Premium Only Content

Talk 19: The Life of Elder Porphyrios of Greece
Orthodox Talks by Priestmonk Kosmas, Sydney, Australia
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.
-
4:51:19
Orthodox Talks
2 years agoTalk 83: The Importance of Reading the Lives of Saints when Dealing with Ecumenism & Covidism - 2
7.77K6 -
1:49:53
Glenn Greenwald
12 hours agoDOGE: Promises vs. Reality; Ukraine's Drone Attacks on Russian Air Bases; Gaza Ceasefire Deal Developments | SYSTEM UPDATE #463
141K85 -
2:13:34
RiftTV/Slightly Offensive
11 hours agoZelensky Declares WAR on RUSSIA.. Trump FUMING Over Surprise ATTACK | The Rift | Guest: Sarah Stock
74.3K95 -
4:01:13
a12cat34dog
9 hours ago2011 GAME PREDICTS 2027 :: Homefront :: AMERICA HAS FALLEN {18+}
44.2K3 -
2:37:10
PudgeTV
13 hours agoMod Mondays Special Ep | Gaming on Rumble Ambassadors | The Rumble Takeover
75.8K6 -
1:52:43
Dome After Dark
9 hours agoDome After Dark: Monday Night Hangout!
23.2K1 -
8:50:06
RyuMuramasa✧
10 hours agoLimveld's Destiny | Elden Ring Nightreign | LIVE Full Walkthrough!
15.4K -
1:52:45
Robert Gouveia
11 hours agoTrump at SUPREME COURT! Election Lawsuit ACCEPTED! Gun Rights IGNORED!
60.6K14 -
12:34
From The Desk Of Anthony Pompliano
13 hours ago $7.52 earnedElon Musk & Marc Andreessen Agree: Robotics Will Eclipse EVERYTHING
57K6 -
2:40:44
Fragniac
10 hours ago🔴THE FINAL STREAM ...💥 ─╦ ╤ (•_-) - CLIP EVERYTHING❗🎬📽 🎞
17.6K1