Orthodox Wisdom

St. Paisios arms us with the knowledge of how the devil works, how we can overcome his deceptions, and how to unite ourselves to Christ. "The devil can harm us only if," teaches St. Paisios, "we allow him to have power over us."
0:00 Intro
0:15 When We Sin We Give Rights to Temptation
3:21 Confession Deprives the Devil of His Rights
5:51 The Devil Will Not Approach a Pure Creature of God
10:02 We Should Not Start a Conversation With the Devil
11:43 The Devil is Weak
16:29 The Devil is Dumb
20:48 The Reason That God Allows the Devil to Tempt Us
24:55 The Devil Does Not Want to Repent
29:38 Humility Destroys the DevilReading from “Spiritual Counsels, Vol. 1: With Pain and Love for Contemporary Man”, p. 52-69📖 Spiritual Counsels, Vol. I: With Pain and Love for Contemporary Man by St. Paisioshttps://www.holycross.org/products/with-pain-and-love-for-contemporary-man-elder-paisios?srsltid=AfmBOooG0oxZfwjniLoIMF1LXDQHdMBKr8W6eXoQxM2xf-AEqHLNx31u🎧 The Struggle Against Thoughts - St. Paisios the Athonitehttps://youtu.be/5sN-zHdnjto🎧 Everyone Needs a Spiritual Father - St. Paisios the Athonitehttps://youtu.be/xaSeWRcJPHo🎧 Fighting the Passions - Archbishop Theophan of Poltavahttps://youtu.be/tNYLK80dFvA🎧 Holiness is in the Struggle! - Elder Athanasios Mitilinaioshttps://youtu.be/Qhm2ffdEBsc⛪ FIND an Orthodox parish and monastery near you: https://orthodox-world.org/https://orthodoxyinamerica.org/🎁Support my work here:https://buymeacoffee.com/orthodoxwisdom_______St. Paisios teaches:There is so much demonic influence in the world today. The devil is roaming free because people have given him the right to do so and they are vulnerable to horrific attacks by him. Once someone rightly said: "In the old days the devil was preoccupied with human beings; not anymore. He shows people the way, tells them 'farewell', and off they go." It's terrible! You see, when the demons wanted to enter the swine in the country of the Gadarenes, they asked for Christ's permission — since the swine had not given the devil an excuse, he did not have the right to possess them! Christ allowed this to happen so that the Israelites, who were forbidden from eating pork, may be punished.The devil can harm us only if we allow him to have power over us. Those who do not participate in the Mysteries of the Church give rights to temptation and become vulnerable to demonic influence.-Geronda, in what other ways can one give rights to the devil? -Rationalism, contradiction, stubbornness, willfulness, disobedience, and insolence all are qualities of the devil. People are vulnerable to the degree that they have these qualities. But when the soul is purified, the Holy Spirit enters a man and fills him with Grace. On the contrary, when it is infected with mortal sin, the unclean spirit dwells in him. When, again, the soul is not mortally infected, then, it is merely under the influence of the evil spirit.
-Geronda, the demons scare me. -What are you afraid of? The devil has no power. Christ is All-powerful. The tempter is rotten. Don't you wear a cross? The devil's weapons are weak. Christ has armed us with His Cross. Only when we abandon our spiritual armour is the enemy strong. An Orthodox priest had only to show a small cross to a sorcerer and the demon he had invoked started trembling.Humility has great power and destroys the devil. It is the strongest shock that we can give the devil. Where there is humility there is no place for him. And where there is no devil, there are, of course, no temptations.Pray that we might continuously give joy to Christ and distress to the devil, since the devil happens to like hell so much that he does not want to repent.

Christ is born! St. Sebastian offers a brief but thought-provoking homily for this glorious feast.📖 A reading from this important vook: The complete works of St. Sebastian: Beacon From the Bayhttps://www.amazon.com/Beacon-Bay-Collected-Sebastian-Francisco/dp/B0DP1FNJCV🎧 Life of St. Sebastian (five parts): https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzFKi22k2KYiAmhiJ6mQaberXVJ0FZePY🎧 The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ - Homily by St. Gregory Palamashttps://youtu.be/DHG2gakIqdQ⛪️ FIND an Orthodox parish and monastery near you: https://orthodox-world.org/https://orthodoxyinamerica.org/🎁Support my work here:https://buymeacoffee.com/orthodoxwisdom_______St. Sebastian teaches:Unfortunately we now often see in the world a decline in religious celebrations of Christian festivals, just as in political and civil holidays we now often notice a tendency to withdraw from public scenes to one's own narrow sphere of privacy, personal comfort, and individual satisfaction. Such conditions are detrimental to society at large. The first cause of it all is the family-the home from which all men and women take into the world the form of their future character. The nation which is devoid of lessons in religion and patriotism in the family-which is the fountain source of all learning—such a nation is going to destruction.We must study the truth to the full measure of our competency, and know our Lord Jesus Christ the Savior. We must use our God-given intellect and discern true doctrine from falsehood. We must worship God with our whole being, body, and soul, consequently, we develop our reason (as our faith grows stronger) and praise the Lord understandingly. For when we worship with the inspiring feeling of our heart only, we bring a half offering. The offering must be whole.When we study the different forms of worship of different people who are considered Christians, we see that some bow in adoration with fervent devotion, while others with exultant heart sing loud praise, as if carried away in ecstasy, depriving the spirit of one of its faculties, i.e., adoration. Now, this is according to science, and those who have studied psychology know it. True and complete science is always compatible with religion. The Orthodox and Apostolic Church has ever held that man must offer praise from a warm heart while devoutly adoring the Sublime both physically and spiritually, and at the same time following truthful doctrine. Yes, we must seek and study the truth. I do not say we can at once perfectly know it, for we must first comprehend God, who is the truth. When we become Christ-like we know the truth, and the truth makes us free._______Orthodox Wisdom is dedicated to sharing the writings and lives of the Saints of the Orthodox Church. Glory to Jesus Christ!

St. Justin Popovic (+1979) the great Serbian theologian of the 20th century, explains the nature and veracity of God being Judge of all creation. "It is natural for the heavenly Sower," writes St. Justin, "who has abundantly sown the seed of eternal, divine truths in the earth of the human soul, to come and see how much of that seed has rotted in the mire of lust, been strangled by the thorns of passion or withered by the coals of sinfulness, and how much has grown and yielded divine fruit, and, also, to reap and winnow the ripe ears of corn."A reading from The Orthodox Church and Ecumenism by St. Justin Popovic, p. 85-88.NOTE: The meaning of Theanthropic: divine (in Greek theos = God) and human (in Greek anthropos = man); the Theanthropos = the God-Man, i.e. Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God.📖 The Orthodox Church and Ecumenism by St. Justin Popovichttps://lazarica.co.uk/bookshop/📖 Orthodox Faith and Life in Christ by St. Justin Popovichttps://ibmgs.org/miscellaneous.html🎧 Introduction to the Lives of the Saints - St. Justin Popovićhttps://youtu.be/q1SQB8O2Aek🎧 Papism as the Oldest Protestantism - St. Justin Popovićhttps://youtu.be/6xXm1PfcQUw⛪ FIND an Orthodox parish and monastery near you: https://orthodox-world.org/https://orthodoxyinamerica.org/🎁Support my work here:https://buymeacoffee.com/orthodoxwisdom_______St. Justin teaches:It is natural for God, who is the Creator, Saviour and Sanctifier, also to be the Judge. As Creator, He brought us from non-being into being, ordaining that, as the goal of our existence, we become Godlike with the help of the soul He gave us in His likeness, and to increase with the increase of God... unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Col. 2:19; Eph. 4:13). As Saviour, He saved us from sin, death and the devil by introducing into human nature, rendered mortal by sin, the principle and the power of resurrection and immortality. As Sanctifier, He has given us by grace, in His theanthropic Body, the Church, all the means and powers necessary for the adoption of His theanthropic ascesis of salvation and the fulfilment of the purpose of our existence. As Judge, He appraises, judges and determines our attitude towards Him as Creator and ourselves as His God-like creation, towards Him as Saviour and ourselves as the subject of salvation, towards Him as the Theanthropos, the Church, the Sanctifier, and ourselves as the object of sanctification, deification and likeness to the Theanthropos.God placed the yeast of desire for Christ into the dough of the human being, so that man, and with him all creation, should rise to Christ. For this reason all creation is essentially christocentric and is strongly drawn towards Christ as its natural and eternal Centre and Goal (cf. Rom. 8:19-23; Col. 1:16-17; Eph. 1:4-5). Whilst God, in His creative, saving and sanctifying role, appears as a tiller, sower and cultivator, He acts in His role as Judge as a reaper and winnower. It is natural for the heavenly Sower, who has abundantly sown the seed of eternal, divine truths in the earth of the human soul, to come and see how much of that seed has rotted in the mire of lust, been strangled by the thorns of passion or withered by the coals of sinfulness, and how much has grown and yielded divine fruit, and, also, to reap and winnow the ripe ears of corn.It would be unpardonably unjust, insulting and tyrannical if God were to act as Judge without having previously appeared as Saviour and Sanctifier. A God who would not reveal the way to eternal life and eternal truth or give men the means of salvation from sin, death and the devil, who would not be their Saviour, would have no right to judge mankind. Mankind would be right to say with one soul and one voice to such a tyrannical God what the wicked servant said in the Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25:24-25).

Met. Luke of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) delivered this address on December 4, 2025 at the conference titled: "The Crucifixion of Orthodoxy in the 21st Century: Spiritual Wars, Ecumenical Offensive, and Global Politics" hosted by Center for Geostrategic Studies in Belgrade, Serbia.📖 The Ecumenical Offensive as a Tool of Geopolitics: Media, Finances, and Diplomacy of the Vatican and the Phanar by Met. Luke of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopolhttps://uoj.news/en/news/85834-uoc-bishop-calls-for-statement-on-boundaries-of-ecumenism🎧 On the Canons of the Ecumenical Councils - Fr. Seraphim Rosehttps://youtu.be/d3nDu6TlWLA🎧 Ecumenism is "Downright Scum, Spiritual Filth" - St. Porphyrios of Kafsokalyviahttps://youtu.be/QxFFmBHbFqM🎧 Ecumenism: One of the Most Dangerous Heresies - St. Sophrony the Athonitehttps://youtu.be/7A0_Vw--4LU🎧 Does the Russian Orthodox Church Need to Participate in the Ecumenical Movement? (Part I/II)https://youtu.be/FjCGKeBaMzw⛪ FIND an Orthodox parish and monastery near you: https://orthodox-world.org/https://orthodoxyinamerica.org/🎁Support my work here:https://buymeacoffee.com/orthodoxwisdom_______Met. Luke teaches:Modern geopolitical struggle extends far beyond economics and military security, actively invading the spiritual sphere. It influences the life of the Church, distorting the understanding of canonical order and the true state of affairs. In this context, ecumenical initiatives of the Vatican and the Ecumenical Patriarchate (Phanar) play a special role, rapidly transforming from platforms for inter-Christian dialogue into instruments of “soft power.” Through media channels, material support, and direct participation in diplomatic processes, these centers influence elite sympathies, legitimize new church (and quasi-church) structures, and alter the balance of power in entire regions, as vividly demonstrated by the example of Ukraine.Modern ecumenism, initiated by the Vatican and the Phanar, often goes beyond theological dialogue, turning into a means for forming geopolitical alliances, exerting pressure on local Orthodox churches, introducing liberal social agendas, and justifying the legitimacy of secular state interference in internal church processes. Thus, the form of “dialogue” is used as a diplomatic platform for advancing influence.The Vatican demonstrates significant experience in constructing interconfessional dialogue, humanitarian initiatives, and political diplomacy, creating for itself the image of a “peacemaker”. Ecumenical dialogue is used by it as a channel for forming special relations with influential states, influencing religious processes in Eastern Europe, and promoting Catholic social doctrine as a global norm.The risks and consequences of this activity for Orthodoxy include:-Doctrinal dilution and institutional subordination to the Vatican.-Polarization within the Orthodox world, as there is a threat of division into supporters of different centers.-Instrumentalization of religion by secular states through support for certain church actors.-Loss of trust among believers, who may begin to perceive the Church as a political project.-Escalation of inter-Orthodox conflicts using information campaigns and sanctions.6. Spiritual and Theological Measures-Increase in conciliar anathematizations and public condemnations of modern forms of ecumenism and “Eastern Papism” (following the example of the ROCOR decisions of 1983 on ecumenism).-Revival everywhere of the practice of public reading of the “Synodikon of Orthodoxy” on the Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy, with additions for modern threats.-Periodic prayer services for the enlightenment of those who have fallen away (in the diocese entrusted to me, I commemorate “those who cause us afflictions” during the Great Entrance when transferring the Gifts).

For a very breif time in 1991, Elder Ephraim (+2019) was a member of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR). Compelled to address his reasons for joining the Synod, Elder Ephraim composed this statement explaining the position of ROCOR and its canonicity. His statement is valuable to all Orthodox Christians in today's struggle against the heresy of Ecumenism and for the unity of the Orthodox Church.0:00 Introduction1:52 Elder Ephraim's StatementThe inclusion of the introduction by the editors of Orthodox Tradition (Old Calendarists from Etna, CA) is neither to promote nor demote them. At minimum, their words provide valuable context and are appropriate in setting up the audience for their english translation of Elder Ephraim's original greek. It's up to the listener to draw their own conclusions about the Old Calenderists and more importantly, the words of Elder Ephraim. 📖 Elder Ephraim on the Russian Orthodox Church Abroadhttp://orthodoxinfo.com/ecumenism/ephraim_roca.aspx🎧 PLAYLIST: Elder Ephraim of AZ & St. Joseph the Hesychast - Readingshttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzFKi22k2KYg5pt1Tvc3lnjd41E9pdR-p🎧 The Church, Ecumenism, and the Salvation of the World - Elder Ephraim of Philotheou and Arizonahttps://youtu.be/Srl9lCkmCM4🎧 Pray the Jesus Prayer with Elder Ephraim:https://youtu.be/pmFA4LTADQE?si=ig5DyyyQgX-WEgOA🎧 On Trials and Temptations - Elder Ephraim of Arizonahttps://youtu.be/yX68hapAbjY⛪ FIND an Orthodox parish and monastery near you: https://orthodox-world.org/https://orthodoxyinamerica.org/🎁Support my work here:https://buymeacoffee.com/orthodoxwisdom_______Elder Ephraim writes:The Apostolic Succession of the Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad cannot be impugned, since all of the present Bishops hold canonical Consecrations from the Bishops of the pre-Revolutionary era and their successors.Patriarch Tikhon, foreseeing a bleak future for the Russian Church, issued a decree to the Bishops outside Soviet Russia, granting them the right to organize self-governing synodal bodies. Despite this, the exiled Russian Hierarchs, having lived in an atmosphere of utmost loyalty to the law and obedience under the Tsar, insisted, during their first few years of exile, on maintaining contact with their base (Patriarch Tikhon and his successors) and to seek from there approval for their more momentous decisions at least—though this was difficult under their circumstances at the time (persecutions, banishments, etc.). This communion was abruptly cut off by the capitulation of the locum tenens and later Patriarch [Sergius] (Stragorodsky) in his infamous declaration—something totally unacceptable to the Bishops in exile—, assuring the full submission of the Church to the atheist regime and ordering the faithful to show full obedience to and pray for the Soviet authorities. In my opinion, this rupture in communion was justified by the Canons, which provide for the cessation of all commemoration of the first Hierarch of a local Church in the event that he preaches heretical teachings; for Marxism is not only a political system, but entails a secular worldview, indeed a heresy.