Orthodox Talks
These talks and sermons were given by Priestmonk Kosmas of the Orthodox Monastery of the Archangel Michael in Sydney, Australia. Topics include basics in Orthodoxy, ecumenism, reading the lives of the saints, married life, upbringing of children, death and the afterlife, spiritual life in the world, advice on prayer, saints and elders, magic and sorcery, and miracles and deception.
Episodes
Who Should We Listen to Regarding Contraceptives and the Avoidance of Having Children?
New book by Priestmonk KosmasLink to the book: https://www.orthodoxtalks.com/on-contraceptives/Due to the negative influence of feminism, among other modern ideas, many Orthodox Christians are confused regarding the issues of contraceptives, the avoidance of having children, and even abortion. The silence or wrong advice of numerous medical professionals, and especially of our clergy, concerning t
Talk 83: The Importance of Reading the Lives of Saints when Dealing with the Heresies of Ecumenism and Covidism - Part 2
As we read in the lives of the saints, during periods of heresy God permits plagues, famines, earthquakes, floods, civil wars, invasions, etc., to occur as a means to bring Christians to repentance. The heresy of Ecumenism has been plaguing the Orthodox Church now for 100 years and we can say with certainty that the majority of Orthodox Churches have been infected with this disease. Consequently,
Talk 82: The Importance of Reading the Lives of Saints when Dealing with the Heresies of Ecumenism and Covidism - Part 1
We read in several lives of the saints that they had to deal with various heresies in their time. Today the Orthodox Church is faced with two heresies: ecumenism and covidism. The heresy of ecumenism has been around for approximately 100 years, while the heresy of covidism began in 2020. Much has been written about ecumenism by our saints and holy elders, and the faithful are thus better equipped
Talk 81: How to Overcome Doubt or Unbelief When Reading the Lives of the Saints
When reading the lives of the saints, Orthodox Christians can encounter several temptations. One of these is doubt or unbelief, especially concerning events that happened many centuries ago. In the lives of saints we encounter supernatural wonders such as their endurance during martyrdom, their miracles, and their great ascetic achievements, and some find them hard to believe. The question arises:
Talk 80: Is the Veneration of Saints and Belief in Their Prayers Essential?
This talk is a continuation of Talks 78 and 79. In the Orthodox Church there are many beliefs, customs, and traditions, but not all of these are essential for one’s salvation. The beliefs required of all Orthodox Christians are called dogmas. A few examples are the dogmas that Christ was both fully man and fully God, that the Virgin Mary is the Mother of God, and that the Holy Spirit is God. The q
Talk 79: Why Are the Lives of Saints Considered the Encyclopedia of Orthodoxy?
This talk is a continuation of Talk 78: “Why Do the Demons Tremble When We Read the Lives of the Saints?” For many years, few lives of saints were available in the English language, leaving the English-speaking Orthodox faithful without this soul-saving spiritual nourishment. Such is no longer the case, and we now have volumes of the lives of saints available in English. Nevertheless, the majority
Talk 78: Why Do the Demons Tremble When We Read the Lives of the Saints?
Veneration of the saints and reading their lives is essential to the Christian way of life. Yet Protestants reject these customs, and accuse the Orthodox Church of placing more emphasis on the saints than on the Holy Bible—a view encountered even among some Orthodox Christians. What these people fail to realize is that the lives of the saints are the key to understanding the Holy Bible and to prog
Talk 77: How Can Clergy and Monasteries Help Parents Who Have Problems with their Young and Adult Children?
This talk is a continuation of Talk 76: “Speak Less to Your Children, and More to God About Your Children!” Many Orthodox parents have a tendency not to ask for help when experiencing problems with their young and adult children. This may be either out of pride or because they simply do not realize that such help is available within the Church.In this talk, Father Kosmas uses the teachings of vari
Talk 76: Speak Less to Your Children, and More to God About Your Children!
Wherever one turns, one hears parents complaining and seeking advice about problems with their children—problems with their behaviour, their education, their mental health, and their faith. These problems usually begin in early childhood and increase during the teenage years, but they can also occur in adulthood. Parents find it difficult to deal with their children’s weaknesses, faults, and passi
Talk 75: To Praise or Not to Praise Children: What Should Parents Do?
Education and psychology are continually offering new theories to parents and teachers on child development. One such theory, developed in the 1970’s, involves praising children to improve their self-esteem, confidence, motivation and performance in school. Followers of this “self-esteem movement” believe it produces children who will go on to form a better, more positive and productive society.
Talk 74: On the Upbringing of Children According to Saints Paisios and Porphyrios - Part 5
Considerable information is available today on raising children and on various parenting styles, leaving many Orthodox Christians confused as to which style to use when parenting their children. Some of this information is correct, but how are Orthodox parents to know what to accept or reject? There is a lot of Orthodox literature on monasticism and very little on the upbringing of children. What
Talk 73: On the Upbringing of Children According to Saints Paisios and Porphyrios - Part 4
It is becoming increasingly common for Orthodox clergymen to send believers with mental health issues, including children, to psychiatrists and psychologists for treatment. Moreover, many clergymen study and use psychology to help those with spiritual or mental health problems. As a result, many are left without healing because Divine Grace has been replaced by the human art of psychology. In thi
Talk 72: On the Upbringing of Children According to Saints Paisios and Porphyrios - Part 3
In society today children are increasingly at risk of developing psychological and emotional problems, the effects of which can last long into adulthood. The question arises: why? The Church, doctors and psychologists all seem to agree that many of these problems are caused by trauma children experience in their mother’s womb and in the early years of their life. Unfortunately, many parents are un
Talk 71: On the Upbringing of Children According to Saints Paisios and Porphyrios - Part 2
Psychologists and doctors believe that the causes of mental and physical illnesses can be divided into three categories: 1. genetic factors (heredity); 2. prenatal factors (adverse events during pregnancy); 3. environmental factors after birth, including upbringing. The Orthodox Church has always known this but adds something even more important: the spiritual state of the parents before, during a
Talk 70: On the Upbringing of Children According to Saints Paisios and Porphyrios - Part 1
For centuries the upbringing of children has been a topic of great concern for parents—a concern that is on the rise due to the negative influences of society and a minimal understanding by parents today of this most important task. Instead of turning to the Church for guidance, all too often Orthodox Christians look to psychologists, teachers, doctors, and the media. How are we to overcome this l
Talk 69: Married Couples: Do Not Deprive One Another so That Satan May Not Tempt You Because of Your Lack of Self-control
Sexual relations are one of the most common areas of conflict in marriage, even for Orthodox Christians, and the resulting problems can even lead to divorce. Yet many in the Orthodox Church avoid any discussion of sexual relations, thinking they have nothing to do with the spiritual life. What they fail to realize is that the reverse is true: the Holy Fathers, elders, Holy Scripture and the canons
Talk 68: How Refraining From Marital Relations Can be Both Beneficial and Harmful
Married Orthodox Christians are constantly bombarded with misinformation regarding sexual relations in marriage. Mass media and entertainment, the internet, social networks and the educational system tirelessly wage war on the institution of marriage while promoting sexual immorality. Yet frequently when these confused and suffering married Christians turn to the clergy and even the saints of the
Talk 67: Does Christianity Repress Women, Especially in Marriage?
Christianity is often accused of repressing women, especially in its teachings on marriage. There are many verses in the Bible, particularly in Saint Paul’s epistles, that many today see as treating women quite negatively. Three such verses cited by Christianity’s accusers are: “Wives, submit to your own husbands,” “the wife must fear her husband,” and “I do not permit a woman to teach or to assum
Talk 66: "Wives, Submit to Your Husbands, for the Husband is the Head of the Wife": From God or From Man?
Over the last few decades a storm has been raging over the roles of men and women in marriage. Saint Paul’s words regarding women have caused many to accuse Christianity of misogyny (the hatred of women). Two particularly controversial statements that he makes are “Wives should submit to their husbands in everything” and “The husband is the head of the wife.” The question arises: are these verses
Talk 65: Feminism's War on Men, Marriage, Family and Even Women
Feminism is often portrayed as empowering women, and the women’s rights movement has indeed achieved a number of positive changes for them. In recent decades, however, feminism has taken a different direction by attacking traditional marriage and gender roles. Many Orthodox Christians have been influenced by feminism to such an extent that they believe there is little or no difference between the
Talk 64: Why Are There So Many Sexual Problems in Orthodox Marriages?
One would have thought that in today’s supposed sexually free and enlightened society sexual problems would be at a minimum. Yet on the contrary we see that sexual problems are worsening, and among married couples can even lead to divorce. Many seek the help of sex therapists, marriage counselors, psychologists, doctors, and those involved in supernatural practices. This includes even some Orthodo
Talk 63: Sexual Relations in an Orthodox Marriage
There exists today a general confusion regarding the topic of sex, due primarily to the considerable conflicting and often incorrect information available on the topic. Many Orthodox clergy and theologians are among those confused regarding sexual relations in married life. There is a growing belief amongst Orthodox Christians that the Church should stay out of a married couple’s bedroom. Instead,
Talk 62: Adultery: Which is Better, Divorce or Forgiveness?
There can be no doubt that an all-out war is being waged against the holy sacrament of marriage. One of the main threats facing marriage is adultery, which is presented to us as normal and enjoyable, even a path to freedom and happiness. This message is emphasized in films, on television, in books and magazines, and on the internet. Online pornography, social networks such as Facebook, and even w
Talk 61: Physical, Mental and Spiritual Illness: Orthodoxy vs. New Age Healing
Despite great advancements in modern medicine, millions of people around the world suffer from bodily and mental illnesses, as well as spiritual illnesses caused by the passions and demonic influence. Many today are seeking help from practitioners of magic and New Age healing techniques. These techniques include homeopathy, hypnosis, yoga, crystal healing, meditation, faith healing, therapeutic to
Talk 60: Exposing Psychics, Clairvoyants, Mediums, Fortune-tellers and Astrologers in the Light of Orthodoxy
Many Orthodox Christians fall into the great sin of employing psychics, clairvoyants, mediums, fortune-tellers and astrologers to gain knowledge of the unknown or to learn the future. Some are unaware of the Church’s strict condemnation of these supernatural practices, and of the danger involved. Others are aware of the Church’s teaching but choose to ignore it. Whether aware or unaware, one thing
Talk 59: Magic and Demonic Influence - Part 2
This talk is a continuation of Talk 58 - "Magic and Demonic Influence - Part 1". There are various views among Orthodox Christians regarding the topic of magic. Some believe that magic does not exist, while others believe that it does, and fear it to such an extent that anytime something bad happens to them they attribute it to magic. Still others believe that magic exists, but their ignorance of
Talk 58: Magic and Demonic Influence - Part 1
Many Orthodox priests sadly admit that it is becoming increasingly common for people to come to confession with sins involving magic. There are many reasons people seek a magician’s help: marital problems, learning the future, healing from sickness, financial success, protection from the evil eye and black magic, communicating with a departed loved one, for “good luck”, and for “love”. But some pe
Talk 57: Pray, and Exert Every Effort to Prevent a Divorce!
It is a sad fact that divorce, so widespread in secular society and other religions, has become a rising problem in our Orthodox Church, as well. People seek divorce for many reasons, but the underlying reason is usually the same: a belief that there is no hope of saving the marriage. We often hear statements such as: “My husband will never change”, or: “My wife is incapable of improving”, or: “Th
Talk 56: What God Has Joined Together, Let Not Man Separate
In the New Testament Christ teaches that a married couple must remain inseparable to the end, and that the only just cause for divorce is adultery. Furthermore, Christ says that those who divorce and remarry for any other reason are condemned as adulterers. Yet, over the centuries the Orthodox Church has allowed divorce for a number of other reasons, and may even perform second and third marriages
Talk 55: Married Life: A Journey Through Joys and Sorrows
In these times of spiritual ignorance, the true meaning of marriage is almost unknown. Most believe that marriage is all joy and happiness, and when this delusion is shattered the marriage falls apart. It is therefore important for couples to know the true meaning of marriage if they want to have a successful marriage.In this talk, Father Kosmas uses the writings and advice of various saints and c
Talk 54: The Saints and Elders on Married Life
Many Orthodox Christians today obtain most of their information on married life from television, films, secular books and magazines, and the internet. Unfortunately, much of this information is incorrect and can not only be harmful to the marriage, but can even cause the loss of one’s salvation. Thanks be to God, there are a number of Orthodox books on married life which offer essential advice on
Talk 53: The Teachings and Writings of Saint Nektarios the Wonderworker
Many know of the great Greek saint of the last century, Nektarios of Pentapolis the Wonderworker. Saint Nektarios is especially known for the countless miracles that he has performed, and many turn to him for help in their time of need. Yet the majority of these people know very little about this saint’s life, and still less about his beneficial teachings and writings.In this talk, Father Kosmas e
Talk 52: The Relics, Miracles and Canonization of Saint Nektarios the Wonderworker
Christ said, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.” These words were shown to be true in the life of Saint Nektarios the Wonderworker of Aegina. This saint of God endured from his fellow clergymen exactly what Christ foretold: they disdained him, excluded h
Talk 51: The Life of Saint Nektarios, Part 3: His Final Years and Blessed Repose
Many people in the Church today unfortunately hold incorrect views regarding spiritual life. For example, many believe that when they progress in the spiritual life, God sends them fewer temptations and afflictions. The question arises: why do so many hold this view when the lives of the saints and the writings of the Holy Fathers teach us the exact opposite?In Part 3 of the life of Saint Nektario
Talk 50: The Life of Saint Nektarios, Part 2: His Trials and Persecutions
Due to his countless miracles, Saint Nektarios of Aegina is considered a wonderworker like Saint Nicholas and Saint Spyridon. However, few know that the saint suffered greatly from persecution, slander, and afflictions. Many would be shocked to learn that Saint Nektarios’ greatest enemies were actually Orthodox bishops and clergy. Thus, Saint Paul’s teaching that ‘all who desire to live godly in C
Talk 49: The Life of Saint Nektarios, Part 1: His Upbringing and Development
Saint Nektarios the Wonderworker is one of the best-known saints in the Greek Orthodox Church. Anywhere in the world where there are Greeks, you can be certain of finding a church dedicated to him. Countless miracles attributed to the Saint have been reported in Greece, Australia, Canada, Europe, England, and the United States. Yet many know little or nothing about this great Saint.In this talk, F
Talk 48: Blessed Are the Merciful, For They Shall Obtain Mercy!
Orthodox Christians who read the Holy Bible will have read Christ’s words: “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Regarding these words, the Holy Fathers clearly teach that at the Last Judgment only those who show mercy will obtain mercy. This is why the saints put great effort into fleeing from the soul-destroying passion of mercilessness by practising works of mercy. Hence, it
Talk 47: The Aerial Toll-houses: Myth or Reality?
This talk is a continuation of Talk 46. There is considerable opposition to the teaching of the toll-houses. This opposition has been increasing over the last 150 years, and has long been recognized as one of the signs of ecclesiastical “modernism.” These modernists make a number of accusations against the toll-houses, including that they are not real, but rather are myths and fables, that they ar
Talk 46: The Aerial Toll-houses: Fearful yet Hopeful
The Holy Fathers teach that true Christianity consists in the practice of the commandments of the Gospel. It is, therefore, important for an Orthodox Christian to learn what exactly the commandments of the Gospel are. Many spiritual fathers advise that the study of the teaching of the aerial toll-houses is a valuable aid in learning the holy commandments.In this talk, Father Kosmas explains the to
Talk 45: Are We Leading a Balanced Spiritual Life?
This talk is a continuation of Talks 43 and 44. Saint Seraphim of Sarov teaches that we acquire grace through doing good works, not for virtue’s sake, but for Christ’s sake. In these times, more than ever, there is great confusion about what are good works. In the media, celebrities are often portrayed as doers of good works such as helping the poor, donating to medical research, adopting children
Talk 44: What is the Aim of Our Christian Life?
This talk is a continuation of Talk 43. In his own time, Saint Seraphim of Sarov said that Orthodox Christians had forgotten the true aim of the Christian life. Many had become immersed in the darkness of materialism or in routine and mechanical outward piety. Saint Seraphim revealed the true aim of the spiritual life to his disciple, Nicholas Motovilov. This revelation is considered one of modern
Talk 43: Examining the Pharisee Within Us
The Holy Fathers teach that prayer, fasting and almsgiving are a means of acquiring the grace of God. Although many Orthodox Christians observe these holy practices, spirituality in the Church is steadily decreasing. While there are many reasons for this, the chief cause is that there are few spiritual guides with the gift of discernment. Because of this, pride and Pharisaism have spread like a di
Talk 42: Type 2 Deception: Striving for Exalted Spiritual Feelings
This talk is a continuation of Talk 41. We live in times of weak faith and a general lack of spirituality. One of the reasons for this is that experienced spiritual guides are very few. This gives rise to a major problem with respect to the inner spiritual life, namely, difficulty in knowing whether our spiritual feelings and experiences are real. These feelings include: joy, peace, warmth, sweetn
Talk 41: Type 1 Deception: Striving for a High Spiritual State
For quite a few decades now there has been an increasing interest in the practice of the Jesus Prayer. A large number of books and pamphlets have been made available to the faithful giving detailed instructions on this prayer, which even include breathing techniques. The main focus of this teaching is to force the mind into the heart in order to acquire prayer of the heart. Orthodox Christians, in
Talk 40: Advice on Prayer: Does it Have to Be So Complicated?
This talk is a continuation of Talk 39. Much has been written on the subject of prayer, both by contemporary authors and by saints throughout the centuries. Yet the topic of prayer remains surrounded by ignorance, distortion and confusion. This is partly because the saints’ writings on prayer are often too deep for today’s Orthodox Christians to comprehend. On the other hand, articles by contempor
Talk 39: Why Do Many Orthodox Christians Refuse or Do Not Know How to Pray?
In the writings of the Holy Fathers we often read fearful statements regarding prayer, such as: “Whoever refuses to pray rejects his salvation”; “There can be no progress in the spiritual life without prayer”; “Without prayer there can be no victory over the demons”; “There is nothing more important than prayer”; and “Prayer is food for the soul – it is better to let the body starve than for the s
Talk 38: Pride and Vainglory: A Spiritual Cancer
Despite advances in medical science, occurrences of cancer are becoming increasingly frequent. Many live in fear of falling victim or losing a loved one to this disease. However, few give thought to a far worse disease, spiritual cancer: that of pride and vainglory. The saints of old did all they could to fight off the spiritual disease of pride and vainglory by avoiding praise and even hiding the
Talk 37: What is the True Purpose of Signs and Miracles?
This talk is a continuation of the very popular series “Miracles and Deception.” Since the beginning of time people have been fascinated by dreams, prophesies, miracles, and other supernatural phenomena. While this interest lessened with the spread of Christianity, in recent centuries it has once again increased even among Christians. In reading the Holy Bible and the lives of the saints, many peo
Talk 36: Unless You See Signs and Wonders You Will Not Believe!
In reading the Gospel and the lives of the saints we come across many signs and miracles. These miracles were especially abundant during the time of Christ and the apostles, bringing many to Christianity, and though less frequent they continue to this day. Over the past 2000 years, however, many Christians have also been converted to Christianity or strengthened in their faith without miracles, me
Talk 35: Seeking Signs and Miracles: Beneficial or Harmful?
We live in a time of growing interest in supernatural phenomena, as is evident from the numerous films, television programs and publications being produced on this topic. Even many Christians strongly desire to see or experience signs and miracles, either out of curiosity or to confirm their faith in God and the Church. But is seeking miracles truly beneficial?In this talk, Father Kosmas uses the
Talk 34: What Do We Need to Know to Understand the Deceptions of Our Times?
Christ left us a most fearful warning: “False Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.” In our own times we see even pious Orthodox Christians become confused and deluded by phenomena which appear to be Orthodox. Prophesies, clairvoyance, visions, healings, exorcisms, dreams, and mysterious fragrances are just a few
Talk 33: And No Wonder, for Even Satan Disguises Himself as an Angel of Light
We live in a time where demonic delusion is at its peak. These delusions come in the form of thoughts, feelings, dreams and visions. The Holy Apostles and Fathers of the Orthodox Church provide insight into these delusions. Saint Paul in particular warns against the “angel of light,” referring not only to false visions of angels, but to anything the demons present as good or spiritual.Using exampl
Talk 32: O Child, You Have Massacred The Demon!
People often say that Orthodox Christians should focus on loving Christ and their neighbors, and not bother thinking about the demons. These same people criticise those who instruct the faithful concerning demonic warfare. When Elder Paisios of Mount Athos was writing the life of Elder Arsenios the Cappadocian, he was advised to omit all references to demonic possession in order to appeal to Europ
Talk 31: Does Christianity Really Cause Guilt, Depression and Despair?
In the writings of the Holy Fathers we often find statements such as this: “One must consider oneself the worst person of all”; “Self-esteem is a sin”; “One must only look at one’s failures, never at one’s virtues”; “The proud cannot be saved”; “Always consider yourself a sinner”; and “There is nothing good in us.” Many find these types of statements upsetting, and come to the conclusion that Chri
Talk 30: Did You Know That the Souls in Hades are in Urgent Need of Help?
This is a continuation of Talk 29. There is much confusion among Orthodox Christians regarding many aspects of the Church’s teachings on life after death. One important example is the difference between Hades and Hell. While many think them identical, the difference is actually so important that it can cause many not to prepare properly for their own deaths, and to neglect the departed souls who a
Talk 29: If Only the Saints are Saved, What Happens to the Faithful Who Die Struggling With Sins and Passions?
In the writings of the Holy Fathers we often read statements such as these: “Our sins will prevent us from seeing God,” “Only those who have been purified before death can be saved,” and, “After death, even forgotten sins will be used by the demons to obstruct a soul’s passage to Heaven.” Many who read these types of statements fall into despair, thinking that salvation is impossible. The fact is,
Talk 28: Do the Dead Need Our Help or Do We Need Theirs?
Without a doubt, even among Orthodox Christians there is considerable ignorance today regarding the soul after death. When someone close to us departs this life, those left behind are often at a loss as to how to help their departed loved one. Some ascribe the greatest importance to flowers, poems and speeches, beautiful funerals and graves. Others try to communicate with their departed loved ones
Talk 27: How Does One Overcome Coldness and Deadness in the Spiritual Life?
A great many Orthodox Christians who fast, confess, commune, attend the church services, and perform various ascetic labors complain of a feeling of spiritual coldness and deadness. They are surprised, thinking that doing all this ought to help them in acquiring the grace of God. Common characteristics of such people include self-satisfaction, vainglory, self-trust, self-will, being judgmental, an
Talk 26: Holy Communion Without Spiritual Struggle: A Heresy in Our Times
Some traditional Orthodox theologians believe that the spirituality of many Orthodox Christians has become quite similar to Western spirituality. These Orthodox Christians share the distorted Protestant view of repentance as merely accepting Christ and feeling some regret for past sins, and the Roman Catholic over-emphasis on partaking of the Sacraments and obedience to the bishop. This movement w
Talk 25: Why Logic and Reason in Spiritual Matters Can Lead to a Loss of Grace
This talk is a continuation of Talk 24: "Elders vs. Religious Intellectuals: Whom to Follow?" Asceticism is the most important aspect of Orthodox spirituality, for it is the path by which one acquires the grace of God. But the holy elders of our times teach that today there is a lack, and even an absence, of asceticism in the Church. Without asceticism, Christians tend to ignore the heart and the
Talk 24: Elders vs. Religious Intellectuals: Whom to Follow?
In the Orthodox Church today there is a growing trend towards using logic and reason to explain miracles, mysteries, Divine Providence and demonic phenomena. This school of thought has existed in the Western Church for centuries, and is known as rationalism. The disease of rationalism is now being spread in the Orthodox Church by some clergy and theologians, many of whom have studied in the West.
Talk 23: Mental, Physical and Spiritual Disasters: The Lack of Discernment
There is a mistaken view that the spiritual life concerns only spiritual matters, and that physical and mental issues are of little or no importance. However, diet, exercise, recreation, relationships, and managing stress and anxiety are not only part of the spiritual life, but a very important aspect of it. Though many do not realize it, the Church teaches that disregarding or abusing our bodies
Talk 22: An Elder's Advice to Parents on Children
Today, more than ever before, parents are very concerned with the question of how to raise their children. A large percentage of Orthodox parents look for answers outside of the Church, in books and magazines, on the internet and TV, and from health practitioners. Some in desperation even resort to mediums, psychics, and magicians for advice and help. Unfortunately, the answers they receive are of
Talk 21: Encounters with a Clairvoyant Elder
Elder Porphyrios of Greece, an extraordinary holy father of our own times, was given the gift of clairvoyance by God for his humility, love, and faithfulness to holy Orthodoxy. This gift enabled him to see into the past, present, and future, looking into people’s souls and perceiving their innermost thoughts. He also revealed to many their illnesses – spiritual, mental, and bodily – healing them a
Talk 20: Elder Porphyrios of Greece as Spiritual Father
It has been said that only once in a hundred years does Greece produce an elder such as Elder Porphyrios (1906–1991), who has become renowned as one of the greatest spiritual fathers of the last century. Thousands of people, not only from Greece but from all over the world, came to him for advice and help. Using his gifts of clairvoyance, healing, and miracle-working he brought a vast number of so
Talk 19: The Life of Elder Porphyrios of Greece
Among Christians today one may encounter three incorrect views regarding the saints. The first is that saints are a thing of the past, not encountered in our day and age. The second is that saints achieve holiness because they are born with special qualities or God especially chose them (predestined them) to be saints, and therefore holiness is unattainable for ordinary people. The third view is t
Talk 18: More Counsels of Elder Paisios of Mount Athos
This talk is a continuation of Talk 17: “Counsels of Elder Paisios of Mount Athos”. Elder Paisios struggled intensely against his own passions and the demons. He especially struggled to acquire the virtues of obedience, humility, repentance and love. Because of these virtues he achieved such great sanctity that the Holy Spirit came to dwell in him, and he was granted the greatest gift of all: disc
Talk 17: Counsels of Elder Paisios of Mount Athos
Elder Paisios was a simple monk who lived on Mount Athos in Greece. Leading a holy life, he became filled with the wisdom of God, and was able during his lifetime to bring great benefit to countless people with his counsels, which have since been translated into many languages. As with the elders of old, people would flock to Mount Athos from all over the world to visit the elder and receive his a
Talk 16: Encounters with Elder Paisios of Mount Athos
Elder Paisios (1924–1994) was a rare ascetic and man of prayer in our modern world. As a God-bearing elder he had the prophetic gift of being able to see into people’s souls, and from his hermitage on the Holy Mountain he guided and healed thousands of people who came to him from all over the world for relief from their spiritual and physical infirmities. The life of this great elder silences thos
Talk 15: The Life of Elder Paisios of Mount Athos
Elder Paisios may rightly be considered one of the most popular elders of our times. Thousands of people from all over the world flocked to him to receive guidance, consolation, hope, and insight into their problems. He healed sicknesses of soul and body, warned against dangers, and revealed the will of God. Using the gift of clairvoyance, he could see events both present and future. With the publ
Talk 14: Are We Seeking Salvation or Are We Deceiving Ourselves and Others?
Many Orthodox Christians participate in the life of the Church, praying, fasting, confessing, communing, singing, etc. But how many of these people are genuinely seeking their salvation? The purpose of life on earth is the salvation of one’s soul. Although most people do not think about their salvation, it comes as a surprise when we encounter this in active participants in church life. The questi
Talk 13: Marriage: Agony or Blessedness?
Marriage is extremely difficult. Few people in our time prepare themselves adequately for the challenges of marriage – and the result is frequently disastrous. A successful marriage requires not only spiritual preparation (as many in the Church mistakenly believe) but also practical life skills. These skills include the ability to perform domestic duties, to deal with financial responsibilities, t
Talk 12: Whom to Marry and Whom Not to Marry
Marriages today are often troubled by many problems: divorce, adultery, domestic violence, pornography, addictions, and mental illness, to name a few. This can happen for many reasons, but one of the most common is a failure to make good decisions in choosing whom to marry. Internet match-making and dating sites and chat rooms, pre-marital sexual relationships, and other modern approaches to meeti
Talk 11: Better to Marry Than to Burn with Passion
Orthodox Christians hold various views regarding the main purpose of marriage. Some believe it is companionship, while others believe it is to have children. What, then, does the Orthodox Church teach regarding the main purpose of marriage? The answer to this question will influence a person’s decision whether or not to marry.In this talk, Father Kosmas explains that the main purpose of marriage,
Talk 10: The Struggle of Saint Xenia the Fool-for-Christ for Her Unrepentant Departed Husband
Saint Xenia the Fool-for-Christ is one of the best-known Russian saints. Because of her many miracles, her popularity has spread throughout the Orthodox world, in Greece, America, Serbia, Canada, Australia, Romania, and beyond. She is especially called upon for help with everyday problems, such as finding employment, housing, a spouse, or missing children. She also helps those suffering from alcoh
Talk 09: The Sexual Revolution: Are We Better Off?
Sexual immorality has been a problem for thousands of years, which is why God, in both the Old and New Testaments, has clearly set forth His commandments on sexual relations. Despite this, through weakness and ignorance many Orthodox Christians easily fall into sexual sins, causing much damage to their souls. Knowing this, the Holy Orthodox Church has also shown us through the lives and writings o
Talk 08: Let’s Not Forget About Spiritual Abuse
In the last few decades, much has been said about the effects of emotional, sexual, and physical abuse, particularly on children. What is often overlooked is that not all forms of abuse are so obvious. Many parenting practices that the world sees as perfectly normal and even beneficial are very harmful spiritually. By engaging in these practices through ignorance or slackness, many Orthodox Christ
Talk 07: Sorcery: Fact or Fiction?
In recent years we have seen a rising interest and even an obsession with the occult, including "communicating" with the dead, magic, and demonology, to name just a few. This is evident in movies, TV programs, documentaries, books, magazines, and the internet. In addition, there are plenty of sorcerers and mediums who are all too willing to “help” people for a fee.In this talk, Father Kosmas uses
Talk 06: Can Ignorance be an Excuse at the Last Judgment?
We live in a time when information is readily available through television, the radio, various publications, and the Internet. The world boasts about acquiring knowledge with expressions such as: ‘knowledge is power’, ‘excel with knowledge’, and ‘knowledge equals success’. Amid this information overload, there would seem to be no excuse for ignorance of any type. Yet many people are ignorant of sp
Talk 05: Are We Confessing Our Faith or Our Ego?
Saint Paul says that anyone who wants to live the life in Christ will be persecuted. Are there Orthodox Christians today enduring persecution for Christ’s sake? Is it necessary for those in the West to prepare for persecutions? Orthodox Christians are confused about when to speak up, when to confess the Faith and, in general, what their attitude towards the heterodox and the non-Christian world sh
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Background Briefing
