Talk 17: Counsels of Elder Paisios of Mount Athos
Elder Paisios was a simple monk who lived on Mount Athos, Greece. Leading a holy life, he became filled with the wisdom of God, and was able during his lifetime to bring great benefit to numberless people with his counsels, which have since been translated into many languages. The elder was our contemporary—he died in 1994—and he was acquainted with many of the problems and spiritual confusion that we face today, making his counsels particularly valuable to us.
Based on these counsels, Priestmonk Kosmas answers the following questions: Does God ever refuse to forgive us? The Evil Eye—truth or superstition? Is zeal to convert others always good? How can priests help those who are under the influence of cults and gurus? Are some lies half sins? Can saying the Jesus Prayer ever be spiritually damaging? Is there a benefit to the family when a young child dies?
Also included in this talk are discussions about the sins of parents affecting their children; the need for priests to speak up about the occult and sorcery; feminists and abortion; the need for discernment when dealing with dreams, apparitions and demonic influence; the widespread disrespect of children towards their parents; unbaptised children; The Da Vinci Code; retarded or mentally ill children; brain-washing within the Church; the importance of Orthodox Christian doctors and psychiatrists; anxiety and sexual problems; and the spiritual benefit of the world’s economic crisis.
Talk Duration: 180 minutes
3 CD set