I’ve been battling lust for a while now but I always end up failing. I want to quit but the temptations get to me. I understand I can ignore them but sometimes I can’t shake the temptation. Can anyone help me out on how to fight lust?

In 1 Samuel 15 God instructs the Israelites to atack and kill the Amalekites.

Did God here instruct them to commit a lesser evil, a lesser sin( so that the threath of the Amalekites is removed) or was this act of killing totally justified and devoid of any evil.

The title is all I really have to say

Hi everyone, do any of you fear death despite being a Christian? I struggle with this fear every once in a while, I go days without thinking about it and other times I think about it every day, whether it’s fear of me dying or someone I love. Is this normal to experience even as a Christian? I do believe in heaven but still… anyone have any advice on how to deal with this? I wonder whether this is something I will just have to deal with as long as I’m here

I was born and baptized catholic, raised Lutheran, yet have embraced Eastern Orthodoxy within the last couple of years. I was planning soon to join a church, and eventually be re baptized etc. and become a catechumen. First, I am struggling to find a church, because I the only prominent EO ethnicity I have is about 10% Romanian, and I don’t understand the language and there are not many Romanian Orthodox churches within about an hour or so of where I live. There are some Macedonian, Serbian, and Greek Orthodox churches, but I don’t know if I should go because I’m not any of those ethnicities. Of course I’m not stupid, and understand that I would be welcome, but if the liturgy is in those languages, the I cannot understand it. I suppose the only way to find out is to go, which I need to be more disciplined on myself to make a priority and do. Lord have mercy on me for my sins of idleness and procrastination ☦️🙏 Now to my main question. I recently saw a video where a priest claimed that only those who were baptized in the EO church may receive the Holy Eucharist. Even the Coptic orthodox can’t. I am wondering, is this the case for all, or just that specific church? I wonder because I figured I would receive the Holy body and Blood of Christ during the process of my conversion, but now it seems I have to wait. I am fine with that, and will do it if I must, just confused because I know that most Catholic and Protestant churches offer communion to everyone.

Good whatever time of day it is when your reading this, I have a question why should I be Eastern Orthodox instead of being Roman Catholic and if y’all say it’s the one true holy apostolic church why is it or why isn’t the Roman Catholic Church? I mean no disrespect with this question thanks for reading God bless.

I have been attending Liturgy at an Orthodox Church for about 4.5 months now. I spoke with the Preist at my initial meeting and at the beginning of September. He is a very busy guy and it is a large parish so the last thing I want to do is inconvenience him.

I have kept a list of questions as he instructed me to do and I am hoping to meet with him again sometime early this November. He also "assigns" me books to read so I have questions of those as well. My only worry is that reaching out again may be bothering him too frequently.

I know this is his "job" and role he chose to take on - but I still am concerned.

I am probably overthinking this but I don't know how often most inquirers meet with their Preists so some perspective from anyone out there is greatly appreciated.

Forgive me if this is a strange question.

But is there an order of importance within the Trinity? Are some members preferred over others, or have more or less of something?

It doesn't seem like that would be the case in the Godhead but I wanted to ask. Obviously, Jesus says that the Father is greater than him but I assume this refers to his humanity, not to himself as the Logos.

I have a question/problem. My wife and I are classified as interracial because I'm black and she's "white," although she's not European. The current parish we attend has some people there who are into the "Trumpism" to the place that they treat us differently. I'm the only black person there. I've recently visited a Greek Convent and the nuns there didn't treat us wrong. It honestly makes me want to go there or to the Greek orthodox church a city over because I know what to expect from them. My question is, would I be accepted? How do Greeks truly feel about black and white couples? Also, I had debated on leaving because of some of the things going on in the parish.

PS. I promise I'm not trying to bad mouth the parish I'm attending, but it's getting and feeling more and more protestant than Orthodox. There's a lot of Christian Nationalism present.

Any advice?

As the title states, I am looking for a YouTube series for Bible In A Year. I have seen a static website (https://dailyorthodox.com/?day=1) which seems to be really great, however, I find that I like visuals even if it's simply the speaker speaking. I have also come across this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm3b4Q98Vx8), but it's Catholic and I'm not sure if it would be different or have conflicting messages. Thank you in advance.

PS I only recently came across Orthodox Christianity and what I'm learning about it is very enlightening.

I will preface this by saying I have never tried raw oysters and have no desire to, as I hate the taste of 90% of everything that comes out of the ocean, so I am not trying to “push the envelope” nor do I want to bother my already severely overworked priest with a pointless hypothetical question.

However, I read that oysters have to be alive when you eat them, if you’re to eat them raw; otherwise, they can harbor potentially dangerous bacteria.

I know we’re not supposed to eat blood, things sacrificed to idols, strangled animals, animals that died naturally, and living/parts of living animals. Would raw oysters fall under this prohibition or not? Why?

I’m looking for more inspiration in the way that I pray, and I like the psalms. Which ones speak to you the most?

How does the church view the position of the pope and where did it come from? Is there an eastern orthodox pope today?

I understand the pope does not have authority or supremacy compared to the other bishops, but where did the idea and term "pope" come from? What was his position and role before the schism?

Hello all, I'm a Protestant currently in the process of trying to convert to Orthodoxy after a year or two of learning and prayer. I live in a rather remote area and the only Orthodox place near me (as in within a realistic traveling distance) is actually a Greek Orthodox Monestary. I've never been to a Monestary, or an Orthodox Church, it seems to be mostly Nuns and an Abbess, along with others and the people who attend services, they're open what seems like 24/7 and host a large variety of services including Divine Liturgy.

All of this sounds wonderful to me. I don't know how much I'll understand at first since its a Monestary and the services are in Greek for the majority, but I'd much rather go and learn slowly and use what's available to me than not go at all.

The only thing that really concerns me is the fact I don't have any sort of knowledge about how to address people or how to worship at such a place. The worship I've done at home has in majority been prayers, studying, and even more prayer. Anybody here who can help me learn how to address the people there or how to properly worship or attend services, I'd greatly appreciate it. Any and all help I welcome. God bless and protect you all.

I've been interested in orthodoxy for several years now. I started attending my local church last year, but only sporadically. I'll go for a couple months, then leave for a couple months, and then return again. In my heart I know that orthodoxy is the truth, and I truly want to convert, but every time I start attending regularly my brain is overcome with intense anxiety and doubt, which causes me to leave again. Every time I walk away I tell myself I'm done pursuing orthodoxy, but after a few weeks I start to feel the pull towards it again and the cycle repeats. I feel so silly for it, and I'm honestly embarrassed to return after walking away so many times. I guess I worry the other people in the parish, or even the priest, will judge me for being so back and forth. I've prayed and asked God to help me with my uncertainty, but I just can't seem to get out of my own head.

I think I'm going to start attending again this Sunday, I want to commit to attending even when I'm overcome with doubts, but I just don't know how to push through the anxiety that comes with it.

I suppose I'm posting to seek advice on this, has anyone else dealt with this before? How did you overcome the fear and doubt? Should I try to talk to the priest about this issue? Im nervous about approaching him with my issues; I feel like a crazy person for all this, but I'm sure he's seen worse.

Thank you for reading this, God bless you all <3.

By Elder Ephraim of Arizona

Even the demons know quite well who Elder Joseph was. When exorcisms were being read over a possessed woman in Thessalonica, she began shouting: “That Joseph! He went to Philotheou. He’s protecting Philotheou Monastery, and I can’t do anything to them!” Everyone who heard this wondered how she knew about Elder Joseph and that his skull was at Philotheou. She herself, of course, didn’t know this, but the demon inside her did.

In 1982 Father Stephanos Anagnostopoulos in Athens was reading the exorcism prayers for a different possessed woman. He described what happened as follows:

"While I was reading the second exorcism prayer, I noetically invoked the intercessions of Elder Joseph and of my spiritual father, Elder Ephraim. At that moment, the possessed woman began bellowing like an ox. She began to foam at the mouth and said with groans:

'It’s Joseph’s fault! He’s the one who gave power to the two pale Ephraims to snatch souls out of my claws. You filthy scoundrel; you have one of them as your father and the other — the one at the dry river* — as your brother.'

As I was finishing the exorcism, she kept trying to bite me, but my stole prevented her. As soon as I finished, she collapsed. But on her way out, the demon inside her said to me, 'I will get revenge on you, you priest!' I never saw her again, and I don’t know what became of her."

Once, a possessed man came here to Saint Anthony’s Monastery in Arizona for an exorcism. When we brought out the holy relics, the demon inside him began shouting, “You’re burning me!” But Geronda’s relics burned him the most. He screamed: “I can’t bear to see that Panagia of Arizona! And that Joseph — he’s the one that planned this monastery.” This man was talking about Geronda, even though he himself didn’t know him.

Notes:

• The demon was referring to Xeropotamou Monastery, where a disciple of Elder Ephraim (also named Ephraim) was the abbot. Xeropotamou derives its name from the dry riverbed beside it.

Source: My Elder: Joseph the Hesychast and Cave-dweller, Saint Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery, 2013, Arizona.

In Ephesians 2:2 Paul seems to be referring to Satan as Prince of the Air. Now I understand this can have a variety of hermeneutical frames yet I was wondering if anyone has ever read what the Church Fathers thought about this peculiar name? Is there any Orthodox writings you might recommend?

I wanted to simply say I had a thought that maybe it indicates that he operates clandestinely and like air - remains unseen as a force of the intellect. Additionally, EMR (electromagnetic radiation) is transmitted with air as its conduit between antenna and receiver, and certainly much evil can be done utilizing such a medium of communication if one is a demon seeking havoc.

Anyways just wanted to ask and share that random thought. Thanks

Im not sure if this is the best place to put this but, I kinda was looking for help and understanding and I thought this would be a great place to start.

For over a year now I’ve delved into religion more, I got myself a king James and an orthodox study bible around a year ago which I have read on occasion. I’ve watched many videos and documentaries on Christianity but more regarding the orthodox side.

I was raised in a family which were Christian by name, didn’t really practice or do anything. But over the past year I found myself finding hope and security and motivation through the bible. I do class myself as a Christian only by name, and I do try my best to uphold the values it teaches and I have learned.

My worry about becoming an orthodox Christian is that, I feel like it’s the right thing to do but something just doesn’t feel fully right. I feel like I might miss some things in life if I become one, I’m a rather anxious and introverted person so it’s hard to explain. But on the other hand reading the bible and listening to Christians of all denominations speak, it sounds like the sort of life I wanna live.

The only problem is I live in Scotland. Not too far outside Edinburgh and there’s not many orthodox churches. So I don’t know where to start my journey.

I’m hoping you guys can maybe just give me some advice and help me in anyway. Thank you.

How could God forgive me if I keep falling back to doing the same sins over and over again? I want to give my life to Him and trust Him, but I'm just so stupid. I hate myself for not having any kind of self discipline in regards to this. I managed a week without barely even thinking about doing it, but then one thing led to another and I did it knowing I shouldn't have.

Please pray for Spain. There has been some heavy rain which has caused flash floods, towns like Chiva got up to 12.6 inches of rain in 4h. As of the latest news there are at least 95 victims and they are still looking for dozens of missing people.

Please pray for them and the families of the victims

I’ve heard similar statements from people explaining orthodox Christianity as the only true religion or true way, but I don’t know why this is? Just asking why orthodox is the only true way for you? I’m Protestant evangelical, thinking of orthodox conversion, and I’ve never heard of this way of thinking from other denominations. Other denominations from my understanding view differing denominations as a people with opposing small beliefs but still Christians, but orthodoxy is the only denomination where they state they are the only truth.

Apologies if this isn't a good question, but I've struggled with eating and recent weight gain, and I've been worried I'm being gluttonous. I worry that if I do convert and become an Orthodox Christian, I won't properly manage my eating and it'll lead to me gaining weight and becoming fat. The annoying thing is that it's connected to other issues of mine in depression and insecurity, which food helps alleviate. So it's not an easy fix unfortunately. I really worry I won't be a good Christian partly for this reason.

I (17F) used to be orthodox from the ages of 12-14 and quite enjoyed it, the church was beautiful, I loved Divine Liturgy, and I had a good church community. Then some things happened in my life that caused me to go back to being Protestant. But recently I’ve been thinking about orthodoxy and the holy sacrament because I have MCAS. If you don’t know what MCAS is, it is a very complicated condition that causes me to go into anaphylactic shock when I consume food/drink that is high in histamine. Shellfish, avocado, coffee, chocolate, fermented things, and above all alcohol. So I guess the real question is do you think I would have an allergic reaction to communion? I understand it’s been turned into the body and blood of Christ but on a molecular level it is still wine right? And if I’m allergic to alcohol then I can’t have communion right? It’s still high in histamine even after it’s been turned into the blood of Christ? I know it’s kind of a complicated question and I’ve asked a few orthodox people this already but they all seem to have varying answers. some say they wouldn’t risk it and others say that the blood of Christ could never make you ill, so I’m not sure. 🤷🏻‍♀️

What are some of the most marvelous churches/cathedrals/basilicas that everyone should see before they die? God bless!

I feel strongly connected to both (3?) of these icons, and cannot make a decision on them:

https://legacyicons.com/christ-and-theotokos-hagia-sophia-icon-set-y003/

or https://legacyicons.com/christ-pantocrator-sinai-icon-x117/

I also happen to really like the fact that the first set matches, so if you could also recommend an icon of the Most Holy Theotokos to go with the 2nd icon, I would be very grateful. Thanks in advance, and God bless!

I’m aware that it is prepared for the remembrance of people who went to sleep. My background is Turkish Muslim and it always reminded me of the Turkish tradition of making “Helva” before/after funerals for the dead and distributing it to the funeral attendees. We might have picked it up from the Byzantines.

An old lady once told me it goes back to the time of the apostles but didn’t give details. I would love to learn more.

PS: It makes for such a delicious breakfast😋

Hi everyone, I have a big doubt between remaining in Roman Catholicism and Orthodoxy, I have been praying and studying these days to see where God wants me to go and I wanted to know your opinion to give a little more help in my studies: Why a roman catholic should convert to Orthodoxy?

Before everything, I'm NOT Eastern Orthodox (I'm Oriental Orthodox)

There are no Eastern Orthodox Churches where I live. Atleast not proper congregations. The closest churches some 6 and three quarter countries away.

I live near milit@ry b@rr@cks and occasionally foreign nationals are invited for joint exercises and w@r games. Some of them happen to be Eastern Orthodox Russians, Bulgarians and Greeks.

On some Sundays, out of misunderstanding I suppose, some of them attend Divine Liturgy at our Oriental Orthodox church and partake in communion. Our priest quoted some joint intercommunion liturgy deal in the middle east because EOs don't have a church here. Upon explaining the difference in our beliefs to them, they didn't seem to mind partaking in our communion.

Some r@dic@l OOs seem to have a problem with this but some believe it's out of love and charity to those who don't have a church themselves and are far away from home for long periods of time that partaking in communion is permitted

What is the Eastern Orthodox view of this? Do you see a problem with this? If you do, what do EOs who don't have the opportunity to partake in Divine liturgy and partake in EO communion for weeks, maybe months do according to your traditions?

This question comes of genuine curiousity; I'm not here to debate anyone.

How do Orthodox rate the importance of geographical/cultural spread in the true church? In many places, the Catholic Church seems to be the only available option for receiving the sacraments. I'm not throwing down a challenge; just curious how Orthodox view the apparent fact that the Catholic church has been more successful at making itself universally accessible (both geographically and culturally). Do Orthodox view this as an unfortunate failure on their part or do they consider the spread of Catholicism to have been bought at the price of compromise and therefore not worthy of comparison? Or do they reject the premise of my question entirely?

Apologies if this has been asked many times before (I couldn't find such a thread).