Below find questions posed at each session. Answers can be found at the corresponding Link and Timestamp provided.

APRIL 7, 2022

Link: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/q--a-sessions-during-th...

• 114m 33s
  • Father bless. If one is considering monasticism, is it better to stick to the monastery and Gerondissa they already know and love as they seek to discern whether the monastic life is for them or not? Would visiting other monasteries bring clarity, or confusion? And while trying to discern one's path, how should one deal with the interest of people looking to marry? Should one simply dismiss their attempt to connect, or consider it?
• 120m 3s
  • Was Apostolos Makrakis actually a heretic? Should his writings be read or avoided? Is his tripartite view of man as being composed of body, soul, and nous unorthodox? Is it incorrect because the nous is the highest part of the soul rather than a distinct thing unto itself?
• 126m 29s
  • Is the reality of Mysteries of the "Ukrainian Orthodox Churches" in America under the EP doubtful? Should we stay away from "Ukrainian Orthodox
• 127m 7s
  • Have you ever encountered the argument that online ministries such as yours - interfere with the particular pastoral work of particular priests, parishes and dioceses? And that public dialogue and catechism on Orthodox subjects, especially via online means, is unorthodox and should not be done?
• 130m 52s
  • I'm now in my mid 40s and have never been married nor do I have children, and definitely do not want to be a nun. I do want, however, to spend the rest of my life just being on my own and serving others when possible. That being said, is it okay to not do either? Does God judge you for not choosing one or other?
• 136m 35s
  • Growing-up in the Greek Orthodox faith, we attended church regularly but took communion 3/4 times per year. Now I find myself talking communion regularly. What is the tradition for communion? Confession is not offered every week for us.
• 138m 47s
  • In the Greek tradition, and perhaps others, we have the tradition of naming our children after our parents. Is this a folk/ethnic tradition Father, or is there a foundation of this in our Faith?
• 147m 59s
  • A well-known female orthodox PhD recently gave a talk at a Greek church after the liturgy in the center part of the church. Is it problematic that she wore a priest-looking black robe and a priest sized pectoral cross on a long chain?
• 152m 35s
  • Since the lines were highly blurred on Mount Athos concerning the Old Calendarists during the 1920-1970s how are we to understand people such as St Ieronymos of Aegina, St Chrysostomos of Florina, who were Old Calendarists but also known saints, sometimes on both sides?
• 160m 23s
  • What is the Byzantine Catholics about? I have this lady in my exercise class claiming that they are the One True Church. Who are they?
• 160m 26s
  • Are there any good monasteries in America connected to Elder Aimilianos?
• 162m 25s
  • Can you please expand and unpack this instructive quote from St. Theophan the Recluse: "One who is repenting must for a long time force himself and train himself so as to do good, so as to perform it easily; and even after attaining this, he must constantly keep himself in a state of tension and fear. On the other hand, one who has not fallen lives in simplicity of heart, in a kind of assurance of salvation which blesses him and is not deceived.” How can we recognize which one our current spiritual state is more similar to?
• 166m 29s
  • I read in the prologue references to the location of the relics of Orthodox saints in heterodox locations. Is it permissible to go to papal protestant or monophosite cathedral to venerate the relics of saints?
• 166m 53s
  • I read yesterday about Saint Paisios’ views regarding technology (specifically television) and it’s negative impacts on children. Is it possible in such a technology-driven world we live in, to avoid technology with children altogether?
• 172m 54s
  • Father Bless. I was terminated from my job last week due to the vaccine mandates and now I'm struggling to have love and forgiveness for my former colleagues, boss and the higher management, who've only contacted me during these last 4 months by letter. How do I move on from this and the thoughts the evil one is sowing?
• 186m 29s
  • As an Assyrian speaking Eastern Orthodox, I find that people in our community are deceived and their “leaders” use different tactics to keep these people in deception and delusion. What is the best way to approach conversations with these people?
• 186m 33s
  • Father it is a difficult shift in mindset for a Protestant transitioning to Orthodoxy to cast off the teaching of assurance of Heaven. How can one truly adjust? Are Orthodox in a permanent state of ambivalence about whether their soul will reach Heaven when they repose?
• 191m 31s
  • Ευλογητε Πατερ Who is the Orthodox Church to Sanctify a Saint?
• 191m 56s
  • A priest has been helping an immigrant family so they have been going to Church. They are not Orthodox, yet he has taken the boy into the Holy of Holies and is training him to be an acolyte. The boy wears an acolyte robe and is carrying cross, the fans or the candles, etc. This seems wrong to me.

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MARCH 31, 2022

Link: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/q--a-sessions-during-th...

• 53m 19s
  • Father, can you explain the "energies of God" simply, in a manner suitable for a 10-12 year old child? Examples/parallels from our visible world would be helpful, too.
• 54m 10s
  • How do I enter Mount Athos if I want to become a monk?
• 80m 20s
  • Father Bless Would you recommend the movie Man of God?
• 84m 28s
  • Can you speak more about the difference in the relationship, levels of obedience etc. required of an Orthodox layperson in their relationship with a spiritual father that they actively seek out and choose to have that relationship with vs. that due to one's local parish priest one confesses to regularly, etc? During one's catechumenate is the relationship to the catechizing priest closer to that of spiritual father and spiritual son? If so, does that change after Baptism?
• 90m 45s
  • Pertaining to the specific ecclesiastical situations relating to our Greek Orthodox World in Canada which you're informed about to some degree; we are seeing a small but yet strong interest of fellow like-minded Orthodox believers wanting to officially line themselves under the healthiest episcopal/ jurisdictional option available to them today. Thank God, many prayers seem to be answered through the different signs & opportunities that have presented themselves recently. Can you comment a bit on this?
• 97m 56s
  • How should people without a spiritual father approach asceticism if there is no one to bless our endeavors?
• 99m 57s
  • Evlogeite! What do you use / what helps you to not become despondent during prayer and let your thoughts wander?
• 101m 46s
  • If I become a monk, I am conflicted because I feel like I am being selfish. I leave behind my mother, father and 2 younger brother (6, 20 yr old). The youngest looks up to me very much. Should I give all my wealth to my family or others less fortunate? I won´t be able repay my parents for what they have done for me I suppose if I leave is what I'm thinking.
• 106m 27s
  • Father bless, someone had asked about the 5 senses of the soul on Tuesday - can you please explain what these are?
• 108m 50s
  • If someone was brought into Orthodoxy by a statement of faith, or Chrismation, and has for years been receiving Holy Communion, should they cease to do so if they have finally found a priest who will properly Baptize them, until they are Baptized? Also, is the sacrament of Marriage affected in this case?
• 116m 55s
  • Do things detached from God ever feel artificial despite being tangible? Does the secular world ever become intolerable for Christians or feel like such a perversion it's like an evil carnival?
• 119m 27s
  • How do we properly understand the temple of God, the building we worship in, and the other temple of God, our bodies, in relation to communicable disease?
• 130m 57s
  • Many monasteries are translating lots of good materials and books for people's spiritual benefits. Can one receive much reward from Christ by translating good spiritual materials?
• 135m 23s
  • My question is about the Theotokos, the ROCOR parish we attend say "Birth giver of God" And their hymn to the Theotokos is like I've never heard with this wording, what is proper?
• 137m 38s
  • We read in the lives of the Saints about demon possessed people who receive Communion (with the blessing of an Elder, not like totally unworthily), and they still are demon possessed. How are we to understand this? How should we understand generally demonic possession vs demonic influence?
• 154m 14s
  • Have any Saints/Elders ever commented on the modern phenomenon of mass icon production?
• 157m 56s
  • Father bless, can you explain the deeper meaning of the word "epignosis" used in the Bible? Would the English word "insight" be a little closer to the true meaning than "knowledge"?
• 161m 24s
  • How do we become communicants?
• 161m 47s
  • If someone dies during certain times specifically after the resurrection (Holy Friday/Saturday or Pascha) does it mean the heavens are open and that person’s soul goes straight to heaven? What do the saints and fathers say about this. Also does St. Michael take the souls too?
• 164m 25s
  • Would you be able to provide some information about Archbishop Gregory of North America?
• 167m 47s
  • I can’t remember which clergy or Saint said this, but essentially, “if we knew how much Grace there was during Divine Liturgy, we would collect the dust off the floor”. Does this Grace render the human bacteria/germs on, for example, non-holy items like the pews, inactive?
• 171m 33s
  • Father, when we Pray for a loved one who is far away from the Church and in fact is completely closed to Christ. How do our prayers help? What is happening to the person we are praying for?
• 175m 36s
  • Father, could you speak to the so called “relics” or western and Oriental Orthodox “saints”? Are these legitimate? What are we to make of these claims?

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MARCH 24, 2022

Link: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/q--a-sessions-during-th...

• 58m 41s
  • Father Bless. What should we make of the blood streaming icons?
• 59m 0s
  • In 2020, at the World Economic Forum Klaus Schwab declared "The Great Reset ". Can we say anything about spiritual consequences of this event today?
• 64m 38s
  • What type of repentance would be required in The West to avoid the type of suffering Bolsheviks brought to Russia? Are citizens responsible for the conduct of their rulers? Is nationalism a sin when a nation is ungodly (prideful)?
• 71m 40s
  • How often should we go to confession? Should we go every month?
• 77m 2s
  • My wife is Catholic. I pray to God that he will guide her and our children to the true Church. What do I say to our children that she is raising Catholic when they inevitably ask me why do I go to a "different" church and what is the difference? How do I not come off as judgmental? I am thankful to God that they are at least learning about God but in another way, I am concerned that it will only make it harder for them to come to Orthodoxy.
• 89m 2s
  • Question on outward expressions during services like when to do sign of Cross, bowing down, lifting up hands (let us lift up our hearts) or using prayer rope in church. Any comment is appreciated.
• 95m 50s
  • With the many temptations we are faced with in this life/sins we commit, if we don’t confess them all before we depart perhaps due to pride are doomed not to live a paradise after life? How are we judged?
• 107m 23s
  • Fr. Bless. Should chanters be led by a male or female director?
• 109m 4s
  • In terms of “the flesh”, this set against the spirit, is the flesh beyond simply the obviously carnal and rather the individual self as the highest value?
• 110m 55s
  • Do you have any resources for a beginner interested in exploring Orthodoxy?
• 118m 19s
  • We have post-1054 English Saints and we seem to generally cease veneration after the Norman invasion. Could you speak at all about when the Irish Church ceased to be Orthodox since it was not invaded by the Normans and pushed to the Frankish faith for another 100 years or more.
• 121m 5s
  • The Church provides us with many prayers for all kinds of situations. Is it also okay for one to speak to God spontaneously based on what’s in our hearts, or is this considered spiritually dangerous?
• 121m 40s
  • Father, would it be awkward to email Clergy that I respect and ask them to be my spiritual father or to ask priests to point me in the direction of one? I keep praying for one and seeking for one, but I don't feel like I am any closer after five years.
• 122m 32s
  • Can you explain the synchronous relationship between Dogma & Ethos? If you error in one you will error in the other. Can you please define what phronema and ethos mean?
• 133m 2s
  • If an Orthodox priest has not been baptized with full immersion, wouldn’t that undermine or potentially have negative effects on his ability to fulfill his priestly duties? If yes, then would it affect his ability to baptize others?

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MARCH 17, 2022

Link: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/q--a-sessions-during-th...

• 61m 30s
  • Father bless. How does a convert to Orthodoxy sanctify their non-Orthodox spouse and other family members who are not interested in the Church? Are there any special prayers or akathists suggested for helping them to convert?
• 62m 28s
  • In Greek Orthodox churches in Sydney, it is now common to see women chanters. It started a few years ago, with women on one side men on the other, but now it is all mixed. Is this allowed?
• 73m 28s
  • Can you share your thoughts on the supposed upcoming "consecration to the immaculate heart of Mary" of Russia by the leader of the papal Protestants which he has scheduled for March 25?
• 79m 31s
  • Can you comment on the 17 or so Ukrainian Orthodox bishops who recently decided to stop commemorating Patriarch Kirill of Moscow? Have they given a reason for doing this, or is it politically motivated due to current events?
• 92m 40s
  • What steps should one take to create an online catechetical academy that will teach "traditional" Orthodoxy since what we have online today is at a complete loss?
• 92m 45s
  • Dear Father, I’ve heard it said by pious people in monasteries that it is not good to cross one’s legs. Is there a particular reason for this, or is it a so-called “old wife’s tale”?
• 101m 19s
  • Are we expected to maintain extremely toxic family relationships? By toxic I mean psychologically and verbally abusive and controlling behavior.
• 104m 26s
  • I find that if I talk to my 24-year old son lovingly and gently about Christ and His truth, he speaks back his felt lack of need for Him. I know that I should show him Christ by how much I love him by my actions, but talking about God may be pushing him further away? Should I not talk about Christ so as to avoid him hardening his position?
• 111m 26s
  • When is the Orthodox Ethos merch store opening up?
• 115m 8s
  • In the Book of Acts and Lives of the Saints we see many examples of pagans being converted and baptized into the Church almost immediately after repenting. What do the Canons say about the amount of time converts or catechumens should wait before baptism?
• 121m 43s
  • We have a few years before our children get to the schooling years. Our oldest is only 3. What age do you recommend to start homeschooling?
• 121m 57s
  • If you come across things that are not right and it makes you upset, how do you change that reaction? If you immerse yourself in prayer and repent ... will it eventually subside? It is taking forever to see any improvement.
• 137m 25s
  • If a loved one has passed away and you curse about them afterwards because they didn’t treat you right/well, how damaging is this to them in the afterlife? Are they continuing to be judged by God?
• 140m 53s
  • Father bless, have you looked at the St George monastery (Australia) Volume 5 of the Philokalia? I heard that Met. Ware stopped working on his long-awaited English translation because of the issue of breathing exercises in the original Greek text. Do you recommend the translation that is available only on Kindle by St George monastery? Do you know of any other publisher that has plans to put out a volume 5?
• 144m 37s
  • Here in Toronto, ON, there are some Orthodox churches who continue to serve Holy Communion with plastic spoons. Most recently, one of the hierarchy advised the parish that 100s of years ago, the OC did not always serve HC with the Lavida. Is this correct? In history, was the HC ever served with multiple Lavidas (at one time) and/or other multiple serving tools?
• 151m 11s
  • My infant son and I were baptized and chrismated last year. My wife is Protestant and therefore my two other young children are not baptized Orthodox. My wife does not want the two children baptized Orthodox. My priest has therefore counseled me to allow my children to choose whether they will be baptized when they are older. Would it be unwise to have my children baptized without my wife’s consent?
• 156m 57s
  • In the Lives of Saints, we read in the lives of certain martyrs during the pagan persecutions, how the saints would smash pagan statues. In the 4th century, after St Constantine legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire, the Imperial Government sought to limit the destruction of pagan temples and statues. The Emperors St. Constantine and St. Theodosios I, in particular were noted for this, carting off many statues to adorn Constantinople and turning many pagan temples into churches. Why the seeming about-face? Was this Imperial policy a deviation from the spirit of the martyrs?
• 160m 23s
  • For at least 10 years I have a wonderful spiritual father. He moved some years ago and I email my confession and talk later on the phone. I find emailing a little strange. It’s an adjustment for me. I don’t think I want to change and seek another spiritual father because the one I have is great. Any comments are appreciated.
• 163m 28s
  • How do I speak lovingly about my relatives and others, (non-Orthodox) while trying to lead my children away from their overwhelming examples of secular life and culture? Also how to spend time with extended family appropriately without feeling overrun by their preferences and quiet about faith. I no longer desire to spend much time around my extended family for these reasons. What is my obligation?
• 170m 11s
  • So, we have many women in the choir. What about that?
• 173m 58s
  • There is a practice existing in the Russian Church where infants are not allowed to commune at the Presanctified, the reasoning being is that we cannot be sure if the wine they're getting is the Blood or not. Are you aware of this phenomenon and can give your thoughts?
• 181m 35s
  • Father is there a difference of the people around the 1st and 2nd Synods to the of the people of today? Do you believe Ecumenism is a cancer? Could you please tell me the difference between Arianism and Ecumenism
• 185m 50s
  • Do you know of any good lives of contemporary Bulgarian elders or saints?
• 187m 20s
  • Can you comment on the history of the schism between the Bulgarian Exarchate and the Phanar/EP? What was that all about?
• 191m 19s
  • Father, any update on the Greek priest on mission in Africa you spoke about a few weeks back? I'm sure many of us would love to help if there is a donation page or something similar.
• 194m 3s
  • Father, is it possible for a Hieromonk to come to North America, with the blessing of his Metropolitan, and dwell in his hermitage, remaining under his Metropolitan (like a metohi)?
• 195m 7s
  • I've seen priest use "gluten free" bread for the Eucharist because of some peoples alleged allergy. I think this is blasphemous. What do you think?

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MARCH 3, 2022

Link: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/q--a-sessions-during-th...

• 59m 9s
  • Father Bless. In addition to increased prayer and fasting, I'd like to add more silence and less screen time during the Great Fast. Do you have any practical suggestions about how to do that?
• 60m 31s
  • What advice do you have for some of us that don't have the ability to ignore what is happening in the world right now and we experience anxiety and stress despite our efforts to pray more, repent more and trust God more. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed and desperate.
• 65m 57s
  • Are there any specific things we should be doing or paying attention to during Clean Week?
• 78m 15s
  • I heard a quote from Father Seraphim Rose regarding not completely giving up “worldly activities” because taking on too much can have the opposite effect. For example, with the Great Lent coming up, if you’re a convert, do you follow the fasting calendar and not have oil even though you know it’s going to be extremely difficult or start slow?
• 84m 23s
  • Is there anything extra that we should do to protect ourselves and our families from the spiritual attacks that come with Great Lent?
• 95m 35s
  • As St John of Shanghai and SF reminds us, that the west was orthodox for 1000 years. Could you please explain the difference between why some followed the Latins and others didn’t?
• 105m 35s
  • As Orthodox Christians we are guilty of neglecting the reading of the scriptures regularly. How should we practically read the scriptures to really submerse ourselves in them? From Genesis to Apocalypse? NT first, OT first, vice versa?
• 105m 42s
  • In Galatians 1:16-17, Saint Paul says, "to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were Apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus." Why did St Paul go to Arabia for 3 years after Christ appeared to him before submitting himself to the 12 Apostles?
• 109m 50s
  • I have noticed when the priest brings forth Holy Communion to distribute, people rush and push others out of the way to take it first thinking they will catch a sickness from the other people if they are at the back of the line. How do we help them if the priest won’t deal with it?
• 114m 19s
  • The chanting at the beginning of each lecture is very moving. Who are chanters and could it be found somewhere for purchase/download?
• 118m 35s
  • There are many bishop’s priest’s and Archbishop who are in support of the inoculation saying it’s the only way out of the pandemic, our Archbishop is in support and homosexuality. How do we continue as they are not following the Holy Fathers and trying to drag us down with them?
• 127m 40s
  • Father bless- learning about Dorotheos Voulismas and the kind of man he was in your recent podcast has made me interested to learn more about the Ecumenical Patriarchs from the Kollyvades Fathers' era such as Cyril V and Neophytos VII who blessed the Pedalion. Is there anything written about the lives of these Patriarchs, even in Greek? What is their stance on the Kollyvades Fathers and Voulismas?
• 131m 19s
  • I recently submitted names to a monastery for 40 day liturgy. One of the names is double barreled, eg Anna Maria. She was baptized in a Greek orthodox church with two names, even though her feast day is Saint Anne. The monastery said that this is not common practice in our church but more common practice with the papists, can you comment on this?
• 139m 33s
  • My Church usually doesn't do the Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete and I don't have the option of attending another one. Do you think it's beneficial to watch it live streamed from a monastery since it is so long and difficult to chant alone?
• 141m 11s
  • Father how would you advise Orthodox who don't have a priest or are distant from Orthodox gatherings/parish in how they can best participate in the season of Lent?
• 147m 14s
  • Should I join protests or prayer more? Or both/and?
• 147m 24s
  • A deep wish of mine it to visit Jerusalem and enter the Jordan River. Is this a re-baptism?
• 149m 18s
  • Do you recommend saying anything to those who are rabidly anti-Russian due to the media?.
• 151m 20s
  • According to the Church canons, we should not make prostrations on Sundays and Great Feasts. However, I've heard recently we can do prostrations on Sundays and Great Feasts 'in our cell' (at home). Would that just be Saturday morning, then Sunday evening?
• 153m 13s
  • Fr. Peter, can you discuss public sins, private falls, and heretical statements specifically of the Hierarchy that scandalize the faithful?
• 161m 9s
  • What is the best book for researching the Monophysite heresy (Orientals so-called) in English? Is the Gregoriou Monastery book you told me about coming soon in English?

+ + +

FEBRUARY 24, 2002

Link: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/q--a-sessions-during-th...

• 89m 17s
  • Can you speak to the relationship between good intentions and the truth, and what our stance should be as it relates to our salvation? Will not the Antichrist rise because of the world’s good intentions?
• 89m 21s
  • How can you tell if you have forgiven someone fully? Does it mean you have no more hurt feelings? For example, I had a difficult relationship with my parents, sometimes I think I’ve forgiven them but I get upset all over again with the issues I said I forgave them for. Does this mean my forgiveness is not real?
• 106m 42s
  • In the Ascetical Homilies of St. Isaac the Syrian he writes “The beginning of the path of life is continually to exercise the mind in the words of God, and to live in poverty. For when a man waters himself with one, it aids in the perfection of the other.” How can laypeople live this out in terms of poverty in order to begin on the path to life? Is it the same for all people? How do we walk the same path and reap the benefits of it in our spiritual life?
• 112m 26s
  • Father, I've read that shortly before a priest is buried, after some or all of the funeral services, his face is covered by the cloth that covers the Holy Gifts during the Divine Liturgy. Can you explain the meaning of this and why the priest's face is covered?
• 113m 24s
  • What does the church think of non-embryonic stem cell treatments? I had one before coming to the Church and was wondering if I need to include it in my upcoming life confession before Baptism.
• 115m 17s
  • How do you counsel people with health issues, which could be potentially exacerbated by the extended fasts?
• 119m 55s
  • Dear Father, could you briefly explain the Operations of the Holy Spirit, both inside and outside the Church?
• 121m 46s
  • Father bless, what is the proper place of the Academy in the Orthodox society? When does secular learning become a hindrance rather than a help in terms of reaching God? What are some red flags to watch out for (I ask this as a university student)?
• 127m 24s
  • Is Putin standing up against western degenerate lunacy? Is this related to the Ukrainian schismatic issue and all other related nonsense?
• 129m 13s
  • I have noticed recently that you emphasize that, as Orthodox, we follow the Saints. I am wondering if I am understanding this correctly?
• 139m 35s
  • I have seen many papists on social media cheering on the Western regime as a chance to "consecrate Russia" in the spirit of Fatima. When I was a catechumen, I read a book from Jordanville of how Fatima was used as justification to persecute the Church. Can you speak to Fatima in general and how this may align what we're seeing now?
• 146m 47s
  • Can you address lay brotherhoods of mid 20th century Greece, the Archimandrites of Religion? Who were these brotherhoods? How did they emerge and why?
• 164m 35s
  • What is the actual process of attaining a Spiritual Father if you have someone in mind? Do you have to ask or is it something unspoken and it just is?
• 170m 30s
  • I was recently watching Priestmonk Kosmas’ talks on magic and demonic influence. My question is: does magic work on faithful and practicing Orthodox Christians, by this I mean, those who frequently confess and commune and try to live a zealous life?
• 172m 42s
  • Father, bless. I have a son who is almost 5. He has a love of learning about Saints and our faith. But sometimes (and naturally), when I ask him to say his prayers or tell him we have to go to church, he shows resistance and says “it’s boring”. Where is the fine line of encouraging but not forcing him. I don’t want him to end up turning away from it when he’s older if it’s being forced on him.
• 176m 11s
  • Would you please speak about St Kosmas prophecy related to current war activity with Russia and the Ukraine. In your humble opinion, would you say this is the start of WW3?
• 182m 33s
  • How can one practice to stop talking as much? Are there any saints you speak on silence who could inspire this?
• 185m 8s
  • Dear Father, I’ve heard prophecies that the Vatican will be destroyed. I’ve heard others that Rome will play a big role in the End. Which is the case? Can both be true?
• 187m 1s
  • What if your child has participated in Dungeons and Dragons type gateway games. Should you just tell them; we keep ourselves from these things—or do you talk more in depth about the dangers?
• 189m 33s
  • What do you think is Putin's biggest fear about Ukraine?
• 191m 35s
  • What is the status of the Anti-Papist book you were working on?
• 199m 7s
  • Father bless, heresies always seem to come in dialectical pairs. In your view, what is the dialectic we see most pronouncedly in our world today (examples of past dialectics might be Nestorianism vs Eutychianism/Monophysitism, or Iconoclasm/No Images vs Frankish Statuary and Sensualized Art, or Papal Protestant Celibate Priesthood/Hyper-Monasticism vs Reformed Protestant Anti-Monasticism)?

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FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Link: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/q--a-sessions-during-th...

• 134m 9s
  • Your blessing! If you could choose one 20th century Saint to be able to converse with and ask them details about their teachings: what Saint would you choose and what would you inquire about?
• 144m 44s
  • Does anxiety come solely from the enemy? And do you have any strategies to cope with it? How does Orthodoxy deal with mental health?
• 149m 37s
  • Father, bless. Sometimes when I'm out and about, I'll say prayers in my head as I go. When I come to the Lord's Prayer, or any other prayer that usually requires a sign of the cross, I'm hesitant to cross myself in public. How do I navigate crossing myself in public?
• 150m 22s
  • If someone is persecuted and even killed for telling the truth about a matter (i.e. some social or political phenomenon) - they are not considered a Martyr as they weren't persecuted and killed for the Faith. But if an Orthodox Christian does this because it’s a commandment of God to speak the truth and if they are persecuted or killed for this are they a true Martyr or Confessor?
• 152m 34s
  • I am a newly baptized Orthodox Christian. My daughter has joined a Roman Catholic Church and will be confirmed and remarried in the church. As an Orthodox Christian, I’m struggling with this and don’t know how to respond. Happy that she is seeking Christ, but I cannot celebrate her marriage or baptism in the Roman Church. I don’t want to appear unloving or upset her. Any advice on how to approach this? What should be my stance regarding her RC marriage and baptism?
• 159m 17s
  • Please clarify for me the present stand of the Moscow Patriarchate. Part of the true Church, or not to be trusted?
• 160m 12s
  • I have been taught we cannot say the heterodox will be damned since they’re not Orthodox because God will decide how to judge them. However, if there is no sacramental grace outside the Church, doesn’t that mean anyone not in the Church is not being saved i.e., deified? How do we maintain this balance?
• 164m 49s
  • I’m interested in learning Orthodox apologetics. I have family that are New age, Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Buddhist. Can you recommend some books and resources to help learning how to present and defend our faith? Where do I begin studying this in more depth?
• 168m 40s
  • If one suffers and tells their pain to a mother or best friend is this egotistical? Basically, can we share our pain with those close to us, especially when our spiritual father is unavailable to us? Another question is, if one is un-righteously persecuted by their own kind is it ok to confront that person with love to ask as to why they are behaving in this manner ? Especially those that are within the faith?
• 172m 32s
  • Father bless. My priest suggested that I read St. Paisios of Mount Athos by Hieromonk Isaac, and, I just discovered With Pain and Love for Contemporary Man (St Paisios). How do these books differ? Is it worth having my own copy?
• 172m 36s
  • Many of the older generations, say if a child is born with a disability like Down Syndrome, its punishment for sins the parents have done? Is there any truth to this?
• 176m 16s
  • I have a family member who took the …, I am trying to speak to this member and tell them to confess. They tell me that their spiritual father said it has nothing to do with the spiritual state of a person and is more so a personal choice. He said he received a 'blessing ' for it for his circumstances. What do you say in this situation? Should he change spiritual fathers?
• 181m 36s
  • Could you give information on the Orthodox life in Africa? Do they leave local priests behind to serve regularly and take care of the faithful? Is there regular parish life at all, or is it just sporadic visits by this or that priest/bishop?
• 181m 42s
  • How do the mysteries of the church exist in heaven? For example, my wife and I will no longer be married, yet we will still know each other better and love each other more than anyone else in heaven, I wonder what that relationship will become.
• 189m 22s
  • Fr Peter, please bless! As the 40 days since Kate Magdelena died will be on the 28th of February, can I have a panakhida said for her at my parish church which was not hers?
• 190m 53s
  • Where can I read more about the Orthodox Churches position on resisting evil with force (Ivan Ilyin was Orthodox but not a patristic father or theologian)? Joshua 8 includes God instructing Joshua how and when to ambush the Ai, but there's few old testament commentaries.
• 194m 2s
  • In the Second Epistle of John “ if there come any unto you and bring not this doctrine (doctrine of Christ) receive him not into your house neither bid him Godspeed. For he that bideth him Godspeed is a partaker of his evil deeds” Would you please explain what St John the apostle meant when he said “he that biddeth him Godspeed is a partaker of his evil deeds”?
• 196m 34s
  • After hearing how long one should be a catechumen for, it’s weighing on my mind that I wasn’t catechized long enough as it was under a year. What can I do now to learn about Orthodoxy in a more structural manner?
• 199m 20s
  • Father, Bless! Father, if one would like *pure* KJV type Bible, would New Cambridge Paragraph Bible with Apocrypha be a good choice?
• 200m 49s
  • How far do we go as laypeople to tell a priest how they are doing things is wrong. E.g. if they don't immerse a baby in baptism but sprinkle them. Do we tell tell the priest and then the Bishop or just the priest and leave it at that?
• 204m 10s
  • St John, who saw this vision on Patmos, has been called the apostle of Love, because of his closeness to Christ. Can you talk about the aspect of Love which is like Christs, which reflects truth, and not a shabby reflection of love which is sometimes put forth by us weak sinners.
• 207m 34s
  • What is the proper way to address Fr Seraphim Rose? I have seen him called Venerable, not sure what is proper, thank you!
• 208m 23s
  • The priest at my local church is a part time priest. He has a high paying full-time job. I recently learned he makes 40,000 a year from the church. This seems very high. Am I wrong to be bothered by this? His wife has a well-paying job. He has only one child who's in college. Is this a normal salary in the church? It makes me want to give my money to St Jude's or something.
• 210m 31s
  • In the life of Saint Anthony the Great, it speaks of him meeting satyrs and centaurs in the desert and the author (I believe St Jerome) says they're real actual creatures. Do any other saints speak of this? What do we make of this theologically?
• 212m 29s
  • I go to a Russian church under Moscow. The priest here says you need permission to immerse a baby at baptism. How they do it in Russia/Ukraine is put a handful of water over the head and back. Is baptism for a baby full immersion?
• 214m 49s
  • In the life of Fr Cosmas of Zaire, it says he received guidance about the issue of children who came from polygamous unions and who live with their mother who's husband has multiple other wives but it doesn't say what that guidance was (page 147). Do you know anything about how they ultimately decided to deal with this question pastorally?
• 216m 9s
  • I often have intuition about people's spiritual state, whether they are fighting against God or not. Would it be better to simply ignore this feeling anyway because it makes me want to cut people off and not speak to them.

+ + +

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Link: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/q--a-sessions-during-th...

• 50m 23s
  • When we read the Psalms, we see often "wishing evil" on enemies. Sometimes "wishing evil" is kind of disturbing. Can you please elaborate on this?
• 51m 58s
  • Can you speak more as to how there exists a hierarchy among the Saints, or how Saints are received by the Church as authorities on particular issues? It seems that this is key to untangling the debate on the reception of converts since those opposed to the Kollyvades Fathers' teaching often attempt to cite saints in favor of their own position.
• 67m 23s
  • Regarding our baptismal crosses, should we be wearing them outside our garments to profess our faith publicly, or wearing them against our skin (under our clothes) to have it closest to us?
• 69m 56s
  • Father, I really struggle at my parish with the lack of acknowledgement of the “ narrative” and how it looms over our church and worship style. I guess I have trouble knowing when to be silent and allow God to work in the situation, and when to stand up for the truth. Thank you for any help you can give me as to how to navigate this situation.
• 77m 9s
  • Would it be enough to break communion with clergy just by being a Mason?
• 81m 39s
  • Evlogite Pater. Can you elaborate on the 3 heavens and hells.
• 83m 17s
  • Bless father, is it possible for the church to wrongly canonize a person as a saint?
• 92m 7s
  • Could you speak about phyletism? The differences between that and patriotism? Would one nation be considered “holier” than another based upon the number of martyrs it may have over another?
• 100m 53s
  • Could you please discuss a little bit the fact that most priests in Greek parishes in the USA avoid talking about abortion, judgement, and repentance.
• 108m 10s
  • Dreams, how do we see them, what do they mean, seeing loved ones that have reposed?
• 123m 55s
  • When we pray “by the prayers of our Holy Fathers..” when we mention our Holy Fathers teachings, are we sort of excluding our women Saints and Martyrs? We don’t call them our Holy Mothers. Is it because this title only belongs to our Panagia?
• 124m 4s
  • What is the purpose of life? I've heard it expressed as "to Glorify God,", "to acquire the Holy Spirit", and "to achieve theosis." Are all of these the same thing or is there a more encompassing statement describing our purpose?
• 131m 33s
  • Recently I had a conversation with someone about Universal Salvation. This person was sure that the Orthodox Church did not have a definitive teaching for it or against it. The claim was that many saints and church fathers believed that God, because He is merciful, could not condemn anyone to hell. Do you know anything about this teaching of Universal Salvation being taught by the saints? Is it true the Orthodox Church does not have a definitive teaching on this?
• 137m 0s
  • Father, bless! How does the filioque affect the spiritual life of a papal protestant?
• 145m 43s
  • Father Bless! There was a post from Elder Amilianos that says “To avoid becoming upset, being worried, being anxious and over-reflective, expect just anything, put up with anything that comes along. Always say: "Welcome, illness", "'welcome failure', 'welcome suffering'. This brings meekness, without which there can be no spiritual life." How can one live up to this when one try to always hope for the best?
• 153m 11s
  • Someone having tattoos and being baptized Orthodox, wondering if best to remove them or just leave?
• 153m 34s
  • What do our Church Fathers say about “de ja vu”? Also, at times we think of someone we haven’t spoken to in a long time and next thing you know they call. This happens and I ignore it, but I’m confused about this.
• 159m 25s
  • Why/When did the tradition of minor clergy [Readers/Subdeacons] fall out of use and into almost non-existence in the Greek Church? I've come across people who have never heard of these ecclesiastical ranks.
• 161m 24s
  • Following up on the question on the wearing of baptismal crosses - what's your opinion on wearing t-shirts with Orthodox motives? Those became quite popular as of lately - would that be considered vanity/attracting attention to oneself?
• 167m 33s
  • If you are married without the blessing of your parents because they don’t approve of the life partner you have chosen for very good reasons and you don’t listen to your parents and marry without your parents at the ceremony, will the marriage be doomed to fail, have problems?
• 169m 34s
  • Can demonic attacks cause "medical" problems (infections, disease) or interact with our dreams? If so, what precautions can I take (blessing food, etc)?
• 173m 49s
  • What are the "apocrypha"?
• 176m 46s
  • I dont feel worthy enough to pray for myself in my struggles - I will pray for my family or others. Should I be praying for my struggles, or ask for strength, or 'your will be done'?
• 180m 37s
  • As we celebrated St Gregory St Basil this past week, he consecrated a church in someone's home Anastasis b/c the majority of the priests and people had fallen to Arianism. What is Arianism exactly? How can the majority have fallen to heresy? How do we know if we are not under plani now? We are taught to follow our spiritual leaders but we cannot accept on blind faith. What is the proper measure for practicing obedience vs listening to our own conscience, given historical heresy?
• 190m 52s
  • Father Peter, bless. You mentioned in Orthodoxy that we don’t celebrate birthdays. Is it blessed to attend other people’s/children's birthdays?
• 193m 43s
  • In praying with heretics: If someone who claims to be a christian or is in another confession asks to pray with us do we reject their request? Coming from my evangelical background I will pray with anyone. Actually, when people ask me to pray for them I say "Lets Pray right now". Is that an inappropriate practice? My wife is not Orthodox can I pray with her in my morning prayers if she joins me?
• 196m 37s
  • Once after praying to God for help and wisdom, I heard a voice say, "Pray to the Mother of God and she will help you." I should have talked with my priest about it at the time, but I did not. However, it bothered me that the voice said to pray to her rather than to ask her to pray for me. What are your thoughts?
• 198m 47s
  • The Scripture has one of the 10 Commandments saying "obey your parents IN THE LORD, for this is right…" What exactly does that clarification "in the Lord" mean?
• 209m 42s
  • When we read the Paraklesis at home, we do not read the Priest part and/or Deacon part. How about the Gospel reading? Do we read that (it says Priest)?
• 211m 46s
  • What is fear and how can we orthodox Christians fight it?

+ + +

FEBRUARY 3, 2022

Link: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/q--a-sessions-during-th...

• 1:03:36
  • When Christians need to flee persecution, how will we know it is time to leave our homes? Will God clearly let us know what to do?
• 1:11:16
  • Bishop Neofitos of Morfu said several times that there will be a time of a "black out" when we won't have internet or cell phones. What is your advice on what we should do spiritually if we cannot communicate with each other.
• 1:13:50
  • Many converts who begin to question their reception by chrismation and develop a desire to be baptized have doubts whether they are truly Orthodox, truly members of the Body of Christ. What have the Saints said to people with the doubts?
• 1:25:46
  • Is capital punishment allowed for an orthodox Christian state? Can a Christian support capital punishment? Can a Christian vote for the death penalty while serving on a jury? Can a Christian be an executioner?
• 1:32:52
  • GOARCH has joined with the United Nations to promote Agenda 2030. Isn't this Agenda part of the antichrist beast system?
• 1:36:13
  • If the ordinations of the Iconoclasts were accepted, according to St. Nicodemos "by economia and condescension and not by exactitude" because they "had been baptized properly and in accordance with the form [or type] of the Church" and upon the presupposition that these heretics were not yet condemned by a Synod (as per the interpretation you offered based on Voulismas) then do we say that the ordinations of the Ecumenists and at least the Sergianists are likewise to be accepted only be economia and condescension?
• 1:50:20
  • Do you know of any as yet untranslated works in Greek systematically refuting evolutionism along the lines of Fr. Seraphim Rose's Genesis, Creation and Early Man?
• 1:51:36
  • What is the actual process in The Church to remove a Heretical Bishop?
• 2:00:00
  • I understand thanking God for our enemies exposing our passions, but what does one do when they hear heretical things from Orthodox in person?
• 2:05:52
  • I have become distressed at the cultural divide that has driven Orthodox homes and churches apart. Can we really let politics enter the church?
• 2:14:12
  • Is it okay to participate in prayer with heterodox?
• 2:16:34
  • What does it mean to worship? What do the Holy Fathers teach us about how we "worship" God?
• 2:22:36
  • An Archimandrite Priest in Sydney Australia told my sister, if you saw what happens behind closed doors in the church you would leave the church. Why would a priest make such a statement?
• 2:27:24
  • Should we be taking every opportunity for confession or communion?
• 2:35:37
  • For those of us struggling to retain an Orthodox identity in foreign lands - perhaps due to overt epifylaxis (precaution) at times there seems to be a tendency to "see the devil" in everything.
• 2:40:01
  • Father, would you please give guidance on the profession of a writer?
• 2:44:02
  • How should we treat LGB etc people?
• 2:48:21
  • The intense debate about the number of natures and wills of Christ looks similar to the scholasticism of Aquinas. Can you help me understand why it was necessary to nail these things down, i.e., what are the implications of believing that Christ has two natures and two wills?
• 2:54:39
  • If something unforeseen would happen to me before I receive a corrective baptism, could I still be saved?
• 2:55:27
  • I was told by a believer once that if God allows you to be murdered it’s His mercy and the one that has killed you takes your sins. Is this true?
• 2:56:50
  • Do we speak up when Orthodox parents talk about their plans/desires to have their children get an mRNA covid vaccine or do we keep our mouth shut up?
• 2:58:56
  • As you know there are a lot of changes going on in Africa. We have a desire to increase the theological education of the local clergy possibly through a new seminary that they do not have now. Any advice on how we would begin this endeavor?
• 3:02:51
  • What does the Orthodox Church say about birth control?
• 3:06:04
  • On Holy Thursday, Christ spoke the following of his betrayer Judas: “It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” Is this also true of all Christians who betray Christ?
• 3:08:10
  • My parish purchased a warehouse, turning it into a new church building. I am struggling with the altar of the church being on the west wall and not the east. Our priest got the ok from the Bishop to do so. Am I wrong for this to bother me?
• 3:11:29
  • How much involvement our spiritual father should have on all aspects of our lives? How much should we listen to our “intuition” when making decisions?
• 3:16:08
  • How are we to apply the Canons?
• 3:20:52
  • If Bartholomew and co. are Masons, is that alone enough to lose Χάρη? And do you believe this sea of Ecumenism is worldwide?
• 3:21:44
  • Can you explain what Theosis really means...and how is it attained?
• 3:23:34
  • I have heard that it is advised to receive a Blessing from our Spiritual Father to read the canons. Would you shed some light on this please?

+ + +

JANUARY 27, 2022

Link: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/q--a-sessions-during-th...

• 59m 20s
  • How does one know that they are called to become a monastic?
• 64m 19s
  • My understanding is that the evil one cannot see/read our thoughts. Please correct me if this is wrong. But I guess I just assumed that the Saints and Angels CAN hear our thoughts and silent prayers. Is this correct, or should I make an effort to pray to Saints and Angels out loud?
• 69m 28s
  • What are some words of comfort to tell a friend diagnosed with a terminal illness to help her. She is an orthodox Christian and I am having a hard time finding the right words to comfort her.
• 75m 35s
  • In Canada, we are witnessing an unprecedented show of love & unity as our truckers head to Ottawa to stand up for our freedom. Many though, feel it is un-Christlike, that it's 'not true persecution' (yet), and that it may very well lead Trudeau to invoke the emergency act, which would be way worse. Should we not (visibly) support peaceful efforts in removing unjust 'laws' such as the vaccine mandates? What is an appropriate response to unjust government / leadership?
• 79m 32s
  • There was a video I saw recently with Constantine Zalalas I believe it was who said that there won't be a Sleeping King or Golden Years as many believe or have taught... what have you personally heard from elders about this? Do you believe that this Sleeper Saint will awaken?
• 93m 47s
  • Is there any word on outwardly weeping during the public services?
• 96m 53s
  • A certain Archbishop has clearly supported the beyond problematic Ukraine issue with awful timing and is now supporting horrendous statements on "female autonomy". If someone is in GOArch with a covidist Bishop...at what point, when does he seek out a different parish, regardless of what his Priest is like?
• 103m 57s
  • Fr. bless, what would a good catechumen process look like?
• 116m 10s
  • Did Elder Ephraim of AZ say much on the issues of ecclesiology, heterodox sacraments, and reception of converts? What did he teach that would assist us in the matters as we’ve discussed in Orthodox Ethos?
• 123m 7s
  • We are called to watch and pray, especially during these perilous times. Can you talk about involuntary ascetism, mainly when one has chronic illness, and how to live the spiritual combat. And can you quote Saints who speak about involuntary ascesis.
• 128m 14s
  • What is the difference between Athonite Monasticism and the Russian Monastic Tradition? Athonite Spirituality and Russian Spirituality seem to be different.
• 133m 35s
  • Seems there are a lot of food/vitamin products that are Kosher, Halal etc, can we consume the items?
• 138m 25s
  • What is deal with the “Mati” (evil eye) that people place on others through jealousy etc and others know how to remove it and the symbol of the eye that parents place in their baby. This is outside the Orthodox Church and shouldn’t be practice, how did this start?
• 142m 6s
  • I was recently reading through Church history and realized that, as far as I could tell, Athonites became Ecumenical Patriarch as late as the 1870s. It seems anything but coincidental that the problems with ecumenism, masonry etc in the Patriarchate. arose once this was no longer happening. Did any saints/elders of our day or the late 19th/20th century speak on this or how it happened?
• 148m 51s
  • What's the best way to find a spiritual father?
• 151m 40s
  • How do you respond when someone wants to include neo gnostic (for instance Waldorf) teaching at the Orthodox school where you love the kids and trying to discern whether to work there next year?
• 154m 3s
  • Is there a simple explanation as to why there are two different calendars? "East"/"West"? I feel torn since my local parish follows the "west" but the rest of the Orthodox world it seems follows the "east".
• 158m 55s
  • Father, many parishes are spending thousands of dollars on a “Strategic Plan” to improve their parish life. Do we not already have that plan in the writings of Saint Justin Popovich “The Inward Mission of the Church”?
• 161m 48s
  • I try my best to speak, and talk about Christ and out Saints to my children. When would be the best age for kids to start confession.
• 164m 31s
  • How to strengthen the good path with struggles we face, since I go deeper into the Faith and learning its harder to fight certain things than before and why? I also feel like I am more aware and being challenged way more.
• 169m 59s
  • I just wanted some clarification, can someone of the Orthodox faith marry someone outside of the faith without the non-orthodox converting? For example: will an Orthodox priest bless a marriage between an orthodox and a papist without the papist having to convert?
• 184m 12s
  • When a Orthodox person is on their death bed the priest visits them reads a blessing and communion them if they can swallow, why does this happen? If they haven’t repeated or taken Holy Communion before death or ever what happens to them after their departure?
• 191m 20s
  • I thought with Kosher they do have a rabbi pray a prayer over it?
• 191m 39s
  • Please explain the difference between a Spiritual Father and a Father Confessor.
• 193m 47s
  • What is meant when God said to St. Arsenios, if you wish to be saved flee men. versus, the Fathers saying our salvation is in our brother? Can you clarify this and explain what is meant?
• 194m 39s
  • I see priests allowing Orthodox Christian wives, married to Jews or Muslims, receive the Communion. I was told that it is wrong and they should not be receiving the Communion. Which one is correct?
• 198m 26s
  • Do you know any of the history or what happened to Costas, the helper and care taker of Saint Nektarios? He seemed to drop out of history after the death of St Nektarios?

+ + +

JANUARY 20, 2022

Link: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/q--a-sessions-during-th...

• 24m 16s
  • Can you please elaborate on Christ's body before and after the Resurrection? Why did He (Christ) say to Maria Magdalene " do not touch me because I didn't accent to my Father yet?"
• 31m 33s
  • On the Greek Channel in Australia, they stated 40 unvaccinated Monks from Mount Athos have died. Is there any truth to this?
• 34m 37s
  • We hear a lot about "when you do komboskini (prayer rope), be careful not to have fantasies and meteorismous" I don't understand what this means.
• 39m 04s
  • God says to love your enemies, but how do you love those who openly promote perversion in the streets? How do you love those who deliberately pervert the word of God and divide the church and sow unbelief in people?
• 55m 37s
  • Are there any Orthodox Patriarchs against the vaccine?
• 62m 2s
  • If a failure to resist evil is compliance with evil, is a refusal to condemn an evil act by others a sin? I want to be considerate of those fearful of COVID, but I view their fear as a failure of faith. I can't find a polite way to say "wearing a mask in church is heretical, because God's body can't become ill."
• 72m 30s
  • Is it possible to say that the Holy Spirit's Grace on the heterodox may work like it used to work on the Just of the Old Testament? Meaning, such Grace is not able to reach the heart, but it would be able to justify why sometimes we see great deeds and virtue among the heterodox, does such opinion is consistent with orthodox ecclesiology?
• 78m 37s
  • Can you please at some point, talk about exorcism and how are priests trained for that in Orthodoxy vs. Roman Catholic training and efficacy of either?
• 84m 33s
  • Are woman allow to partake of Holy Communion when they have their monthly cycle?
• 100m 34s
  • Is Justinian II a saint?
• 104m 4s
  • Where in the Scriptures and/or in the works of the Holy Fathers, does it state that we should not take people off life support?
• 108m 21s
  • Is the "Western Rite" wafer communion legit?
• 114m 14s
  • Father bless - what churches are contemporary heirs of 7 churches of Asia?
• 118m 49s
  • Is it true that in the Greek tradition you are not allowed to consume Holy water after communion? Also, can you advise of the protocol within the Russian church?
• 122m 56s
  • I'm an evangelical convert and I've had to shed my rapture/tribulation outlook. When Christ returns, will Heaven on Earth will be restored?
• 125m 24s
  • Are there cases of a believer father (or mother), baptizing their children in secret, from an unbelieving (non-Orthodox) wife/husband, who has main custody of the children? Is there an age where that would be inappropriate, like up until 6 years old? I would theorize even if they have very little Church life, they should be secretly baptized?
• 132m 7s
  • Is black magic real? If so, can another person inflict this evil upon another?
• 135m 54s
  • Was a woman’s monthly period, a consequence of Eve’s sin?
• 137m 26s
  • Tomorrow it will be my feast day as my patron saint is St. Maximus, but no church will hold any service where I live (I'm from Brazil, most parishes here are Sunday-only unfortunately). Do you have any tips to celebrate a good name day?
• 141m 25s
  • "Basis of the Social Concept Ecclesiastical Document of the Russian Orthodox Church: “XII. 7[…] The Church believes it to be definitely inadmissible to use the methods of so-called fetal [fetal] therapy, in which the human fetus on various stages of its development is aborted and used in attempts to treat various diseases [COVID-19] and to «rejuvenate» an organism."
• 144m 12s
  • Was Nicodemus eventually a true believer in Christ?
• 144m 48s
  • I wanted to know why the Fathers and Mothers frowned on the imagination. As a creative artist/writer, I rely on creativity to create for the glory of God in an effort to bring beauty into the world. What is the Orthodox leaning on this topic? What is the proper foundation for an artist/creator and especially one who uses creativity to bring healing to others?
• 159m 42s
  • If someone was baptized at the Ukrainian schismatic church, what do they need to do now? Just get the completely new Baptism at one of the canonical churches?
• 161m 48s
  • Father Bless, what can you tell us about the Benedictine tradition and how it relates early on to the Hesychastic tradition, and also, about the Benedictine monastery that existed for some time on Athos?
• 165m 32s
  • In a Liturgy, if the bread and wine were proper and leavened, but the chanting, priestly vestments and service were pre-schism Gregorian, would the bread and wine still transform into Body and Blood? In other words, the mystery is still valid and real?
• 167m 40s
  • I am still searching for a corrective baptism, but was recently told that I should just "let it go", and that no one will touch this issue as long as I am under another Bishop. My Methodist "baptism" never confirmed that the Trinity was invoked, the pastor only put his hand in water then on my head. Not sure what to do at this point.
• 168m 54s
  • I’ve been trying to find the Akathist to The Lady of Vladimir. Would you happen to have it, and share it?
• 173m 55s
  • Father your blessing. Just curious about this. many women have had to have medical abortions due to health issues that would cause harm death to mother and that the pregnancy was not viable. Do they confess that as a sin? What about the soul of those babies besides praying for them any services the church can have for them?
• 174m 0s
  • What is the church's stance on a tubal pregnancy? I have always thought that I would not be able to terminate a pregnancy even if I was told that I would die if I didn't. Are there any church teachings on this - if a mother would be willing to die for the child, but also be leaving behind many young children?
• 177m 02s
  • What is the church’s stance on IVF?
• 180m 34s
  • Father bless, what do you think of a Priest serving Divine Liturgy in a private home (other than his) during these times? Are there presuppositions concerning the family living in the home?

+ + +

JAUNARY 13, 2022

Link: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/q--a-sessions-during-th...

• 49m 40s
  • Father bless, is it blessed to give holy water or holy oil to a heterodox person, in an extreme emergency, such as sickness? What are the Canons/rules surrounding such things?
• 49m 49s
  • If a very sick person in hospital who's relying on an oxygen and liquid diet but it is not clear if they will get better, and they ask to be taken off of these things so they can die because they do not want to fight any longer, is it unethical to take them off of the things sustaining their life? When's it not considered murder to take someone off life support or the things helping them live? How would we know they're asking to die because their soul is ready versus they are despairing?
• 56m 7s
  • Father bless, the Canadian government is considering mandatory vax for all though they may leave it up to the provinces to decide. Quebec is introducing a new 'tax' for the unvaxxed. If it happens where I live, I can't afford paying that. And I can't leave the country. What would you do in this situation?
• 58m 41s
  • In our daily prayers, we often express to God how much we've offended Him, how fearful of Him we are, we ask for torrents of tears and compunction and true understanding of how wretched we are. And yet, there is an opposite sentiment expressed by many of the Fathers and in the prayers that we are to keep peace in our hearts and to not lose the joy that God fills us with. I can’t seem to balance these two opposites and ask for your wisdom and guidance.
• 65m 25s
  • When a person is in a comma (artificially invoked in the case I have in mind), does he still have the ability to do something for his soul? Is the soul able to pray, forgive, repent while in a comma?
• 66m 42s
  • Father Bless, as a cradle Orthodox now after having children I have become more interested in Orthodoxy and really diving deep into understanding the faith. However, I am struggling to find a good balance between the two. As I learn more I find everyday life to be constantly contradicting Orthodoxy and the salvation of the soul. Do you have any tips/advice or know of any resources that can help me find a good balance?
• 71m 59s
  • It seems that rationalism in the Church becomes one of the biggest problems. Please advise how to recognize this sin and how avoid this way of thinking?
• 79m 26s
  • I have a question about our thoughts. I have read that Satan cannot read our thoughts. So should we keep certain prayers or fears we have silent. Not say out loud? And I've also read that Satan puts thoughts in our head. Eg blasphemous thoughts while in church or praying etc. So, does this show that he actually can get into our thoughts?
• 82m 40s
  • When it comes to praying for assistance or help what guidance can you give on how we should discern whether what we are praying for is ego based as opposed to something that is valid? When is it ok to pray for help? If one is facing difficulties at work for example with stress is it permissible to pray for help or is this considered a prayer for something worldly as opposed to transcendent in nature.
• 84m 34s
  • M wife and I would like to know, since the book of Revelation says there is a blessing to those who read it would you encourage laymen to read it on their own or should it only be read under the guidance of a spiritual father or priest?
• 87m 41s
  • How many names on a prayer list is reasonable for a daily practice. If I include everyone in my parish, for example, it takes about 15 minutes for me to read each and every name out loud. Is this something I should be striving to do? Or is just my general prayers considered to be beneficial enough to the parish community as a whole without have to commemorate them individually by name? Similarly, should we commemorate by name our ancestors who have been discovered through genealogical research?
• 92m 24s
  • My question has to do with sin passing down the generations and parenting. How much culpability does a parent bear for bringing children into the world through a dysfunctional partnership? What I mean is, if the person I chose to have a physical and spiritual relationship with was not a good yoking, am I responsible for how the child turns out?
• 102m 19s
  • Father blessing please, what does the Church say about heterodox people who die in the name of Christ, Non-Chalcedonian people who are slain by Mohammadeans for believing in Christ, for example? Can they be considered Martyrs?
• 105m 22s
  • Could it be Divine Providence that Donald Trump is having a rally on January 15th in Florence, AZ? Are the monks at St. Anthony's Monastery aware of the upcoming event and prepared for the possibility of many attendees visiting the monastery? Could they do special prayer services for Donald Trump and the rally attendees to discover Orthodoxy?
• 106m 7s
  • Evlogeite, Father! In reading the lives of the Saints, there are many accounts that demons including the devil have appeared to mock and harm physically. At this time what is the guardian Angel who is standing by doing? By doing the sign of the Cross and mentioning the name Jesus and Panagia they disappear. Is the Angel praying at the same time?
• 107m 34s
  • My question is in regards to marriage… if someone doesn’t want to pursue the monastic life, do they have to get married? Is it blessed for someone to stay single and live a spiritual life in the “world” as an Orthodox Christian? Also, what if someone may want to get married but doesn’t necessarily have a desire for children?
• 111m 25s
  • Father, we are going to begin to study the end times, and see so much around us that fit the type of us. I, like many, were denied holy baptism at the time of my reception into the Church. When I think about the end of my life, eschatology, or the rapid decline in my Church, family, and the area where I live, this brings me into great despair. As someone that was an atheist for decades, this is too much to bear sometimes. How do I and others practically deal with this as things get worse?
• 116m 9s
  • Father, if someone has been barred by a Bishop from his refusal to wear a mask and there is a Priest willing to hear a confession over the phone (I had a ROCOR Priest tell me over the summer that he had a blessing from his Bishop to provide absolution over the phone in some circumstances), is it appropriate to go to confession in this way until a healthier parish situation can be sorted out?
• 117m 24s
  • As a Latin who converted to evangelicalism then Orthodox, it took 20 years to get it. Mostly due to Fr Demetrios Carellas and Geronda Paisios, is the new online Convert merely mind information vs Hesychasm. There is a major difference. How can we move the onliners?
• 122m 23s
  • Father, forgive me but based on the Holy Father, Scriptures, etc. are we at the very last stretch of the end times? Meaning, will the 2nd coming be soon?
• 124m 24s
  • Evlogeite Pater. Thank God, being in Florida there’s no regulations at any of the Greek Orthodox Churches in my area. However, I get sad when I think about having a different governor or antichrist. I don’t think that we will stay standing when the time comes.
• 125m 27s
  • What happens to still born babies? Did God have other plans for the baby and didn’t want the baby to enter into this world ?
• 129m 33s
  • Is loving Jesus and or loving the Church one and the same?
• 135m 19s
  • One of the spiritual struggles I have been facing is a depression and despondency based on what I am seeing in the world, rejection by others! Loss of culture, loss of heroism ... though I can see we must turn to the Saints. Some days I want to throw in the towel because everything is so bad! Then I get angry and won't pray! Can you help here?
• 135m 57s
  • What can you do when you continue to contact your spiritual father and he ignores you and claiming to always be super busy until you call the office phone and he answers to make a appointment to see him then suddenly he has time only to then get a text message that his busy on your appointment. Should you take this as a clear message to move on and find another spiritual father?
• 137m 22s
  • What if you cannot find the right person to get married with? This is a question to the marriage question.
• 140m 34s
  • What is the difference between Eastern Orthodoxy and Oriental Orthodoxy. Was the schism a big misunderstanding?
• 150m 15s
  • Father bless, I have asked you if you looked at Dr. Tom Cowan and Dr. Andrew Kaufman a number of times in a number of different ways. You say you and your family has had Covid-19 and are talking about it as if it is a fact. But is it so? Is there a physical particle called SARS COV 2? Is there a physical existence of satan?
• 155m 48s
  • Can you define what a Spiritual Father is? People confuse what a Spiritual Father is versus a Parish Priest who's available to hear confessions.
• 158m 29s
  • Father, what is a good resource or method to study the pre-schism Western liturgical traditions? How different were they from what we see today in the Divine Liturgy or the Church's Western Rite?
• 160m 11s
  • "Or if anyone think that those have gained nothing by having only been sprinkled with the saving water, but that they are still empty and void, let them not be deceived, so as if they escape the evil of their sickness, and get well, they should seek to be baptized." - St Cyprian Epistle LXXV, Concerning Clinical Baptism. Can you explain?
• 162m 21s
  • In the last panel talk with doctors Mattias, Mc Cullough & Malone on Mass Formation. Dr. Malone at the end draws a parallel between the Greek philosopher Socrates being poisoned by drinking the hemlock & asserted that truth-fighters of today should voluntarily expect/embrace this type of possibility in their own life today. My question is how does one's stance against the vaccine directly relate to a confession of faith? Is there a confessional aspect on one's stance against the vaxx? Is this type of confession in Christ & for Christ? Should doctors or athletes today standing against the vaccine be equated to Confessors of the Faith is the confessors of old?
• 166m 7s
  • Father bless. Glad you and your family are recovering and will continue to pray for you all.. My question is not to provoke or start anything but I have to ask why do many orthodox make fun of unorthodox Christians? I have seen so much negativity. Are we to be so judgmental? Is it for us to judge?
• 168m 49s
  • Evlogeite, Pater. Will you tell us a little about Fr. Louka who you said passed away a few days ago?
• 170m 1s
  • Bless, Father. My spiritual father took the jab, not out of fear of death according to him but rather in order to travel freely. He does not push the vaccine, mask, social distancing, etc, on parishioners, at most he only pays lip service to the official narrative without enforcing measures on our parish, instead leaving such things to individual discretion. Do you have any advice for me as the covid narrative weighs on my mind?
• 172m 12s
  • Father, bless. What can we do when we are suffering from a lot of anxiety in general? Especially, if we have tendency to over think things.
• 173m 59s
  • Father, bless. About marriage, I am wondering what one should do if they attract non-Orthodox person of the opposite gender? Should we just pray to God about this or would there be something else to do about this?

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