Orthodox Talks

Orthodox Talks by Priestmonk Kosmas, Sydney, Australia Website: www.OrthodoxTalks.com iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/orthodox-talks/id1659252607 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0sKZoGUhAjJua9RtjoZS73 RSS Feed: https://media.rss.com/orthodoxtalks/feed.xml Without a doubt, even among Orthodox Christians there is considerable ignorance today regarding the soul after death. When someone close to us departs this life, those left behind are often at a loss as to how to help their departed loved one. Some ascribe the greatest importance to flowers, poems and speeches, beautiful funerals and graves. Others try to communicate with their departed loved ones to find out how they are or to seek some help from them. But few actually know how to help the dead. In this talk Father Kosmas uses the teachings of the Orthodox Church to present the truth about the soul after death. He explains that departed souls greatly desire spiritual help from the Church and from their loved ones, and he outlines ways of providing this help, which are able to deliver the departed from a place of suffering to a place of eternal blessedness. The following questions are also discussed: how do the prayers before and after the soul’s departure help a person? Is it a myth that demons and angels fight each other for a newly-departed soul? Can Orthodox elders or eldresses know the condition of a departed soul? Why is it better for some to die than to continue living in this world? How do mediums reveal personal information about the departed and those present in the audience? Can departed souls communicate with the living? What trials do Christians face at the time of their death? How does one become receptive to prayers offered after one’s death? Other points covered in this talk include: the importance of performing good deeds on behalf of those who have departed this life; how private prayers help the soul of a departed loved one; examples of souls that have appeared to the living; how a monk prayed for the suffering soul of his mother who had lived as a prostitute; why psychics such as John Edward never mention the existence of Hell, suffering, and the demons; how commemoration of the dead at the Divine Liturgy is the highest form of help; and the importance of arranging for our own commemoration and almsgiving before our death. Talk 28 duration: 3hrs 6mins Chanting duration: 7mins (Hymns for the Reposed) Total duration: 3hrs 13mins

Orthodox Talks by Priestmonk Kosmas, Sydney, Australia www.OrthodoxTalks.com iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/orthodox-talks/id1659252607 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0sKZoGUhAjJua9RtjoZS73 Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/orthodoxtalks/ This talk is a continuation of the very popular series “Miracles and Deception.” Since the beginning of time people have been fascinated by dreams, prophesies, miracles, and other supernatural phenomena. While this interest lessened with the spread of Christianity, in recent centuries it has once again increased even among Christians. In reading the Holy Bible and the lives of the saints, many people focus only on the miracles and signs, while showing little interest in the teachings of the Church, participating in the sacraments, fulfilling God’s commandments, and struggling spiritually in repentance and humility. Using the Holy Fathers as a guide, Father Kosmas explains why it is that, even though miracles abound in Scripture and the lives of the saints, Christ particularly praises those who have believed in Him through His teachings rather than through witnessing signs and miracles. Understanding the true purpose of signs and miracles will help Orthodox Christians to know what to focus on in order to receive spiritual benefit in this life and salvation in the next. The following questions are also discussed: why did some who saw no miracles asked Christ to stay with them, while others who saw miracles asked Him to leave? Why do many Orthodox Christians not change their sinful lives despite witnessing so many miracles—myrrh-streaming and weeping icons, the incorrupt relics of saints, and how holy water does not spoil even after many years? How should Orthodox Christians regard the lives and miracles of Roman Catholic “saints”? Other points covered in this talk include: an explanation of why Christ condemned one city that believed in Him because of His many miracles; why not everyone who comes to Christ for healing deserves praise; the spiritual schizophrenia of those who were at once astonished and offended by Christ’s wisdom and miracles; why many of the heterodox who witness the Holy Fire at Christ’s Tomb in Jerusalem and other Orthodox miracles remain in their heresy; and one priest’s realization that humility is more important than knowledge and miracles.

Orthodox Talks by Priestmonk Kosmas, Sydney, Australia www.OrthodoxTalks.com iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/orthodox-talks/id1659252607 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0sKZoGUhAjJua9RtjoZS73 RSS Feed: https://media.rss.com/orthodoxtalks/feed.xml This is a continuation of Talk 29. There is much confusion among Orthodox Christians regarding many aspects of the Church’s teachings on life after death. One important example is the difference between Hades and Hell. While many think them identical, the difference is actually so important that it can cause many not to prepare properly for their own deaths, and to neglect the departed souls who are in urgent need of help for their release. In this talk Father Kosmas discusses the purpose of serving memorial services and liturgies for our departed loved ones. He explains what is meant by the prayer, “With the saints give rest, O Lord, to the soul of Thy departed servant.” Furthermore, he emphasises that our personal sins and our spiritual life affect the souls of our departed loved ones, and that it is very important to fix our own souls before attempting to help them. The following questions are also discussed: is it healthy for an Orthodox Christian to think about Hell? Can a priest refuse to commemorate a departed Orthodox Christian? What will happen at the Last Judgement? Why can only some souls be forgiven in the next life? Why does one elder state that Christians must be merciful in order to receive help in the next life? Why do the demons rejoice when Christians are superstitious regarding the dead? Why is it dangerous to draw conclusions about the manner of a person’s death? How can souls be receptive so as to be able to receive help? Other points covered in this talk include: how a holy elder prayed for the soul of his unrepentant departed cousin; how a father blasphemed because his daughter had died; the “good obsession” of an elder who prayed for the release of all the souls that are in Hades; how the saints would constantly ask God whether they would be saved; how people who have died without producing fruits of repentance are in need of help; how even some clergy find the Church’s teaching on Hades hard to accept; and why one priest continually forgot to commemorate the souls of certain relatives. Talk 30 duration: 3hrs 15mins Chanting duration: 7mins (Hymns for the Reposed) Total duration: 3hrs 22mins Acknowledgement: The icon of the Last Judgement is used with the kind permission of the Holy Monastery of Saints Cyprian and Justina, Fili, Greece.

Orthodox Talks by Priestmonk Kosmas, Sydney, Australia www.OrthodoxTalks.com Subscribe to the Orthodox Talks podcast: https://media.rss.com/orthodoxtalks/feed.xml It has been said that only once in a hundred years does Greece produce an elder such as Elder Porphyrios (1906–1991), who has become renowned as one of the greatest spiritual fathers of the last century. Thousands of people, not only from Greece but from all over the world, came to him for advice and help. Using his gifts of clairvoyance, healing, and miracle-working he brought a vast number of souls to the Church of Christ, the Orthodox Church. In this talk, Father Kosmas looks at Elder Porphyrios’ sixty years as a spiritual father. He presents many examples of how the elder dealt with those who came to him for confession, guidance and healing. Although the examples are specific to the people who came to the elder, Father Kosmas points out the spiritual benefit the listener can derive from them. The following questions are also discussed: should spiritual fathers be strict and demanding in this day and age? Why is pride harder to detect in our time? Is an educated priest necessarily better than one who is uneducated? Is all anger sinful? How can natural gifts at times cause one to lose oneself? Is it important for a spiritual father to know the background of those who confess to him? Do spiritual fathers have the authority to deny a person Communion? Is it a sign of pride to desire the priesthood? Other points covered in this talk include: social anxiety, medication, and spiritual life; the dangers of criticizing a proud person; how the elder once mistakenly walked into a brothel; physical and mental illnesses and fasting; the dangers of exceptions becoming the norm in the Church; how caring for the sick and the elderly can curb sexual passion; credit cards and their effect on one’s spiritual life; the importance of penances imposed by spiritual fathers; and the danger of measuring one’s own spiritual progress.

Orthodox Talks by Priestmonk Kosmas, Sydney, Australia www.OrthodoxTalks.com iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/orthodox-talks/id1659252607 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0sKZoGUhAjJua9RtjoZS73 Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/orthodoxtalks/ Many people in the Church today unfortunately hold incorrect views regarding spiritual life. For example, many believe that when they progress in the spiritual life, God sends them fewer temptations and afflictions. The question arises: why do so many hold this view when the lives of the saints and the writings of the Holy Fathers teach us the exact opposite? In Part 3 of the life of Saint Nektarios, Father Kosmas explains that not only is this view wrong, it also prevents one from progressing in the spiritual life. To illustrate this, he describes how even though Saint Nektarios had reached such a high level of sanctity that he even performed miracles and saw visions, God still allowed him to suffer from slander, persecution, and sickness to the very end of his life. The following questions are also discussed: what was the saint’s attitude towards fasting and sickness? Why did he present the negative aspects of monasticism rather than the positive? Why did the saint believe that Christianity without monasticism is dead? Why was he disobedient to the school authorities? Was he always sure of God’s will? Why did the saint emphasize love and humility above asceticism? How did he overcome demonic thoughts of doubt? Why did the saint get involved with properties, wills, and finances? Other points covered in this talk include: the importance of being mentally, physically, and spiritually strong before considering marriage or the monastic life; the saint’s amazing encounter with a possessed youth; how unfortunate those Orthodox Christians are who have no trust in God; an example of an Orthodox woman who could not pray for her husband; the error that holiness can be achieved without almsgiving; the saint’s horrible encounter with a proud and rude former student; and the devil’s attempt to destroy Saint Nektarios and the convent through an evil mother.

Orthodox Talks by Priestmonk Kosmas, Sydney, Australia www.OrthodoxTalks.com Subscribe to the Orthodox Talks podcast: https://media.rss.com/orthodoxtalks/feed.xml Elder Paisios was a simple monk who lived on Mount Athos in Greece. Leading a holy life, he became filled with the wisdom of God, and was able during his lifetime to bring great benefit to countless people with his counsels, which have since been translated into many languages. As with the elders of old, people would flock to Mount Athos from all over the world to visit the elder and receive his advice. In this talk, Father Kosmas examines a variety of Elder Paisios’ counsels. He emphasises that the elder’s counsels are particularly valuable to us because the elder was our contemporary (reposing in 1994), and hence was acquainted with many of the problems and sources of spiritual confusion that we face today. The following questions are also discussed: does God ever refuse to forgive us? Is the evil eye fact or superstition? Is zeal to convert others always a good thing? How can priests help those who are under the influence of cults and gurus? Is there such a thing as a “white lie”? Can saying the Jesus Prayer ever be spiritually damaging? Is there any benefit to the family when a young child dies? Do the sins of parents affect their children? Does brainwashing exist in the Church? Other points covered in this talk include: the need for priests to speak out on the occult and sorcery; feminists and abortion; the need for discernment when dealing with dreams, apparitions and demonic influence; the increasing disrespect of children for their parents; how Orthodox Christians should view The Da Vinci Code; children with physical or mental disabilities; the importance of having Orthodox Christian doctors and psychiatrists; and the spiritual benefit of the world’s economic crisis.

Orthodox Talks by Priestmonk Kosmas, Sydney, Australia www.OrthodoxTalks.com Subscribe to the Orthodox Talks podcast: https://media.rss.com/orthodoxtalks/feed.xml Among Christians today one may encounter three incorrect views regarding the saints. The first is that saints are a thing of the past, not encountered in our day and age. The second is that saints achieve holiness because they are born with special qualities or God especially chose them (predestined them) to be saints, and therefore holiness is unattainable for ordinary people. The third view is that saints are myths, because the accounts of their miracles and extraordinary way of life are impossible to believe. In this talk, Father Kosmas relates in detail the life of Elder Porphyrios (1906–1991) and shows how an “ordinary person” can become a saint—even today. He emphasises that one receives great spiritual benefit from reading the lives of saints, particularly those who lived in our times. This account of this great saint shatters the three wrong views mentioned above. The following questions are also discussed: how can praise damage children? Is there a link between insufficient physical activity and mental illness? How do parents frequently lead their children into delusion? Why do the demons hate those who reveal their thoughts to a spiritual father? Which is the greater virtue: asceticism or obedience? Why are the churches in Russia full? What is innocent fanaticism? Other points covered in this talk include: the link between failed marriages and irresponsibility in the childhood of the spouses; how the attitude of “I want to be spiritual but don’t tell me my faults” is quite common amongst Christians today; the ever-changing theories of psychology; the relationship between depression and disobedience; the disastrous effects of self-will; how God withholds His divine gifts in order to protect us from abominable pride; how our faith in God should not be based on miracles alone; how sorcerers receive their occult knowledge from other sorcerers, while elders receive their wisdom by grace; and—one of the most difficult areas in spiritual life—the upbringing of children.

Orthodox Talks by Priestmonk Kosmas, Sydney, Australia www.OrthodoxTalks.com Subscribe to the Orthodox Talks podcast: https://media.rss.com/orthodoxtalks/feed.xml This talk is a continuation of Talk 17: “Counsels of Elder Paisios of Mount Athos”. Elder Paisios struggled intensely against his own passions and the demons. He especially struggled to acquire the virtues of obedience, humility, repentance and love. Because of these virtues he achieved such great sanctity that the Holy Spirit came to dwell in him, and he was granted the greatest gift of all: discernment. It was with this gift that he was able to help and guide a great number of people. In this talk, Father Kosmas offers further insight into the elder’s deep understanding of Christian life and struggle, and of the obstacles that arise to hinder us along the path to salvation. He explains that Orthodox Christians need to study closely the counsels of this great elder, who lived in our own times and hence was acquainted with the many problems that we face in the world today. The following questions are also discussed: why is it important for family members to have the same spiritual father? How does getting enough sleep help with depression? Can strict spiritual fathers negatively affect their spiritual children? How can possessed people be helped? Why is it unwise to be “glued” to one’s parents? What is the demon of television? Why should parents be careful not to praise their children too highly? How can negative traits sometimes benefit one’s spiritual life? Can cursing have evil effects? Does medication always help those with mental illnesses? Other points covered in this talk include: how children resent overbearing parents; blaming our parents for our faults and passions; the female sex’s preoccupation with physical appearance; the limitations of psychiatrists; the reason for today’s lack of elders; the effects of lack of sleep on one’s spiritual life; the potentially damaging effects of theological studies; the Antichrist; the importance of preparation before confession or seeking advice; and the importance of a close relationship with a spiritual father.

Orthodox Talks by Priestmonk Kosmas, Sydney, Australia www.OrthodoxTalks.com iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/orthodox-talks/id1659252607 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0sKZoGUhAjJua9RtjoZS73 Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/orthodoxtalks/ Christ said, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.” These words were shown to be true in the life of Saint Nektarios the Wonderworker of Aegina. This saint of God endured from his fellow clergymen exactly what Christ foretold: they disdained him, excluded him, hated him, and slandered him, all because he followed Christ’s commandments. But greatly was he rewarded – not only with salvation, but also in that his holy relics emitted a sweet fragrance and myrrh, performed many signs and miracles, and remained incorrupt for many years. In this talk, Father Kosmas discusses in some detail the miraculous relics of Saint Nektarios and a number of his miracles. He describes the forty years after the repose of the saint leading up to his canonization in 1961. He likewise emphasizes the importance of examining all aspects of one who is to be considered a saint – not just signs and miracles. The following questions are also discussed: what did Saint Nektarios prophesy regarding his monastery on Aegina? Was it right to paint icons of and compose services to the saint before he was canonized? How are fanatical zealots and ecumenists similar in spirit? Why are truth without love and love without truth satanic? Are incorrupt relics always a sign of holiness? Why do the bodies of some saints remain incorrupt, while others decompose? Other points covered in this talk include: how Protestants wrongly condemn the veneration of saints and relics; healings of the possessed at the saint’s tomb; a miracle involving a dying paralyzed boy; the conversion of an unbelieving bishop; the miraculous deliverance of a sinking ship; the meaning of the statement “miracles are for the unbelieving and not for believers”; and true saints versus false. Talk 52 duration: 3hrs 45mins Chanting duration: 18mins (Canon to St Nektarios) Total duration: 4hrs 3mins

Orthodox Talks by Priestmonk Kosmas, Sydney, Australia www.OrthodoxTalks.com

Orthodox Talks by Priestmonk Kosmas, Sydney, Australia www.OrthodoxTalks.com iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/orthodox-talks/id1659252607 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0sKZoGUhAjJua9RtjoZS73 Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/orthodoxtalks/ We live in a time of growing interest in supernatural phenomena, as is evident from the numerous films, television programs and publications being produced on this topic. Even many Christians strongly desire to see or experience signs and miracles, either out of curiosity or to confirm their faith in God and the Church. But is seeking miracles truly beneficial? In this talk, Father Kosmas uses the Fathers’ interpretations of the Holy Bible to explain why, even after seeing Christ humbly perform many miracles and healings that helped people, the Jews still demanded of Him visually spectacular signs from the heavens, meaning the air and sky. Father Kosmas likewise describes why modern Christians fall into this same trap, and how the faithful can recognize and guard against the demonic “miracles” encountered today. The following questions are also discussed: what is the difference between earthly miracles and miracles from heaven? Why do many people seek signs and miracles rather than the salvation of their souls? What is carnal-mindedness, and how does it make one vulnerable to diabolical deception? Why did Christ sigh when asked to perform a sign? How does the television assist false prophets and false christs? What will be the Antichrist’s greatest miracle? Why are the new mega-churches attracting more followers than more traditional churches? What is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit and how can we avoid falling into it? Other points covered in this talk include: how a distorted understanding of signs and miracles can deprive one of salvation; how we protect ourselves from false prophets and false christs; the difference between working miracles out of love and compassion and working them out of vainglory; a young girl’s frightful experience after attempting to communicate with spirits; an account of one man’s wilful rejection of the Holy Spirit; the danger of seeking signs and miracles as a form of entertainment; and how many people today are unknowingly being prepared to accept the Antichrist.

Orthodox Talks by Priestmonk Kosmas, Sydney, Australia www.OrthodoxTalks.com

Orthodox Talks by Priestmonk Kosmas, Sydney, Australia www.OrthodoxTalks.com

Orthodox Talks by Priestmonk Kosmas, Sydney, Australia www.OrthodoxTalks.com

Orthodox Talks by Priestmonk Kosmas, Sydney, Australia www.OrthodoxTalks.com

Orthodox Talks by Priestmonk Kosmas, Sydney, Australia www.OrthodoxTalks.com

Orthodox Talks by Priestmonk Kosmas, Sydney, Australia www.OrthodoxTalks.com

Orthodox Talks by Priestmonk Kosmas, Sydney, Australia www.OrthodoxTalks.com

Orthodox Talks by Priestmonk Kosmas, Sydney, Australia www.OrthodoxTalks.com

Orthodox Talks by Priestmonk Kosmas, Sydney, Australia www.OrthodoxTalks.com

Orthodox Talks by Priestmonk Kosmas, Sydney, Australia www.OrthodoxTalks.com

Orthodox Talks by Priestmonk Kosmas, Sydney, Australia www.OrthodoxTalks.com