Reflection on Mt 5:27-28

Post date:   2015-11-21
Autor:   BCP
Original sin, which consists in revolt against God and His commandments, has deeply wounded all spheres of human life. In terms of carnality, this wounded nature becomes manifest in sinful lusts which affected Adam and Eve immediately after the fall (Gen 3:7). Therefore, God laid down the sixth and ninth commandments to prevent the infection of the sin of impurity. In these words spoken in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus points out the root of adultery. He says that one can commit adultery not only physically but in one’s heart too if one unites oneself to a lustful thought. In such case, the instrument of sin is an impure look and the place of sin is the human heart – a lustful, impure mind.

Intellectual pride keeps man from bowing before God

Post date:   2015-11-16
Autor:   BCP
If someone is an atheist, it is because he refuses to acknowledge an intelligent and wise Being higher than himself to Whom he ought to give an account of his life. In other words, it is intellectual pride, which is, in fact, demonic pride. Similarly, the angels who became demons had refused to submit to the authority of God who created them. Only hardened people refuse to know God, to bow before Him, to turn to Him and to give Him the first place in their lives, because they do not want to be dependent on Him.

How to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness in practice

Post date:   2015-11-15
Autor:   BCP
Try to put your trust in God, knowing that He will care for you just as He cares for birds or lilies (cf. Mt 6:25-30). Try it all and you will see that He is really a living God who cares for your life. Do you have problems? Give them to Jesus. “Lord, this is my problem. I give it to You.” But give it to Him with faith. Do not ask Him without believing that He will hear you. Give Him your problems and put absolute trust in Him.

Martyrdom of the Holy Virgin Tatiana of Rome, and those who suffered with her

Post date:   2015-11-11
Autor:   BCP
The Holy Virgin Martyr Tatiana was born into an illustrious Roman family, and her father was elected consul three times. He was a good Christian, but secretly. He raised his daughter, Saint Tatiana, to be devoted to God and instructed her in the Scriptures. When she reached the age of maturity, Tatiana decided to remain a virgin, betrothing herself to Christ, touched by His love. She served Him day and night in fasting and prayer, putting her flesh to death and subjecting it to the Spirit. In view of her fervent zeal and love of God, she was appointed a deaconess. Deaconesses were young virgins appointed by bishops to care for the poor and the sick, to assist at Baptism and to serve in the temple. The words of Christ were rooted deeply in her heart: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Her love of God and neighbours indeed made Tatiana worthy to receive a glorious martyr’s crown.

How to fight bad moods

Post date:   2015-11-10
Autor:   BCP
When a mood takes you or you slide into depression, ask yourself at once: What spirit is behind it?! The spirit of lies. If you yield to it, it will torment you for hours, days or weeks. Stop! Lift up your heart! Realize God’s presence and give your problem to Jesus. He will take it from you and fill your heart with peace which the world cannot give. It works 120%! You only need to practise it and come to Jesus time and again.

B - Going on With Christ

Post date:   2015-11-10
Autor:   BCP
B - Going on With Christ

Reflection on Mt 5:21-22

Post date:   2015-11-07
Autor:   BCP
Anger is a manifestation of hatred, which is the contrary of love. It can be of different degrees and can be heightened to deep aversion or bitter hostility, be it in the political or, and above all, religious sphere. The wicked hate the righteous (Psa 34:22) often without a cause (Psa 35:19). Hatred towards a brother and neighbour is forbidden in the Scripture (Lev 19:17; Deu 19:11). The world hates Jesus and His disciples (Jn 15:18; Lk 19:14). Hatred is understood here as demonic power (1Jn 2:9) dominating the world.

Sin causes suffering to those who sin as well as to those around them

Post date:   2015-11-06
Autor:   BCP
Every sin causes suffering to the person sinning as well as to the people around him. Even a secret sin causes harm and has an impact on others. Ultimately, all things will be brought to light. We have the law of God which God has given us. He wants us to live according to it and to respect it. He will then bestow His blessing and peace on us.

Will Pan-Orthodox Synod take place in 2016? / Part IV: Prognosis

Post date:   2015-11-03
Autor:   BCP
We live in a historic time when the responsibility of saving the Russian nation from globalization autogenocide is not a matter of a capable politician only, but the responsibility falls on every citizen of Russia! The only effective weapon against the spread of the rule of antichrist is true repentance!The question of repentance is also linked to the question of the meaning and purpose of our life. Why do you live? To eat, drink, work or sleep, to become a slave to lies and sin, to die, be buried and end up in hell? This life is only a short test and it decides our eternity. The purpose of life is to search for and then to receive the revealed Truth, Jesus Christ. He is the Way, the Truth, and also Life! (cf. Jn 14:6)What should we repent of in particular?Mainly of boycotting the Truth, the reality of shortness of time and the reality of death. We have not given the first place to God and the law of God!

Martyrdom of St Ignatius Theophorus

Post date:   2015-10-31
Autor:   BCP
When Trajan became Emperor of Rome, St Ignatius was Bishop of the Church of Antioch. St Ignatius was not only called God-Bearer (Theophorus) but he really was God-Bearer. This holy man is known to be the person whom, when an infant, our Lord Jesus showed to the Apostles as a pattern. One day, the parents of this child were standing in the crowd around Jesus and listening to His words. They had their child with them. The Lord looked at them and called the little child to Him. He set him in the midst of them, embraced him, took him in His arms and said: “Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Certainly Saint Ignatius was called Theophorus because God Incarnate bore him in His arms. But also because he carried God in his heart.