While physical fatigue may be alleviated by a good night sleep, even that sleep flees from us in face of anxiety, depression, and the stress of a thousand problems waiting for resolution. Behaviorists will rightly point out that diet, proper exercise, and recreation can help us get more balanced, but unless we deal with the inner causes of our condition, we will never really be free, nor able to positively influence our condition. What, then, can we do?
To the fearful and sorrowing, to those “troubled about many things” (Luke 10:41), to those “that labour and are heavy laden,” (Matthew 11:28), there is Someone who can “satisfy the weary soul and replenish the sorrowful soul” (Jeremiah 31:25), and ultimately “give us rest” (Matthew 11:28). There is one Person who can change our inner state and give us the freedom we desire and that Person is Christ.
Rather than focusing on what is causing fatigue, stress, and cognitive overload that does not allow us to remain in control, the Church Fathers suggest focusing on Christ and letting Him have control over our hearts, bringing us rest, the assurance of His care, and trust that He will take care of our tomorrow if we give Him our today. And one simple, yet powerful, way to do this is through the practice of the Jesus Prayer.
Archishop Alexis (Trader) of Sitka
@briankeepsworth The caller was trying to convince an Orthodox priest that original sin (guilt) was Orthodox. Fr. was pushing back on the notion that he had grounds to correct an Orthodox priest's understanding on what the Orthodox Church teaches. He took the exact right approach, in fact.
@AmericanALCHMY Makes sense. Orthodox Christians believe there are higher beings with a different form of consciousness - bodiless powers described as vast cosmic intelligences (aka angels and demons).
Humble yourself and be like St. Elizabeth.
[Luk 1:41-48 ESV] 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." 46 And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed...
Genesis 6 describes the Nephilim as demonic hybrids who occupy positions of authority in human society. They’re entirely real, says Father Stephen De Young.
0:00 What Are the Nephilim?
3:40 The Advanced Civilization Before the Flood
12:14 Was Human Lifespan Longer Before the Flood Than It Is Now?
15:55 Was Technology Given to Us by Demons?
22:53 How Does Someone Become Demonized?
26:37 Gilgamesh and the Book of the Giants
36:38 Is Japan Still Producing Nephilim?
42:19 Why Did God Create Humanity?
46:09 Are the Nephilim Still Among Us?
53:36 The Ongoing Ritual of Human Sacrifice
59:11 Is There Fossil Evidence of Giants?
1:00:20 Who Is Goliath?
1:09:48 Epstein, AI, and the Destruction of the Earth
1:11:31 When Will Christ Return?
1:19:33 Why Every Civilization Is Centered Around Religion
1:21:40 The Gods of War and Money
1:23:08 How Should Christians Respond to War?
1:30:02 The Failures of Evangelical Christian Leadership
1:31:24 What Does It Mean to Truly Experience God's Work?
1:35:42 The Evils of Pornography
1:43:13 The One Unforgivable Sin
It was an honour to meet and pray with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex this morning. I’m deeply grateful for his gracious welcome at the Apostolic Palace.
In the years to come, I will remain united with the Pope in prayer – for peace in our world, for justice, and for every person to discover the fullness of life that God offers.
The ecumenical pilgrimage is always one we make together, as a fellowship of Christians seeking the unity for which Christ prayed. Your Holiness, as your sister in Christ, in a spirit of prayer, friendship, and hope, I commend our shared journey into the hands of God.
You can read my address to Pope Leo XIV here: https://t.co/ZL8DHbXCNj