they received not very serious injuries. What was it? Gopod's craft? Could have suffered more seriously, or there might not have been an accident at all, what should be done in this case? Go to church? What kind of a sign was that? Thank you
Answer: When a person realizes that it could be worse, you need to thank the Lord by standing up for a thanksgiving prayer service in the church. For the rest - to bring sincere repentance to the Lord, realizing that all the troubles in our life directly or indirectly depend on our actions.
Question: I am engaged in wood carving, in particular I make icons. The priest in our church gave me a blessing to work, but I don't know if this applies to all my works, or is it necessary to take a blessing for each icon?
Answer: To clarify what a blessing has been given, it should be with the one who gave this blessing.
Question: I bow to people, it humbles me well with pride, but my mother is against it and is very angry that I bow to people, what is the right thing to do in this situation so as not to offend the person (mother)?
Answer: Probably, it is more correct to act so as not to stand out and not offend anyone. At the very least, it will help you avoid vanity and hatred.
Question: As the holy fathers said, I try to keep silent more "when asked - answer meekly, not asked, keep silence", but my mother is angry and says anything that I am somehow not like that, sometimes she even insults. What is the right thing to do here?
Answer: The podvig of silence, like any other, requires the blessing of God and the Church. If there is none, then you need to behave according to gifts and talents. Someone is silent by nature, and this is salutary for him. And someone is a good storyteller. And, if such will tell others something useful, it will be more useful than locking your mouth and thus leaving unclaimed talents.
Question:
I try to dress modestly and comfortably, I recently bought myself shoes for 390 rubles, I like everything modest and comfortable, but my mother did not like it, she says that they are not fashionable and antediluvian, but they are comfortable and warm, what to do here, whatever to offend a person?
Save me, God.
Answer:"Honor your father and your mother, and you will be well and you will be long on earth."
Question: Good afternoon. I would like to ask a question. April 17 of this year will mark the year since the death of my father-in-law. This day falls on the Thursday of Holy Week. On what day is it better to arrange a memorial dinner. thank you in advance.
Answer: A memorial dinner can be arranged at Radonitsa on April 29, or at least on April 27 at Fomin week.
Question: Hello. I am 16 years old. Now I am in the 9th grade of an ordinary school. I want to finish school after 9th grade and become a novice of a monastery. Is it possible? Can you become a novice at 16? Do I need my parents' consent for this? Simply, I am very poorly knowledgeable in the spiritual realm ...
Answer: Whether they will be accepted as novices at the age of 16 will be decided by the abbot of the monastery to which you apply, but, in any case, the blessing of the parents for this is desirable.
Question: Good day!!! The holy relics of Vanifatius are brought to us on March 28. Is it possible to attach a child to them if the child is 1 year and 7 months old. From what age can children be applied to the holy relics and to which holy relics it is possible and to which it is not allowed to apply. Thanks in advance!!!
Answer: Children's access to the shrine should not be limited at any age. The most convenient form of touch depends on age, so long as it does not turn into a ritual for the parents. A correct understanding of why believers apply to the relics is desirable.
Question: Hello, Father! Tell me, if 40 days falls on April 23, 2014, when can you have a memorial dinner? (Except for the Parent's)
Answer: A memorial dinner can be arranged, if not for Radonitsa, then at least for Fomino's Sunday - the first Sunday after Easter.
Question: Father, bless! Here is such a question: What is the difference between the canon of the deceased and the following on the exodus of the soul from the body? What can or is better read on commemoration days (3,9,40, anniversaries)?
Answer: The canon of the departure of the soul is read at the appropriate moment once, and the canon of the deceased is read on the days of commemoration.
Question: Good day! Today we walked around the porch and sold small icons on a string for donation to the temple (french linens with incense and oil inside), I bought two pieces Image Holy Mother of God Mammal and Softener of evil hearts, I am 8 months pregnant. Can you please tell me if I wear them around my neck or keep them in the house, will they not harm me? Thanks!
Answer: If someone outside the church, no matter in what form or dress, distributes icons, crosses and other shrines, collects donations, it is necessary to ask for documentary confirmation that this is done from the Church and with the blessing of the Church, and therefore has church consecration, and these religious items can be used as a shrine. If people are not familiar to us and they cannot confirm their attitude towards the church or their arguments are not convincing, there is no certainty that the icons are consecrated. Draw your own conclusions.
Question: Hello! We want to order an icon for the christening of our son, but we cannot understand who his patron is. Please help me figure this out? The boy's name is Leo, was born on August 15. Thanks in advance.
Answer: In your case, the closest day after the birthday of Leo, the Bishop of Rome (saint of the 5th century), February 18 of the old style or March 2 of the new style.
Question: Please advise me what to do, my husband's relatives began to damage him from behind the apartment, throw needles and do a lot of things, he breaks the cross on me and on himself, the rings on it crack save and save, he beats me shouting at the children, leaves home, he was fired from his job, we have two children now I am pregnant with the third, he says to send all the children to an orphanage, I don’t know what to do, please help!
Answer: Consecrate the apartment and pray (read the akathist) to the martyrs Cyprian and Ustinia
Question: Hello, father, my husband has been playing a computer game for 3 years now, where you constantly have to kill someone. He is a believer. I try to explain to him that this is a sin, but to all my attempts to convince him to give up the game, he responds with a categorical refusal, and does not consider it a sin, assuring him that this is how he rests in his free time from work, We have a small child, and I would like to he spent more time with us than at the computer. Please tell me if computer games are considered a sin?
Answer: Unfortunately, modern people are extremely carried away by virtual reality, which is simulated by a computer. Some people think that since this is a fictional action, for example, computer games, then there is no sin in them. NOT talking about the dishonestly wasted time, about the extinction of real feelings and emotions in relation to loved ones, etc. Let's just say that any violence or passion in a computer game is almost tantamount to doing it in reality. Why? In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ warned us all that the time Old Testament when only action was considered a sin, it passed. Now even a sinful thought is a sin (the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 5, starting with verse 21 onward).
Question: Hello, Father! I am confused by one question regarding prayers. The fact is that earlier the first Christians did not have so many prayers for different needs, but now you take a prayer book because there are so many prayers, troparia, akathists, canons and it is written when what to read, etc. And to go far, I have a prayer book of 1992 and also a reprinted pre-revolutionary edition, where the morning and evening rules are much shorter, and in those prayer books that are published in our time, the morning and evening rules are much longer. How before people prayed and were holy, but now there is a lot of literature, churches are open, but there are only a few strong in spirit, faith is weak in people. The question is, why in Orthodox prayer books so many prayers? After all, we will not be heard in polyphony. I hope for your answer and understanding. Thanks!
Answer: The fact of the matter is that our brains (meaning - modern people) are clouded and overloaded with information alien to the spiritual life. Therefore, it is much more difficult for a modern person to turn to God in words that are correct in a spiritual sense. During the years of atheism, the spiritual culture, of which prayer is a part, has been largely lost. This used to be easier to do. The person was closer to the natural state, was less lazy, more sober. Therefore, in our time, more and more there is a need for a wide circle of believers (now I do not mean spiritually experienced priests or ascetics) to have written prayers for different occasions. This makes it easier for a person to pray, but this does not mean that one should always read all known prayers. The use of special prayers depends on the specific need. In addition, prayers from church services began to be printed in prayer books. The execution of them by laymen at home is not required. These texts can be used by lay people to more closely monitor and understand the chants in the church during worship.
Question: Hello, father. Please instruct on this issue. How to relate to the fact that the museum exposition is located in a monastery church that has been inactive since the 30s and even in the altar. Can women enter the altar to the exhibits, sit down in the altar (there are banquets for visitors)? The entrance is possible only through the royal gates (now it is an arch-shaped opening).
Answer: Your fears are justified. For a believer, a temple, even a closed one, remains a temple. After all, the Altar of an Orthodox church is consecrated until the end of the century, and an Angel always dwells there. Only in this case, unfortunately, he testifies to the curse, or, more precisely, to the violation of the oath of the older generations who built the temple - their descendants. In this sense, it is important to restore historical and spiritual justice and resume worship in the surviving churches.
Question: Hello, father. Please answer the question: My father was baptized in the Orthodox Church in infancy, but then at the age of 50 he was baptized in a Protestant church. At first I went there and believed, but then I dropped everything. Tell father, can I submit notes for him in the church, order prayers and magpies for health.
Answer: It is possible to order prayers and magpies for health, but it is also important to pray at home for the admonition of your father, if he has not yet returned to the Orthodox Church and has not brought God deep repentance.
Question: Good day! What should the priest answer to the question how are you saved?
Answer: With your prayers, father.
Question: How to behave at the commemoration if they commemorate with alcohol and there is no lenten food on the table? I don’t drink or eat what they give, what to do?
Answer: You shouldn't quarrel with relatives. But it is also untimely to drink for a person who has so tragically departed not to his liking. It was of great benefit if the relatives took it upon themselves to fast and read the psalter about the deceased. But you cannot be convinced of this by force. Therefore, at home, pray as you can, and at the commemoration you can raise a glass, touch your lips and put it in place. Well, if those who are inclined to understand you why you do not drink, you can explain them to them, as well as call yourself to home prayer for the deceased.
Question: I read the ladder. the second step is to abandon parents and children and relatives. is it Christian?
Answer: Apparently, it is still too early for you to read "The Ladder" - this is a difficult to understand book, especially for those who lead an ordinary worldly way of life, which assumes only the mental comprehension of Christianity and does not imply real spiritual achievement. As for the refusal in the case of monasticism - they have no children, and the parents must bless their departure to monasticism, if there is no blessing, then the monastic tonsure is postponed, as was the case, for example, with St. Sergius of Radonezh. In addition, one must remember that this is the call of Christ Himself: "And everyone who leaves their homes, or brothers, or sisters, or
father, or mother, or wife, or children, or land, for the sake of My name, she will receive a hundredfold and inherit eternal life "(Matthew 19:29). For a correct understanding of these words, you should use the patristic interpretation of the Gospel, for example, the interpretation of John Zlatoust.
Question: How long I live, so much I can not understand why sex is a sin? As a future physician, I can say that this is a basic human need, if people had sex only for the sake of conception, and in our time it is 3-5 times in ALL their lives, it would not have the best effect on them. Regular intercourse does not bring harm, but health benefits. So why is it a sin if it is health care, like playing sports? In having fun? That is, pleasure is a sin? But after all, pleasure can be not only from sex, there are people who get pleasure from anything, but does this mean that everything they do is a sin? I heard that sex is a sin, because contraception kills sperm, and this is new life... It seems strange to me. And if a man is sterile and his seed does not bear life, then there is nothing to die. Explain to me, please, what is the sin of protected sex with the most beloved and only one?
Answer: Let's first understand what is sin and what is not. Marriage in legal marriage - DOESN'T BE A SIN. Such relationships are sinful if they are committed outside of marriage, outside of the family. Why - because outside the family there is no mutual responsibility of man and woman for each other, after all, they are not husband and wife without marriage, but, as they say in a modern way, partners. Suddenly you don't like something, and you can change your partner, and it doesn't matter what the other “partner” thinks about it. But that's not all. A marriage relationship with contraception is like a barren plant - a weed. When it fades, or even earlier, it is pulled out and put into a dump in the fire. After all, the relationship between a man and a woman is arranged for the happiness of motherhood, and carnal pleasure is only a separate element of the chain. In youth, of course, more people think about pleasure, but with age they realize that happiness is not so much in personal pleasure as in the fact that you can give life to a new person - children - and devote at least part of your life to raising them. ... Well, in old age, the only thing that can please a person is the joy of children (thought from the Psalter), if, of course, the person not only gave birth to them, but also raised them with dignity. John Chrysostom said: "A woman is saved by childbearing." Moreover, as a future physician, you should know that having children is much more beneficial for bodily health than contraception. As for birth control, that is, not sinful natural mechanisms, the Apostle Paul wrote about one of them: “Do not deviate from each other, unless by agreement, for a while, to exercise in fasting and prayer, and [then] be together again, so that Satan did not tempt you with your intemperance ”(1 Cor. 7: 5). As for the possible harm to health from abstinence, it can occur if a person fasts and thinks about food, abstains, but at the same time inflames himself with passion. In other cases, certain mechanisms in the body will work and rebuild into a different mode of operation. Even the secular philosophers of the Middle Ages knew about these mechanisms (you can read about the transformation of libido) and understood that reasonable (correct) abstinence becomes for a person a great source of spiritual and creative forces... Previously, this topic was considered in the university course of philosophy. In other words, the question of the relationship between the sexes is one of the central ones in human history and it cannot be approached only from an animal (physiological) point of view, since a person is, first of all, a spiritual being, and then a bodily one.
Question: Hello, father! Please tell me is it true that an Orthodox Christian cannot be buried in a tie? We buried dad in a new suit and tie, there was a funeral service in the chapel at the cemetery. The priests who performed the funeral service would have told us if a tie was not allowed, right? My sister is worried about this, and now I have all sorts of thoughts ... Thank you in advance for your answer!
Answer: It seems that we are talking about some kind of popular beliefs. The church burial rules do not say anything about the prohibition to bury in a tie.
Question: I want to light a candle for the magpie about the health of my daughter her name is Regina father does not take an order for this name says in Christianity there is no name Regina
Answer: Of course, you can put a candle behind Regina, but in order to fully commemorate in the altar (magpie) it is better to indicate the name of the daughter by Baptism. If you suddenly forgot the baptized name of your daughter, then you should ask the priest to give your daughter a Christian name again in confession, with which your daughter will participate in the Church Sacraments. If the daughter is not baptized, then she should be baptized.
Question: Hello, father! Almost 10 years ago, out of stupidity and ignorance, I made a vacuum, i.e. committed a terrible sin, taking the life of her child. It is impossible to describe in words all my pain after realizing the perfect .. Still remembering and thinking about it, I cry. And in this regard, such a question: why at that moment it happened that way? Why did this have to happen? It is impossible to find an excuse for this (and I am by no means looking for it). Just WHY did it happen? After all, I could make a choice in favor of life, but I ... Why was this given to me? Thanks a lot in advance! I really hope for your answer.
Answer: The answer to this question lies in the story of the fall of Adam and Eve. At first glance, it was too long ago and does not concern us. But in fact, all our troubles and tragedies began from the moment when we began to sin. Imagine, the crushing of Adam and Eve - their whole life turned upside down, they completely lost their comfort and carelessness, and became slaves to their body, which now had to be fed in the sweat of their brow. And when they saw the first death - the death of their son, and even killed by his brother. So they remembered the flattery of the serpent, which led a person to the tragic "knowledge of good and evil", "life and death" on their own experience. The Lord told them about this at once, but when they were tempted by the devil, they underestimated the possible depth of their fall. The same is happening with people today. Will come across kind person on the way and we listen to him - we avoid a terrible fall, if a flattering one gets caught - we are tempted. But one should not think that this is beyond the control of the Lord. He will not forcibly keep us from sinning, for he gave free will, but He certainly, if He allows our falls, by His Providence tries even after that to lead us to discipline and repentance. Having experienced a bitter experience, we become wiser, and, therefore, we ourselves will continue to refrain from a terrible sin and will restrain others.
Question: Hello father. March 17, 2014 marks the first anniversary of my grandfather's death. Tell me if my relatives and I can visit the cemetery because this is Holy Week, or write (in plain language) how we should be and what needs to be done. Thank you very much for your answer in advance.
Answer: Now it is Great Lent, but it is not forbidden to visit the cemetery. There you can put things in order, as well as pray. To do this, you should take a prayer book with you with funeral lithium read by a layman. These prayers are found in some prayer books or brochures dedicated to the remembrance of the dead. This brochure is available from the Church store.
Question: Tell me, how an Orthodox girl should be friends with a friend (if she is alone)? And what to do if jealousy arises, especially if it is justified? For example, I cannot understand how it is possible to be friends only with me, and when I am not there, then find me I often take offense at my friend for nothing, but if she really is to blame, then what then? stop communicating? I always ask for forgiveness, but everything repeats again ... husband and wife can get divorced if one of them has changed, and friends can also stop communicating, in case of "betrayal", because such "betrayal" is very offensive. Advise me how to be.
Answer: There is a proverb: An old friend is better than two new ones. That is, an old friend is one who has been tested by time and in different circumstances. But there are those that have not yet been tested, who may behave in an unpredictable manner ... So look for those friends who, if you stumble, they will lend you their shoulder and will not let you fall.
Question: Hello! I want your questions. I changed my patronymic in the registry office. Is it a sin? Thank you.
Answer: Although we first of all honor our Heavenly Father, no one has canceled the fifth commandment: Honor your father and your mother, so that you will be blessed and you will be long on earth.
Question: Hello, Father! Tell me how to do charity correctly and secretly, if you give it, somebody still sees it, and will the Lord reckon it?
Answer: Desiring to live like the gospel, one should try to avoid literalism when reading spiritual books, that is, literally try to fulfill individual prescriptions of Holy Scripture without understanding the context and not taking into account the experience of Holy Tradition. Under the secret prayer of prayer, about which Christ spoke, it is necessary, first of all, to understand that when doing something - do not trumpet others about it, but who saw it or not - you should not think about it at all and pay attention to it. Otherwise, there is hidden vanity in us.
Question: Tell Father, if I married a divorced woman, does this mean that I commit adultery? and is it necessary to confess about it?
Answer: If your marriage is legal, then it is not a sin.
Question: Hello, father! April 14, 2014 will be one year since the death of my mother. Since this day falls on Holy Week, when you can remember the deceased - in advance or on Radonitsa? Is it possible to commemorate Palm Sunday and is a requiem service in the temple on this holiday? Thank you in advance. God bless you!
Answer: Church commemoration (memorial service, candles) can be ordered in advance, but the memorial service (memorial table) can be combined with Radonitsa.
Question: Please explain why they draw black crosses in window and doorways
Answer: There is an ancient tradition on Maundy Thursday, after the service with the reading of fragments of the Gospel about the sufferings of Christ on the Cross, to bring home from the service a candle and light a home lamp from it, as well as to display the image of a cross on the door and window openings with the flame of this candle during the consecration of the dwelling. Since the image is applied with a flame, the color of the cross is also black.
Question: Hello, Father. please tell me, they say dreams are of three types: Dreams from God are prophetic dreams; dreams from the devil - terrible, disturbing the soul, panic; and finally, dreams are empty or from human nature. I often have dreams that come true. how to understand which dreams are from God, which are from the devil? Thank you
Answer: We advise you to refrain from delving into dreams. From the devil, dreams also come true and there is nothing good about it. Dreams, as well as omens, according to Seraphim of Sarov, come true for those who believe in them, and it is sinful to believe in omens. And dreams from God are very rare and not when you are waiting.
Question: Hello, father. I was in the hospital. There they invited the priest to the patient and at the same time the priest confessed us, gave the Holy Communion and admonished us. Now I am almost healthy. Unction begins in the church. May I go to the unction again. Almost a month has passed since that unction. Or can it only be done once a year?
Answer: Unction is more diligent than usual prayer. If the illness has left you, then it is enough to fast, confess and receive communion.
Question: is it possible to use amulets (for example, Slavic runes, or kami, then others. I am baptized
Answer: The use of amulets returns a person to a spiritually fallen state, i.e. life of the soul according to the laws of material nature - this is the essence of paganism. But the Lord called us to the revival of the primordial spiritual perfection, which man was endowed with when he was created by God. And this means that a person is by nature higher and stronger than natural spirits (and fallen ones, which, in fact, endow with amulets, etc. things) and must command them, and not resort to their help.
Question: AS WELL AS THE RINGS SAVE AND SAVE .. THIS IS ALSO A CHARM
Answer: We emphasize once again - a talisman is a form of relying on the help of natural forces, enclosed in minerals, tree species, certain plants, magic signs, etc. A ring is a piece of jewelry. If the inscription of the prayer "save, save" is engraved on it, then this is only evidence that the one wearing this ring is a Christian. But the protective power is not in the ring with the inscription, but in prayer, in the heart turned to God, "Lord, save and preserve."
Question: Hello, please tell me if you feel completely spiritually exhausted, is it possible to receive communion by fasting for only one day?
Answer: Admission to the Sacrament is possible. It is important to understand the causes of exhaustion. They are not always external. In any case, the priest decides in Confession whether to admit or not admit Communion.
Question: Forgive me Father, please tell me if SHIMONAKH can, if he really is to speak like that. that he takes our sins upon himself and in hell will burn for us, and if we turn away from him all our sins will return to us .. thereby blackmailing! Is it not during repentance that the sins of God are forgiven ..?! Also, I am very worried about the question, can he talk about someone else's repentance ?! This is a SECRET ?!
Answer: Your fears and doubts are not unfounded. The priest is given from God the right ^ to knit and decide ^. And what is permitted (untied) on earth will also be permitted in Heaven. And it will return only if, after confessing, we again fell into a previously confessed sin and did not have time to overcome and confess it again. Burning in hell is possible only if we, clergy or laity, grossly violate tradition, Tradition, church rules and canons, in the end we do not fulfill the commandments of God.
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Question: Hello, Father! I recently went to the hospital, the illness can be magnified, but for the second day in my soul, anxiety and despondency, depression, and sometimes strong aggressiveness towards others. Help with advice, please. Thanks. Save and Preserve you God!
Answer: An ascetic of the Russian Orthodox Church of the twentieth century, Bishop Barnabas (Belyaev) recommended, when approaching this or that passion (and irritability and aggressiveness are also passions), take a deep breath, maybe a little, then the passionate impulse weakens and you can evaluate yourself, or I do what need to?
Question: Hello! I ask you to tell me the answer in the current situation: they got married in Moldova (I am Russian, from the Volga region), the marriage did not work out, I want to get divorced. It was decided and mutually agreed with divorce, but it has not yet been officially formalized. But you need to get divorced, where to do it? to go to Moldova?
Answer: In the prayers of the Sacrament of the Wedding there are the following words: What God will unite, let man not part. Proceeding from this, there is no such action in the Church - "debunking". There is something else. If a man who was married and divorced, but wants to enter into a second marriage, then he may be blessed with a second marriage, if the spouse was not the reason for the collapse of the first family. Such an action is no longer a "second" wedding (there can be only one wedding), but is called "following the second marriage". The blessing for a second marriage is given only by the bishop of the diocese where you live.
Question: Hello! On what day, at what time can children be baptized and how much it will cost. Thanks!
Answer: Conversations for parents and godparents before the Baptism of children are held in our church of St. John the Theologian on Thursdays (12-00) and Saturdays (13-00). There you can listen to the priest and ask all your questions.
Question: Is it possible for a mentally ill person to get married if the remission lasts more than four years.
Answer: The church rules indicate that you can get married in case of recovery.
Question: Hello, Father, I have a little daughter and soon we are expecting the birth of our second child. I have in my soul a lot of fears for the life and health of my children, it constantly seems that something is threatening them, danger lies in wait everywhere, even when I come to the clinic I am afraid that my daughter may be infected with something, I am afraid that being pregnant I will be found some terrible disease that can harm an unborn child. By nature, I am very often worried, it always seems that something will happen, especially if everything is fine in life, instead of rejoicing, I am afraid of something, but with the birth of a child of fears, the herd is much larger. Please tell me what prayers can be read to calm the soul.
Answer: Parents' fear for the life and health of their children is quite natural and understandable. But so that this fear does not turn into suspiciousness, you need to strengthen your faith and try to fulfill God's and church commandments in your deeds and actions. It is very important not to forget the call of the apostle: Watch and pray and do not fall into trouble. In addition, it is important to show sober attentiveness to life and actions, yourself and your children. Theophan the Recluse said that through mindfulness many illnesses can be avoided. In modern terms, it is necessary to take preventive measures, which are discussed by experts - doctors, experienced teachers, etc.
Question: Hello! Please tell me what to do: A friend had a child with serious health problems, the baby was baptized right in the hospital. The girl is now 6 months old, she will have a difficult operation and her friend was advised to baptize the child. She wants to make me the second godmother. Is re-baptism permissible? Thanks!
Answer: If a child was baptized in a maternity hospital by a priest with the proper rank, i.e. with Confirmation, then the second Baptism is unacceptable and impossible, if the child was only immersed in "fear for the sake of the mortal," then now it is necessary to perform the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Question: Father last year my sister died. She was 6 months pregnant. Today there was a conversation with the priest, but more people attended the conversation. I took a chance and asked the priest a question. And what happened to the baby after death. He replied that he could not answer this question and said that the baby would not see the face of God. I was very upset and ran out of the church without saying a word. Tell me, have I sinned by my behavior? Then I was told that these kids become angels.
Answer: None of the living can say anything in the affirmative about the posthumous fate of a person. We can only guess about the possible state of the soul by analogy with the well-known cases from Holy Scripture and Tradition. According to the situation you indicated, only one thing comes to mind. The ancient Jews, i.e. those who lived exclusively according to the Old Zebet before the coming of the Savior, there was a tradition that a person becomes a person not after birth, but still in the womb and his life begins there. How the Lord evaluates life in the womb, especially if the child dies before childbirth, we do not know for sure. But we remember a case from the life of the Monk Anthony the Great, when he asked God about this and received the answer: Anthony, all this is the fate of God and it is impossible for man to understand them. Therefore, it remains for us to rely on the boundless love and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that for Him there is nothing unimportant, especially if it concerns a person's life. For our part, we should try to correspond in deeds and actions to this hope, then our hope acquires a solid foundation.
Question: Hello, help me figure it out. I quit my job almost two years ago. I worked for about five years in this place. But somehow the relationship with the boss began to fail. The check became a point (I was the chief accountant). There was no support from the management. And I was all on edge and thought badly about the boss and in my head there were always obscene words and we discussed her with the girls. Now, after a while, I understand that I just had to be more tolerant. And in confession she repeatedly repented that the attitude was bad. But the bottom line is that I'm not mine now
gu go anywhere. Or I start looking - illnesses are coming or just what I like - they are not invited for an interview. I just don’t know what to do. Help with advice. Thanks in advance.
Answer: In the Psalms, King David often exclaims: On Thee, Lord, hope, so I will not be ashamed for ever. So you too, draw spiritual strength from the reading of the Holy Scriptures and the Lives of the Saints, and the rest, God willing, will gradually develop.
Question: Can I partake of the Holy Mysteries if I have not been married, but the marriage is registered at the registry office?
Answer: In the practice of parish ministry, a marriage is not married, but an official one, registered in the registry office is not considered fornication, which means that people living in marriage are allowed to attend the Church Sacraments. Another question. Participation in the Sacraments speaks of the churching of a person. Consequently, if there are no special obstacles (for example, the heterodox of one of the spouses, religious disagreements, etc.), then sooner or later the marriage of church-going spouses should be sanctified by the grace of the Sacrament of the wedding.
Question: What's the best way to handle your wedding ring? There are suspicions of the ex-wife's ability to some kind of love spell, including through this ring. Tell me what to do?
Answer: For a person who has lost his family, it is more important to think about how to heal a spiritual wound, how to correct his sinful disposition and cleanse his soul in repentance. As for the ring, it is unlikely that it will hurt you if you lead a moral life.
Question: Father. What is the position of the Russian Orthodox Church towards the method of Bazylkhan Dyusupov? Is it permissible for the Orthodox to resort to the technique of this healer in the event of health problems, or is it better to abstain? Is this technique from God or not?
Answer: The technique of the person you named is unfamiliar to us, and is there any point in getting to know each healer, if the real causes of health disorders lie in not healthy way life (not being attentive to yourself, nerves, unnecessary fuss, bad habits and our sins). No one can solve these problems for us. And treating the consequences (symptoms with the use of hypnotic effects - which most so-called healers have) without eliminating the causes is like garbage that is swept under the carpet. Sooner or later, this threatens to create much bigger problems. That is why the Church strongly discourages turning to "healers", no matter how beautifully they present their method. If health is seriously impaired and the person himself is not able to cope with the symptoms, then the Bible says: “Do not neglect the doctor,” but do not forget to repent and understand that you yourself are largely to blame for your health problems.
Question: hello father, tell me if hermaphrodism is considered a sin, is it similar to sexual perversion (homosexuality) and why such people are born, is it a punishment for sins?
Answer: if we are talking about congenital defects, then the person himself is not responsible for this. Personally, I am not aware of clear cases of double signs. But if this really happens, then the reason, apparently, is in the affairs of previous generations, which led to damage at the genetic level. The Bible speaks of punishment for unrepentant sins up to 3-4 or even 7 tribes.
Question: Hello! Why can't priests or saints now heal like apostles? Why are there no obvious miracles from the Lord now? Why is it a sin to want to see a miracle in order to be established in faith? Forgive me for asking such questions.
Answer: In the Gospel, the Lord said that no signs will be given to the "unfaithful" generation, except for the sign of the "Son of Man", that is, Resurrection of Christ. But this does not exclude the possibility of miracles that have occurred and will continue to occur as long as faith exists on Earth. Judge for yourself. The revival of the Church after decades of atheism in the year of the millennium of the baptism of Rus is not a miracle. And how many miracles of healing and God's help in deeds are received by the parishioners of our churches. Any priest knows dozens of such cases from the life of his parishioners. These are the recent miracles associated with the bringing to Russia of the belt of the Mother of God and the Gifts of the Magi. But it must be remembered that, according to the description of the Gospel, Christ never performed miracles in public. Rather, the crowd crowding Him most often did not notice the miracle. And the one who was healed, the Lord asked not to tell about what happened. To see a miracle, to become a participant in it, you need to have an appropriate spiritual state, since a miracle occurs not at the request of a person, but by the will and mercy of God. This means that when making prayers, turning to God, we should not demand a miracle, but rather humble ourselves and repent of our misdeeds, while hoping for God's mercy. And the Lord, seeing our humility, will find a convenient way to help us. Moreover, as in the Gospel, His help often comes in an inconspicuous way. And then it is up to the person himself to correctly recognize what has happened - to consider it a miracle or "coincidence".
Question: Hello. Help me, please, I just can't find the answer to the next very important question for me. I was baptized with the name Alexy, I was born on September 12, 1976. Can I consider as my heavenly patron the Holy Blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky (in the schema of Alexy), one of the days of memory of which falls on September 12 (transfer of the relics)? Or is my saint the Monk Alexy, the hermit of the Caves, whose memory is celebrated with the Cathedral of the Monk Fathers of the Near Caves on October 11? Thanks a lot.
Answer: All celestials are for us, who live on earth, as spiritual relatives, since we are one in Christ and we are united by one Church. Your personal veneration of St. Alexander Nevsky will not be a sin, but at the same time, do not forget to pray to Alexy the Recluse or Alexy the Man of God. The saints are only a reason for special reverence for one of the saints, but not a strict requirement. For example, many people with the name George honor their heavenly patron, first of all, the Great Martyr George the Victorious, regardless of their birthday.
Question: Hello! Please tell me what to do ?? My boyfriend and I baptized one child, then by hearsay we heard that this could not be done, and besides, we started having frequent quarrels .... can at least one of us refuse a baptized child ?? what to do please answer !! Thanks for earlier!
Answer: You need to urgently confess (with the proper preparation to repent of your sins in the church) and try to get an appointment (or by writing a petition) to the bishop, bringing to his judgment the solution of your really serious question. Maybe he will find your ignorance forgivable at the moment when you became godfathers of one child.
Question: Hello! I had such a situation in church today: I went to the crucifix, prayed and went. And she walked past a woman, about 60 years old .. And she looked at me and let's whisper something, looks at me and whispers. I walked away from her, and she comes up to me, builds and whispers something. I was at a loss .. I had to leave the temple. Is this woman a witch. And what should be done in such cases? How to read a prayer
Answer: One should not think that all people who behave incomprehensibly in the temple are sorcerers. By this we condemn an unfamiliar person, and, therefore, we ourselves are subjected to condemnation. But it is really necessary to pray, in this you are right. Short prayers are also suitable - Jesus', "Virgin Mary, Rejoice". Or the prayer to the Cross "May God Rise ...", the 90th psalm "Alive in the help of the Most High .."
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Question: Hello! Please tell me, from an Orthodox point of view, is it possible to believe in the meaning of the name given to the child at birth and that it will affect the character and fate, as it is described on the Internet, or is it a complete lie and believe in this the same sin as believe in omens?
Answer: The fate of a person is influenced by the upbringing of parents, the environment, his own will and the prayers of the saints. The etymology of a name cannot determine fate; in this sense, the Orthodox tradition does not welcome astrology, numerology, palmistry, etc. things.
Question: Hello, Father! Please tell me how best to prepare for Unction? Save me, God!
Answer: The Sacrament of Unction is, first of all, considered as the completion of the Sacrament of Penance. Therefore, fasting and sincere confession should precede the Unction. For a better understanding of the meaning of Unction, you can read excerpts from the Orthodox Catechism about this sacrament.
Question: Good evening. I want to ask. I baptized my son a second time. He is very sick, but did not tell the truth in the church that he was already baptized. Tell me is it a sin or not? If it's a sin, what should I do?
Answer: To deceive (to dissemble, not to tell) the Church in the person of a priest, in fact, is identical with an attempt to deceive the Almighty. For the Lord said, addressing the apostles: what you bind or allow on Earth, it will be bound or allowed in heaven. This is the kind of spiritual power God has provided for the Church on earth. And there can be only one Baptism. And the so-called deliberate second baptism under any pretext is an attempt at spiritual abduction (theft).
Question: Hello! I wanted to ask the priest in the Church not far from our home, but they do not answer questions, only during confession. It has become so hard lately, money is terribly lacking. My daughter, my mother is a pensioner, my father died 2 years ago. days more and more often, when there is only buckwheat or pasta left from food and we eat it for a week or two. So here is the actual question, is it possible to turn to fortune-tellers, so that at least a little bit of luck they can guess, or will it be a sin ???
Answer: Spiritual people often advise believers that when entering the Church, one should not forget to ask the Lord for spiritual help. Moreover, already on the way to the temple, a person enters into spiritual contact with God. There is even a prayer "going to the temple." And if we visit the temple in this way, with attention and prayer, then here we will truly receive everything we need, not only spiritual, but also bodily. And there will not even be a thought to seek relief from fortune-tellers or psychics. After all, churches in Russia often became a place of mutual help and brotherly love. This tradition in Russian churches is slowly reviving today. True, it is important to be ourselves not only consumers and doers of the common cause of the Faith.
Question: Good day! I have been married for 5 years, after 2 years of marriage, I met my first childhood love. In secret from my husband, we began to communicate. There was no intimacy between us, just conversations, a couple of meetings and very great feelings in my soul, constant thoughts about a person. Already 2 We do not communicate for years. I have tantrums, I cry, I am sad constantly thinking about him, sometimes even physically bad from this. I often dream. Some kind of despair. Advise a prayer, please.
Answer: The source of temptation, aka fallen Angel in the Orthodox tradition it is called the evil one. All sinful aspirations are built on guile. According to the saying of the Holy Fathers, at first the evil one seduces a person with the imaginary sweetness (anticipation) of sinful attraction. If a person recognizes sinful attraction and gives up thoughts, having prayed in his soul for deliverance from them, then the attraction little by little will come to naught. If a person succumbs, then after a fleeting sweetness he will, as a rule, be disappointed and indifferent to what he was striving for in sinful passion. Well, and childhood memories, they are always dreamy and tend to present a situation or someone's image in a form far from reality. We actually become attached to a fictional image. In any, especially difficult situation, it is good to remind yourself of the words from the Gospel: ask and it will be given to you, seek and find. Don't get tired of asking the Lord for help and get permission. Blessed Augustine often cried out to God for deliverance from one sinful state. But he received deliverance, as he wrote about it later, only when he truly hated sin. That is, he really wanted to get rid of his sinful addiction. Only then could he be cleansed with the help of God. Often, our secret love of sin, which has not been overcome, hinders spiritual salvation.
Question: Please tell me why a married woman cannot work in a prosphora room? Save me, God!
Answer: This is the ancient church tradition, which is based on the biblical understanding of ritual purity.
Question: I read in the church Rule that prostrations on Sundays, great holidays and other days established by the Rule are not allowed. Explain, please, then when we greet each Sunday Divine Liturgy with an earthly bow of a priest leaving the altar with the Chalice with the Holy Mysteries, are we doing it wrong? Save you Lord!
Answer: Bows before the Chalice with the Holy Gifts on Sundays and especially holidays allowed. Also, the priest bows down to earth in the altar after the transubstantiation of the Holy Gifts and before communion. This symbolizes the humility of believers before the coming Christ. Proceedings are not performed during the period from Easter to Pentecost (the day of the Holy Trinity). This means that during this period of the church year, Christ is constantly present in the church in a special way.
Question: Batiushka, CAN YOU TELL ME THAT IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN TO ME, SOMETHING OR SOMETHING SHOOT SUCH FEELING IN A DREAM, SOMETHING BUT I HAVE BEEN TELLED THAT I CAN'T START TO READ PRAYER
Answer: In such situations, it would be appropriate to consecrate the apartment and coax, and if you rarely confess, then do that as well.
Question: Hello, father! Tell me please, is it a sin to work in a company with a pagan name "Perun"? I have been working for a long time, an established team.
Answer: Any name can be interpreted in different ways; therefore, it is more important not what the company is called, but what it does.
Question: Father, bless. I am in doubt what to do. Can a girl on the days of the month of purification be at the All-night Vigil in the temple and pray with everyone, or should she stay at home? How will it be out of sin?
Answer: On the days you are talking about, you cannot start the Church Sacraments, touch the relics (icons, candles, etc.), personally receive the priest's blessing. But visiting the temple is permissible. It is only better to be closer to the western wall of the temple. So, for example, mothers on such days can bring small children to church - for the Communion. But more often than not, bringing the child to the mother herself on such days is not worth it, you need to ask familiar parishioners about this.
Question: Hello, I got married, right after the wedding, my husband changed his attitude towards me, humiliated me, beat me. This went on for some time, but I still managed to endure humiliation and beatings and reduce their number. But somehow, in a fit of anger, he told me that I was not his wife or family, in general, I was nobody for him. I asked him if he thought well. Even when he calmed down, he did not change his mind, he said to collect things. At this time, my parents were already on their way to pick me up, however, she could endure physical offense, but the words did not work, these words seemed to kill me inside. After I left him, at his request, we divorced. I understand that you cannot forgive a divorce, since you have created a family, then you can be a family. But here's another problem, we're married. No matter how I tried to renew my family, he is not interested in me. A year has passed since we are not together. Another young man began to take care of me, I treat him well, he is pleased that I’m just around, he recently said that he would like me to be his wife, but I can’t answer anything, because I’m married to someone else, and since divorced and no longer even communicate, then I can’t never start a family again? I do not know what to do?
Answer: All the possible reasons why people who are married are not always able to keep their families together cannot be listed. Therefore, the Church shows condescension to such life situations. And, if age and health allow, then divorced can be blessed with a second marriage. such a blessing is given by the Bishop. To do this, he needs to write a petition with repentance (after all, the loss of a family - divorce is a sin).
Question: Father, tell me please, is it necessary for an Orthodox woman to wear a headscarf all the time? I recently started my churching and I really want to become a real Orthodox woman both in body and soul. And another question: can you cut your hair? I would be grateful for your answer. Save you Lord!
Answer:The appearance, clothing of people at different times and among different peoples is strongly
In the history of Christianity, the question appearance people, their clothes have never been regulated by and large. The solution to such problems, as a rule, consisted in the rules of morality and decency (that is, we should neither embarrass nor seduce anyone). The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Corinthians, recommended that Christian women cover their heads. A headscarf for a woman is a symbol of humility before her husband and before God. In Russia, in Orthodox times, the tradition of women to always wear headscarves has taken root. But in Orthodox Greece, after the Turkish occupation, women deliberately stopped wearing headscarves, thereby showing their disobedience to the Islamic conquerors. In our time, a tradition has developed for women to wear (put on) headscarves when entering the temple, as well as during prayer at home. The rest of the time, it is worth proceeding from the circumstances, the main thing is not to embarrass either others or yourself. The same applies to haircuts.
Churching in a person should cultivate not only a moral (moral) way of life, but also spiritual love for God and neighbors. And this love is measured by our actions and intentions (prayer, participation in worship, selfless good deeds, attention to others, etc.)
May God grant us to revive church traditions. But we must remember that everything is achieved gradually, and in the spiritual life it is not worth anticipating what we are not ready for yet. To make less mistakes, it is worthwhile to personally consult a priest in church on spiritual matters, for example, during confession.
Question: Father, tell me how to find out on what day a particular prayer service is served? I was a witness of how a man submitted notes for a prayer service to several saints at once. And I would like to order, but I don’t know how. God save you!
Answer:In churches, after the morning service, so-called custom-made prayers are performed. Regardless of the day of the week, they may contain special petitions for any needs of the parishioners (about the sick, about success in business, thanksgiving, about increasing love, etc.), or - a special prayer appeal to the Mother of God or a saint. But it must be remembered that on the days of some church holidays and on certain days of Great Lent, custom-made prayers are not performed in the church.
Question:Father, tell me, will unbaptized people all go to hell? I know one person, I have never seen kinder than him in my life, he is always in a hurry to help, and he helps animals and people, and does charity work, but for some reason he is not baptized.
Answer: Probably it is more correct to think not about whether I or someone else will go to hell, but to think where I will go. In other words, where are we going? We Christians strive for the Kingdom of God, i.e. to God, to perfection, which is achieved by living according to the Law of God. If a person does not know the Law of God and does not seek to cognize it, then it is unlikely that he will be able to come to God, reunite with Him - with the Heavenly Father. And without God or outside of God the Creator, a person or his soul after death will remain an orphan with all the ensuing consequences.
Question: Father, is it true that a person's Angel Day falls on the day of baptism. But I don’t remember when I was baptized, so I don’t have an Angel Day? And Angel's Day and Saint's Day are not the same?
Answer: In the Orthodox tradition, there is no clear definition of what the Day of the Angel is. Therefore, in practice, this Day is interpreted broadly. For example, the Day of the Angel is the day of the adoption of Holy Baptism, since on this day, through the prayer of the Church, a person receives his guardian angel. But more often the Day of the Angel is understood as the day of remembrance of the Saint, whose name the person bears. Moreover, this refers to the day of remembrance, the closest in the calendar to the person's birthday. The saints whose names we bear, with their heavenly patronage, also protect us from the wiles of the enemy of the human race. Sometimes the question arises as to which saint should be considered as their patron, because many saints bear, for example, the name John or George. In this case, you can pray to more ancient saints - the Apostle John the Theologian or the Great Martyr George, it would not be a mistake to pray to recent saints, for example, the New Martyrs of Russia. Some have a pious custom of commemorating both the ancient and later saints, if the birthday is close to such.
Question: Hello father, I would like to take this opportunity to ask my question. I am undergoing a course of treatment, but the fact is that the medicine is diluted in milk, and, soon to continue the course, but Great Lent has begun, is it permissible to continue the course? Or is it not possible in any case?
Answer: Fasting, including the Great Fast, is needed exclusively for the spiritual growth of a person. The point is that through abstinence and limitation of ourselves in anything we can do without, we learn to curb our flesh, thoughts and feelings, thereby purifying them of certain addictions. Fasting, like other types of spiritual work, should not be harmful to health. As Metropolitan Kirill once said, and now His Holiness the Patriarch, there are five levels of fasting. So first you need to assess the capabilities of your body, and then choose a measure of abstinence in food. If a person is sick, he already resigns himself to the patience of the disease, if he endures it without murmuring. Therefore, if it is necessary to use any medications, and with them some products, then this can and should be done. In addition, fasting is not blessed, for example, for pregnant women, people engaged in hard physical labor, warriors, etc.
Theophan the Recluse, discussing the need to take care of health, once said that the human body is a donkey, on which the soul must enter the Heavenly Jerusalem, and if the donkey "withers away, how will you enter Jerusalem?"
Question: Father, I read the opinion of one priest in the "Gates of Heaven" magazine, unfortunately I do not remember the name that the baptism rite should be performed as late as possible in a person's life. In order to come to this consciously and to cleanse all sins, and then start life anew, "with a clean slate." But after all, illness and death can happen in a person's life, but a person is unbaptized. What do you think? Thank you for not getting tired of answering my questions!
Answer: In the first centuries of Christianity, many came to faith in adulthood, before the Sacrament of Baptism they tested themselves for a long time. This was partly due to the very strict conditions for a person to enter the community (not to mention the dangers posed by the heathen persecutors). There are many examples when officials gravitating towards faith and other high-ranking people postponed Baptism for many years. And Emperor Constantine the Great was baptized, in general, on his deathbed. But in our time, too much has changed in external life, the nature of communication between people has changed. And in the communities of believers, it is no longer required from believers to fully or partially socialize property, as was the case in apostolic times. Nobody even demands tithes. The risk and unpredictability in life today is much greater than before, therefore, the tradition of baptizing from infancy has taken root in Orthodoxy, if the parents are believers. I think we can share your fear that by significantly postponing Baptism, a person risks depriving himself of it in case of sudden death. Although the decision to be baptized should be not only conscious, but also meaningful.
Question: I have a colleague at work with whom I work, an atheist. I know that Orthodox people before eating, they wish each other "Angel at meal." In the end, I just keep quiet. Or can you just wish you bon appetit? In dealing with unbelievers or low-believers, you can communicate within the framework of secular decency.
Answer: In dealing with unbelievers or low-believers, you can communicate within the framework of secular decency.
Question: Father, today I learned that the husband of my colleague was recently baptized for the second time, earlier he was baptized by Baptists at the age of 17. now he is 42. Is it really possible?
Answer: At the Baptism of a person in the Orthodox Church, not only a three-fold immersion in water with an appropriate prayer is performed, but also another Sacrament of Confirmation. In non-Orthodox denominations, the rite of baptism is noticeably different, but there is no Confirmation at all. Actually, as such, the Protestant communities, to which the Baptists belong, do not have such sacraments. Therefore, over those who come to Orthodoxy from other confessions, the full rite of Baptism and Confirmation is performed. It is worth adding that there are certain subtleties in this issue that priests and theologians know about. If necessary, you can read about this in special literature.
Question: Tell me how to properly equip the red corner of the house, you need it to be on the east side, or, most importantly, when you enter the room, your gaze immediately falls on the image. I don’t know what to do right, I’m hanging them from place to place. I have a large window in my room and doors opposite it.
Answer: Red corner, i.e. icons should be placed at home in a conspicuous place, and not necessarily in the corner. The main thing is not over the TV.
Question: Recently, at the bus stop, an invitation was issued to a meeting of "Jehovah's Witnesses". On the one hand, it is clear - obvious sectarians, but what to do with the leaf? It depicts Christ, will you just throw him into the trash can?
Answer: Dispose of images of the Cross or saints, which for some valid reason cannot be used, usually with the help of fire. It returns the paper to its original natural mineral state (ash). And ash can be sprinkled into indoor plants, dug in or poured into the river.
Question: Hello! I would like to be baptized, on what days it can be done and what is needed for this besides the cross. Is it necessary to repent and receive communion before baptism. Sorry that I am addressing this question specifically to you, I could not find the contact phone numbers of the temple. Thank you!
Answer: Baptism is the first Sacrament through which a person fully enters the Church of Christ. Therefore, all other Sacraments are performed after Baptism. Baptism means a person's choice of life with Christ and according to His commandments. As John the Baptist said: "Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand." Therefore, when we come to the Church of Christ, we realize our spiritual weaknesses and sins, we repent of them and ask the Lord for help in overcoming them. The person who wants to be baptized does the same.
In our church, for greater awareness of the Sacrament of Baptism (as in many other Orthodox churches), clergymen hold conversations with those who wish to be baptized: on Thursday at 12-00 or on Saturday at 13-00. There you can additionally ask your questions.
Baptism is usually performed on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. Recording - after the conversation.
Question: Christ is Risen! Father, tell me why a child after seven years should confess before the sacrament. Where did this number seven come from? Probably not by chance? God save you.
Answer: Truly Risen! According to church tradition, a child is considered an infant until the age of seven, and adolescence begins at the age of seven. At this age, nothing happens to a person in a special, visible way, it is just at about this age that the child is already able to evaluate his actions, therefore, he begins to bear meaningful responsibility. By the way, in the Old Testament tradition, responsibility before the Law of God began from the age of 12, from that time the child was considered already a "child of the Law."
Question: Father, tell me, the anniversary of the death of the Pope falls on Monday, is it commemorated on Monday or should it be the day before? Thank you.
Answer: The anniversary of the death of a person is called the day of remembrance. On this day, a special prayer commemoration of a person is accepted. For example - ordering a panikhida in the church (and not just serving mass, as is often done), going to the grave, making a donation for prayer. The latter most often refers to the arrangement of a memorial dinner, where all those who come, having tasted food, perform a commemoration, i.e. a prayer for the repose of the soul of the remembered person.
Wake is held on Memorial Day. In special circumstances, slight misalignment is allowed. For example, the church charter restricts the commemoration of the dead on Easter week, on weekdays of Great Lent, so the commemoration is shifted to other dates.
Question: Hello father. Can you please tell me, I recently started to church, how can you get to a conversation with a priest, what time is it best to approach and where these conversations take place in your church, is it necessary for every person to have a spiritual mentor? Save you Lord!
Answer: Usually, priests are especially busy on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, so it is better to choose a weekday for a conversation. Between the morning and evening services in the church, there is only one father on duty. True, he sometimes has to go away. More specifically, you can agree on a conversation with a priest in advance by going up to him, for example, after a service. In addition, the church has a Sunday school for adults. In the summer, only vacations. There is a library of spiritual literature, an Orthodox video club, etc. Here you can get information for proper churching. With regard to a spiritual mentor, we can say briefly: when there is a disciple, then there is a mentor.
Question: Hello father! Can you please tell me now there are a lot of kits for embroidering icons with beads or threads, is it allowed to embroider such icons? And it will be possible to illuminate them later? Save you Lord!
Answer: In church practice, embroidery has been used for a very long time. Shroud, vestments, the robe of the throne were embroidered. Icons, etc. were decorated with embroidered boards. This was done by the goldsmiths. The embroidered images were sacred, but not iconographic. Nowadays, embroidery of icons has become widespread. It's like a handicraft, a very useful activity. But the quality of the image, embroidered, for example, with a cross, does not quite correspond to the icon painting. Nevertheless, such icons are usually consecrated in temples, although in fact such faces are more reminiscent of a decorative image of a saint or holy event. Such a framed image can, for example, be hung on the wall in a room, but an embroidered icon will probably not work for an icon corner with written icons. An exception may be embroidered faces, made with satin stitch at a low artistic level.
Question: Hello, father. Please tell me, is it necessary to register with the registry office before the wedding? I read the wedding rules, where one of them says that you need to have a marriage registration. After all, this document has only legal force. It doesn't matter to us at all. What if we don't want to register? For us, it is not the law that is more important, but marriage before God. Is it possible to get married without the registry office?
Answer: Earlier, when Christianity was the state religion, the church married marriages and this was recognized by the state as legal. There were no registry offices, it was enough to record in the church registers. Then a lot has changed. In the Soviet years, there were almost no unregistered marriages - the state followed the morals, as it understood it. But in the 1990s, a different trend began. The so-called civil marriage, which, in fact, is a non-binding cohabitation, in other words, a sin. Roommates in Russia have never been considered a family. Formally, the stamp in the passport does not matter for the Church, but the encouragement of sin is also contrary to faith. The presence of a registered marriage testifies to the seriousness of the intentions of the spouses and, if they wish to get married, this is quite understandable and blessed. If people are still testing themselves, they are not ready to register a family, then it is not entirely clear why they need a wedding. After all, a church marriage is not divorced. Therefore, the episcopate of the Russian Orthodox Church insistently does not recommend marrying those who do not want to register a legal marriage. There have been too many unpleasant incidents on this issue motivated by deceit. It so happened that someone with a wedding tried to cover up their lustful and soon passing aspirations, and ended in life tragedies. So it is better not to rush to the wedding, but first decide on your own and mutual determination to stay forever and in sorrow and joy with your legal spouse.
Question: Father, please tell me how and where you can get the belt of the Most Holy Theotokos?
Answer: At present, the authentic belt of the Mother of God is located where it is kept permanently, that is, on Athos. Therefore, the shrine can only be obtained there. There is also another way. You can, for example, make a pilgrimage (come or come on foot with a procession) to the Miraculous Korobeinikovskaya Icon of the Mother of God.
Question: Hello, father. They offered to work in a pawnshop, is it a sin for an Orthodox person to work there? I read it on the Internet (one father says you can, the other cannot). I don’t agree to work there and I don’t know how to explain my refusal. Getting to work here is very difficult, work profitable, they won't understand me. I don’t want to lie and say that their work is sinful, it sounds somehow offensive. God save me.
Answer: On such questions from your personal life, it is better to consult with the priest personally. As for pawnshops, in the opinion of a person who has never dealt with such, a pawnshop is the same bank, only loans on a smaller scale, but the essence does not change. And, if you can work in a bank, then in a pawnshop, probably, too. Once again, underscore, I am not familiar with the intricacies of the work of pawnshops. If their work is not designed to "rip off" the borrower in any case, even if he returns the money on time, then the activity of the pawnshop can not be considered sinful.
Question: Bless, my dear father! I want to bring a gilded spoon as a gift to the altar, for the deacon to eat the removed particles instead of the liar. What kind of engraving can be applied to it? And what is the best way to convey it - through the workers of the church, or maybe put it somewhere? Thanks to!
Answer: The making of church utensils is a special blessing of God, which is taught through the clergy. Moreover, when it comes to the altar. Therefore, if anyone wants to bring a special gift to the Church in the form of liturgical utensils, it is only necessary to personally receive the rector's blessing for this. After all, not only the motives of the donor are important, but also who is the performer of the work. There were cases when people, out of ignorance and without blessing, ordered an icon for the temple, paid the artist a lot of money, but the result was fruitless, since the icon did not correspond to tradition and was not suitable for placement in the temple.
Question: It's just that the abbot once mentioned that it is not convenient to consume particles with a liar, the arrival is large, and they take out a lot of particles. So I wanted to give a very beautiful spoon, but now I understand that all church utensils are canonical things. I just wanted to make a gift secretly, so I decided to ask you, but now I understand that I will have to talk to the abbot first and if I receive a blessing, I can bring it as a gift. Did I understand you correctly?
Answer: Yes. For your gift to be received the way you expect it to be, it's best to personally agree on everything. A secret, if you wish, it will remain for people, and it is not necessary to have secrets from a confessor (priest).
Question: Hello, tell me, please, they gave us Artos in the church and we used it for a while as a prosphora, only then I learned that Artos should be used during illness. Tell me, is it a big sin? And the adoption of Artos only in case of serious illnesses is it possible or always when something gets sick? Save me, God.
Answer: Artos is the bread consecrated on Easter Saturday to commemorate the apostolic tradition. The fact is that in the first years after the Ascension of Christ, his apostles, making Agapa - a meal of love, left one part of the bread, implying the presence of Christ, take it off together. Thus, artos is one of the church shrines of historical origin. Someone today eats artos with loved ones at once, someone eats a bit every day, like prosphora, and someone keeps a small part for a special occasion. All the listed ways of using artos have a right to exist.
Question: Father, tell me, if the Last Judgment comes when we are still alive, we will all die first, then we will appear before the Lord, or will we be alive right away?
Answer: The future destinies of mankind are largely hidden from us, but partly the answers to questions of this kind can be found in the Holy Scriptures, first of all, the Gospel, the Epistles of the Apostles and the Apocalypse. It is difficult to say for sure whether people will die in the literal sense or not at the coming of the Lord. The Apostle Paul in his epistle to the Romans says that people will rise as if on a cloud. In what body, sinful earthly or already transformed. Other words from the Holy Scriptures: "We will not all die, but we will all change." However, discussions on the interpretation of Scripture often become purely theological, sometimes there are discrepancies in interpretation. Theologians and teachers should be interested in such subtleties, and for ordinary parishioners it is said: "watch and pray, so do not enter into an attack." Those. abstract reasoning should not distract us from the most essential: "Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven, and everything else will be added."
Question: Father, but when an Orthodox person and, for example, a Muslim die, do they end up in different Kingdom of Heaven? After all, God is one, but how then are people there divided into Orthodox and not? Save you Lord.
Answer: Of course, one God cannot have different Kingdoms of Heaven. And what will happen to the souls of non-Orthodox after death, in the opinion of many confessors, this question is not urgent for an Orthodox Christian. Each person, by and large, can only talk about his own fate and salvation: is he worthy of hope for such or not. Metropolitan Benjamin (Fedchenko, + 1960) says: "I do not know if Catholics will be saved, but I know that if I, being Orthodox, become a Catholic, then I will not be saved."
Question: Father, tell me if it is possible to baptize the corners with a lit candle at home, grandmothers say that it is simply necessary to do this. And if so, what prayer should you say? Save you Lord.
Answer: There is a custom among the Orthodox to go around the house with lighted candles, baptizing windows, doors, corners on Maundy Thursday during Holy Week. Moreover, this candle is brought lit or extinguished from the church, after the evening service, when 12 fragments from the Gospel are read. On other days, if you wish, you can walk through the house and sprinkle it with holy water taken from the temple with the prayer "Save, Lord, Thy people." With candles around the house, except for the specified day, it is not customary to walk in the Orthodox tradition.
Question: Father, tell me, those people who are now in paradise, on the day of the Last Judgment, will also be judged or no longer. And can a person who has ended up in heaven at death, then after the Last Judgment, change his position and he will go to hell. God save you.
Answer: I think that if a person after death is worthy of the settlement of the righteous, then after the second coming of the Savior, his fate can hardly change.
Question: Father, is it true that Orthodox Christians cannot eat pork? God save you.
Answer: Eating pork and some other types of "meat" is forbidden to the followers of the Old Testament, i.e. Judaists. For the Christian tradition, the prescriptions of the Old Testament retain their relevance only prescriptions of a moral nature, for example, the ten commandments of Moses. The rest of the prescriptions of the Old Testament law have basically lost their force, since they were of a historical, and in some cases even political nature, reflecting a bygone era. From a spiritual point of view, the era of the Old Testament was fulfilled, i.e. ended with the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. "I came not to break the Law, but to fulfill" - something like the Savior said.
Question: Father, tell me, should the lamp at home always be on or not? I light it only when I get up for a prayer reading, maybe I'm doing it wrong? Save you Lord.
Answer: The lamp in front of the icon symbolizes the warmth of our faith and prayer, therefore there is an expression: "light the lamp." At special shrines, at the Holy Gifts in the church, lamps are sometimes installed inextinguishable. At home, as a rule, a lamp is lit during prayer and sometimes on major holidays (Easter, Christmas). Arranging lamps and lighting candles at home, you always need to think about measures fire safety and do not leave burning candles, etc. unattended.
Question: Father, please help me with advice. My husband and I lived together for 10 years and came to the conclusion that we both want to get married in a church. We are baptized and married.
At the moment, we are expecting a baby, can we get married now or should we wait for the baby to appear. If possible, what days does the wedding take place and what we need to do for this. Thank you in advance for your response!
Answer: If the spouses who do not have a church wedding have grown spiritually and are ready to bring a vow of fidelity to God to the very last line, then you should not postpone the Sacrament. After all, life is such that every new day brings new worries and no one and nothing can guarantee us that tomorrow it will be easier or quieter to live and we will do everything that we have not done before. As the Savior Himself said: "Every day is dominated by its own concern." To learn more about the Sacrament of Wedding, special talks are held in our church. The time of the conversation is by agreement with Priest Sergiy Prokhorov. His phone number can be found in the church shop of the temple.
Question: Hello, Father! The fortune-teller said that I had damage, suggested that I first try to remove it myself, and if it does not work out, then she will remove it. She said that my future is not very good. All this scares me, I don't even know why I went to her. As far as I know, the church has a negative attitude towards fortune-telling and fortune-tellers. Tell me what to do? And is there such a thing as corruption in the Orthodox Church? Thank you.
Answer: Communication with fortune-tellers, healers, healers, healers, psychics, etc. persons, as the centuries-old spiritual experience of the Church says, will not lead to good. There is nothing in common between Christ and Beliar - says Revelation. The main thing with which to begin the path of liberation from the power of the veliar is sincere repentance under the guidance of a confessor - a priest in the Church. What else to do, you will find out over time.
Question: Father, I started churching only 2 years ago, but I realized a long time ago that it becomes difficult for me to work in my secular job every day, I really want to work in the church. But at the same time, I am afraid, as I was told, by the low salary for this job. The soul is eager to go to the temple, but we rent an apartment and my current money is completely spent on paying for it. Maybe the Lord will transform everything himself, if I still go to work in the temple? Should I take such a step?
Answer: It is good that the soul is eager to go to the temple. But man is two-fold. He has not only spirit, but also a body. Therefore, it is worth weighing up the possibilities and not making hasty or deeply unreasoned decisions. And you need to learn to live a spiritual life, to remain faithful to God in all circumstances. This is our saving spiritual experience.
Question: Hello! Is it possible to hold commemorations on the anniversary of the death of my mother on August 16, 2013 during the Dormition Lent? Thank you.
Answer: Traditionally, there are restrictions on the holding of funeral tables and funeral services only on some days of Great Lent. Therefore, on August 16, you can hold a commemoration and come to the temple to pray at the funeral.
Question: Hello Father, I want to ask you for advice. I'm not baptized (I'm 22 years old), I just believe in God, I want to be baptized, but I'm afraid of the ceremony, I'm afraid that something will go wrong afterwards, deep down I understand that I need to be baptized, but still I am tormented by doubts, I go to church very rarely, but I like coming there, I do not observe anything, I just have faith in God, what should I do to go to the ceremony with doubts? or wait until I’m ready, or maybe then I’ll never get ready, or is it enough to just believe and be a good person?
Answer: I think it will be good for you to familiarize yourself more closely with the Gospel text and the Law of God before Baptism. To do this, in our church, evangelical talks are held for young people. Here you will not only learn a lot, but also meet like-minded people, this will help strengthen your faith.
Question: Hello, father! Please tell me where to start confession ?? right from the list of sins, or do you need to say something to the priest before that ?? Thank you.
Answer: Confession is a Sacrament in which a person turns directly to God with the participation of a witness and an assistant priest. Therefore, confession does not have a strict verbal form, although there are recommendations. If we talk about the beginning of confession, then the words from the last prayer of the daily evening rule may come up: "I confess to You, to the Lord, My God ..." that ... "It is also customary, before approaching the analogue with the Cross and the Gospel, to bow to other parishioners awaiting confession, as if asking everyone for forgiveness. By this, the soul of a person shows its deep humility and awareness of sinfulness. And this is the most important thing in confession.
Question: Father, I saw icons in the church, and there are a lot of old rings, chains, crosses on them. Tell me, what are these decorations and why are they on the icons? Save you Lord.
Answer:Rings, crosses and other values on icons are an ancient Byzantine tradition that has survived to this day. These things mean gifts of thanksgiving from those praying for the fulfillment of petitions. In part, this tradition has migrated to Russia.
Question: Hello! Can I give my rosary to a friend or girlfriend? And is it possible to use a rosary without the blessing of a priest? And can they be used outside of the prayer process? Thank you.
Answer: The rosary in the Orthodox tradition is intended for reading a certain prayer rule. This, first of all, has to do with monastics or those preparing for this feat. The rule is determined by the confessor. If we are talking about non-monastics, then in some cases the confessors also bless some kind of rule corresponding to the spiritual age and the use of rosary at home prayer or wearing a rosary, but not openly. For example, in your pocket to read "Theotokos" or "Jesus" in public transport... Exceptions are small rosaries that are worn on the finger. But even in this case, it is better to have a spiritual blessing.
Question: Hello, father, I have a question for you: do I need to cover my head when reading the Gospel ?! God save me.
Answer: Whether a woman should cover her head when reading the Gospel depends on the purpose for which we are doing it. If we read the gospel by fulfilling prayer rule, then here it is necessary to do so, as we do in prayer. If we open the Gospel text for the purpose of studying it, interpreting it (some take notes for better memorization), then we can do as our conscience tells us - there are no special rules on this matter. If only we remember that this is Holy Scripture - that is, the Revelation of God, written down by the apostles and faithful disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Question: Father, please answer whether the Optina New Martyrs are now glorified.
Answer: If we are talking about the monks of the monastery in Optina, who left on the bell tower on Easter night in 1993, then we can say the following. They are buried in the communal cemetery, all three graves are nearby. A chapel was erected over the graves. The graves are a highly revered place. However, we do not know whether they are supposed to be canonized or not. Perhaps we should wait for the time, as it happened earlier in Russia. And even then to raise the question of canonization.
If the question is about the Optina elders, some of them accepted martyrdom and confession in the 1920s, then we can say that some of them are canonized.
Question: Hello, Father, I am haunted by one question. My husband gave me a pectoral cross, it is not consecrated. When I came to the church to consecrate the presented cross, I was refused explaining that there is no special inscription "INTSI" on it. Please tell me, what should i do? buy a new one?
And can I find out if it is possible for a husband and wife to be witnesses at the wedding, many say a bad omen. But as far as I know, omen is a sin. Who to believe? Thank you very much in advance!
Answer: The crowns held or supported by witnesses at the wedding are a symbol of purity and holiness. Therefore, it is necessary for people to touch them, if not angelic, then at least people who are morally pure and, as they said before, morally stable. There are no canonical obstacles for husband and wife to be witnesses at the wedding, and the Orthodox do not believe in omens.
As for the cross, without seeing it, it is difficult to draw a conclusion about the possibility of its consecration.
Question: Is it possible to get a vaccine and inoculation or is it a great sin if we go to an Orthodox church.
Answer: Vaccination and vaccination is a purely medical issue, so it should not be attributed to a religious problem. Moreover, in the nineteenth century, when there was a shortage of doctors in Russia, many priests participated in the vaccination of common people and thereby helped to overcome the epidemics. But it must be remembered that, as in any medical "technology", there may be some dangers here. Especially if the vaccines are any new, experimental. Also, not all vaccines are of the same quality. If the manufacturer is questionable, then the injection may contain very harmful impurities. All these questions can and should be asked, if possible, to experienced doctors and nurses, and after that, in each specific case, make a decision about whether to vaccinate or not, especially when it comes to some new vaccinations.
Question: Hello, Father! Help with advice on how to choose the right name for the child and what should be considered when choosing a name? The baby will be born in March.
Answer: Previously, the name of the child was chosen according to the calendar, i.e. looked, which of the saints was celebrated on the birthday or on the day of the baptism of the baby. But this was not always done. Children were often given the names of their grandfathers or other relatives. They also gave the names of some especially revered in the family of saints (not necessarily associating them with saints). So the choice of a name for a child is exclusively a matter of mutual consent of parents and there are no strict canons on this matter.
Question: Hello! My husband died at our wedding, he burned in front of my eyes and I really blame myself for not being able to prevent it. Father tell me please, I made a pendant with his photograph, silver, can I wear it, forty days have already passed ??
Answer: We sympathize and grieve for your grief. Probably the only true source of consolation is prayer for a close and dear person who has left this world. As for the wearing of pendants on the chest, here the tradition recommends wearing a pendant cross and, if so desired, an icon. Therefore, in memory of your husband, along with the cross, you can wear on your chest a small icon of the saint whose name your husband bore.
Question: Hello, father. Almost three years ago, my pregnant colleague died in an accident. We pray for the repose of her soul, but we do not know the prayers for her unborn baby. Tell me how to pray in this case and what prayers to read. Save you, Lord!
Answer: Unfortunately, our world is full of dangers, but our Christian duty is to pray not only for the living, but also for the dead. In your case, the following form of prayer is suitable: "Rest ... R. B. ... with the child"
Question: Father, good afternoon! Such a question: I know that a girl's falling in love with Christ is blasphemy, and in general such thoughts are blasphemy. And all the time such thoughts creep into my head and it becomes very bad and scary that God will punish, because it begins to seem, and suddenly there is something like this, like falling in love or something else, although there is nothing like that in myself, like ... But the crafty one seems to be whispering about it all the time. Here. What to do?
Answer: It seems that what you are writing about is more correctly called not blasphemy, but a temptation that comes in the form of sinful passionate adverbs and reverie. And, if the way to the adages is not blocked in time, then they begin to own us little by little, until we again take ourselves in hand. To drive away adverbs, as the Holy Fathers teach, should be followed by a prayer of approximately the following content: "Protect me (or protect me), Lord, from the admonitions of the enemy." If the adposition came and flashed in the form of a thought, then: "Do not charge me, Lord, this thought is a sin." So, God willing, and it will be possible to free oneself from thoughts and prepositions.
Question: Archpriest Alexander Ilyashenko wrote on the Internet: "The difference between a chapel and a temple is that the chapel does not have a See and the Liturgy is not celebrated there."
While visiting the temple grounds (Church of St. John the Evangelist) last month, I asked a woman (she works in one of the buildings on the grounds of the Church of St. John the Evangelist) about a new building under construction with an interesting cross on the dome (symbolizing a boat). She said it was the chapel of the Fourteen Thousand Babies from Herod in Bethlehem, slain. But according to the materials of your site, this is a temple. Although there is often (especially on the Internet) such a word as a temple-chapel, but this is an incorrectly formed complex word (according to the concepts of a temple and a chapel, see the words of the archpriest at the beginning).
So, how, Father, is it correct to name this building?
Answer: The Temple of the Bethlehem Infant Martyrs in the St. John the Theologian temple complex is being built on the site of a temporary liturgical premises, in which church services were performed from 1997 to 2007. Initially, there was an idea to build a memorial chapel on the site of the temporary throne. But later it became possible to lay a full-fledged, albeit small, temple, that is, a liturgical building with an altar and a throne. The presence of an altar in the throne is a distinctive feature of the temple from the chapel, so the quoted words of Archpriest Alexander are completely correct. But the combination "temple-chapel" is incorrect, even if it occurs in some colloquial terms.
Question: Hello, Father, tell me whether it is a sin to write worldly songs, and in general to be an artist, to bring music to people, I myself really love music, but it was not fanatical before, but I already repented of this, but in general it is a sin to be an artist or not and listen to music to compose it, and in particular interests question about rock music
Answer: Real music is the harmony of sounds. Feeling the music, understanding it is one of the ways of knowing the world around us - knowing the perfection of the Creator, embodied in the Creation. True, such an attitude towards musical creativity seems to be very rare. Music for many is a way to have fun in half. And in this case, such harms spirituality. It is difficult to give a concrete answer to this question, since it is not clear from it what attitude to music is being discussed. And once again we emphasize that there is a wide range of musical creativity, the occupation of which cannot be called sinful. For example, children's lullabies, folk songs, ballads, military, patriotic, parable songs, and so on, not to mention spiritual chants. There are even some priests who write and sing songs. For example, Hieromonk Roman, Archdeacon Roman. They are filled with deep meaning and are able to cheer up a discouraged person, to reason with an unrepentant, and simply help a person to calm down if his own spiritual strength is not enough for that. So in the presence of the spiritual guidance of a priest, I think it is possible to study music without sin.
Question: Why at Soviet power officially, the morality of the Russians who renounced religions was better than it is now?
Answer: Morality is by no means a merit or achievement of Soviet power, moreover, historical facts say that the ideologists of the USSR in 1920-1930. more than once they experimented at the state level on our people in the field of immorality. It's a shame to talk about everything. In some decrees, for example, of the period of collectivization, not only property, but also children and even wives were subject to socialization. Or, in the newsreels, adolescents of both sexes were swimming in a pioneer camp without swimsuits. So, obviously, they thought in the first years of the "godless five-year plan" to fight all sorts of prejudices, and, especially, with religious, and resulting from them moral. Of course, such innovations did not pass. Most of the society, brought up before the revolution on traditional Orthodox values, even accepting Soviet power, could not agree with outright vulgarity. The "immoral" experiences came to naught. And a special sobering up came from the Great Patriotic War... After the war, documents appeared in the style of the "moral code of the builder of communism", which, according to researchers, resemble a tracing paper from the biblical commandments ... Well, today's "rampant" passions have other reasons that reflect the global civilizational trend. For twenty years, representatives of the authorities in the country have completely ignored the problem of moral education. But last years, it seems that the situation changes in better side... Certain restrictions on public-public "immorality" are introduced. Maybe it's not too late, and something positive in this sense will be achieved.
Question: How to communicate with a psychiatrist who dislikes patients, can scream from scratch, all the twitchy smokes a lot?
Answer: Probably better to change your doctor. Today, in hospitals of this profile, this is probably possible and acceptable.
Question: Hello. Tell me, you can change the mother of your child. The fact is that she began to steal from us. As he does not come to visit, but comes in often (he lives on the 1st floor, and I on the 4th), so he will steal something. Many thanks.
Answer: Godparents, i.e. those who took the child from the font cannot be changed.
Question: Hello. My husband and I have been living for several years now and we can't have kids. That is why it happens that the Lord gives children to drug addicts, women of easy virtue (sorry), men who are unfaithful and do not value their family. I ask and pray to God as best I can, for children. Please explain to me why this is so ... Thank you very much in advance for your understanding and answer. It just seems to me that there is no greater happiness when you understand that you are a MOM ...
Answer: There are many things in life that are perplexing. And what you talked about is also not immediately clear. We need many years of spiritual experience. But ego may not be enough either. For example, Anthony the Great came to despair when he pondered why some are prosperous, others are crippled, some live little, others long. In the end, the Lord answered the ascetic in prayer that all this is the fate of God and it is not possible for a person to understand them. As for the issues of family life, we recommend reading the reflections of the Athonite elder Paisius. One of the volumes of his talks is called Family Life. Very modern, instructive, and soulful.
Question: We believe that through the prayers of the Church, the saints of God, believers, the torment of the souls in hell is weakened. Question: But is it possible for the soul to pass from hell (for example, from the bosom of Abraham) to heaven through the prayers of the Church, God's saints and Orthodox believers?
PS It is clear that the "great abyss" in Luke 16:26 refers exclusively to hell (and not between heaven and hell), since at the time of the Lord Jesus Christ telling this parable He was alive, and therefore the doors of heaven were locked, for the first the prudent robber entered paradise, therefore Abraham and the beggar Lazarus were in hell. Thank you for your reply.
Answer: The subtleties of the posthumous existence of the soul are hidden from the consciousness of humanity. While we are living in the body, we are not able to either know or understand what the soul is like in the other world. This will come to us, but only when the earthly path ends. In the meantime, we are only guessing, trying to interpret the words from the Holy Scriptures, partly revealing this secret. Even among theologians there is no unity in the concept of the "model" afterlife(we do not consider mythology here, since it is not very reliable). The only thing that can be said for sure is about alleviating the fate of the departed through the prayers and virtues of those who intercede, i.e. prays to the Lord. With what form and degree of relief comes, I think, no one can say for sure. Usually, when solving complex issues of exegesis, we turn to the Holy Tradition, we study the interpretations of the holy fathers. And then we choose the point of view that we like best.
Question: Good evening, father! The question of the attitude of Orthodoxy to writing, inventing and, in general, the fantasy genre is very acute for me. For example, I write fantasy. But even though there are some elements of miraculous manifestations - such as magic, invented creatures and, yes, the whole magical world, in general. But the plot promotes the victory of good over evil, good things: strong friendship, repentance for bad deeds, and so on. But I just can't understand if fantasy is a sin? Or not? And what is the relationship of Orthodoxy to fantasy?
Answer: According to the Orthodox "Law of God", sin is a violation of the commandments. The list of commandments is contained in the text of the Old Testament (the commandments of Moses) and the New Testament (the commandments of the Lord and the commandments of the Beatitudes). Whether "fantasy" is a violation of the commandments - only the person who is related to this activity and at the same time has sufficient spiritual experience can tell in good conscience.
Personally, I think that this genre is hardly capable of touching the deep strings of the soul. The era of thinkers in literature seems to be passing away. More and more space begins to take "light" in the perception of genres. It is much easier to fantasize than to try to understand and express. real life in all its diversity and complexity, while highlighting something important, eternal. Virtual reality, which came from computer technology, is beginning to conquer even those areas of human consciousness for which it (virtual reality) should be alien. For example, moral problems. You cannot teach moral ideals on fictional images, since morality can only be embodied in real actions. And between the virtual and the real in the field of morality there is an insurmountable abyss. And everyone who at least once tried to fight their shortcomings knows about it. How often in our thoughts we decide not to sin, not to do this ..., but in our actions everything happens differently, not the way we think ...
Question: Father, hello, I was on the Internet, and I came across a site about Beslan, it became interesting, I read everything, it became so scary, I became afraid for my mother, because I read that they were just as bullied there, as with children, I read prayers, it became not so scary, I became afraid for my 8-year-old niece, then they will also take over our school, please help me, how to overcome fear?
Answer:"Watch and pray and do not enter into an attack" - said the Lord closest to the disciples on the eve of his own arrest. Or: "Do not be dismayed. For this ought to be." Find these words in the Gospel. Read the Savior's warnings about coming trials when fear strikes. And maybe the Lord, seeing how we humble ourselves voluntarily, will soften our earthly lot. For example, the Lord saved the ship on which the Apostle Paul sailed in a terrible storm in the Mediterranean Sea. According to the apostle, everyone on the ship was already preparing for death, repenting, and praying. And they really were close to death in the depths of the sea. But the Lord, through the humility of the travelers, saved them.
Question: Hello, please tell me which church book I should read first, I had a desire to get acquainted with the Orthodox religion after I read the entire prayer book and realized that I understand the meaning of the prayers read (I quickly memorize them), with the exception of some sentences that relate to the life of the saints and their actions , merit. in the prayer to the Mother of God for travelers, for example. Where can I start ??? I don’t go to church, I pray if possible (every day) at home, I can’t pray in church, concentrate there, the village is small, everyone knows each other, they look at you (although perhaps this is my prejudice, an excuse). when no one is there, on weekdays.
Answer:"Faith is not only speculation, knowledge. Faith is an inner conviction that compels a person to recognize the existence of God and try to live according to the Law of God. Therefore, first of all, for the initial acquaintance with the basics Orthodox faith study the "Law of God" (by Archpriest Slobodskoy). In addition, the Gospel and the Prayer Book should be our reference books. Of course, a correct understanding of the foundations of the Orthodox faith will not come immediately, but gradually. At the same time, participation in church life, in church prayer, and regular communication with clergy will speed up this process. Exclusively home study of the Holy Texts without practical application can be unproductive. So do not forget about the words of the Savior, expressed by one of his disciples-apostles: "Faith without works is dead."
Question: Hello! I'm 22, I need your advice. Every day I "need" to get in touch, check my mail, although I don't have very many friends and new letters there, it's just that being in contact on the Internet gives me the feeling of something full, that I'm not alone. If the laptop is turned off, I URGENTLY need to turn it on, I persuade myself to check my mail for only 5 minutes and I am enslaved by 5-8 hours, and my vision is minus 4.5, my studies are a designer-designer, it seems like a very cool profession, but does not start as before, I postpone all important matters until the last day. This has been going on for a year and a half. Scheduling a day, weeks does not help, I was the best student before, I did everything! Everything was in full swing, I had interesting projects, it was interesting for me to work. I can’t understand where I have failed, what happened to me, because it’s not me. Help. Best regards, Nastya.
Answer: Internet addiction is one of the new forms of the primordial sinful tendency of a person to do nothing (laziness and passivity). Earlier this "niche" in civilization was occupied by TV. Etc. Victory over any passion is won only through effort or forcing oneself, but not immediately, but gradually. For example, here is the method of Abba Dorotheus. His novice, accustomed to eating a lot of bread during the meal, he asked after a certain period of time to eat a little less bread during the meal than before. For example, not a whole loaf of bread, but three quarters. So, gradually, the novice began to eat significantly less bread and at the same time feel normal. Likewise, the time spent on the Internet should be strictly regulated. Get yourself a chronometer. Gradually reduce the time spent on the Internet, arrange "fasting" days. All this will help you to control yourself and again you will have time for more interesting and useful activities. By the way, the use of the Internet can be compared with eating a modest (not lean) food. If we are not talking about professional activities, limiting aimless access to the Internet is an obligatory component of the spiritual practice of an Orthodox believer, as it teaches abstinence in informational food for the mind. And this is just as important to learn as to bodily abstinence. After all, a mind overwhelmed with information is unlikely to be able to pray with concentration. And without prayer, we move away from God.
Question: Hello, the situation is when I drive with my father in a car, he often shouts out and gets angry at others and, willingly and unwillingly, I become a hostage of this anger. The soul is filled with negative emotions and I sin myself. I can’t explain to him and I don’t want to, because I know that there will be a scandal and it’s still worse for the worse ... tell me how to do the right thing so as not to offend my father and not suffer myself?
Answer: It seems that you have correctly decided for yourself that it is not worthwhile for an adult to directly make comments, this, indeed, leads more to new scandals. Therefore, often for us, people who have chosen the path of following Christ, good advice gave the apostle Paul: "Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ." Well, and you can talk about peace of mind or the sin of foul language in a more relaxed atmosphere, if the person is ready to accept the story of biblical moral values.
Question: Hello, my wife and I got married and got married after a while, I found out that my wife was unfaithful, and we filed for divorce now she is doing well with this young man. On her part, this is a great sin before God!
Answer: Family life according to the Law of God is based on the Sacrament of the wedding, which is indissoluble. But very often in our time, young people starting a family do not come from spiritual foundations. This is understandable, because for many, these principles are simply not known. Even if they are known, they are not assimilated in life experience through spiritual culture. The Lord will give an assessment of the actions of each, therefore He calls us: "Do not judge, that you will not be judged ... With what judgment you measure, the same you will be judged." Another's sins, someone else's fate is not our destiny. We must attend to our own future, and not only earthly, but also heavenly.
Question: Hello! Father, tell me, please, is it superstition, from the evil one, to believe in omens? I heard that it is impossible to celebrate the 13th birthday of a child, the 40th birthday of a man and 53 years of a woman ... Why is unknown. Is it possible to celebrate the 13th birthday of your son in a quiet family circle?
Is the name day the next day of the name of the Saint, whose name you bear after your birthday? And if my birthday is April 16, and I consider my name day to be April 2 - am I mistaken?
Answer: I agree with you that signs and superstitions are not for Orthodox Christians. As for the name day, if your parents, when choosing a name, did not pay attention to the "saints", but proceeded from other (non-religious) beliefs, then you have the right to choose the saint yourself (respectively, the name day), whom you especially revere and whose name you bear. After all, most of the names have in church calendar several saints.
Question: Hello, tell me if I can debunk if my husband does not love my child from his first marriage. My husband and I do not agree on anything at all. Constant misunderstanding. We are just completely different people. But this is not the main thing, I would agree to endure and forgive him. But the child suffers. He interferes with my husband, the husband is constantly angry with him, and we constantly quarrel over the child. In addition, I want another child, and my husband is not in any. Should I, then, be married just because I made a mistake and got married? I'm just afraid for the psyche of the child. I already spat on myself.
Answer: Unfortunately, not all people create families based on spiritual and moral principles. For many, the culture of communication has been lost, including in the family. We almost never resort to religious methods of improving the health of the family as a whole and each individually. How to do this - you cannot say briefly, but if you study the church Christian traditions a little, little by little, then the answers to the questions will come and the situation can change for the better. The main thing is to understand that spouses for each other are more than "partners" (a popular expression of our time). But, if the situation poses a real threat to health (bodily or mental), then in such cases it is necessary to turn to the bishop with a feeling of repentance.
Question: Hello! Father: Is it true that the mentally ill cannot get married, but can they go to the Temple and receive communion or not? God save you !.
Answer: The nature of mental illness is twofold. Therefore, your answer is possible only in each specific case. The canons, for example, say that after the cure of such a disease, there are no obstacles to ordination. If the disease is still not cured, then there are restrictions for starting a family. The rest of the ordinances are available, but only if there is no exacerbation of the disease. As the doctors say, he is in remission.
Question: Can you tell me if I can baptize my son (6 years old) without godparents, and how much does it cost?
Answer: Little children are not baptized without godparents. The fact is that the baptized person during the Sacrament of Baptism will have to deliberately renounce the evil one and all his deeds and efforts - i.e. sin. The child still has neither the concept of sin in the full sense, nor a firm position in life. Therefore, he cannot renounce a sinful life for himself. The godparents do this for him, while they take responsibility for themselves and commit themselves to God, together with the child's parents, to try to bring up in him the correct understanding of good and evil, virtue and sin. Thus, when the newly-baptized child grows up spiritually brought up, the rejection of the deeds of the evil one, which was pronounced during the baptism of the child by the godparents, will be satisfied. Therefore, baptism of children is not performed without godparents. If there is no way to pick up two godparents, find at least one. The rest of the issues related to Baptism can be clarified in the church or during the conversation, which are held in our church by the clergy on a weekly basis (Thursday at 12.00, Saturday at 13.00).
Question: Orthodox girl wears cross-shaped earrings, is this possible?
Answer: For the believer, as the Apostle Paul said, the Cross is the image of Salvation. Therefore, crosses are worn on the body, i.e. on "Persians" - breasts. Also, when a person dies, they put a cross on the grave. Using the cross as a decoration is more like a mockery than a veneration for Christ.
Question: Father, good afternoon! I baptized the girl. Her parents are relatives of my husband. My husband and I divorced and I was forbidden to communicate with the child, since I ceased to be a member of their family. And it turned out that they took me as godfather, only because I was the wife of their relative, and not because of my personal human qualities. What to do, of course I will not stop praying for my goddaughter, but how can I calm my emotional distress? Thank you.
Answer: There are moments in life that bring pain or anxiety to a person, and it is not possible to change anything by human forces. But the Lord said: "Blessed are those who weep, for they may be comforted." Such moments in life are a great reason for deep heartfelt prayer. For example, the prophet David had similar experiences. And how he prayed then! This is recorded in the Psalter. Perhaps it makes sense to find these places and pray with the words of David. In general, the reading of the Psalter has long been considered to bring great consolation to the grieving soul.
Question: Hello Father! I am 24 years old, I have never met anyone, I really want to meet one single person, be sure to get married, it cannot be otherwise. I go to Communion, read prayers and akathists, go on pilgrimage trips. Maybe I don't pray enough or I impatient? It's just that sometimes such despair comes that maybe something is wrong with me ?! Many say that it only happens in a fairy tale that a person will meet and immediately call you in marriage, but I want to believe that there are such men that not everyone wants free love, free relations. Please tell me, for example, men come to you who are ready for intimate relationships only after the wedding? Thank you in advance!
Answer: Your desire is in keeping with a deep Christian conviction and is worthy of respect. One must pray and seek, trusting in the Providence of God. There are young people of the kind you are talking about in Orthodox parishes. You can come to parish youth meetings. In addition, such young people study in Orthodox theological seminaries, for example, in Barnaul.
Question: how to communicate with drinking relatives who are bored with their problems, behave inappropriately, carry all sorts of nonsense, swear, condemn others?
Answer: If there is no way to live separately, then you have to endure. Relatives, as they say, are not chosen. But the most important thing is to understand that the Lord loves every person. And He told us to love and pray even for our enemies. Moreover, the same should be done in the case of loved ones, albeit fallen or fallen. Maybe there is a particle of our fault in this misfortune. And maybe our Christian attitude towards a loved one, even if it annoys us, will help, with God's help, change the situation for the better.
Question: who needs to pray for healing from myopia and astigmatism?
Answer: The Orthodox tradition of prayer says that, first of all, we give glory and honor to the Holy Trinity in prayer, in whose name spiritual life is accomplished. Before any petitions, we bring repentance to the Lord, realizing not only our imperfection, but also our sinful passion. Then we offer our petition, but after the petition we rely on the Will of God, saying: "But for everything, Thy Will be done." Thus, we show the Lord our humility and do not insist on fulfilling our earthly requests. As for the division "to whom he prays for what needs," this division is conditional and is a reflection of the Holy Tradition, which is very diverse. For example, it is believed that prayer in front of the Kazan icon of the Mother of God can help with vision problems. But if we learn to correctly and sincerely pray to God, calling on the Mother of God and the Saints for help, then little by little our earthly needs will also be met. And further. It is worth remembering that the Lord does for a person what the person himself is not able to do, and what is in our power, we must do ourselves, with our own hands. There is a saying about this: "Trust in God, but do not make a mistake yourself."
Due to our spiritual weakness and little experience, most of us do not know how to pray, do not know how and for what to praise God, with what words and for what we should and can ask Him; have not yet experienced what it means to “bow the knees of the heart” before the Lord, have not learned to “remove the vain world, putting the mind into heaven”, and, in the words of the Apostle Paul, have not yet found and felt God, “although He is not far from each of us ”This we can learn from those who through their own sufferings have acquired the grace of the Holy Spirit, entered into direct communion with God and pass on to us their experience of knowing God.
Priest Georgy Borovikov, rector of the Dmitrievsky parish, p. Yablonovo Korochansk Deanery, Belgorod and Stary Oskol Diocese. In the ordination for 4 years, before that, Father George served as a naval military officer and the Lord brought him by his mercy to Archimandrite Ippolit, the abbot of St. Nicholas Rylsk monastery in 2000. Many people do not just fall into the flock. The Holy Fathers teach that it is an honor to strive for monasticism, and that one should only become a priest for obedience. Through this obedience, Fr. George and was ordained a priest.
QUESTIONS TO FATHER GEORGE
What services can be ordered at the temple?
Proskomidia -
The service, which is performed at the altar, is served either with notes, or the list is entered in the memorial book. During the service, a particle is removed from the service prosphora and, at the end of the Divine Liturgy, is lowered into a bowl with the blood of Christ our God. Thus, God, forgives the sins of those who were remembered;
Lunch - here, for each name, a piece of a separate nominal prosphora is taken out and also lowered into the bowl at the end of the liturgy.
Prayers for health -
They are performed either before the liturgy or after. We pray to the Lord our God and the Mother of God, the holy saints of God, we ask them to intercede before God for our loved ones living.
Funeral services are performed as proskomedia and mass, but funeral service and lithium are still performed - these are separate services at which we commemorate our dead. They are served at the end of the service or separately. It is advisable for relatives to be present at such a service, because the souls of the dead who are remembered, according to the mention of the holy fathers, will be present.
The funeral service -
This is the rite of separating the soul from the body. Angels take a soul and carry it to God. But the funeral service itself does not rid the soul of the burden of sins. Redemption from sins is repentance performed before the Lord through confession to a priest. The Lord gives the forgiveness of these sins after the prayer of permission, which the priest reads over the confessor. Forgotten sins, i.e. those sins that we cannot remember, the Lord forgives after the completion of the sacrament of the Anointing or Unction.
The human soul receives the forgiveness of many sins when performing proskomedia and mass. Along with this, alms given out in remembrance or health has tremendous power. But charity is not such that he gave three kopecks at the temple, but real help, things, good deeds, something really needed. In this case, we ask "remember this servant of God." In response, a person only needs to say, "Lord, rest the soul of your deceased servant (name)." This is already the remembrance, the fulfillment of mercy.
How is the soul punished for sins?
When the brethren asked the abbot of the Rylsk monastery, Father Ippolit about the ordeals after death: "what is really happening?", He smiled and said: "Fathers, everyone has their own ordeals." There are canonically mentions of the soul's responsibility for its sins, for example, Theodora's 20 ordeals, but this does not mean that everyone will have them like that. But the fact that you will have to answer is for sure. Without cleansing our souls by repentance before death, without taking communion and not having swallowed, we carry the whole burden of sins with us to God. And the Lord, as a judge, exacts from us that which we have that is unworthy.
And if death happened suddenly, the person died in a car accident?
In Orthodoxy, every event is never accidental. The factor of surprise is inherent, there are holy saints who beg the soul of God of those who died suddenly - the great martyr Barbara, blessed Xenia. We should not approach God as in a stall when something happens. Orthodoxy itself is a living faith, a confirmation that whoever begins to pray to God, God arranges everything for him good, teaches him how to pray and through what saints. How to pray for the living, for the dead. Whom how to beg. The results of all spiritual labors are manifested in this way: when piety returns to the house, then the children will be obedient, then God's understanding in the family will be complete, the desire to go to church will come not out of duty, but at the behest of the heart. He will be drawn to God, everything will be gracious in the family, grace will return. Gaps in the fight against God, unbelief, will be erased. Maybe the Lord will call someone from the family to monasticism; one must bear responsibility for the family in order to save all those close to them.
It turns out that faith in God rests only on the fear of punishment for sins?
Prayer to God is divided into three levels: the first is the lowest, as the master's slave loves. And the slave loves and pleases so that the master does not punish him.
The second stage is the love of a mercenary - for his work, the mercenary expects a reward from God in the form of gifts, success, prosperity in life and salvation in the life of the century to come.
The highest love is the love of sons, when the soul loves God, not demanding or expecting anything in return from him at all, no favor. She just strives for God and unites her whole life in God. The holy saints love our God so much. And the Lord comes to such a soul and transforms everything good during his lifetime.
What is the concept of faith? What is the significance of faith in a person's life?
The very concept of faith, it is life-determining for a person, because if a person lives without faith, he lives at the level of an animal. Homo sapiens thinks - “What am I living for? Why am I living? How can I live? Where did it all come from and how does it end? " We are all now, intelligent, educated, not only asking ourselves these questions, but also trying to find answers to them. But without faith there will be no answer, because God is the creator of all that exists, and he opens up to a person just as much as a person goes to him. The more a person seeks God, the more God will reveal himself to him. And when a person feels God in himself, then he will joyfully confess God in his life, according to the measure of his cross. He can do good deeds in the name of our God or he will help in the temple. And maybe in the future he will become an Orthodox companion, a monk, as the Lord will show him how to go in life, what kind of cross he has.
It turns out that we live without knowing our cross?
We are endowed with tremendous freedom and God does not pull man to himself on the lasso. The fact that we were honored to become Orthodox Christians is the merit of our ancestors, our fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers. Because they acquired the grace of the Holy Spirit, they prayed from God that we might be born Orthodox. In most cases, we baptize children in infancy, and often unbelievers have a question: “Why? why shouldn't a child choose faith on his own when he grows up? " The answer is simple - we are an Orthodox family and live on an Orthodox land that has been Orthodox for 1025 years. Therefore, God gave us Orthodox children. If a child was destined to be a Jew, then he would be born in Israel, if a Buddhist, then in China. But since children are born in the Orthodox land, then we baptize them into Orthodoxy. This is determined by God, by the chosenness of the people. Previously, the Jewish people were the chosen people, but according to the New Testament, having betrayed Christ-God for crucifixion, they turned away from God, having lost their chosenness. Election passed not just to some race, but passed to Orthodox Christians. When God was crucified on the cross, the Jewish people rejoiced. God said that there will never be peace on this earth, this curse is still in effect, they themselves imposed it on themselves. As the Scripture says: "With your eyes you will see and you will not see, with your ears you will hear and you will not hear." That is, one person can read the Bible and understand nothing in it, while another, by the grace of God, will know everything that exists by the Holy Spirit ... It depends on the grace of the family inherited from ancestors, is called piety. And piety gives rise to righteousness or reverence in a person, if a person is in the monastic tonsure.
For deeds, for piety, the grace of the spirit is revealed. The Lord gives strength for service, because if you read the lives of the saints, what sorrows they bore, it seems that a person cannot do this. But this is out of love for the Lord. Such people are special. They carry God within them from birth. This is a great honor for the entire family - in its piety, the family deserves a prayer book, reverend or righteous. The holy saints beg the clan up to 14 knees back and forth, for their labors, for their holiness.
Earlier, crosses were erected in cemeteries, now there are monuments, how is it correct?
It often happens that secular names differ from Orthodox. And on the monument they write secular metrics, and according to the Orthodox arrangement of the cemetery, it is supposed that Orthodox crosses should be on the graves. On the cross is the name written with God, and the metrics are written below. This is done in order for the deceased to be commemorated in the Orthodox way. Memorial treats are left at the grave not for the dead, the soul does not eat anything, so that the poor or the beggar, taking the treat, remember the deceased: "Lord rest the soul of your servant or your servant." If there is no cross on the grave, when remembered, the soul becomes confused.
Do I need to curtain the mirrors when the deceased is in the house? someone says - prejudice, someone is afraid, but few know how to do it right
The soul comes into the house when it is remembered, it does not have a reflection of its own, and from this it can be embarrassed. Canonically, this is not spelled out anywhere, but according to old beliefs, people perform this rite. Although absolutely nothing terrible will happen if you do not fulfill it.
How to remember relatives if you do not know their names, and were they baptized?
Earlier in Russia, marriage for God was considered only a crowned, the rest was fornication. Therefore, if you remember relatives in an unmarried marriage, then you should separately remember the relatives of the husband and wife. And if the family is married, then the family is commemorated in its entirety. You may not know about your ancestors, but God will reveal it a little, if we pray, we ask, then everything will certainly be open. If you do not know yourself, through the righteous will be revealed, the confessor, to whom the Lord gives the grace of the Holy Spirit. Even without knowing whether a relative is baptized or not, it is necessary to remember him and pray for him, he is still of our blood, our land is Orthodox.
When a person comes to church, he begs for four generations ahead and three generations back, even if we do not know all the names, we order a service “with relatives”. We can beg our dead, little by little, step by step. There is such a prayer of the Miracle Monastery to the Archangel Michael, who a person will read this prayer, that day neither the devil nor an evil person will touch him, nor will his heart be tempted by flattery. If he perishes from this living, then hell will not accept his soul. It is very important to recite this prayer on September 19, the day of commemoration of the holy Archangel Michael, and on November 21 - the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael and other disembodied Heavenly Forces, as well as the entire Holy Week of Great Lent. According to legend, at this time the Archangel Michael is on the bank of the fiery valley, and lowers his right wing into fiery hell and it goes out. Call the dead by their names on these two days, and Archangel Michael will lead their souls out of hell. This is not canonically spelled out, but our faith is alive. This monastic revelation instills great hope for the greatest mercy of our Lord our God.
Can you pray in your own words?
You can pray in your own words, but it is better to write first. The prayers were compiled by the holy fathers, those who were honored with God's mercy and became saints. And we, having begun to pray, kindled in ourselves the torch of the Holy Spirit, we, as Orthodox Christians, have the Holy Spirit in our hearts. You need to pray to God not with your soul, but with the holy spirit, and for this you need to kindle him. Literacy can also be learned from the letter by looking out of the newspapers, but all this will take a long time. And if you learn from the ABC book, it's much faster and easier. In fact, we are all babies in Jesus Christ, and in order for us to understand the spirit of prayer, the foundations of Orthodoxy, we must rely on the holy fathers.
Why do you pray and go to church, but still you are sick?
The Gospel says: "You will save your souls by sorrow and sickness." Orthodoxy treats diseases as follows - weakness can deliver from many sins. The Lord gives strength to bear his weakness all his life. It happens that a person does not believe in God to the end, but travels to holy places and the Lord gives him a miracle of healing to strengthen his faith. The body cannot not be healed - it is a sin. That is, sorrows and illnesses are given not so that we suffer, but so that they come to God. So that we can repentance. And then we understand what kind of cross we have in life. After all, God of the cross, which we cannot bear, will not give, everything is given according to our strength. It happens so amazingly, as the Gospel of "spiritual labors" says. Someone by 20, some by 40, some by 100. Only this measure of spiritual deeds should not only be carried on, but also acquired, exaggerated twice. Not only to have what is, it is.
“God is a fire that cannot be extinguished.” So, if we feel in our hearts the coldness that comes from the devil, for the devil is cold, then we will call on the Lord, and He, having come, will warm our hearts with perfect love not only for Him, but also for our neighbor. Where God is, there is no evil. Everything that comes from God is peaceful and beneficial and leads a person to humility and self-condemnation. God shows us His love for mankind not only when we do good, but also when we insult and anger Him. How longsuffering He beareth our iniquities! And when he punishes, how gratifyingly he punishes! The fathers wrote when they were asked: seek the Lord, but do not test where he lives. " Instructions Venerable Seraphim Sarovsky. We need to live in life so that we will first acquire the Kingdom of God. And the rest will follow. Amen.
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