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[I thought this was an interesting question in todays news published by The Georgian Daily. Various answers are given that I would agree contribute to these conversions, but there was another story published today that I also think is contributing to this factor. I wonder how much they relate. Could the article below be one reason people in Russia are leaving Orthodoxy for other religions? -J.S.]
Patriarch Kyrill Calls for Eliminating Crude Behavior from Parishes
Patriarch Kyrill called for eliminating crude behavior, which sometimes takes place in the parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church, and deters people from Orthodoxy, reports Interfax-Religion.
"I've spoken with people who had completely lost their faith, because upon entering the church for the first time, they encountered brutality, anger, irritability," - said Patriarch Kyrill on June 3 when presenting diplomas to graduates of the Sretensky Theological Seminary in Moscow.
According to the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, the blame for the rudeness and lack of civility of church staff often rests with the priest, who is unable to live in such a way as to be an example for others. "
"Personal example - this is something without which the priest can not carry out his service", - underscored the Patriarch.
In our time, "when people no longer believe in spoken words, the life of the priest must be a constant sermon by its acts", - believes the head of the Moscow Patriarchate.
Patriarch Kyrill Calls for Eliminating Crude Behavior from Parishes
Patriarch Kyrill called for eliminating crude behavior, which sometimes takes place in the parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church, and deters people from Orthodoxy, reports Interfax-Religion.
"I've spoken with people who had completely lost their faith, because upon entering the church for the first time, they encountered brutality, anger, irritability," - said Patriarch Kyrill on June 3 when presenting diplomas to graduates of the Sretensky Theological Seminary in Moscow.
According to the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, the blame for the rudeness and lack of civility of church staff often rests with the priest, who is unable to live in such a way as to be an example for others. "
"Personal example - this is something without which the priest can not carry out his service", - underscored the Patriarch.
In our time, "when people no longer believe in spoken words, the life of the priest must be a constant sermon by its acts", - believes the head of the Moscow Patriarchate.
This posting brings Saint Seraphim to mind.
ReplyDelete"Acquire the spirit of peace and a thousand souls around you shall be saved" Saint Seraphim of Sarov.
How? Humility, prayer and fasting. "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." Say this prayer as much as possible.
Or even "Lord Jesus Christ have mercy." or even "Lord have mercy." or even just contemplate and keep the mind on God if you are unable to pray with attention because it happens that you find yourself in a difficult situation.
Never deny Jesus Christ, the Son of God, He is the only way to the Father, God Almighty, and has the gift of eternal life. You won't find it in any other faith, do not be deceived. To teach that Jesus Christ is just a prophet is a lie, and that is a sin, do you want to die in sin?
Anybody that leaves the spiritual hospital, the ark of salvation, the Orthodox Christian faith for another false one, as all the Holy Fathers bear witness, will be damned, if they don't repent and return to it in tears and repentance, rest assured of this fact.
In everything, we see and do, we can see God's "handiwork" and love, and in this way we can think about, pray to, love and glorify God always. All strife comes from pride, we need to learn of Christ to become meek and humble.
We need to battle with the passions, read the Holy books (Bible and Saints lives and works), humble ourselves, pray that God guides, and saves us. "I [Christ] am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
Ask around to find a loving and faithful Orthodox Church community, and a good confessor and have Holy Communion often, live the Orthodox Church life, live the faith in humility. If you see faults in anyone learn to pray for them. People have weaknesses, or might be facing difficult periods in their lives. This will pass and it will be like it never happened.
We must understand that a sick person in hospital, with a serious illness, might act in a strange way but when they recover they no longer do so. We must show patience and love and pray for our neighbour, otherwise how are Orthodox Christians going to shine as lights in the world if we do not?
The Orthodox Church has the perfect teaching but people on their way to heaven have to struggle, and sometimes go through difficult times. To say that the hospital is wrong or bad because it has sick patients inside it is just silly. These sick patients are in the process of being healed. If people were humble they would overcome all passions, but until they learn humility and meekness they will continue to fall. The demons overcome those who have something in common with them: Pride. The humble are not overcome by the demons because they have God's grace and protection.
Keep your feet on the ground, stay low, that is humble, and even if you happen to fall, your fall will be a small one, compared to a great, very harmful, fall from the heights.
Listen to the teaching of Abba Dorotheos on Humility
http://www.philokalia.org/abba_dorotheos.htm
Strive to practice the Jesus Prayer - The Prayer of the Heart
http://www.philokalia.org/on_the_prayer_of_jesus.htm
Keep the Orthodox Faith, read the lives of Saints and learn endurance, patience, faith and humility from them.
Our strength is in Jesus Christ. Cling to Christ. Cling to the only Savior. Never abandon the truth faith, and the Lord Jesus Christ for a lie.
If you fall rise, if you stumble get up again. Never ever give up the spiritual fight until you are in heaven.
God bless you brothers and sisters in Christ. Keep up the good fight.