The most unexpected questions for priests

Orthodox Life

1. Is it possible to repost about financial assistance to those in need on social networks?

Hello, father! I would like to know: from the Sermon on the Mount we know, “let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing!” (Matthew 6:3), the elders also said: “... do not share the secret of your charity. A good deed is a rarity in this world, and that is why it must be cherished like the apple of one’s eye. Don't praise yourself for doing good things. Pride will immediately see and take away all the good that came as a result of this charity...”

And if you need help distributing a repost and time is pressing, why not use social networks for practically good purposes? Is it possible to repost about financial assistance to those in need on social networks?

Best regards, Larisa

Archpriest Alexander Ilyashenko answers:

Hello, Larisa!

Yes, of course, you can repost. And there is no contradiction here: after all, a repost is simply posting a request for help, and not a story about how you personally helped in this or that case, not a boast about how much you yourself donated; that is, you don’t talk about your personal participation in helping, don’t boast about it, don’t be proud. Of course, reposting is also a help, but it requires such minimal effort from the person personally that it is unlikely that anyone expects special praise or rewards for the repost, right?

But there is another important point here. Very often, social networks are used by scammers. Therefore, it is important to repost not all requests in a row, but either from people you personally know, or advertisements for help from those sites that specialize in charitable activities and carefully check each request before posting information (for example, the Orthodoxy and Peace charity foundation ", website "Miloserdie.ru", etc.).

Read about how to identify scammers hiding behind charitable activities here.

Sincerely, Archpriest Alexander Ilyashenko

2. Is it possible to bet on sports in bookmakers?

Good evening! Tell me, please, is it possible to bet on sports in bookmakers? After all, the Church blesses athletes to compete in the Olympic Games, and athletes receive money for their play and victories, which they can then donate to the temple. For example, Svetlana Kuznetsova, a tennis player, donated almost one million dollars from her tournament winnings to the temple several years ago.

Priest Antony Skrynnikov answers:

Hello, Alexey!

I am sure that it is not proper for Christians to do this. However, the comparison between a person who plays sports and bets on sports is not justified. Holy Scripture tells us about the need to work to earn our living. Betting on sports can hardly be called necessary and useful work, which, moreover, is associated with the passion of gambling.

Sincerely, priest Antony Skrynnikov

3. Is it possible to put an icon on the phone screensaver?

Is it possible to put an icon on the screensaver of your phone? Svetlana.

Priest Dionysius Svechnikov answers:

Hello Svetlana!

I think you shouldn't do this. A screensaver is a regular background image, a pleasant picture or photograph that pleases the eye when you turn on the phone. It would be inappropriate to place an icon there. You shouldn’t turn your phone into a red corner, everything has its place.

Sincerely, priest Dionisy Svechnikov

Saint-Petersburg Theological Academy/flickr.com

4. How does Orthodoxy relate to e-sports and computer games in general, if they devote little time to them?

How does Orthodoxy relate to e-sports and computer games in general, if a little time is devoted to them, it does not harm a person’s family relationships and he knows how to separate the real from the virtual? Georgy.

Priest Igor Dudko answers:

Hello, Georgy!

“A little time” is a relative concept. For some this means an hour a day, but for others even 3 hours is not enough. In this situation, a person must have for himself a measure of whether he is spiritually, intellectually and physically perfect enough to devote his free time to computer games. The decision is up to you.

Sincerely, priest Igor Dudko

5. What prayer should I read for my friend to quit smoking?

Hello! What prayer should I read for my friend to quit smoking? Hope.

Priest Dionysius Svechnikov answers:

Hello, Nadezhda!

Why do you think that prayer is a magic wand, with the wave of which a friend will quit smoking? Prayer is an appeal to God, a request for help. If your friend wants to quit smoking and makes efforts to do so, then you should pray for God’s help. To her about herself first of all. You can use your own words.

Sincerely, priest Dionisy Svechnikov

6. I would like to know the position of the Russian Orthodox Church regarding the names of the planets of the solar system, since they are non-Christian.

Good afternoon I would like to know the position of the Russian Orthodox Church regarding the names of the planets of the solar system, since they are non-Christian. How does the Church propose to name the planets? Does the Church have names for the planets instead of those that are known to most? Thank you. Svyatoslav.

Priest Anthony Lynov answers:

Hello, Svyatoslav!

The Russian Orthodox Church did not consider the issue of the names of the planets. They have already firmly entered into scientific use, centuries ago, and no alternative names have been introduced. On the other hand, the Church, which relies on the Holy Scriptures, has always, in polemics with pagan ideas, recalled the lines from the book of Genesis:

And God said: Let there be lights in the expanse of the heaven to separate the day from the night, and for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and for years;
and let them be lamps in the firmament of the heaven to give light on the earth. And so it became.
And God created two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night, and the stars;
and God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light on the earth,
and to rule the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.

(Genesis 1:14-18)

That is, as one theologian accurately said, the luminaries are not the habitat of some gods and not their embodiment, but simply lighting and warning systems created by God the Creator for people. And Christians pray to God the Creator, Who contains the entire Universe with His power. And the remaining Roman names do not carry anything dangerous, but simply remind of the pagan errors of the past at a certain stage in the historical path of mankind.

Sincerely, priest Anthony Lynov

7. Is it possible to obtain a biometric passport?

She got married and took her husband’s last name, but didn’t take into account that for some time now they don’t issue regular passports, only biometric ones. What should we do now? The old passport has a stamp that I have to change within a month, but I’m afraid to take a biometric one with a chip, since there is a lot of information that this is already on the path to renouncing Christ. Victoria.

Priest Dionysius Svechnikov answers:

Hello, Victoria!

The official position of the Church is that there is nothing terrible in the new passports, no renunciation of Christ. And think for yourself - is it possible that when receiving this passport someone is asking to renounce Christ? Renunciation is a conscious action when a person expresses his will orally, in writing or by some symbolic action.

Renunciation cannot be veiled; it is obvious and undisguised. For example, during baptism, the priest asks a person - do you deny Satan, all his works, all his angels and all his ministry? To which a person, showing his will, responds - I deny. Renunciation with confirmation is pronounced three times. Then three times, with confirmation and confession of the Orthodox faith, a person is called to pronounce words of combination with Christ, in response to the priest’s question, “Are you combined with Christ?” Therefore, I believe that obtaining a passport has nothing to do with a real renunciation of Christ, which is what so frightens opponents of biometric passports and Taxpayer Identification Numbers.

Sincerely, priest Dionisy Svechnikov

8. What should a real Christian be like?

Hello! I kindly ask you to help me understand one issue. The fact is that before joining the church, I was very sociable, bright and attracting everyone’s attention. When I began to become a church member, I began to feel the need for more silence and loneliness. There was a feeling that all my former brightness and pomposity was just a false mask.

On the one hand, I feel that I need to be more modest, but on the other hand, when I am quiet and silent in a company, I seem downtrodden to myself. It's like I'm suppressing myself... I'm 24. I'm not married and I'm not dating anyone at the moment. And I am scared that if I am quiet and silent, the man who is destined by God will not notice me.

What should a real Christian be like? I beg you to resolve my doubts and finally calm my restless soul. Sorry if the questions seem very strange. Eve.

Priest Philip Parfenov answers:

Hello, Eva!

First of all, do not rack your brains over what “a real Christian woman should be,” because this “real Christian woman” can only exist in your imagination, but not in reality. But in reality, God allows us to be different, with different characters and abilities, some more sociable, cheerful, sociable, others more solitary and reserved.

The main thing is to be yourself and find yourself, know yourself! This can only be achieved with complete trust in God and openness to Him and His will. “The man destined by God” will find you in any case, if he is exactly what he is destined for. The main thing is, again, to be yourself and not pretend to be an imaginary Christian, not to fit yourself into any given model. God will be able to do something with us and help us precisely when we behave naturally, and do not play some roles and do not try on other people’s clothes.

Sincerely, priest Philip Parfenov

9. Why did computers used to be considered sedition, but now you can even pray via the Internet for a fee?

About 15 years ago, during a Sunday sermon, the priest denounced computers and the Internet. And this sermon impressed me so much. Time has passed, now Orthodox websites have appeared, even notes about health and repose can be submitted via the Internet. Pay the money and you don't have to go to church. Why did computers used to be considered sedition, but now you can even pray via the Internet for a fee? Galina.

Priest Philip Parfenov answers:

Dear Galina!

Everything is explained simply - that priest spoke about the Internet and computers solely out of his ignorance and stupidity. 15 years ago there were already quite a lot of Internet users, including the same Orthodox websites, and the previous Patriarch Alexy raised the issue of church presence on the Internet back in the late 1990s.

Unfortunately, our Orthodox environment is often “sick” with ignorance and incompetence, and even different priests undertake to judge what they do not understand at all and about which they have no idea. But as for “praying for a fee” via the Internet, there really is reason to be skeptical about this.

Firstly, these sites may not be related to church parishes at all - any programmer can create such a site for fraudulent purposes. Secondly, it makes sense to submit notes primarily when the clergy and other parishioners know you and know for whom they will pray, and this prayer will be more or less meaningful, and not just a mechanical reading of names on pieces of paper.

Sincerely, priest Philip Parfenov

10. Are humility and defending your rights compatible?

Hello! I am interested in your opinion regarding the concept of “humility”. After all, to be a real man, you need to be decisive, proactive, and firm. Turning a blind eye to someone's lawlessness, lack of culture or disrespect only breeds impunity. It is clear that there are exceptions when you need to show leniency - family members, children, elderly people, inexperienced people who accidentally made a mistake. But otherwise, humility is of little use in achieving goals.

I believe that you need to act calmly without emotions, calling on God’s help, but firmly and decisively. It’s just that the Gospel basically talks about “...blessed are you when they revile you...”, “blessed are the meek...”. Yes, Christ drove the merchants out of the temple. But in many ways, the preaching of the Gospel, as well as the tradition of the holy fathers, focuses precisely on the position of non-resistance and isolated salvation of one’s soul.

And I am sure that a real man should: serve in the army - and, if necessary, fight, defending the Motherland. In civilian life, be ready to protect if you see violence against a defenseless person. Have an active civic position - protest and fight against the spread of abominations: blasphemous films, same-sex marriage, abortion, juvenile justice, etc. Go to rallies and pickets. To be responsible for the behavior of your family members and to instruct - the wife and children are a reflection of the head of the family.

To the best of our ability, stop incivility - bark at a smoker in the entrance or in the middle of a crowded bus stop, make a remark to a female colleague whose hemispheres are falling out of her mini-shorts, discourage young people from wanting to play music loudly in the middle of the yard at night, teach neighbors how to This means not littering in the entrance.

Always and everywhere demand that you be treated with appropriate respect, demand the proper quality of the goods and services for which you pay. The staff will follow suit; when a demanding person is on the horizon, they “use their heads.” Be legally savvy and be able to defend your rights with administrative structures - housing and communal services, district governments, inspections, etc. Then there will be light in the yard, and savings, and there will be no need to pay unfair fines. Peter.

Priest Philip Parfenov answers:

Hello, Peter!

Humility, first of all, is not to consider oneself superior to others and not to have a high opinion of oneself. Do not pray, for example, and do not treat others as the Pharisee did: “God, I thank You that I am not like other people, robbers, offenders, adulterers” and further in the text (Luke 18: 9-14). In general, do not consider yourself better than others, but rather consider others higher than yourself. But this does not at all exclude what you wrote next!

In all such situations, the Apostle Paul calls to honor the existing authorities, since it is for these purposes that they were established: “for the ruler is God’s servant, for your good. But if you do evil, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain: he is God’s servant, an avenger to punish those who do evil” (Rom. 13:4). For these purposes, the army, the police, the courts, and other institutions exist. If the government itself does not fulfill its purpose well, naturally, we have to unite from below and defend our rights, there is no escape.

The tradition of the holy fathers is very diverse, but each era, including each of us, can choose from this diversity what is closer to him and what he likes best, thereby unwittingly distorting the overall picture. Individualism currently dominates, unfortunately, including among believers, which is why they like to focus on the “isolated salvation of their soul.” Although no one can be saved alone without fulfilling the commandment to love one’s neighbors.

Sincerely, priest Philip Parfenov

11. Is it permissible for an Orthodox Christian to work as a realtor?

Good evening! I'm going to try myself as a realtor. Until yesterday I was very serious and confident in myself, but suddenly I started thinking. My attitude towards banks and debt collectors is clear: I will never work for them. But here are the realtors!

For example, I helped sell someone’s apartment for a certain amount and from this amount I will receive my percentage as a reward. Isn't this immoral? Something about all of this constantly gnaws at me. Otherwise, a bank employee who gives loans can be justified by the fact that he does not force anyone to take them. It’s the same with a realtor: people themselves sign an agreement, agreeing to pay you a percentage of the deal if you do your job for them. Dmitriy.

Priest Philip Parfenov answers:

Hello Dmitry!

Many professions have their own risks and pitfalls, not only real estate. Here, by the way, respectable people are especially needed, it seems to me. Therefore, do not quit, but simply do this work conscientiously and professionally, without chasing the “long ruble”, and God will help you, I am sure of it!

Sincerely, priest Philip Parfenov

12. Is it possible to eat using an app on your phone during fasting?

Is it possible to eat using an app on your phone while fasting? Last Lent, I ate according to the 10Levels app, since it included a fasting plan. But a friend, she is also a believer, says that this is a sin, since the application is for weight loss, and therefore for vanity, and fasting is about something completely different. What should I do? Marina.

Priest Philip Parfenov answers:

Dear Marina!

Of course, fasting is not a diet or fasting. The dietary side is only one of many in fasting, and not the most important. I have never used the application on my phone and I don’t know what is offered there. Whether it is possible or not is not the question in this case, there may be different opinions, and get used to the fact that there will be different points of view on many secondary issues.

Try to abstain, first of all, from those types of food to which you have a special attachment and dependence (besides, of course, meat and dairy in general). For some, for example, it is more beneficial to limit yourself from sweets, others from flour, etc.

Sincerely, priest Philip Parfenov

13. Is it possible to survive during the Apocalypse if you are in a bunker?

Please tell me, is it possible to survive during the Apocalypse if you are in a bunker? Marina.

Priest Philip Parfenov answers:

Apocalypse, dear Marina, simply means “revelation” in Greek. This is the name of the last book of the New Testament - “The Revelation of John the Theologian.” And in this book, in symbolic images, which, by the way, cannot be understood outside of the entire Old Testament and prophetic books, it tells about what awaits the Church of Christ and the whole world, but this does not apply to some definite or indefinite future, but to the entire Christian stories!

That is, the Apocalypse has been happening for a long time, almost all of 2000 years. What Jesus warned about in the Gospel (“You will be sorrowful in the world, but take heart – I have overcome the world” - John 16:33), Christians experience one way or another in all eras, and this is also written about in this book, and the end By the way, she is optimistic, precisely because victory will be with Jesus. Therefore, there is no need to hide in any bunkers!

Sincerely, priest Philip Parfenov

14. Why is there no mention of dinosaurs in the Bible?

Hello, scientists are finding various remains of dinosaurs and other large lizards. But the Bible and other sources do not talk about these creatures. Why is there no mention of this anywhere? And even when God created the world, there wasn’t a single line about them? Denis.

Priest Philip Parfenov answers:

Dear Denis,

The fact is that the Bible is not at all a chronicle of events that took place long ago, and certainly not a textbook on archeology or paleontology. It is written in “iconographic” and a kind of mythological language, including elements of poetry, so its texts must be taken accordingly and not always literally.

However, some biblical scholars believe that there is still an indirect reference to dinosaurs and other animals from this range. When we read in the Russian Synodal translation: “And God created great fish and every living thing that moves” (Gen. 1:21), then the expression of the Hebrew original is “et ha-taninim ha-gdolim” (־הַגְּדֹלִ֑ים הַתַּנִּינִ֖ם אֶת) should be translated soon as "big snakes".

In the new Russian translation of RBO 2011, this verse was translated as “and God created huge sea monsters.” These “monsters” could well include the leviathan mentioned in various places in the Bible (it is possible that a plesiosaur from the scientific point of view - see Ps. 103:26, Job 40:20), as well as other fossil species that have not reached us .

Sincerely, priest Philip Parfenov

15. Is it true that people descended from monkeys?

Good afternoon. Please tell me, is it true that people descended from monkeys? Somehow I don’t believe it, but they do find remains. And if so, when did these metamorphoses take place: before or after the flood? Galina.

Priest Anthony Lynov answers:

Hello, Galina!

People, of course, were created by God the Creator, and therefore man is the image of God. But the mechanism of the creation process in Revelation is written very figuratively. There is still no consensus on what is considered the “day of creation” - 24 hours or millions of years. Or how exactly man was created, because man is the unity of soul and body.

Saint Theophan the Recluse wrote in one of his letters: “When we transfer the characteristics of a person into the spirit, then Darwin’s entire theory falls by itself. For in the origin of man it is necessary to explain not just how his animal life occurs, but even more so how he came into being as a spiritual person in an animal body with his animal life and soul.”

The presence of evolution of the human body does not deny the Divine act of creating the spiritual principle in man. The same saint wrote about the creation of man: “The body is especially created from dust. It was not a dead body, but a living one with an animal soul. A spirit will be breathed into this soul - God's spirit, destined to know God, to honor God, to seek and eat God. This spirit, uniting with the soul of an animal, raised it above the soul of animals by a whole stage, and we see in man that, to a certain extent, everything goes with him, like with animals, to the point of intelligence.”

So the All-Wise Creator could make evolution His instrument for the creation of man.

Peace and joy to you in Christ Jesus!

Sincerely, priest Anthony Lynov

16. Why did the Lord send a Son to earth and not a Daughter?

Hello. Why did the Lord send the Son to earth, and not the Daughter, in male guise? Alexander.

Priest Philip Parfenov answers:

Hello, Alexander!

Let's assume on the contrary: if everything had been initially according to your assumption, then you could just as easily ask: “Why did the Lord send the Daughter, and not the Son, in a female form?” Probably, mainly because Adam, a man, was created first, and woman was second, and her position was more subordinate (although you understand, here you can ask again: why exactly the man was the first, and not the woman, etc.). Christ, therefore, is the New Adam, or the second, in contrast to the first, the old. If it were the other way around, then your version would most likely be fulfilled.

Sincerely, priest Philip Parfenov

Saint-Petersburg Theological Academy/flickr.com

17. Can God change the past?

Do you think God can change the past? Julia.

Priest Philip Parfenov answers:

Dear Julia, the word “God” is always written with a capital letter, it is a proper name when talking about the one true God. Literally God cannot change and does not change the past, naturally. What happened has already happened one way or another. But in some figurative sense, God can, of course, change the past - in the repentance of the one who turns to Him and asks for forgiveness of his sins, and in conversion, in changing his life. Then past sins no longer exist for that person.

Sincerely, priest Philip Parfenov

18. Is it a sin to pray for a cat’s health?

Hello! I have two questions (don’t think it’s stupid, they are very important to me). I have a cat, whom I love very much, and every night, when I pray for loved ones and relatives, I ask God for health for her too. Is this considered a great sin? Cats were also created by the Lord, which means He loves them too? Am I committing a serious sin, and if so, how can I ask to give health to God’s creation? Thank you. Julia.

Priest Alexander Petrov answers:

Hello Julia!

Animals constitute the part of the created world closest to humans. God protects people and leads them to salvation. But the dumb creature does not leave without care. The Bible says that animals are under the protection of the Creator: “Your righteousness is like the mountains of God, and Your destinies are like a great abyss! Thou protectest men and beasts, O Lord!” (Ps. 35:7). Even the smallest bird is not forgotten by the Lord (Luke 12:6). God feeds them: “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow, nor reap, nor gather into barns; and your Father in heaven feeds them. Aren't you much better than them? (Matthew 6:26).

The law that God gave to Israel also protected animals and provided for a Sabbath rest for them: “Six years you shall sow your land and gather its produce, and in the seventh year you shall leave it alone, so that the poor of your people may eat, and the animals may eat the remains after them.” field <…> Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your servant and the stranger may rest” (Ex. 23: 10-12).

The Holy Scripture says: “The righteous man cares for the life of his livestock, but the heart of the wicked is hard” (Prov. 12:10). The care of some saints for animals is known from their lives: Gerasim of Jordan about the lion, Sergius of Radonezh and Seraphim of Sarov about bears, etc.

Animals do not have the image of God, so we cannot pray for mercy and salvation for them. But we can ask God for them (primarily for those who are our helpers in the household). There is a “Prayer for the blessing of the flock”: “Sovereign Lord our God, who has power over all creatures, we pray to You, and we ask You, just as You blessed and multiplied the flock of the patriarch Jacob, bless the herd of these cattle of Your servant (name) and multiply and strengthen , and create in thousands, and deliver from the violence of the devil, and from foreigners, and from every slander of enemies, and the air of death, and destructive illness: protect your holy angels from all weakness, all envy, and temptation, sorcery and magic, from the action of the devil, driving away from it: for Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, of the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen" (Complete collection of prayers, St. Petersburg, 1914).

But our attention to animals and care for them should not for a moment distract our moral consciousness from the most important commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). It happens that a person gets irritated with people, hurts them, but always treats his dog or cat kindly. This speaks of a false structure of spiritual and moral life. “Penetrate, beloved, into the intelligent essence of the soul; and don’t delve into it lightly. The immortal soul is a precious vessel. Look how great heaven and earth are, and God was not pleased about them, but only about you. Look at your dignity and nobility, because he did not send angels, but the Lord himself came to intercede for you, to call upon the lost, wounded, to return to you the original image of pure Adam” (Venerable Macarius the Great. Spiritual conversations. Conversation 26.1).

Sincerely, priest Alexander Petrov

19. Is it necessary to baptize a child who was conceived immaculately?

Hello, I recently became the godmother of a teenager, and after the sacrament I was left with my father’s words that the child’s original sin is, as it were, removed by baptism. The question is this: I myself had a child born as a result of IVF, i.e. in fact, he was conceived immaculately and, therefore, there is no original sin on him, if I correctly understand the very interpretation of this term as the absence of intimacy between the parents of the child at his conception. Question: Is it necessary to baptize a child who is immaculately conceived? Tatiana.

Priest Philip Parfenov answers:

Hello Tatiana!

What does “immaculately conceived” even mean? “Immaculate” in the theological sense means “without seed.” In this sense, only one Jesus Christ was conceived in this way - from the Holy Spirit and without the participation of a man, as we read in the Gospels. In your case, ordinary fertilization occurred from a man’s seed, only without direct contact with the husband.

As for original sin, the question is very dark and not clarified, in my opinion. Yes, there is such a widespread theological opinion that in baptism this original sin is removed (although the main consequence of original sin - death and the general tendency to sin - is not removed at all after baptism, otherwise everyone would be sinless and immortal), but I would emphasize before all that in baptism everyone is born to life in Christ and becomes a member of the Body of Christ, that is, His Church. Are you going to introduce your child to faith and church life? Then, naturally, this presupposes baptism.

Sincerely, priest Philip Parfenov

20. My husband’s parents plan to dig potatoes on the Feast of the Transfiguration. I’m worried, but I couldn’t dissuade them. What to do?

Hello. Please tell me that August 19 is a big holiday. But my husband’s parents planned to dig potatoes. I tried to dissuade them, but they couldn’t do it another time. They are working. I am very worried, I know that this is a great sin. But I can't do anything. What to do in such a situation?

Priest Rodion Ivanov answers:

Hello Maria!

If you can, go to the church service yourself and pray for them there. No - then while digging potatoes, try to be in silence and prayer, and the Lord will bless your work. And from your harvest, bring a donation to the temple as gratitude to God. And go to church on Sunday - the 20th - the Feast of the Transfiguration lasts several days.

Sincerely, priest Rodion Ivanov

Orthodoxy and peace

Questions about interesting and educational

Questions to the priest about interesting and educational things

Peace be with you, dear visitors of the Orthodox website “Family and Faith”!

Here is a section of questions and answers on very interesting topics, in which priests talk about life in the next world, about space, mysticism and much more.

INTERESTING

• What is the contradiction between Christianity and life on other planets?

• Why do they say that the material world is evil?

• Does a person have a subconscious?

• Does a name influence a person's destiny?

• Can an Orthodox Christian have two names ?

• And by changing our name, can we change our destiny?

• Has time really started to go faster?

• Why did Adam's sin pass on to his descendants?

• Where does the soul come from before it is born in a person?

• Why are those people born about whom the Lord knows that they will not be saved?

• Is killing in war a feat?

ABOUT LIFE IN THE OTHER WORLD

• Where is the Kingdom of Heaven?

• What happens to a person after his death?

• What will happen to the souls of sinners?

• Is joy possible in heaven if relatives are in hell?

• How can the righteous rejoice in Paradise, knowing that their loved ones are in hell?

• How can the All-Good God allow eternity of torment?

• Will the Lord really allow people to suffer eternally in hell?

• How is the resurrection of our body possible?

• If you see the dead, what should you do?

• I dreamed of a deceased relative - what is this dream for?

• I dreamed of my dead father and asked me not to pray for him. What to do?

• Crest in the sky. What does this phenomenon mean?

LIFE AROUND US

• Why is there so much evil in the world? Where is God?

• Is a miracle of healing possible today?

• How should a Christian approach photography?

• Is it permissible for an Orthodox Christian to physically defend himself?

• About the attitude of the Church to naked art

• How does Orthodoxy relate to theater?

• In the eternal fire and a minute of silence - where did they come from?

• Should you believe dreams?

CHURCH AND MYSTICITY

• What is an oath and why can’t you swear?

• it possible to curse a person with an involuntary thought?

• Why do people remember God only in times of trouble?

• The attitude of the Church to the number of the beast 666

• Where is the line between sorcery, magic and science?

• About psychics and sorcerers

• How do traditional healers treat? Who are psychics?

• Do the right psychics exist?

• What are “love spells”, “evil eye” and “damage”, and can dreams be trusted?

• How does mysticism differ from religion?

• you believe in horoscopes and astrological forecasts?

• Why can't you read horoscopes and lunar calendars?

• How should you treat a person who practices witchcraft?

• What is the attitude of the Church towards healers?

• we believe the words of the “clairvoyant”?

• How does the Church treat the “clairvoyant” Vanga?

• Is it a bad omen? The priest's answer

• Christmas fortune-telling and Orthodoxy

• The brownie has appeared! What to do?

• How does the Church relate to such concepts as corruption?

• About the “love spell”. The priest's answer

• What is stronger: good or evil?

MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS

• Such an incomprehensible Church Slavonic language

• “ What I find you in, I judge you in” – where does this phrase come from?

• What is karma? The priest's answer

• it possible to find out the will of God from the Bible?

• How does the Church view vegetarianism?

• Why do we pray to saints and not directly to God?

• putting notes to an icon a superstition?

• Selfless heroism in our time. Does it exist?

• What is meant by the heart in the Orthodox tradition?

• Is love higher than faith?

• Is it true that the Lord does not give a person tests that he cannot bear?

• from the Lord, then where does bad come from?

• true that man descended from apes?

• Where did the expression “money has no smell” come from?

• Where did the expression come from: “Man proposes, but God disposes”?

• Why do priests give different answers?

• Does all authority come from God?

• Modern priesthood and the near future

• Orthodox attitude to the theory of evolution

22.10.2016

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People nowadays have many questions related to the Christian Orthodox religion, answers to which they strive to get, and our site will help you get answers to your questions just like many other Orthodox sites called to bring light to the world and most importantly, answers to your questions. Ask a question to Father Igor and soon you will receive an answer to your question. There is no need to be embarrassed or worried, you don’t have to write your last name when asking a question, but simply indicate your first name.

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Questions and Answers Pages

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1 id: 1780 Question to the priest: Passion 01/04/2022
Valeria : “Father Igor, hello. How is pride healed? What needs to be done, how to correct it, what to pay attention to? Can pride fade away? I’m not getting better, I’m very worried. What is true humility? What is the difference between downtroddenness and true humility? Can true humility really answer? And is it possible, with true humility, to stand up for your rights? » Answer from the priest: Watch video answer
2 id: 1779 Question to the priest: Children. No, it’s not possible to have children 01/03/2022
Anonymous : “Good afternoon! I'm sorry for everything. We have been married for 3 years. I can't have children yet. Doctors say that in general almost everything is normal, but you need to give birth as soon as possible, otherwise it won’t work out later. We are very sad. Seeing when drunks and drug addicts give birth to children, and some children die after birth, it becomes offensive. What have we done that God doesn’t send us children? We want our children. But we don't have much time. How do you feel about IVF? Sorry again for everything. « Answer from the priest: Watch video answer
3 id: 1778 Question to the priest: Despair from awareness of sins 01/01/2022
Maria : “Hello, father! I am in very deep despair and completely confused. As a child and teenager, I went to church with my family. When I became a student, I went to live in another place and stopped going to church and gradually moved away from the faith. Now I understand that when I used to go to church, I didn’t appreciate it at all. I prayed mechanically, constantly thought about extraneous things, waited all the time for the service to end, confessed too coldly and rarely, and also rarely received communion. As I see now, I simply approached the priest, automatically recited the sins I had read in the book, without true internal repentance, and did not name the sins for which I was truly ashamed. During my student life, I fell into terrible and terrible sins (living with men in fornication is one of these sins), which I now regret very much and cry a lot. One day, having committed one terrible sin, I realized that I was sliding into the abyss and needed to stop. Realizing what I had done and what I had come to, I despaired. I wanted to turn to God in prayer for the first time in a long time, but I was afraid because I thought that he had rejected me forever. Because of unbearable mental pain, I began to read spiritual literature, the Holy Fathers, I was in church a couple of times for services, for the first time in my life I stood through the entire service and was very glad that I was in church. Gradually reading spiritual literature, I began to understand the horror of my student sins. Then, when I sinned, I did not see how serious what I was doing was. I cry all the time. Now I have changed my life a lot. I hate my terrible sins and do not commit them again and do not want to commit such things in the future. The wounds on the soul from these sins hurt very much and cause severe torment. I realize now that previously I had only such goals in life as to spend my life in pleasure and selfishness. I realize that I never sincerely confessed and this is my very big mistake. I had very misconceptions about many things in Christianity, as I now understand. I have very strong despair, I feel very dirty and disgusting, I have severe pain in my body at night from horror, because it seems to me that God will never forgive me and everything is over for me. I began to have thoughts of committing suicide, because it seems to me that God hates me, because I fell into sins, although I knew that this was a sin, since I had heard from this before, when I went to church as a child, that this should not be done. I really want to improve and start a new life, I want to do good deeds, I want to go to church, go to confession and receive communion. I wrote lists of my sins from the age of 7, it turned out to be a lot of pages. I read these lists and am horrified. I’m going to go to confession, to sincerely repent for the first time in my life, but I’m afraid how the priest will react to my sins and what if he suddenly says that I have no forgiveness. Thanks a lot! " The priest's answer: Watch video answer
4 id: 1776 Question to the priest: Relationships 12/27/2021
Sergey : "Good afternoon, forgive me, I liked a Caucasian girl on the Internet, she is 34 years old, like me, I knew her on the Internet for 9 years, she a good person helped many people, but she was married off to some rich man and taken to another country. The girl is Muslim, I don’t know whether to wait for her or build another family with someone else, she said that she might come back, we both love each other. And she wanted to convert to Orthodoxy. » Answer from the priest: Watch video answer
5 id: 1775 Question to the priest: Late marriage and childlessness. 12/27/2021
Anna : “Good afternoon, Father! How do you think. What can you advise a woman if she got married late and, due to her age, was no longer able to have children, but left for someone else? who was able to give birth? Thank you in advance and God bless! " The priest's answer: Watch video answer
6 id: 1774 Question to the priest: Words spoken 12/25/2021
Andrey : “Hello Father Igor! I visited the cemetery once again, but this time, not alone, but with my mother. In this cemetery, most of our relatives and friends are buried. When I came to the grave of my beloved. First of all, I change the flowers, new ones with old ones. I want to emphasize, only fresh flowers! After this, I prayed the Akathist for the one who died. After that, I kissed the portrait on the monument, saying that I love her and “See you soon.” My mother saw and heard all this and was shocked. She immediately told me, “Are you stupid?” To say such things in a cemetery. Like you have to say, “Wait for me a long time.” This made me angry and frayed my nerves. I answered her: What I always say, at the grave, that I LOVE and SEE YOU SOON. I spoke, I speak and I will speak. Please tell me, did I answer my mother correctly? Give me advice as a confessor. Thanks for the answer! » Answer from the priest: Watch video answer
7 id: 1772 Question to the priest: Family. 12/20/2021
Svetlana : “A wise believer met in a church, worked, ran a farm, two children were born, stopped working, there is not enough money, how to take care of the children, what happened to him, he fell into despondency and despair, I worry about the children, now everything is expensive. " The priest's answer: Watch video answer
8 id: 1771 Question to the priest: Love 12/16/2021
Stanislav : “Hello Father Igor. Help me understand the situation. I fell in love with a girl who is ten years younger than me. We talked for half a year. I had plans to marry her. Because of the age difference, she hid our relationship from her parents. In the end, they did find out. Her mother is categorically against it. I had to break up. Three years have passed since then. Since we had mutual sympathy, it is impossible to forget it completely. Moreover, during this time I did not find anyone. Here I need to add that I am from a poor family, and this girl is from a rich one. In general, three years later, I contacted her mother in order to receive a blessing for a relationship with her daughter, she was again against it. Judging by the conversation, I realized that this was due to the age difference and the fact that I did not have money so that I could provide the standard of living to which they were accustomed. She thinks it will be a mistake for her daughter if she contacts me. They say he will understand later, but it’s too late. I work, but the salary is small, I can’t change it. Time passes, I really, really like her, but it’s impossible to be together. As practice shows, it was not possible to find another in three years and what will happen next is unknown. I go to church, take communion, but not regularly, and pray. " The priest's answer: Watch video answer
9 id: 1768 Question to the priest: Patience 12/09/2021
SERGEY OLEYNIK : "Hello Fr. Igor. At work, we have a team of 4 people, all men, approximately the same age, 45-50 years old. No one wants to clean the bathroom. Only I have been cleaning the bathroom for several years, cleaning the sink, toilet, washing the floors. Sometimes I feel very offended, but I don’t show it. What do i do? Be indignant and cause a scandal or endure? » Priest's answer: Watch video answer
10 id: 1767 Question to the priest: What do you recommend to an Orthodox Christian to remove a mental health diagnosis, to serve in the army under a contract, and to work? 12/08/2021
Servant of God Andrey : “What books and prayers do you recommend to remove the diagnosis: Schizopathy (Schizoid Psychopathy), not to be confused with Schizophrenia. Because with a diagnosis it is not possible to join the army, get a job, start a family, due to lack of money, etc. I myself read the Bible, got to the New Testament, the Gospel of Luke. I also read Ephraim the Syrian, Theophylact of Bulgaria, John Chrysostom, and listen to lectures by Father Daniil Sysoev. There is a suspicion that the diagnosis was the work of the parents, father and stepmother (since both did not welcome the army). If it is them, God forgive them. He was baptized at the age of 14. I have been going to church for Divine services since March 2009 (16 years old), and for Confession and Communion since September 2010 (17 years old). Father says he’s praying that someday it will be revealed why this was shown to me. What do you say? » Answer from the priest: Watch video answer
11 id: 1766 Question to the priest: Blasphemy 12/05/2021
Arthur : “Hello, will the sin of blasphemy be forgiven if you accidentally said a bad word against God or out of ignorance said a bad word against the Lord or there is no longer salvation?” Answer from the priest: Watch video answer
12 id: 1765 Question to the priest: I want my own family, but I can’t meet a girl. 11.23.2021
Vadim : “Hello, father, tell me, I want to find a girl for family life, love her with all my soul, but I can’t. I have a kind soul, but I’m shy and I don’t know what to say to girls. What if I say something? They are silent. I probably don’t like what I’m saying, why is it so hard to find your soul mate when a person with a kind heart and a kind soul. » Answer from the priest: Watch video answer
13 id: 1764 Question to the priest: Why do you need so many prayers? 11/20/2021
Andrey : “Hello, father! Why do you need so many prayers? After all, the Lord said to be laconic, like the pagans. After all, at least 95% of people, in their verbosity, cannot express their minds and hearts. » Answer from the priest: Watch video answer
14 id: 1763 Question to the priest: I abandoned God in a dream. 11/16/2021
Sergey : “Hello, father. For some time now I have been plagued by dreams. Some were symbolic and some were disgusting. I prayed to God to save me from the temptation to react to these dreams. God helped, I no longer had strange dreams. I also fought with all sorts of abominations in my dreams with prayer. But I understood that these abominations reveal myself to me when there is no spirit to resist, this is what I turn into and what I can create. I repented and prayed. God also helps us deal with abominations in dreams. It’s a long story, but in a dream after the words “Our Father. “all obsession dissipates. Now about the main thing. I had a dream in which I was talking to a man, I understand that he is the evil one. And I tell him that I’m more interested in him. Everything with God is simple and clear there, I even brought him the words of some prayer (I don’t remember which one). But with you it’s difficult and interesting. He left silently. I immediately woke up and in my head the answer to my own words “where there are just a hundred angels.” I dealt with abominations through repentance and prayer. And now? I cannot pronounce the words of my favorite Psalm 90. I'm ashamed. What kind of “Alive in the help of the Most High” if I myself abandoned Him. Psalm 50 is easier, but here is not lawlessness, here is choice. I realize that there is part of the truth in what I said. I know about Peter’s betrayal and repentance. This example is not for this case. Peter betrayed Christ in fear for his life and, having repented, then devoted his life to service, but I made a choice in favor of the evil one. Choice! The prayer to the Mother of God is still just as sincere. But to God. How can you say the words “Lord, have mercy!” “What if I myself abandoned Him? Now I have not the repentance of Peter, but the repentance of Judas. It turns out that God is like an instrument in my life. I went to church, washed my soul, and went back to the warm shit. As soon as the wounds from sins hurt, go back to the temple for healing. Good God will cure him. It turns out that God is for me, and not I for God. Probably my life needs to be changed radically, but I can’t. I don't have that much strength or that much faith. Which way to go next? " The priest's answer: Watch video answer
15 id: 1762 Question to the priest: Sorrows of the newcomers 11/13/2021
Pavel : “Hello, father. I am 25 years old. I became a church member in February of this year, rather out of curiosity I began to read the Bible and pray, I wanted to “check” whether there is a God. I lived all my life before in sins without repentance, my most damned sin is the sin of masturbation, and since then I began to try to move away from it, with varying success. First there was grace. For example, on the first day when I read one chapter from the Bible, the very next day I found a gold pectoral cross in my late mother’s box, without having the intention of finding it, I was just gluing the box. Accident? And a month later, when I no longer doubted the existence of the Lord, terrible sorrows began. When I lived in sins and without faith, I had a lot of money, I inherited a whole fortune from my parents, and after joining the church events happened such that I lost everything in an instant. There is no need to explain all the details, I just received an offer, on the contrary, to return the previously lost money, and I thought that this was a mercy from the Lord, but on the contrary, I lost more than that. These are millions. I pray together with Bolgar. The Lord does not take away the hope of returning this money, but he does not yet allow this return to be realized. That is, all this drags on. At the beginning of these events, in the spring and early summer, everything was very difficult, there was a desire to commit suicide. I had just finished my master’s degree, I wanted to find a job (I’m a history and social studies teacher), and then such horrors came, and I still couldn’t find a job, no one would hire a new teacher. Three times there was an opportunity to return the amount that I lost, and at some point something got in the way. In desperation, I asked God why, instead of helping me, he only allowed the situation to worsen. Instead of getting his money back, he went into debt and mortgaged his house and car, which he also inherited from his parents. At the same time, the Lord does not take away hope that what we ask will be given. I started going to church, confessing and receiving communion in the spring. Sometimes I fell into despondency because of these events and the sin of masturbation intensified in me, I seemed to calm myself with it in my grief. Missed Sunday service. It was the other way around, I clenched my will into a fist and tried not to sin as much as possible, my “record” was about 12 days, before this was unattainable. He resumed attending church and participating in the sacraments. In general, it rocked here and there. Only I didn’t stop praying by agreement; I pray every Thursday without missing a beat, but consistency is required. It's already November. Some things have changed in my situation, but mostly these changes are within me, not external. I internally seemed to “let go” of this money, that is, there is no feeling that there is no point in living without it. Somehow there is a little less egoism in my attitude towards God, although I do not abandon my request to Him, but I also do not make it an end in itself. The thought came to my mind that if the Lord had solved my problem in an instant even then, at the beginning, then I would not have been able to appreciate His help or be grateful for it. And we sinners can appreciate and preserve gratitude only when we receive something with difficulty. This is the thought that glimmers in me and seems to me to be saving. In prayer I decided to ask not just “Lord, give me my money,” but to teach me repentance, humility, and to be grateful to Him. I found a job at an online school, remotely. Maybe I’m wrong, but I see God’s wise providence in this. In practice, I realized that I was not ready to work in a real school; I saw this while teaching students via the Internet. Experience is needed. And besides, during the pandemic, teachers are still switching to a remote format, everything is moving towards this. That is, the Lord revealed to me, a sinner, why he did not let me find a job. There was also a case when the loan payments were due, and I pawned the car. But there was nothing to pay. I prayed to God and almost immediately they called me with an offer to refinance the loan. And the interest was reduced and the payment deadline was postponed by a month. But the rope keeps winding, and the end is not yet in sight. I see that the Lord provides intermediate help, does not allow me to lose my property, and most importantly, hope, but is not in a hurry to fulfill my request. Perhaps I myself partly answered my own question: why do I need these sorrows? But I still want to consult with you, father. Is it the Lord who changes me through this sorrow? How can I understand what He wants from me in it? Why was it that when I lived in sins without repentance, outwardly everything in life was fine, but after joining the church, suffering began? There are people who don’t believe in God and they have families and wealth. And why is the Lord in no hurry to eliminate my sorrow? Please give me some guidance. " The priest's answer: Watch video answer
16 id: 1761 Question to the priest: About forcing yourself in prayer 11/13/2021
Paul : “Father, is it true that prayers, sacraments, and other aspects of worship are needed not by God, but by us who pray? That is, we are not doing God a favor when we pray or go to church. We are like sick people in need of treatment, and the Lord is a loving father and doctor who is able to heal our wounds. The main thing for us is to sincerely strive to receive healing. Based on this, I have a question. Why force yourself to pray if you don’t feel the need for it at the moment. For example, why read the prayer rule without skipping if you don’t feel anything while doing it. You're not doing God a favor. And such prayer becomes soulless proofreading. It’s another matter when there is some kind of grief, and you pray to God to give you strength to get through it. Or, on the contrary, joy, and you want to thank God for it. And why pray just for show, I can’t understand. And whether such a prayer will roll into formalism and pharisaism. For example, I was able to withstand the prayer rule for no more than a week, and at the same time I did not feel anything. Only later he reached the thought that I was praying not for God, but for myself. And now I pray only when it is very difficult internally, there is a temptation for sin or some sorrow, or joy. I want to know your opinion whether such an approach is correct, or on the contrary, I sin, so referring to prayer. » The priest's answer: watch video answer
17 ID: 1760 Question to the priest: the pendulum man 12.11.2021
Michael :“ Hello! I have this kind of question and problem: I am 24 years old, for a long time I began to notice that I do not understand myself from the point of view of the choice of work and direction and profession itself from this I feel gloomy and grief, I feel a continuous contradiction, as if pendulum, I don’t understand how to decide and start acting, I do not find the strength and motivation in order to act because the goals of a clear one can’t formulate it, it got to the point that I am looking for such stories in the Internet to figure out and find confirmation that the problem lies in the obvious, for example, for example : health, food and. so is this hesitation and stupidity associated with my multiple sins and falls? At some point, thoughts began to come that we had to go to the temple for confession. I was in the temple for a very long time, lately I have been looking for information about preparation for confession. I apologize for my illiteracy and nagging. I understand that there are questions much more important and more serious than this, so I will relate to refusal with understanding. Thank you! “ The response of the priest: Watch the video answer
18 ID: 1759 Question to the priest: Parents 06.11.2021
Maria :“ Hello! This is the first time I ask such a question, sorry if something is wrong! What to do in such a situation where dad constantly dissolves his tongue and swear around the clock. He constantly drinks, does not work, makes mom work for two. Often speaks of suicide and what he doesn’t care about. When I arrive home, I constantly fall into despondency, and try to take a walk longer in order to come to the house. I try to restrain myself from conflicts, but it is already bad. " The response of the priest: Watch the video answer
19 ID: 1758 Question to the priest: memory of the soul, after death. 10/30/2021
Andrey : “Hello Father Igor! I have a question, to you. Does the soul save after death, the memory of earthly life? " Priest's answer: watch video answer
20 ID: 1757 Question to the priest: dead on 10/28/2021
Andrey : “Hello! I have a question, this is for you. What do I do, the souls of the dead, in the next world? How are they preparing for a new embodiment? " Priest's answer: watch video answer
21 ID: 1756 Question to the priest: Family 07.10.2021
Elena : “Hello, Father. Help me how I can handle my skid. I am 47 years old, married, marriage of weddings. Two daughters. 18 years ago, my husband left me, lived with another woman, they had a child, they lived for 8 years, he left her, found another and a tap was born a child. After 9 years, he leaves her. At this time, my daughter is getting married, and we decided to call my father for a wedding. He opened up with his daughter, what made such mistakes, to return the time back, it would be different. And I and the children decided, dad has changed. All this time I loved him and waited for him. I was very worried. But soon we find out the next one appears, he says, he cannot. But what happens to me I cannot convey in words, I thought it would return. Now I am in such despair, despondency. Yes, they say find another husband, some married. God does not give me my second husband. All this time is 18 years old, I traveled with children in Russia, and Ukraine, and Belarus, I always prayed. And now I don’t know how to be, I pray, cry. The children went to their family, I am alone. Yes, I want female happiness. Help me please. » The priest's answer: watch video answer
22 ID: 1755 Question to the priest: Flyness 24.10.2021
Tatyana :“ Hello Father. My daughter is 12 years old, she has a friend close to children. The garden, which often fades (she has learned this in social networks, communities, tick-toke, and her parents are positive.), But she treats her daughter well, her daughter said many times (at my request) that she did not like the mat. What would not be obsolete with her, but time passes and everything is repeated again. We go to the temple as soon as there is an opportunity, confess and get communion. Should I ban my daughter to communicate with her, because I understand that she is growing up and picking up from her or not to prohibit and walk often for confession and make friends further with her. Also in the class of her daughter, almost all boys and girls will fade and at the breaks she constantly listens and probably absorbs this mat. I thought that it might not to take it to the temple, but to go only to me, because I understand that the transitional age comes, I can wait for this age. How can I behave in such a situation, constantly talk with her and tell how the mat affects a person, what consequences can be, but at the same time not to destroy their friendship? " Priest's answer: Watch the video answer
23 ID: 1754 Question to the priest: It’s scary to go to church on 10/23/2021
Love : “Good afternoon, father Igor! Not so long ago, after a long break, I again began to pray at home. Before that, there was a long period when I did not pray, but sinned a lot, completely forgetting about God. Last year, during an illness, I prayed to the Mother of God, before the icon the softening of evil hearts, so that the Mother of God saved me and protect me from the illness of my relatives. The Blessed Virgin Mary heard me and took pity on me and my family. After that, I often began to think about God, about going to the temple, to start church life. But each time I am attacked by a terrible fear when I go to the church. I'm afraid to go there, I'm afraid that the father will drive me out when I tell him how I sinned. I understand with my mind that there is no other way to God, but I can not do anything. How can I be, father Igor? How to overcome you? I would be very grateful if you answer me. Thank you. God bless you. » The priest's answer: watch video answer
24 ID: 1753 Question to the priest: disease 08.10.2021
Maria :“ Hello father! I am 19 years old, I have been stuttering from 2 years old, it’s very difficult to talk, answer questions and live with it in general. I attended doctors and took medicines, but nothing helps. Please tell me what to do, how can I live with this? Save the Lord ” the priest’s answer: watch the video answer
25 ID: 1751 Question to the priest: people of non -traditional orientation 02.10.2021
Ivan :“ What is the nature of people of homosexual orientation? Is this their cross? How can they live righteously? Is it possible to change the crafty nature? » The priest's answer: watch video answer
26 ID: 1750 Question to the priest: childhood mistake. 09/26/2021
Ilya : “Save the Lord. I am 27. I look back, I remember my life. There were and were a lot of cool, and there were very pleasant moments. But in my life there are places for terrible things. Grandfather and mother died from their favorite filming disease. I was in a binge for five years. Now clean (the third year), but did not start the family. I remembered that even before school, or in its very first classes, I believed in the world of Harry Potter. Somewhere I found the book by V.F. Pakka "White magic and predictions of fate." I read it. But I did not want to go against the Lord. I did not understand anything. I wanted to be like Harry. Wizard. Maybe I killed my grandfather and mom? Maybe I cursed myself and my family in advance by reading this game? Do I have forgiveness? Thank you. » The priest’s answer: watch video answer
27 ID: 1749 Question to the priest: money order and success 09/23/2021
Pavel :“- Question about successes in worldly life (monetary). There is some kind of project that is a success in which the profit of money is (as the equivalent of benefits and blessings expressed in money), that is, so that some people have well paid for this business, they wanted to or approve of a lot of money (albeit quite by the will of God) (Speech more universal - here is any project). And these are my reasoning: success consists of two components - these are its own correct actions, and the will of the Lord, or in other words, luck. That is, success can be achieved, because he himself acted correctly, and because whatever he fulfilled, this can bring success, because the Lord has helped. So, for the Lord to help, for this it is worth distributing donations and engaged in charity - this will bring luck and luck. The second aspect -in order to fulfill the correct actions yourself, you should put off -to fill your own wealth, so that, let’s say, the subconscious allow you to perform the right actions yourself. And, according to the religious knowledge known to me, for earned income, this is required to pay 10%, and in other income - 20%. Thus, I have developed a new rule for myself, now try to give 10% from salary income for donations, and set aside 10% to personal capital, which is not for waste, but simply for preservation and, as far as it is possible, for a riskless passive income from capital . And from other income 20% of the donations, set aside 20% to replenish their capital. All other issues, respectively, are resolved with the remaining money. Question: Are my reasoning true, did I make a rule correctly (on religion), did I miss something, wasn't I mistaken in a competent disposal for religion? (Can I add something or fix it?) ” The priest’s answer: watch video answer
28 id: 1748 question to the priest: prayer 09/20/2021
Andrey :“ Hello Father! If for the deceased, serve constantly, for commemoration. And pray, for them yourself. According to the prayers of the earthly church, God lifts souls, in eternity? " Priest's answer: watch video answer
29 ID: 1747 Question to the priest: schizophrenia 09/19/2021
Natalya : “Good afternoon Father Igor! I ask for your advice. My son, two years ago, fell ill the doctors diagnosed schizophrenia. We only where we did not treat him in which cities, nothing helps. And in private clinic he was lying in Moscow and in the month of April of this year lay in the state. The institution of a psycho hospital in Voronezh. But there is no result of a result in our good physical form in the health mind, but there is a dialogue with someone in no. There is no interest in life. He takes the pills now, but there is no results only that he is slowed down by the pills from aggression and the dialogue continues with someone from to not. We heard from one doctor that schizophrenia is not treated, it should be expelled with a shade. You cannot help us with God's help. We have a sinful past, my husband died of suicide, he played cards and then also fell ill the doctors put schizophrenia and, as a result of the life of suicide. Now my son also played gambling for money like my husband. And he fell ill with the same disease. What to do please tell me with God's help? We do not despair ask God. The son is now 26 years old. “ The response of the priest: Watch the video answer
30 ID: 1746 Question to the priest: love 09/10/2021
Michael :“ Hello! Tell us about yourself. I am a believer and infinitely sinful and my relationship with girls did not go well. Because of this, I began to destroy the craving for the opposite sex inside myself so that I would never fall in love again and not be dependent on it. In March, I met the girl very very desperate. Desperate so that she wanted to go to the monastery. We saw each other only 1 time, since we live in different cities, and then we talked a lot on the Internet. She is a very church girl. He sings in the temple from an early age and her family is Orthodox. Communicating we began to like each other, although I did not feel love to her, but looking at her immediately - I want to live with this person life. Subsequently, we became a couple. There were several situations when our relations were at risk, but by some miracle everything ended well. For example, one of these situations is my dryness in the manifestation of feelings (I am a very closed person, but not insensitive). At the very moment when she already wanted to say that she was unlikely to be able to build relationships with a person like me - I, without realizing it, began to show more feelings and emotions. And she changed her opinion as if she looked at me with a different look. The second situation occurred later, when I opened her about the fact that it was no longer a virgin and I had prodigal bonds before her. I confessed these sins, but opening up to her, I seemed to feel like a confession once again. I am very regretted and regretted it. She said then that she had turned upside down inside and she could no longer perceive me as before. And do you know what happened? At night she had a dream. I and she were in the house of her parents. We stand, hug and a priest enters the room, ready to crown us. And when she woke up, she realized that he would let me go only when I want it myself. Was it not the Providence of God? Later she came to me for 8 days. We were already close, but then we got closer even closer, both spiritually and bodily. I admit, we fluent with oral affection, but there were no sexual intercourse. After her county, we both wanted to confess, as we understood how bad it was. And then I began to notice some coldness and detachment in our relationship. And later I found out that the guy she liked once began to show her signs of attention and she began to experience something for him. As a result, we broke up. This gap strongly humbled me, and I was a very proud person. Now I only trust in the mercy of God and pray for her. For us. I ask you, analyze this whole situation and tell your opinion. In all situations that happened between us, I always saw the Providence of God and felt Him. After all, the people who are given to us are given for a reason, right? And therefore, here is my question: how to find out the will of God? Or how to understand why this or that situation happened to you? What should she teach me and taught me? I am ready to sacrifice for the sake of this girl to everyone that I have and endure any torment to confess the sins that we have. Now I pray to God to merge us and, if possible, to marry. But I want to know, maybe there is no reason to wait and ask him about it, if there is no will? And therefore, the question is how to find out his will. » Priest's response: watch a video response
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Questions via the Network: how to properly build virtual communication with a priest

Nowadays, more and more people use the Internet to ask their questions to the priest. There are many platforms where users ask questions openly or anonymously. The Thomas website also has a section called “Questions to the Priest.” While working with her, we encountered some difficulties. They turned to Archbishop Jonah of Obukhov, vicar of the Kyiv Metropolis, for advice.

Photo from Bishop Jonah’s Facebook

Archbishop Jonah is the abbot of the Kyiv Trinity Ionian Monastery, chairman of the Synodal Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church for youth affairs, editor-in-chief of the Orthodox youth magazine “Otrok.ua”.

— Vladyka, are there any questions for the priest that definitely should not be discussed in online correspondence?

— I think we need to separate personal online correspondence and the public format “Questions and Answers of a Priest.” Because often in personal messages people ask about the most secret things, things that they would never voice in a different situation. In addition, on the Internet, users are more frank than in face-to-face communication.

It seems to me that there are no restrictions on questions to discuss with a priest on the Internet. Another thing is that not all of them can be made public. For example, on the website of the Ionin Monastery we have a “Questions and Answers” section, where anyone can write in writing and get advice, but only those questions and answers that may be of interest to a wide range of readers are posted in the public domain, and the majority remains unpublished.

— How to convince a person that in some cases personal communication with a priest is necessary? (Considering that sometimes it is really easier to communicate on the Internet - thanks to anonymity, the absence of the need to go to church in an unfamiliar environment for many. And in real communication with a clergyman, people sometimes do not meet the understanding that they have in correspondence with the priest on the Internet, but , on the contrary, they come across rudeness and indelicacy.)

“I think that if a person contacts a priest on the Internet, this indicates that he has already begun to be interested in life in Christ, and sooner or later, even if he has not yet decided to communicate with the priest directly in the church, this will definitely happen. Everything should be left to the will of God, and the Lord will definitely take care of the soul of every person.

Indeed, taking the first step can be difficult, and this is especially true for small settlements where there is no choice, where priests cannot always give qualified answers to questions (perhaps due to insufficient education) or avoid non-liturgical communication with the flock. Unfortunately, such phenomena also exist in church life.

In this case, you should not neglect communicating via the Internet with experienced priests who are ready to help with wise advice and kind words. The network usually contains those fathers who are eager to help their neighbors, want to be missionaries, preach the Gospel, and really carry out the feat to which they are called. And since they are focused on all this, communication is a joy for them, a source of inspiration. Any pastor knows how comforting it can be to see the fruits of his labor, when a person as a result changes for the better, begins to love worship, lives in the sacraments, and tries to lead a spiritual life.

However, such priests, passionate about mission, eager to constantly evangelize, unfortunately, are not the majority. For example, more than 10,000 pastors serve in Ukraine, and slightly more in Russia (more than 30 thousand—Editor’s note). Of these, probably only a couple hundred people work constantly on the Internet.

The clergy are all very different. There are truly good shepherds who will always welcome those who come to them with love. There are those who are tired, or, as they say now, burned out. It happens that people approach a priest who is currently in a state of grief, or despondency, or even irritation - after all, he is also a person.

Saint Philaret of Moscow said: “A priest is, first of all, a reverent performer of the sacraments of God.” But in our realities, the priest bears many other responsibilities: he is a foreman, a builder, a husband, and a father. There is a lot of work hanging on it. And therefore it is not surprising that he is not always able - both physically and spiritually - to pay due attention to the person who comes to him with a question. It often happens that the priest is intercepted literally on the run; at this moment he may be in a hurry to attend services, he may be tired after performing a divine service, a prayer service, several christenings, communion for the sick, and so on.

Do you have any spiritual questions? It’s better to ask to set up a time for you to meet and have a calm conversation. If, for some reason, the priest from the nearest church cannot communicate with you, you can ask questions that concern you via the Internet, because people communicate online when it is convenient for them, when they are inclined to communicate.

But I would advise you to never stop searching. If you live in a big city, try to find the opportunity to communicate with a priest in person, and if you don’t have much choice, then just go to the temple of God, because we come to church not to the priest, but to the Lord to participate in His sacraments. Turn to the priest for what he was appointed for: for the reverent performance of the sacraments of God - confession, communion, certain church rites.

It is very important to have mercy towards each other, including priests who carry out the most difficult feat of service (especially in small settlements, where there may be one priest in the parish, who simply does not have enough strength to cover everything and everyone).

Photo by Vladimir Eshtokin

— Could there be situations when you can’t do without live communication with a priest?

- Undoubtedly. This, first of all, concerns church sacraments. And first of all, the sacraments of confession, since it still won’t be possible to confess via the Internet. No matter how frank the conversation may be, and no matter what personal and frank issues, including those of repentance, may be discussed in correspondence, it is still impossible to perform the sacrament of confession without the direct participation of a priest. Sooner or later, a person will still have to come to the conclusion that personal communication with a priest is necessary.

I am not talking about those cases when a spiritual child, with whom the priest is well acquainted and has known him for a long time, is away and temporarily they cannot communicate in person. In this case, as an exception, the clergyman can listen to the confession over the phone, or receive it in the form of an email, or even an SMS message, and read the prayer of permission.

— Is it possible to have a confessor by correspondence? Especially when there is no church nearby, or there is one, but the relationship with the priest does not work out, or frequent moves interfere with regular personal communication with the confessor.

- It seems to me that it is possible. I know of cases when in the 1920s and 1930s (this applies to both the Russian emigration and our new martyrs), not being able to directly communicate with their confessors, people wrote them letters with questions. And often, if a reliable person provided correspondence, then confession was made through letters. But these are, let’s say, force majeure circumstances.

In general, great prudence is needed in this matter. After all, often a person, out of pride, does not want to turn to the clergyman who is next to him, considering him, perhaps, below himself, unworthy of confessing and being nourished by him, and is looking for some exotic confessor, say, on Athos , or some famous priest. Unfortunately, such cases exist.

I know people who believe that they have spiritual fathers on Mount Athos in Greek monasteries. But a confessor is someone who can be compared to a doctor. He cannot be far away all the time, but must be nearby, always ready to help. And if a fall occurs or some spiritual problem arises, how can a person, not knowing the Greek language - because in such cases confession is usually done through an interpreter - and not having operational communication with a confessor on Athos, rise up and go to the Lord again?

Of course, there is some deceit here. Such Christians try to live a spiritual life “from trip to trip” to Athos or any other remote monastery. And this is becoming increasingly fashionable. As they say now - “in trend”. But, to be honest, I have not seen anyone succeeding in their spiritual life with such spiritual care.

Photo by Vladimir Eshtokin

— How to deal with regular confession, if in fact the confessor is far away and the person communicates with him by correspondence, but he needs to confess to another priest who serves nearby?

— This issue needs to be resolved with your confessor. I would give my blessing to confess to the priest in the nearest church, and resolve questions about the organization of your spiritual life with the person who spiritually cares for you.

There are cases when people have confessors in other cities. But still, at one time or another, they come to their confessor, talk, and confess. Because it is important for the priest to see your eyes. After all, clergy is communication, first of all, in the sacrament of Confession. It can be performed remotely only in the most extreme, extraordinary cases (in mortal danger or when there is no other opportunity to confess). But there are not many such cases.

Therefore, it is worth separating the concepts of a priest-spiritual interlocutor, who helps you understand your spiritual life, gives answers to some questions, and a priest-spiritual confessor, who knows your spiritual life, performs the sacrament of confession and is responsible before the Lord for your spiritual state.

It happens that a priest with whom you have been communicating for a long time told you one thing, but during confession the local priest, perhaps seeing you for the first time, says something else. In this case, you still need to listen to someone who knows you well, with whom you have established contacts. But it’s not like you turned to the site with an anonymous question and received an impersonal answer. Still, there should be spiritual interaction between people - at least an interview, and not just a question-and-answer format in anonymous mode.

If there is personal communication, you can tell the priest that “the local priest has a different opinion that does not coincide with yours.” I think that the pastor will definitely tell you how best to act in a given situation, so that there are no misunderstandings, contradictions or conflicts with the priest who serves in your area and with whom you confess.

When one of my spiritual children is forced to leave for a long time, change their place of residence, and is faced with some discrepancies in the life of a new church community, I usually recommend doing what is customary in that area. Because “they don’t go to someone else’s monastery with their own rules.” In any case, this is the Church of God, an Orthodox church, where all church sacraments are performed, and the grace that people received by participating in spiritual life in our parish, they will receive there too, showing obedience to the Church.

Therefore, I always advise our parishioners to adapt to the conditions in which they are placed. If you come to live or work in Europe, celebrate as is customary there - in the new style. If a conservative priest is serving, requiring a long fast before communion or not allowing frequent communion, it is better to humble yourself and act as is customary in this particular church community - so as not to embarrass your brothers, and first of all the rector, with your “special spiritual piety” or spiritual habits .

Photo by Vladimir Eshtokin

— How to properly establish communication with a priest “in real life”? How to look for a priest, confessor - what kind of “safety precautions” can there be?

— In Orthodoxy, thank God, there is no Ministry of unanimity. As the Apostle Paul said: For there must also be differences of opinion among you, so that those who are skillful may be revealed among you (1 Cor 11:19). Some people are inclined to be extremely strict with themselves, acrimonious towards themselves, and strive to fulfill all church instructions “from start to finish.” Others don’t like restrictions and boundaries at all. In this case, the main thing is that a person be in the fullness of the Orthodox Church, live the sacraments, receive communion, confess, and lead a spiritual life.

Differences are inevitable, because there are so many people, so many characters and characteristics. And it is impossible to cut everyone with the same brush. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to choose a confessor, it is better to go to churches, listen to priests’ sermons, read their interviews, and see how they live. And based on this, choose a priest to whom you could tell about your spiritual problems without fear and embarrassment, who is close to you in spirit. This, it seems to me, is the main criterion for choosing a confessor.

The priest may not even be particularly skilled, “advanced” or famous, but if he loves God and people, and this is usually always evident, he will be a good spiritual mentor.

— Is there a way out of the contradiction: just as a doctor cannot treat a disease over the phone or the Internet, so a priest from a distance cannot learn all the circumstances of a person’s spiritual life. On the one hand, any generalization makes the answer incorrect for someone else, on the other hand, people have nowhere else to ask, and there are a lot of questions. Many people look for answers to their questions in published answers to other people’s and only then decide to ask their own question...

— I don’t agree with this comparison. There are simple diseases that can be easily treated over the phone: a person calls, names obvious symptoms, and on the basis of this, a qualified doctor can make a fairly accurate diagnosis and recommend medications and treatment methods. But it also happens that you can only get first aid over the phone, and the disease cannot be cured globally: inpatient treatment under the supervision of a doctor is necessary.

It’s the same in spiritual life - you can receive first emergency help remotely, but without participating in the sacraments, without the personal participation of a priest, without the grace of God, which the Lord gives through the clergy, it is quite difficult to succeed.

Of course, you can ask for some spiritual advice either by phone or via the Internet. And, perhaps, at a certain stage of spiritual development, shy people, those who are only taking their first steps in Orthodoxy, will benefit from such communication even more than from personal meetings with a priest, when shyness interferes.

Photo by Vladimir Eshtokin

— Should I publish personal questions and answers to them on the site if they are typical and frequently encountered? On the one hand, many of those who have similar doubts will read the answers. On the other hand, for some, such reading may be a temptation.

— On both spiritual and secular websites there is a “Frequently Asked Questions” section. The main thing in such questions is general edification, complete anonymity and the consent of the author so that the question and answer are posted publicly.

Nowadays, it is hardly possible to seduce someone with anything special. If you think in this way, then when reading patristic literature, you can also be tempted. After all, the holy fathers, especially the monks, the authors of the ancient patericons, are very frank in their texts, but no one even thinks of censoring their works and publishing them in a “cropped” form.

Everything should be approached with reasoning. I don’t think that those who actively use the Internet will be embarrassed by the questions on the Orthodox website. On the contrary, the principle “forewarned is forearmed” can apply here. A person will prepare for the fact that similar temptations may happen in his life, and will already know how to get out of these situations.

“God punishes us not because we sin, but because we do not repent.”

Traditionally, during Lent, Old Believers begin the sacrament of repentance, and after it is completed, with the blessing of their spiritual father, they partake of the Holy Mysteries. This article presents advice from priests on preparing for confession and on further organization of personal spiritual life.

***

How to correctly make the transition from one spiritual father to another?
Answered by Priest John Sevastyanov, rector of the Russian Orthodox Church Church in Rostov-on-Don.
In order to change your spiritual father, of course, you need a blessing. No priest has the right not to bless you to be cared for by another confessor. But a blessing is needed to maintain good relations and for your spiritual father to formulate your special penance (if, of course, there is one). I think that another priest cannot refuse to accept you for confession, although a lot happens in life. No one can force him to do this.

How should you treat the words of your confessor with which you do not agree and which you are not ready to accept?

In the Old Believers there is no such exaggerated importance of the confessor as is observed in the New Believers. Our Church has preserved the ancient Christian principle of inner freedom in Christ. And therefore, every Christian makes the final decision about his life issues himself.

It follows from this that a spiritual child is in no way the property or slave of the confessor. Yes, a true confessor will never insist on his own, contrary to the will of the confessor. An experienced confessor understands that a person can only be advised, helped to find the correct answer to a particular question. Therefore, no one ever has the right to justify their actions based on the words of this or that confessor.

The common proverb “Obedience is higher than fasting and prayer” is a perverted context for Christian work. We know from the words of Christ that there is nothing higher than fasting and prayer (Matthew 17:21). But, on the other hand, one can cite numerous examples of unquestioning obedience to their mentors by holy people. And the Lord Himself “was obedient, even to death.” This in no way contradicts the above. These examples of obedience are characterized by one cornerstone principle: voluntariness.

Any obedience can only be voluntary. If a person is not forced to perform a particular action by any external circumstances or authorities. Only in this case can obedience bring spiritual benefit and results. If a person is forced to follow advice not of his own free will, but as an ultimatum, under compulsion - spiritual or physical, then such clergy is worthless and very often leads to spiritual tragedies. If something is not done voluntarily, it is no longer obedience.

What to do when you can’t tell all your sins during confession? Something is not allowed by conscience, something is remembered after confession.

For the first time, I advise talking about such sins in confession in secret. For the first time, say this in general phrases, call this sin as it is listed in the ten commandments of Moses. An experienced priest will immediately sense your mood and either help you open up this time, or postpone a detailed confession until the next confession.

Also, as an option, if you think that the priest is showing an interest that is unacceptable for you, then tell him that you are not ready to say so yet. Ask to reschedule the conversation for the next confession. The fact is that if during confession you at least identified the problem for yourself and for the priest, then next time it will be much easier for you to return to this sin and make sincere repentance.

Sins that you forgot to repent of should still be spoken out in confession. Either do this next time, or, if your conscience denounces you, return to the priest and briefly explain to him your problem.

How can I get the Lord to forgive me for my past sins?

The fact is that a person’s return to God is always more difficult than the first meeting. Our negative life experiences hinder us greatly. And the more negative the experience, the more significant its consequences.

Remember the experience of Mary of Egypt. Her former life tormented her during her 17 years in the desert. Therefore, you should wait and, as far as possible, consult with your spiritual father - the one you choose.

And again, the analogy with the Venerable Mary. She had not received communion for 46 years. So do not strive to receive communion at any cost. Communion is a connection with God. Doesn’t He really see your thirst? Calm down and trust Him. He will definitely help and support.

Why do Old Believers receive communion a maximum of 4 times a year?

Old Believers approach the issue of frequency of communion based on the prevailing realities of church life. For us, the frequency of communion is not a numerical, quantitative issue. For us this is a qualitative issue. Our tradition of preparing for Communion presupposes a certain algorithm of fasting and prayer rules. According to tradition, we as a whole Community receive communion 4 times a year, on each of the annual fasts. If desired, every Christian can receive Communion more often, but observing the sound practice of preparing for Communion. We do not have a question about the fact that it is impossible to receive communion more than 4 times a year. This is wrong. But we do not welcome some kind of renovationist movement towards the abolition of any special preparation for each Communion.

The fact is that in the Church there is no concept of “frequent” communion. The Church used to have constant communion. The concept of “frequent” is numeric and subjective. Who measures and how - often or not often? Is 4 times a year often? How about 12 times a year? How about 30 times? Who decides when and how many times to receive communion? Christian yourself? His spiritual father? Bishop? We do not accept the concept of Frequent Communion. We receive either constant common communion, or common communion during Lent. Previously, the Church had constant communion. This is true. All members of the Community received communion at every Liturgy. It was impossible to attend the Liturgy if a person did not receive communion. This principle is spoken of both in Holy Scripture and in patristic literature. A Christian, in principle, could not help but receive communion. Everyone who has not received communion, as St. said. John Chrysostom, “lives bestially.” And it is from there that the Church has a rule that if a person missed three Sunday Liturgies, then he was excommunicated from the Church. Those. the image of church and liturgical life was completely different.

Over time, church life became impoverished. Not the Old Believers, but also Simeon of Thessalonica wrote that in ancient times everyone took communion, and those who did not take communion could not stand in the church during the service. And now, that is in the time of Simeon of Thessalonica, this was no longer the case. Those who do not receive communion are also present at the Liturgy. Those. already at that time liturgical life changed. Therefore, the modern principle of receiving communion only in fasting follows from the fact that the Community cannot maintain the principle of constant communion. Can you imagine in modern church life that everyone would receive communion at the Liturgy, and those who do not receive communion would not have access to church? Can any of us tell ourselves that we will be ready to receive communion every time? Are we ready to expel all Christians from the church who are not ready to receive communion at every Liturgy? It is from this love of humanity that our principle of receiving communion only during fasting follows. That is why the principle of constant communion has now been forgotten. Remember how the Apostle Paul said:

If my brother is tempted by my eating meat, then I will not eat meat forever.

So are we. If in our Community there are weak brothers who are not capable of constant communion, then, out of love for them, we will limit our communion, so as not to tear them away from the Church. Either we all receive communion every Sunday, or, if we cannot do that, then we receive communion once during Lent, but that’s all. This is where the modern practice of taking communion four times a year arose.

Who can be worthy of Communion? And what, in your opinion, could this dignity and readiness for Communion be?

Saint John Chrysostom, approaching St. Communion, I prayed with these words:

We (Russian - I know) Lord, for I unworthily partake of the Most Pure Body of You, and I am more guilty than Thy Blood, and for my own condemnation I eat and drink (Russian - I eat and drink). (Prayer 7 from the Follow-up to Holy Communion).

John Chrysostom himself said this about himself! Every sane Christian who adequately assesses his spiritual state and has a certain repentant attitude, of course, must understand his unworthiness for Communion. To perceive Communion as a gift of God, which is given not because of any achievements, but solely in spite of them and absolutely freely. And moreover, if someone can say about himself that he is worthy of Communion, then this is the very first problem and the most important obstacle to receiving the Holy Mysteries.

On the other, objective, side, in the Church the Lord Himself established the principle of Christian mutual control and mutual spiritual evaluation of each other. What is the principle of confession based on? On the assessment of a Christian's behavior by another Christian. Why did the Lord give the power to bind or loose specifically to the apostles, and not to the angels or to man himself. Why does the Apostle James recommend confessing your sins to each other? Because in assessing our spiritual life, an outside perspective is very important. And it is precisely this look that can tell us whether it will be beneficial for us to receive communion or extremely harmful in our condition. Determine our objective worth. The Apostle Paul unequivocally says that one can be unworthy of communion, that communion can bring mortal harm:

Whoever eats this Bread or drinks the Cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord... For whoever eats and drinks unworthily eats and drinks condemnation for himself, without considering the Body of the Lord. That is why many of you are weak and sick, and many are dying (1 Cor. 12:27-29).

The principle of dignity was introduced by the apostle himself. This is not someone's invention. Therefore, the confessor decides whether a person is worthy of communion or not. And this is a completely Orthodox approach. This is a very important moment in Christian life. The difference between subjective and objective views.

How should sins be called in confession? Is it enough to name the sin or are details required (when, why, with whom, why, with whom, etc.)?

Answered by Priest Nikola Muravyov, rector of the Church of the Russian Orthodox Church of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos in Kilia (Ukraine)

The Holy Fathers teach us to approach any church sacrament with extreme caution and to exercise great prudence. I think that if you and your spiritual father have time, in principle, you can discuss in detail every manifestation of your sinfulness. But if we proceed from the practice of my confessors and those who tolerate me as a confessor, I can say that with each person it is important for me to determine not only what and when the sin was committed, but also why it was committed (due to negligence, an outburst of passion, or “by habit”, i.e. there is a sinful passion); Depending on the rootedness of sin in a person and the “social danger” (whether spiritual or material harm was caused to other people or families), the possibility and methods of spiritual healing are discussed. The degree of responsibility for many sins varies depending on the age of the sinner and sometimes his marital status. Perhaps you should trust your spiritual father, and if you have already entrusted your soul to him, then accept the methods of “treatment” that he offers you.

Is it permissible to switch to another spiritual father?

In the patristic heritage it is recommended to stay with your spiritual father as long as it is good for the soul. An example is even given that if many architects are successively involved in the construction of a building, then the building will most likely turn out to be “complex” and not holistic. On the other hand, if there is stagnation in the construction site, then you need to look for a way to revive it.

There is a difficulty in changing the spiritual: the 5th rule of the 1st Ecumenical Council prohibits the excommunication of one confessor from being allowed to be excommunicated by another confessor. In the pre-schism Helmsmen there is a recommendation: “If anyone has a spiritual father or an ignoramus, (yes) he will ask for leave from him and go (and elsewhere) and confess; If he doesn’t let him in, you can’t get around him.” About twenty years ago I even came across in one of the consumer books, “The order that it is appropriate for a spiritual father to release his spiritual son for a long distance or for the sake of need.” Now I don’t remember where I saw it.

A blessing is also needed for the transition to another spiritual from the “old”. Now this can be without a letter from one to another with a message about the punishments and the imposed penance - this can be resolved over the phone. But it is completely incomprehensible to me how one can keep a spiritual child near oneself who is burdened by my “mentoring.” You can't be nice by force - that's what folk wisdom says.

Having realized the need to change the confessor, having checked yourself whether this is not whims, whether it is indulging passions and reluctance to follow the instructions of the priest, you need to turn to your father for the blessing of “leaving.” A sane priest theoretically understands that he cannot be an ideal mentor for everyone. Each of us is unique. One asks for clear practical instructions, the other needs to discuss the reasons and consequences of actions. Some people have simply outgrown us. Another thing is that it can be humanly, and sometimes even manly, offensive when someone else is preferred to us, but this is only a reason to draw conclusions: I have specific mistakes, i.e. You can “improve” yourself, change.

Is it possible to give communion to a person who does not fast due to illness? A friend of mine has allergies and cannot fast. In such cases, how can one partake of the sacrament of Communion? So die without taking communion? Is it possible to receive communion with Epiphany water?

I think that basically the question of observing fasts is a problem of the “head” and the spiritual and (or) psychological mood of a particular person. Only the person himself can decide whether to fast. If he accepts the need for himself to observe the disciplinary regulations of the Church to which he belongs, such as: prayer rules in the mornings and evenings, doing penance or abstaining from eating, and, agreeing, fulfills these rules to the best of his ability and if possible, for the sake of Christ who sacrificed himself for us, then “all things are possible to him who believes” (Mr. 9.23).

Over the twenty years that I have been serving as a priest, I have heard quite a lot of reasons why a person does not have the opportunity to fast (“I would really like to, but ....”), and the most diverse circumstances are given, and sometimes opposite in meaning, and in one answer. I think that there is no “allergy” to fasting; perhaps there is an aversion to something specific (including fasting?). Perhaps it’s worth getting examined, deciding and eliminating the unacceptable? You understand, I hope that Communion over the Internet is impossible, which means you need to approach your parish priest, or the one who is the spiritual father of the questioner, and decide for yourself what exactly you need to cleanse your soul, besides observing external fasting.

Communion with Great Water is, of course, possible, but all our actions must be coordinated with the one who accepted responsibility before God for your soul - your spiritual father. It is better not to look for new spiritual paths, trust the Tradition of the Church.

How to overcome temptation and confess sins that are embarrassing to utter?
Answered by Priest John Kurbatsky, rector of the Russian Orthodox Church Church in Kaluga.
The most effective remedy against “shameful” sins, and indeed all sins, passions and sinful habits, is confession. This is so because all our sins are based on pride. And the virtue of humility is opposed to pride. Go to confession with full faith and trust in God. As St. John Chrysostom says, we are afraid to confess our sins, but we are not afraid to sin, whereas the opposite should be the case.

So, only sincere confession can free one from sin and evil habits. Confession is evidence of repentance. But it will also make repentance active and correction lasting. We must overcome vain shame, realizing that we are confessing to God and not to a priest. The priest is a witness to confession. I will tell you, as a priest, that you can always feel a person’s crafty desire to pretend to be righteous, to hide something, to justify himself. And this makes my soul sad. But for one sinner who repents there is joy in heaven (Luke 15:7). This joy is transferred to the priest and the penitent himself.

The Lord is generous and merciful.

He came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (Matthew 9:13).

And patiently awaits our appeal. Go to confession, and thereby enter into hostility with sin. Prayers, fasts, and prostrations are necessary, but without confession of sins, spiritual healing will be insufficient and fragile.

Is it possible to receive communion if a person is offended by you?

The issue of communion must be resolved with the spiritual father, so my answer will only be of a recommendatory nature. The Apostle Paul commands us:

If possible, be at peace with all people (Rom. 12:18).

This is how Saint John Chrysostom interprets these words. As far as it depends on you, do not give anyone a reason for enmity and quarrel - neither Jew nor pagan; if you see that piety is somehow violated, do not prefer agreement to truth, but stand up for it courageously, even to the point of death; but even in this case, do not be at enmity with your soul, do not be turned away by good disposition, but rebel only against actions. If the other did not keep peace, do not create a storm in your soul, but inwardly be his friend, but without in the least betraying the truth, as I noted above.

Repent and humbly endure this situation. And pray for the one who was hurt. In “following to holy communion” there is a wonderful prayer of St. John of Damascus, the 14th in a row. It is short and can be prayed at any time, not just immediately before Communion. Here she is:

Lord, give mercy to those who hate me, and are at enmity, and reproach me, and also slander me, and no one from them, for the sake of the unclean, will suffer evil in any way, neither in the present nor in the future. But cleanse them with Your mercy, and cover them with Your grace, O Good One.

How to find your spiritual father?

Answered by Priest Gleb Bobkov, rector of the Russian Orthodox Church Church in X. Novonekrasovsky Krasnodar Territory

From the Psalter we know the words of the holy prophet David: “You will be with the venerable, and with the chosen you will be chosen, and with the obstinate you will be corrupt.”

Choosing a spiritual father is a very responsible matter, and one must approach it with prayer and reasoning. After all, when choosing a confessor for ourselves, we entrust him with the care of our soul, its salvation. Which saints should we pray for help in finding a confessor? First of all, to the holy apostles, and in particular to the Apostle Peter, to whom the Lord first gave the grace of resolving human sins.

You should start with a conversation with the priest whom you see as your spiritual father. It’s not a bad idea to ask a priest for advice in some relatively simple matter, in order to use this example to see his attitude towards people, what and how this priest offers his spiritual children. But we must understand that not only different priests can lead people to God in different ways, but also the same confessor can give very different instructions and advice to people in a similar situation, depending on various factors to which the priest can pay his attention.

It is known that even saints had sins and shortcomings, and that only God is sinless. It follows from this that even if we find ourselves a holy spiritual father, he will also have shortcomings and sins that we must be ready to forgive. This means that from the very beginning you need to be prepared for difficulties, possible misunderstandings and various conflicts. And in the rite of confession the priest directly speaks about this: “For such is man, and man is the most sinful of all.” And Saint Theodore of Edessa writes: “It is the custom of demons to show you the shortcomings of your spiritual father in order to stop your ears to what he tells you.” But there are some points that you should pay attention to.

In the Holy Gospel of John, Jesus Christ gives the most important sign of the Christian community: “By this all understand, just as my disciples are, if you have love for one another” (46th conception). Therefore, you need to look at how the priest whom you want to see as your confessor treats his parishioners. See what results the spiritual guidance of the priest to whom you plan to go to confession brings. Communicate with his spiritual children. And using their example, it will be possible to suggest what results the spiritual mentoring of a particular priest can lead to.

It is also very important to know that a confessor is only an assistant and mentor in the upbringing of a Christian. A spiritual father can only advise and suggest what sins can lead to, how and what can harm the soul of a parishioner, and how a person can lead his soul to salvation.

Unfortunately, there are manifestations of young age when spiritual mentoring comes down to guiding everyone, including the everyday aspects of the life of parishioners. The priest blesses where and how the spiritual children should live, and determines most of the features of their family life. Of course, this is not entirely correct. The job of a confessor is to help a Christian save his soul and correctly build a relationship with God. Because, anyway, every Christian leads his spiritual life himself, and the confessor only instructs and advises. Parents cannot take their child everywhere and tell them what to say and how to act - that would be wrong and unreasonable. The Christian himself, praying and studying the Holy Scriptures, must educate himself, resorting to the help of his spiritual father in difficult cases, and compare his soul in the Sacrament of Repentance with the instructions and corrections of his confessor.

Spiritual life is not only about fulfilling the ritual side of Christian life - daily prayer and visiting church, but about spiritual growth - constant self-improvement and communication with God. No spiritual mentor can constantly stand over the soul and guide it, and the believer must constantly force himself to live according to the Holy Gospel. And in case of difficulties, you need the advice and guidance of a priest - for example, how to get away from promiscuity of thoughts or verbosity. As for ordinary everyday things, it’s hardly worth asking your confessor what time to have dinner or what kind of transport to take to church.

Will the Lord forgive me if I cannot get rid of sinful passions at once? I try, sometimes I win for a long time, but sometimes I break down again, then I repent of it, I fight again, but I break down.

Answered by Priest Maxim Andreev, rector of the Russian Orthodox Church Church in the name of the Holy Trinity in the village. Shuvoe

Repentance brings about our correction from sins that we create again. Since after Baptism there is no other way to be called to salvation, by grace and gift, except through exploits and labors, except by confessing sins and moving away from evil, then this great gift is given. In His mercy, the Lord forgives all sinners, but the key to forgiveness is repentance and non-return to those sins for which a person has repented.

It happens that a person seems to have repented, but then falls back into the same sins. You need to repent of these sins again and make more effort on yourself so as not to fall into them again. The fight against sins is the work of our whole life. The devil, the enemy of our salvation, constantly tempts us to commit certain sinful acts. And it can only be overcome by prayer, fasting and good deeds. Just as any plant has a root, so sin has a root (passion). And the entire innumerable multitude of sins can be reduced to a very limited list of sinful passions that lead to them. Here are the most important of them: pride, lust, love of money, gluttony, anger, hatred, despondency.

For a more successful fight against sins, it is very important to have a correct understanding of these internal causes, since sins are the action of passions, when a person performs with his body those deeds to which his passions awaken. If a person does not desire any sin, he can easily avoid it, even if Satan tempts him. On the contrary, if a person is wounded by certain addictions, he is constantly in danger of committing a sin. Therefore, in spiritual struggle, Christians must overcome (cut off) passions without waiting for them to lead to sins.

Is it true that sins cannot be redeemed?

Answered by Priest Vadim Korovin, rector of the Russian Orthodox Church Church in Saratov

Christ, when crucified on the Cross, atoned for the sins of the whole world. But a person must become involved in this redemption by his own free will, that is, he must be in His Church, having received Baptism and then building his life as a Christian.

Baptism introduces a person to the sacrifice of Christ, and God forgives all the person’s previous sins. And then we must try not to sin. If a sin occurs, you need to go to confession before your spiritual father (priest), receive spiritual punishment (penance) from him and fulfill it, after which the priest absolves the repentant from sins, since Christ gave such power to the apostles and their successors (bishops and priests ):

Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive, they will be forgiven; on whomever you leave it, it will remain on him (John 20:22-24).

You must receive the correct baptism (in three immersions with your head in water, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit) and then confess to the priest. Then sins will be forgiven.

Is it possible to replace the sacrament of confession with the reading of “Skete Repentance”?

From the magazine “Word of the Church”, 1915, No. 23

The sacrament of confession cannot be replaced by reading the “Skete Repentance”. In the Small Catechism, to the question “Which is the fifth mystery?” the answer is clear:

Repentance for sins occurs with heartfelt contrition in confession of sins, with the hope of remission, for the sake of the outpouring of the venerable blood of the Son of God, and then with priestly permission, to whom the power is given from Christ to knit and decide.

And further it says:

No one can give permission to a repentant person, except an Orthodox priest, since there is no salvation and permission except the Church... He obeys the Apostolic commandment, which says: Confess your sins to each other. Confess, then, to no one else, but rather to those who have the power to resolve and inform our deliberations.

From these passages of the Catechism it is positively clear that the sacrament of repentance consists not only in repenting, but also in obtaining absolution from sins. But, as the Catechism says, “no one can resolve the penitent, except an Orthodox priest” - “to whom the power has been given by Christ to bind and decide.”

What to do if... The priest’s answers to popular questions from believers

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In this article you will read the priest’s answers to some questions that parishioners most often ask, with whom the priest has to meet and communicate. Perhaps you will hear the answers that interest you too.

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Elena asks:
Hello, I accidentally ruined the prosphora, what should I do with it next?
Do you need to repent at confession? 1:1147

Father Andrey answers: Dear Elena! The spoiled prosphora must be taken to the temple to be burned there. Firstly, you need to repent in confession, and secondly, try to be more careful and attentive to holy things, because we should have a reverent attitude towards all this, and also confess and receive communion more often, and live in your heart with the Lord .

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Vladislav asks:

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— Hello, dear father Andrey! Please tell me: Is it possible for a small child to visit a cemetery? Baby is 3 months old

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Father Andrey answers: Hello Vladislav! If there is no one to leave the child with, then you can take it, but if there is someone to leave it with, then there is no need to take the child with you.

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Olga asks:
Good health!
Please tell me, how do you feel about O. Torsunov’s lectures? Do these lectures refer to sectarianism? 1:874

Father Andrey answers: O. Torsunov’s lectures are a pseudo-Jewish sect. Religious organizations of Hare Krishnas in Russia are essentially sects.

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Ksenia asks:

Father, bless! I am preparing for confession, but I am very afraid, since my grandfather will have to confess, he is an archpriest. Sins are mortal, it is impossible to live with them, but in confession with him I feel like only a granddaughter, because there were times when he later scolded or instructed me in public. Now more than ever I don’t want to go to church and confess to him. What to do? There is no other church in the city, and going somewhere means leaving the child with the grandmother (mother) under some pretext. I don’t want to lie, she won’t let me go, she says that her father needs to repent.

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Father Andrey answers: God bless! You need to realize that you are confessing not to your priest, or even your grandfather, but to the Lord. You need to overcome fear and confess to him, i.e. my grandfather is an archpriest. And if you are worried that someone will find out about this sin, then do not worry, the priest does not have the right to disclose it.

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Natalia asks:

BLESS, FATHER! IS IT POSSIBLE TO BLESS A SON IF HE MARRIES A MUSLIM?

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Father Andrey answers: God bless! Contrary to the opinion of many, both the word of God and the decrees of the Church clearly condemn marriages between Christians and non-Christians. If we look at the Holy Scriptures, we will see that throughout almost the entire sacred history, God warns against mixing people faithful to Him with those who do not fulfill His will. Already at the dawn of the world, the greatest catastrophe of the Flood occurred, caused by the fact that “the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were beautiful, and took them as wives of their choice. And the Lord God said: My Spirit will not forever be despised by these men; because they are flesh” (Gen. 6:2-3). The traditional interpretation says that the sons of God are the descendants of Seth, faithful to the Lord, and the daughters of men are Cainites, and the mixing of these two genera led to the destruction of the ancient world. Remembering this terrible event, St. Abraham made his servant swear by God that he would not take Isaac a wife from the daughters of Canaan (Gen. 24:3). In the same way, one of the reasons for Esau’s rejection was that he took Hittite women as his wives. “And this was a burden to Isaac and Rebekah” (Gen. 26:35), so that the latter said that she “was not happy with life because of the daughters of the Hittites” (Gen. 27:46).

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The law of God recorded this norm in writing: “Do not take wives from their daughters for your sons, and do not give your daughters in marriage, lest their daughters, having committed fornication after their gods, lead your sons into fornication after their gods” (Ex. 34: 16). And “then the wrath of the Lord will be kindled against you, and He will quickly destroy you” (Deut. 7:4).

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And, indeed, this threat overtook those who violated the covenant of the Lord. Beginning with the terrible defeat at Baal-Pegor, when 24,000 people died, only the blow of Phinehas’ spear stopped the punishment. (Num. 25) During the reign of the judges, Samson dies because of the Philistine Delilah (Judg. 16), and before the terrible fall of the wisest king Solomon, whose heart was corrupted by his wives. (1 Kings 11:3). God immediately punished those who violated His command. Moreover, this commandment was in no way connected with the idea of purity of blood. Rahab the harlot, Zipporah the wife of Moses, Ruth the Moabite, who renounced their false gods, entered the people of God. This commandment became especially important for the saints Ezra and Nehemiah, who fought against the mixing of the chosen people with foreigners (1 Ezra 9-10; Neh. 13, 23-29).

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The Word of God calls mixed marriages “a great evil, a sin before God” (Neh. 13:27), “an iniquity that exceeds the head, and a guilt that rises to the heavens” (1 Ezra 9:6). Prophet Malachi declares: “Judah acts treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judas has disgraced the holy thing of the Lord, which he loved, and married the daughter of a strange god.” “Whoever does this, the Lord will cut off from the tents of Jacob the one who keeps watch and answers and sacrifices to the Lord of hosts” (Mal. 2:11-12). Is it not in fulfillment of this curse of God that the children of such criminals and criminals become atheists and often die?

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When the New Covenant came, the law of Moses was surpassed by the grace of the gospel: yet this command of the Lord remained in force. The Apostolic Council in Jerusalem commanded converts from the pagans to abstain from fornication (Acts 15:29), from which interpreters deduce the validity of all marriage prohibitions of the Old Testament for Christians. Further, the Apostle Paul, allowing his wife to marry a second time, adds “only in the Lord” (1 Cor. 7:39). The impossibility of marrying infidels has always been obvious to Christians, and this was strictly observed, despite the fact that Christian communities were very small. So smch. Ignatius the God-Bearer writes: “Tell my sisters to love the Lord and be content with their husbands in the flesh and in the spirit. Also command my brothers in the name of Jesus Christ to “love their wives as the Lord Jesus Christ loves the Church”... It is good for men and women who marry to do so with the blessing of the bishop, so that the marriage will be according to the Lord, and not according to lust.” Other holy fathers thought the same. For example, holy. Ambrose of Milan says: “if marriage itself must be sanctified by priestly protection and blessing, then how can there be marriage where there is no agreement of faith.” This teaching was directly expressed by the Orthodox Church through the mouth of the Ecumenical Councils. Rule 14 of the IV Ecumenical Council imposes penance on those readers and singers who marry non-believers or give their children to such a marriage. In accordance with the interpretation of Bishop. Nicodemus (Milash) punishment is deposition. The Church’s attitude to this issue is stated even more clearly and without the possibility of any reinterpretation in Canon 72 of the VI Ecumenical Council. It reads: “It is not worthy for an Orthodox husband to marry a heretical wife, nor for an Orthodox wife to marry a heretic husband. If something like this is seen to have been done by someone: the marriage will be considered unsustainable, and the illegal cohabitation will be dissolved. For it is not proper to confuse the unmixed, nor to copulate with the sheep of the wolf, nor with the part of Christ the lot of sinners. If anyone transgresses what we have decreed, let him be excommunicated. But if some, while still in unbelief, and not being counted among the herd of Orthodox, were united in legal marriage: then one of them, having chosen what was good, resorted to the light of truth, and the other remained in the bonds of error, not wanting to look at the divine rays, and if, moreover, an unfaithful wife desires to cohabit with a faithful husband, or, on the contrary, an unfaithful husband with a faithful wife: then let them not be separated, according to the divine Apostle: For the husband is unfaithful in his wife, and the unfaithful wife in her faithful husband is sanctified (1 Cor. 7:14).” .

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The same norm was in effect in Russia before the 1917 revolution. According to Russian law, “Russian subjects of the Orthodox faith are completely prohibited from marrying non-Christians,” and such marriage was not recognized as “legal and valid.” Children born in such a union were recognized as illegitimate, had no rights to inheritance and title, and the relationship itself was recognized as adulterous. A Christian who entered it, even at that time, was subject to 4 years of excommunication from Communion.

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In the same case, when one of the spouses of other faiths converted to Christianity,

Those who remained outside the Church were immediately required to sign that the children who would be born to them after this would be baptized in the Orthodox Church.
A non-believer will not be led to his faith in any way, and his faithful half will not be deprived of monogamous cohabitation throughout her life, and will not force her to return to her previous error. If the unfaithful spouse gave such a subscription and followed it, then the marriage was recognized as legal; if there was a refusal or violation of these obligations, then the marriage was immediately dissolved, and the convert had the right to a new marriage with an Orthodox Christian. The great dogmatists of the 19th century - for example, Met. Macarius (Bulgakov) - also considered it impossible for a faithful man to marry a non-Christian. 1:2298 1:4
So both God and His Church categorically forbid Christians to enter into an alliance with non-Christians.

And this is not surprising.
After all, in marriage two people become one flesh, but how can he be happy if one of the spouses believes in the Triune God of love, and the other fears a distant, lonely ruler who does not allow him to meet him? How can those who wear the Cross on their chests live peacefully with those who believe that Christ was not crucified? 1:795 1:800
Raisa asks:
Father Andrey, tell me, is it possible and how to pray for people (relatives and friends) who died from alcoholism.
And how can we pray for the living who drink and don’t go to church and don’t pray at all? Is it possible to submit health notes for them? 1:1254

Father Andrey answers: Dear Raisa! You can pray for those who have died from alcoholism at home (read the psalter, the canon for the dead, do good deeds), you can also pray for the dead in church, submit notes, order a memorial service. You can pray for the living both in church - submit notes, order an akathist to the Mother of God "The Inexhaustible Chalice" and the martyr Boniface, and at home - read the akathists to the "Inexhaustible Chalice" and martyr yourself. Boniface.

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Sergei asks:
Father Andrey, please tell me how to understand John Chrysostom - let the eye, and hearing, and hands, and feet, and our whole body fast - these, as I understand it, are our passions?
If so, what is the best way to do this with the benefit of the soul along with the fasting of our lips? Thank you! 1:500

Father Andrei answers: Good evening, Sergei! You correctly understand the words of St. John Chrysostom. Fasting is vital for a person, as one of the most powerful means in the fight against passions. A person consists of a soul and a body, and both of these components of a person must fast. They must, not forced, but must, submitting to their human consciousness. It is quite obvious that the feat of repentance and prayer during fasting must be accompanied by abstinence from all entertainment, for example, watching TV. During Lent you are supposed to go to church more, pray more at home, read spiritual literature, and maybe do something good for your neighbor.

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Sergei asks:
Father Andrei, please tell me, if you were a Komsomol member, is it a sin?
If so, is it worth repenting of this in confession? 1:261

Father Andrey answers: Dear Sergey! Yes, you need to repent of this in confession.

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Anna asks:
Bless!
Please tell me, is it possible to read the Psalter before going to bed on the bed? Or can you only read it while standing? The same question applies to the Gospel. God bless you! 1:780

Father Andrey answers: God bless! The Gospel is read standing in front of the icons with a lit lamp or candle. The Psalter can be read while sitting, but not lying on the bed.

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Tatyana asks:
Please tell me, many old women say that Epiphany (also Jordan) water is “stronger” than Epiphany water.
After all, Epiphany water can be diluted with plain water, but Epiphany water cannot (so they say). What is the difference? But the prayer on both days during the blessing of water is the same? 1:1665

Father Andrey answers: There is no difference! You can dilute plain water with Epiphany water.

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Lyubov asks:
Father Andrey, is it possible to host lunch at your refectory on Nikola, December 19?
And does the fish eat on this day? Thanks for the answer. 1:452

Father Andrey answers: Lunch is okay! Fish too! But we need to meet on Saturday or Sunday.

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Elena asks:
I would like to dissolve my church marriage.
What needs to be done for this? I divorced my husband and have nothing in common with him 1:908

Father Andrey answers: Dear Elena. To dissolve a church marriage, you need to contact the dean of the Chistopol district, i.e. to Archpriest Sergius (Kuznetsov). He will solve this issue.

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Tatyana (Glavnova) asks:
Hello, father.
My daughter is in the 6th grade, an excellent student - the only girl in the whole class, I think that is why (out of envy) she does not have a “common language” with the girls in the class. There is one leader in the class to whom everyone obeys, we don’t want to go all the way to the director, we don’t want to quarrel. But they humiliate me because my daughter comes home from school every day crying: “No one is friends with me in class.” She suggested going to church, but she doesn’t want to. I can’t insist, because I myself started going to church at the age of 16, and now I’m 35 (nobody forced me). And I believe that everyone should come to the temple in their own time - not by force - according to the will of God. Nobody should force you. But what should I do, I feel sorry for my daughter, and we don’t want to quarrel with classmates, (and we don’t know how) because there are relatives there - (this is the main instigator of our misunderstanding, i.e. the leader). Who should I pray to? Help, father. 1:2829

Father Andrei answers: Come to our church on Sunday, we will talk to you there.

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Tatyana asks:
Once, in the Church of the Kazan Mother of God, during the prayer “I Believe...”, they remarked to me that I should not bow, but in our church everyone bows.
What do you say, father? What should I do? It’s the same in the prayer “Our Father...” 1:611

Father Andrey answers: Dear Tatyana! At the beginning of the nationwide singing of the Symbol I Believe, one must make the sign of the cross, and at the beginning of the nationwide singing of the Our Father, one must make the sign of the cross with a bow to the ground.

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Catherine asks:
The daughter was accused of witchcraft (the boss saw pieces or a piece of wire in the shoe, with her data and several other data of the suspects, she went to a sorcerer or a psychic, he pointed it out to her, she was fired for this. Father, tell me how to deal with this she has to live, she is very upset. Who should I pray to?
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Father Andrei answers: First of all, you need to come to church to confess and partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ.
But before that, you must ask the boss for forgiveness, and pray for her, so that the Lord will enlighten her. The Lord said: “Pray for your enemies.” Try to forget about it. It’s hard, I understand, but it’s still necessary, because we are Orthodox and we must humble ourselves and forgive them. For slander they will give an answer to the Lord. And you yourself must change a little, go to church as much as possible, pray, confess, and receive communion. Read morning and evening prayers, the New Testament. And everything will be fine with God's help. Everything is God's will. Pray to the Hieromartyr Cyprian and the Martyr Justinia. 1:1272 1:1277 1:1324 1:1329

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What to do if... The priest’s answers to popular questions from believers