Hi I love your videos it’s so hard for a 15 year old like me to not be distracted by the sins in this world your videos keep me grounded helps become a calmer person. God bless you
God Bless you and help you fight against those sins. I'm also a 15 years old, living in France (perhaps the most oversexualised country in the world) and i also fight every day against those temptation, and I hope one day i could get an orthodox baptism, because now my parents don't want that.
I fornicated for many years of my life. I’m 43. I recently took Orthodox confession, so no more sex until marriage. This is going to be a massive struggle. I pray to God for strength.
I never did have any romantic relationship until 37 yo. I thought no one would want me ever. But I fell into fornication and the next plans of marriage fell through… I feel like I lost my life. God help me.
lust clouds your view of someone, i know that much. i've been guilty of that. makes sense that it wouldn't be looking at the person for who they are, but evaluating him/her as a means of self-pleasing
If I'm being honest, your advice to those who had already done thing before marriage was shocking in a comforting way. Coming from a Southern Baptist background, most of the time you're seen as worthless if you have had any sexual experience (unfortunately, this also can include non consentual ones such as rape or molestation) outside of marriage. And so for you to say, not that we are all worthless and that we should go off to a monastery somewhere to repent our entire lives, but simply to "remain virgins in our hearts" and to love the man or woman we marry in the right way was truly comforting. Thank you so much Father.
@@theturtwig50 while it can certainly be pathological, guilt is not evil, but actually is necessary for healthy human living as much as pain is physical necessary for healthy living. Those unable to feel pain (such as lepers) become increasingly injured and disabled because their body provides no feedback what to avoid. Similarly think of those psychopaths who have no sense of guilt - they go about deliberately hurting others because their conscience fails to warn them. Guilt is precisely our inner sense of warning that we are going morally astray. Christ through His church offers healing to those who feel guilt because repentance of our sins brings forgiveness. Peace to you!
@@PeterStrider Ah yeah, you're right about that. Guilt is what keeps us from being sociopaths and correct our behavior. However, it's easy for those overwhelmed by guilt to despair and become depressed instead of transforming their lives (Judas, I think, is a good example of this).
I agree...our teaching is emotional not spiritual and often debased. I stopped going to church I couldn't listen to the sermons. Monasteries are far far better, the silence and the chant.
I was protestant last year also and am now an Orthodox catechumen awaiting baptism! I cannot wait until I'm fully immersed into the life of this beautiful Church!
hello Father, I am from Ethiopia.I am orthodox christian,from coptic Church of Ethiopia.You have been the reason for guidance to GOD.Thank you.I hope to listen to you every day.
God bless you Father, as a young man myself lust is truly something with I have struggled with since the first days of my teenage years (which are now almost over). Trying to uproot that which I learned growing in a secularised society and replace it with the Orthodox view of chastity is an uphill battle. Please pray for me Father, that I might aspire to the virtue of chastity as displayed in our Lord and His Saints. Glory to God!
You can do it, all was hopeless before I found the Way of Orthodoxy. It's an every day battle that has gotten easier to deal with over time. The morning prayers and evening small compline, scripture reading with the annotations in the Orthodox Study Bible, along with the boundless works of the Saints, and etc. have been miraculous for me. Embrace it and your body will reflect and sing for the Lord, nothing is impossible through Him who gives you strength. Keep struggling! -Your catechumen brother in Christ, Eddie
This is the type of education we have lacked in this world ourselves, as parents. We have brought up our children in the same ignorance we were brought up. Thank you so much father. The truth is far more beautiful than the so called "freedom" the sexual revolution brought. It left a wake of suffering and pain in our broken homes and our broken lives. Thank God for His mercy and may He turn us all into Saint Marys of Egypt!
LORD JESUS CHRIST, SON OF GOD HAVE MERCY ON ME A SINNER! Thank You Father for you encouraging words as i am currently struggling with these problems now. social pressure is way to strong to handle, but i pray to GOD to i give me strenght to resist. it's not easy, especially when my friends mock at me in this regard and i often feel marginalized and alone. PLEASE KEEP MAKING MORE VIDEOS.
Don’t let them get to you. Be strong. God is with you. - And if they mock and tease you over this, they are not your friends. I could never put up with people like that at school which is why I gravitated toward the quieter kids... My advice would be to, either, tell them if your feeling uncomfortable with their jokes, ditch them and make new friends or, if these are too difficult, ignore them and say the Jesus prayer in your head. I personally never had to go through any of this as I believe I’ve been called to remain chaste for the rest of my life, so I might not be the best person to give advice, but I hope this helps somewhat. :) and remember you are not alone. I promise you, there are many other Christian brothers and sisters who are fighting the same fight! I believe in you! God bless.
well these "friends" are also my colleagues and i can't avoid them. But your words have been really helpful. very kind of You. May the HOLY TRINITY enlighten you and bless you in this life and in the other one.
u can always pray for help and assistance to our lord. he will help. it might take time. u can always tell them to back off, this is your right, escpecially when you get mobbed. another trick would be to see if they who mock have any experience in jesus christ. you will most certainly find, that they dont have if they do so, and if they have exp you will have it easy to just tell them to stop their mocking.
"Whoever looks up on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery already with her in his heart " jesus Only this commandment should lead us to the foot of the cross for repentance and trusting in Christ blood for cleansing.
Inspiring advice and not only for the young or single. Never too late to be celibate - spiritually pure, I mean, not just deprived. Thank you, Father Spyridon.
Living together before marriage is a sin. Period. Marriage is a picture of our relationship with God. I didn’t take marriage seriously; now I am suffering because of my sin. I thank the Lord Jesus that He gives us the grace to begin anew in Him. Anyone who is thinking about living together before marriage, please don’t do it. People are not cars to take for a test drive. You might say, “We are not going to have sex while living together.”” It is still a sin. The Bible says we are not to give the “appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Ladies, If a man truly loves you, he will marry you. The same is true for women.
Fr. Spyridon, it's so hard to meet such a man today. Please pray for people like me who are still waiting to meet the right man and have children. It's so difficult and I've been praying for so long. I pray God rewards me through my patience.
They’re out there I promise. I am a virgin guy. Most of my friends are waiting for a woman. My friend Cody was a virgin before marriage. I assure you from a man, that I know so many men who would have children and die for you. I wish the very best for you. The devil puts a lens on everything he wants to make it seem like there’s none left. Sometimes I think there isn’t a woman for me. However our thoughts often trouble us they do not benefit but want to destroy.
Traditional values like these are what the world needs now more than ever. Father Spyridon's advice about how to enter into marriage when you or your spouse haven't been chaste is spot on.
Father, in the Romanian constitution law its written that `the marriage is the unification of THE SPOUSES` (this word could have a large sense in the future - you know what I mean - like in western Europe and other countries). On october 6 and 7 romanian people are going to vote for the change of `SPOUSES` into `A MAN AND A WOMAN`. Pray for romanian people, pray for us, father!
That is very interesting, thank you. Great pressure will be applied by the globalist powers to prevent Romania expressing its will this way, the EU does not permit expression of Christian belief if it can avoid it. Let us pray your politicians have courage in the face of the threats & propaganda that will be aimed at them.
@DiscoFalcon The vote didnt pass because of the number of voters (21%). It should have been at least 30% presence, but the left voice (mass-media, political parties and others) was so powerfull and so propagandistic with many lies, that people definitely ignore the vote... So, it was a failure and after this the voices of same sex-marriage idea intensified. Same the sex education in school (for this a law was voted this month by the same politicians who criticized and attacked the marriage referendum 2 years ago). P.S. Over 91% participants voted for the marriage between a man and a woman.
@Chilperich König der Franken When he says “father” he doesn’t it mean as in the way we call our Heavenly Father........ he means father as in a spiritual father that helps people in their spiritual lives... I pray for you to come to the Holy Orthodox Church brother....
Chilperich König der Franken Eastern Orthodox Church first Church founded by Jesus Christ and Himself and Apostles... 2000 years unchanged, first Church, gates of hell will not prevail
Oh sex helps you see what the partner is like. I remember hearing the crap about that. Its so disgusting how teens prefer sex instead of going out and playing a sport or learning a trade
Coming from a married man of 8 years and someone that has been addicted to pornography since 7 years old. I've been an adulterer also. Only by the grace of a loving heavenly Father I've experienced a beautifully wonderful oneness with my Lord and my wife that I don't deserve. Also since my switch of focus to Orthodoxy I have been able to stay away from pornography for a long time now. The wait is worth it and the experience for a sinner like me is humbling.
The strangest thing happened while watching this. My mind wondered briefly and I began thinking about The Gospel of the Birth of Mary, as I was pondering whether I should read it today. My mind snapped back just as the father was speaking about her parents. I guess I should read that today.
As someone who strayed far from the path at one point on my life, and meeting and then dating a girl who also had the same experiences, I came to the same conclusion early on; we have to put the past behind us, we have to repent for our sins and lead our lives correctly. We might have already lost the physical gift that God gave to us, but we can still be forgiven, and regain some of that purity in our hearts through our future thoughts and actions. "Go and sin no more."
I am thankful that the Lord found me when I was yet young. Though I had none to train me in the ways of abstinence that you speak, His Spirit in me taught me to turn these desires away at a young age. Admittedly temptation has knocked on the door a few times in my life, and I had almost given in, yet thanks be to God I still hold to this day. The mind is a different battle, but He is renewing me daily.
I am a 15 years old boy, I am on NoFap and Semen Retention, oh dear these girls are beautiful but as juice wrld says , "most evil girls have the prettiest face" but I am now able to stay away from that. I was born different so I am born to be different. I found out I can t adapt to the society, and now i am just focusing on myself. Currently fasting . At 89 days of NoFap and day 10 of Semen Retention , I feel God s power and energy right next to me and He is just looking at me non stop to see if i make a mistake, and when i make it, He sends me a thought. I...I am just proud of myself that I escaped from this big sin...Bless y all.
Day 10 is shameful. It's like nothing. I was virgin until 37 yo. Then I had sex with a vegan woman who goes jogging (to stress a supposedly healthy lifestyle). Ever since (that is since December 2020) I have a diseases (ithching, pain, crawling under skin, yellow penis tip, fungus on tongue). Been to many many doctors. They say I am healthy, say I don't have a STD. CONSIDER THAT!! They can't find my disease / don't care. I REGRET MY LIFE CHOICE EVERY MORNING I WAKE UP. MY STRONGEST ADVICE::: DON'T HAVE SEX EVER. EVER. LEARN TO UTTERLY DESPISE SEX AS EVIL. IT IS NOT LOVE. God help you.
Lately I've been praying daily rosaries on a string with a St. Benedict medallion, and I've been much less bothered by solitary sexual urges, especially when I'm bored or working. Protection seems to last about 36 hours. I believe that as the patron of students and the tempted, St. Benedict is praying on my behalf. :) Hope this helps someone.
If you're young, it's a very difficult situation. Jesus said we must forgive a person 70 x 7 (490) times per day. That's a lot of forgiveness for each us.
Thank you Father. This is a wonderful approach and teaching to share with my kids. Please pray for our family the Morphies family. I have four teenagers and one preteen. All of whom have been exposed to the temptations of the internet. There is already a struggle in their hearts to understand the sanctity of the marriage bed. It’s hard to see them struggling with something that caused me to stumble most of my life. Thank you.
I have been watching porn since I was 12, I realized I was an addict at 19, I am 21 now and still struggle with it but I have very different views on sex now. To me porn is wrong and masturbation, I view sex as a holy act meant to be done between two married lovers, it’s two fleshes becoming one, people think I am crazy for not having sex all the time, but for me I will wait till marriage, I have had sex multiple times in the past but not longer is that me.
I'm greatly, greatly disturbed and saddened by what I see around me. I cannot take a wife who has a history of promiscuity. It, I fear, will poison the marriage.
Understandable, especially for a man, and no one will force you to marry any one woman. But if she takes up the cross of repenting for it and committing to future chastity, such a woman would make a formidable spiritual partner and should not be rejected easily. I couldn't judge a changed woman by her past anyway, given my own pre-Christian sexual history.
Good luck then. If you can't see women as flawed, human creatures like yourself, you'll never find someone to marry. Not saying you have to be with someone you dont want to, but rarely does the perfect, submissive, virgin waifu exist.
@Rumia Rare but not impossible. I never doubted my future wife would be a rare creature. Why would I marry anything less? Accepting that they are flawed does not mean accepting all flaws! That is absurd.We all have our red lines. Chasteness is mine.
I think, you should remember St. Mary of Egypt.. How likely is it that your virgin wife will reach a similar spiritual state that St Mary did after 15 years of sin? God does not have the 'red line' for our human sins. He healed and blessed sinners around him. It sounds like your 'requirements' to your wife are higher that God's. I would agree with you, if you said you can't accept a lady who thinks it's normal, but why would you not accept the one who repents? We believe that Confession and Communion washes us and leads to Paradise. So, repentance is enough to enter Paradise, but not enough to enter your family? Please, forgive me if my thoughts hurt you, but I did not feel like it's right to stay silent
I was exposed to porn when I was only 13 and first noticing the opposite sex for the first time, my natural curiosity became a pitfall that I've been trying to dig myself out of for 17 years now. Pray for me, every day is a battle. There is something inherently pedophilia in the porn industry, the state of Virginia passed a law demanding that porn sites verify age, PornHub stopped making their site available to residents in Virginia. They have shown their hand. They would not have customers if they didn't target children. Parents, keep your children off the internet, don't let them suffer as I have.
It grieves me so to know that sexuality has become so misunderstood/mistreated from the beauty that God created it to be by the evil spirit of pornography and incest. This destroys the spirit of those forced into sexual impurity. I am saddened to think that all men aren't fighting to protect the weak from such evils. Satan knows that he can destroy another person by influencing them to corrupt their temple. I once heard a priest say, that if someone confesses they are involved in pornography he tells them they can't partake of the Eucharist until they have stopped. Totally agree because when one gets involved in pornography they are promoting the (ill-will/raping) of those forced to perform it along with corrupting of their own spirit. When we corrupt our temple our foundation is weaken. I feel if we teach more in how to love and spend more time on caring for others it gives us less time to focus on ourselves to be self-observed/self-focused.
Fr Bless+ Thank you for these spiritual talks - much needed ‘soul food’ - God bless you, family,friends and those around you+++ Glory be to God for all things+ Our Holy Theotokos , Mother of God to all MANKIND + The 21 st century has opposed God and all HIS CREATION - the enemy began his work and slowly gained recognition through WORDLY desires and clever deceitful passions, making all the bad look good and the good look like outdated or ancient belief customs - I’m sure the enemy is clever at temptations and knows our weaknesses - WORDLY desires can be defeated by prayer, fasting , church confession communion in unity - Definetely the long and narrow path is the sure way to our salvation - we fall many times ( sin- missing the mark) but must get up with faith hope and love in Christ our Lord God+++ ICXC NIKA
Well said and be in chastity, weather single(do pranayama - organize your creative energy) or married ( do not spill the waters-The Perfect Matrimony ).
AS we were meant to be before sexual imagery everywhere, when we had to work hard for food and fast during cold winters instead of all year around comforts
@@Korvxx western culture is so polluted with self worship that any mention of self sacrifice and self discipline invokes inner oand often outward revolt....especially the younger generation, entitled to privileges and comforts. Yeah, indeed. Devil doesn't have to do much, they do it to themselves....but price to pay is HIGH
Hi Father. I have thought of joining an orthodox church but the kissing of the icons (pictures of saints ) kinda doesn't sit well with me. If i join do i have to kiss icons or bow to them? Lived in pentecostal circles all of my life, and sadly some wierd charismatic ones too. Thank you for the videos and the Word of God you bring.
The veneration of saints through the icons is an expression of our belief that through His incarnation Christ has changed the very nature of the physical universe so that all things may be drawn into our worship of God. I will make a video on the Orthodox understanding of this in a few weeks. God bless you.
We also venerate the Scriptures (the Jews do this also) and the Cross of Christ. We do this because just like the saints, God has worked and continues to work through these things to lead people to Himself. Why should they not be venerated? We know already that it isn't worship, otherwise anything from kissing your family members to saluting a flag to putting flowers of a loved one's grave would become "worship". Something to think about. From a former Pentecostal.
Father, in our schools where I live priests and the talk of religion is banned. We are learned that we "should" have sex at the age of 15 and that its the right thing.
The problem comes after a certain period let’s say 3-4 months of abstinence when the urges will torment you everyday. You also have to cope with testicle pain, now i understand what the father is saying but if you don’t eat very clean and healthy and stay away from sugar/alcohol then this is almost impossible.
A very good encouragement for those struggling is Roosh V's article "How to Control Your Lust" on his website. He describes an important biological mechanism by which it becomes easier to control yourself the less you dwell on sex.
Father he in Australia we have teachers teaching 6 year old with toys & condoms & its ok to masturbate whate hope has this 6 year old child got.im 47 & have chosen to live as best as the monks on athos iv stoped fornicating in all forms I study your videos & decided to stay single il only Mary if it's gods wish & only to an orthodox woman. Because it's hard to have a relationship unles use are both orthodox & blessed by the church & I feel good being abstained. But father I get angry with today's mentors for kids usaly woman & telling them its ok to experiment may God have mercy on my soul .Thank you whants again father for these small videos may God bless you
You are justified being angry ,those women sexualizing children will pay a high price to God ,it's horrible to make kids lose their innocence д,those teachers should be punished
I think that the sex question is a simple question of action and consequence. If you're not ready to accept and deal with the consequences don't do the action.
may i also ask you, when citing Augustine, you called him blessed and not saint? due to his rhetoric and tense relationship between the concept of grace and salvation and his theology which depersonalized the HOLY TRINITY reducing the 3 PERSONS into sole relations?! am i correct?
There should be a ceremony that people go through to cleanse themselves before marriage because of are age of fornication. The Theology of The Body by PJP11 is a good example of how to think also for the Catholics that appreciate this channel.🕊
How can we pretend the sexual past is not important. It tells a lot about his/her moral integrity, they way they view people and life in general. The Number of sexual partner also correlates with marriage instability. Unless he or she does not truly repent and cry about their lustful sins, that's a DEALBREAKER. It is naive to say: "Oh your past doesn't matter." It is hard to abbandon habbits.
I think what Father Spyridon is trying to say is that, by entering a marriage with another who has fornicated. It's best to not be judging of the past behaviors(sins). Because by wanting a full report of sexual activity would just induce thoughts of lust, envy, jealousy.
ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. GOD EVEN STRESSES THAT THE FIRSTBORN MALE IS FOR GOD (SHOULD REMAIN VIRGIN FOR LIFE). BUT IF HE CANNOT, LET HIM MARRY A VIRGIN WOMAN AND PROCREATE. ANYYTHING ELSE IS HORRIBLE. This I say as someone who has been chastised by God. Bern virgin for 37 years. Then had sex with a vegan woman. Now I got a undiagnosed permanent disease. Doctors say I am healthy. But God gives diseases that cannot be diagnosed to such as me.
@@michael44544 No I believe what he is saying is, if they have both lived a life of fornication then do this. But if one is a virgin and the other is not, then the sexual past of the person should be shared by the other that has remained a virgin. It is only when both have lived the life of fornication and adultery that it is best to just look ahead and forgive, as both have sinned in that way and so cannot say too much because that would be hypocrisy. Relationships should be open and forgiving but the one who has remained faithful to God should be told.
He is right, as is The Word Of Almighty God (Epistle 1 Of Paul To The Corinthians, 6: 13-20 & 7: 1-9; abstinence, or a mutually exclusive lifelong relationship between Mister and Miss Right, is the best safeguard to morals and health)!
is that the only use of the mouth? Do you see something disgusting about oral sex within lawful marriage? Are our genitals not from God and therefore good and clean?@@eduardsusai559
Hello, I was wondering what the Eastern Orthodox view on sex inside of marriage was, if it is okay to do outside of procreation purposes but as an expression of love. I know Roman Catholic teaching is that it is only for procreation, but I was unsure of the Eastern Orthodox’s view.
@@alexissashanicolle8675 incorrect. Orthodoxy teaching of sexual intimacy is primarily for procreation. As a matter of fact, the saints teach that sexual relations should cease for women after menopause, however, in an Orthodox marriage it also believed that the one spouse should not withhold sex if his/her spouse requests it.
@@alexissashanicolle8675 could you please provide a few of the numerous books you've read this in? My statement above is based on St Paisios, as well as a book by St. John Chrysostom called 'Marriage & Virginity.'
Dear father My wife betrayed me and left with another man after 32 years of marriage. So now I have to live in abstainance for the rest of my life?? I Can't be remariéd so that's it I'm done ???? At 50 ??
I believed in God. Not really by choice anymore, I just do believe though. I kinda wish I could go back before thinking sex was sinful as now, I can't think about sex, I can't get sex (not that I could have before but now I'd be damned) and most women, if not all, would not want to wait till marriage for sex. I don't mean to be disrespectful but I am more confused and conflicted now than before I got into Christianity.
It's sad to hear this. I think the women who claim to be feminists are the root cause of this problem. I had read an article a few months ago about how back in the 50s - 70s women 'barefoot and pregnant' were indeed happy and in healthy marriages, with both husband and wife happily married. Meaning, the concept of the wife home with the kids and the household and the husband out working as the breadwinner maintained a healthy and balanced married life. I think this is very true, especially the importance of the mother being home with the children. This is so important for their upbringing and encourages a healthy transition to adulthood for the child. I pray for this life, just to surround myself with my husband and children - as well as my faith. Nothing else will ever matter to me but that, God willing I pray.
Hi I love your videos it’s so hard for a 15 year old like me to not be distracted by the sins in this world your videos keep me grounded helps become a calmer person. God bless you
It's encouraging to know there are 15 year old's searching for wisdom such as yourself.
Keep up the good work, looking into things like this at your age shows maturity. Keep fighting the good Fight and God Bless you.
God Bless you and help you fight against those sins. I'm also a 15 years old, living in France (perhaps the most oversexualised country in the world) and i also fight every day against those temptation, and I hope one day i could get an orthodox baptism, because now my parents don't want that.
Erispoë Le Broc Chapeau !!
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven❤️
I fornicated for many years of my life. I’m 43. I recently took Orthodox confession, so no more sex until marriage. This is going to be a massive struggle. I pray to God for strength.
Amen. am waiting my man. Till didn’t get my much Specially spritualy. Any ways why ortodox no dating site internationally??
I never did have any romantic relationship until 37 yo. I thought no one would want me ever. But I fell into fornication and the next plans of marriage fell through… I feel like I lost my life. God help me.
@@LKRaiderMay God bless you abundantly
May God bless you abundantly
@@adentekle8338May God bless you abundantly
My priest told me something surprising: chastity is not just about abstinence. Chastity is also about seeing people for who they are.
lust clouds your view of someone, i know that much. i've been guilty of that. makes sense that it wouldn't be looking at the person for who they are, but evaluating him/her as a means of self-pleasing
Yes yes and 1000 times yes. This is fantastic advice.
it is how you describe it, and it is sick!
This is so very true!
Holy moly that’s insightful. I’m saving that quote
If I'm being honest, your advice to those who had already done thing before marriage was shocking in a comforting way. Coming from a Southern Baptist background, most of the time you're seen as worthless if you have had any sexual experience (unfortunately, this also can include non consentual ones such as rape or molestation) outside of marriage. And so for you to say, not that we are all worthless and that we should go off to a monastery somewhere to repent our entire lives, but simply to "remain virgins in our hearts" and to love the man or woman we marry in the right way was truly comforting. Thank you so much Father.
R. M. God bless you ☦️
Guilt is a different type of evil. Instead of leading people to God, it can and usually leads people to despair, such as depression and suicide.
@@theturtwig50 while it can certainly be pathological, guilt is not evil, but actually is necessary for healthy human living as much as pain is physical necessary for healthy living. Those unable to feel pain (such as lepers) become increasingly injured and disabled because their body provides no feedback what to avoid. Similarly think of those psychopaths who have no sense of guilt - they go about deliberately hurting others because their conscience fails to warn them. Guilt is precisely our inner sense of warning that we are going morally astray.
Christ through His church offers healing to those who feel guilt because repentance of our sins brings forgiveness. Peace to you!
@@PeterStrider Ah yeah, you're right about that. Guilt is what keeps us from being sociopaths and correct our behavior. However, it's easy for those overwhelmed by guilt to despair and become depressed instead of transforming their lives (Judas, I think, is a good example of this).
Yes,but DONT masturbate and have intercourse if you don't want kids ,that's what Orthodox Church preaches
I am a protestant and I find these Orthodox videos extremely anointed and helpful. God bless you 🙏
I agree...our teaching is emotional not spiritual and often debased. I stopped going to church I couldn't listen to the sermons. Monasteries are far far better, the silence and the chant.
Clive Lindley ua-cam.com/video/QE2vv3CEpsI/v-deo.html
I hope you come to the ancient faith with us, God bless you.
true af
I was protestant last year also and am now an Orthodox catechumen awaiting baptism!
I cannot wait until I'm fully immersed into the life of this beautiful Church!
hello Father,
I am from Ethiopia.I am orthodox christian,from coptic Church of Ethiopia.You have been the reason for guidance to GOD.Thank you.I hope to listen to you every day.
God bless you Father, as a young man myself lust is truly something with I have struggled with since the first days of my teenage years (which are now almost over). Trying to uproot that which I learned growing in a secularised society and replace it with the Orthodox view of chastity is an uphill battle. Please pray for me Father, that I might aspire to the virtue of chastity as displayed in our Lord and His Saints. Glory to God!
Lord, have mercy!
Go to Gabriel Kalei Bocanegra channel, bro.
Don’t ever give up. It’s a very difficult battle. God will see your struggle and help.
You can do it, all was hopeless before I found the Way of Orthodoxy. It's an every day battle that has gotten easier to deal with over time.
The morning prayers and evening small compline, scripture reading with the annotations in the Orthodox Study Bible, along with the boundless works of the Saints, and etc. have been miraculous for me.
Embrace it and your body will reflect and sing for the Lord, nothing is impossible through Him who gives you strength. Keep struggling!
-Your catechumen brother in Christ,
Eddie
Orthodox Christian I pray that all those who have heard your message have the courage to share it with the young people they know.
This is the type of education we have lacked in this world ourselves, as parents. We have brought up our children in the same ignorance we were brought up. Thank you so much father. The truth is far more beautiful than the so called "freedom" the sexual revolution brought. It left a wake of suffering and pain in our broken homes and our broken lives. Thank God for His mercy and may He turn us all into Saint Marys of Egypt!
Father I almost cried at this. Thank you for speaking about this
LORD JESUS CHRIST, SON OF GOD HAVE MERCY ON ME A SINNER! Thank You Father for you encouraging words as i am currently struggling with these problems now. social pressure is way to strong to handle, but i pray to GOD to i give me strenght to resist. it's not easy, especially when my friends mock at me in this regard and i often feel marginalized and alone. PLEASE KEEP MAKING MORE VIDEOS.
Don’t let them get to you. Be strong. God is with you. - And if they mock and tease you over this, they are not your friends. I could never put up with people like that at school which is why I gravitated toward the quieter kids... My advice would be to, either, tell them if your feeling uncomfortable with their jokes, ditch them and make new friends or, if these are too difficult, ignore them and say the Jesus prayer in your head. I personally never had to go through any of this as I believe I’ve been called to remain chaste for the rest of my life, so I might not be the best person to give advice, but I hope this helps somewhat. :) and remember you are not alone. I promise you, there are many other Christian brothers and sisters who are fighting the same fight! I believe in you! God bless.
well these "friends" are also my colleagues and i can't avoid them. But your words have been really helpful. very kind of You. May the HOLY TRINITY enlighten you and bless you in this life and in the other one.
u can always pray for help and assistance to our lord. he will help. it might take time. u can always tell them to back off, this is your right, escpecially when you get mobbed.
another trick would be to see if they who mock have any experience in jesus christ. you will most certainly find, that they dont have if they do so, and if they have exp you will have it easy to just tell them to stop their mocking.
"Whoever looks up on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery already with her in his heart " jesus
Only this commandment should lead us to the foot of the cross for repentance and trusting in Christ blood for cleansing.
let me add to this. living in any moment outside of the present is a sin.
Inspiring advice and not only for the young or single. Never too late to be celibate - spiritually pure, I mean, not just deprived. Thank you, Father Spyridon.
Living together before marriage is a sin. Period.
Marriage is a picture of our relationship with God. I didn’t take marriage seriously; now I am suffering because of my sin.
I thank the Lord Jesus that He gives us the grace to begin anew in Him.
Anyone who is thinking about living together before marriage, please don’t do it. People are not cars to take for a test drive. You might say, “We are not going to have sex while living together.”” It is still a sin. The Bible says we are not to give the “appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22).
Ladies, If a man truly loves you, he will marry you. The same is true for women.
Fr. Spyridon, it's so hard to meet such a man today. Please pray for people like me who are still waiting to meet the right man and have children. It's so difficult and I've been praying for so long. I pray God rewards me through my patience.
They’re out there I promise. I am a virgin guy. Most of my friends are waiting for a woman. My friend Cody was a virgin before marriage. I assure you from a man, that I know so many men who would have children and die for you. I wish the very best for you. The devil puts a lens on everything he wants to make it seem like there’s none left. Sometimes I think there isn’t a woman for me. However our thoughts often trouble us they do not benefit but want to destroy.
Traditional values like these are what the world needs now more than ever. Father Spyridon's advice about how to enter into marriage when you or your spouse haven't been chaste is spot on.
Father, in the Romanian constitution law its written that `the marriage is the unification of THE SPOUSES` (this word could have a large sense in the future - you know what I mean - like in western Europe and other countries). On october 6 and 7 romanian people are going to vote for the change of `SPOUSES` into `A MAN AND A WOMAN`. Pray for romanian people, pray for us, father!
That is very interesting, thank you. Great pressure will be applied by the globalist powers to prevent Romania expressing its will this way, the EU does not permit expression of Christian belief if it can avoid it. Let us pray your politicians have courage in the face of the threats & propaganda that will be aimed at them.
@DiscoFalcon The vote didnt pass because of the number of voters (21%). It should have been at least 30% presence, but the left voice (mass-media, political parties and others) was so powerfull and so propagandistic with many lies, that people definitely ignore the vote... So, it was a failure and after this the voices of same sex-marriage idea intensified. Same the sex education in school (for this a law was voted this month by the same politicians who criticized and attacked the marriage referendum 2 years ago).
P.S. Over 91% participants voted for the marriage between a man and a woman.
Thank you father, you've been really helpful for me, a 18 years oldturkish Orthodox convert, a lot. Thank you for the guidance
Father I swear these issues have been on my mind so much these past few days, and especially today.
I see no coincidences. Thank you, and God bless.
@Chilperich König der Franken are you protestant?
@Chilperich König der Franken When he says “father” he doesn’t it mean as in the way we call our Heavenly Father........ he means father as in a spiritual father that helps people in their spiritual lives... I pray for you to come to the Holy Orthodox Church brother....
@Chilperich König der Franken
don’t get deceived for the rapture theory....
Chilperich König der Franken Eastern Orthodox Church first Church founded by Jesus Christ and Himself and Apostles... 2000 years unchanged, first Church, gates of hell will not prevail
ua-cam.com/video/95P744siC7U/v-deo.html check this brother, get to know us!
Oh sex helps you see what the partner is like. I remember hearing the crap about that. Its so disgusting how teens prefer sex instead of going out and playing a sport or learning a trade
Coming from a married man of 8 years and someone that has been addicted to pornography since 7 years old. I've been an adulterer also. Only by the grace of a loving heavenly Father I've experienced a beautifully wonderful oneness with my Lord and my wife that I don't deserve. Also since my switch of focus to Orthodoxy I have been able to stay away from pornography for a long time now. The wait is worth it and the experience for a sinner like me is humbling.
I am currently struggling with porn and masturbating. Did your fetishes go away? I am ashamed and it makes me question who I am.
The strangest thing happened while watching this. My mind wondered briefly and I began thinking about The Gospel of the Birth of Mary, as I was pondering whether I should read it today. My mind snapped back just as the father was speaking about her parents.
I guess I should read that today.
did you end up following up on that?
As someone who strayed far from the path at one point on my life, and meeting and then dating a girl who also had the same experiences, I came to the same conclusion early on; we have to put the past behind us, we have to repent for our sins and lead our lives correctly. We might have already lost the physical gift that God gave to us, but we can still be forgiven, and regain some of that purity in our hearts through our future thoughts and actions. "Go and sin no more."
Fantastic advice for the youth of today and those joining together in marriage. 🙂🙏
I am thankful that the Lord found me when I was yet young. Though I had none to train me in the ways of abstinence that you speak, His Spirit in me taught me to turn these desires away at a young age. Admittedly temptation has knocked on the door a few times in my life, and I had almost given in, yet thanks be to God I still hold to this day. The mind is a different battle, but He is renewing me daily.
This is what we need more priest to preach to all in our culture.
So well said for all ages, thank you Father
I am a 15 years old boy, I am on NoFap and Semen Retention, oh dear these girls are beautiful but as juice wrld says , "most evil girls have the prettiest face" but I am now able to stay away from that. I was born different so I am born to be different. I found out I can t adapt to the society, and now i am just focusing on myself. Currently fasting . At 89 days of NoFap and day 10 of Semen Retention , I feel God s power and energy right next to me and He is just looking at me non stop to see if i make a mistake, and when i make it, He sends me a thought. I...I am just proud of myself that I escaped from this big sin...Bless y all.
Day 10 is shameful. It's like nothing. I was virgin until 37 yo. Then I had sex with a vegan woman who goes jogging (to stress a supposedly healthy lifestyle). Ever since (that is since December 2020) I have a diseases (ithching, pain, crawling under skin, yellow penis tip, fungus on tongue). Been to many many doctors. They say I am healthy, say I don't have a STD. CONSIDER THAT!! They can't find my disease / don't care.
I REGRET MY LIFE CHOICE EVERY MORNING I WAKE UP. MY STRONGEST ADVICE::: DON'T HAVE SEX EVER. EVER. LEARN TO UTTERLY DESPISE SEX AS EVIL. IT IS NOT LOVE.
God help you.
Lately I've been praying daily rosaries on a string with a St. Benedict medallion, and I've been much less bothered by solitary sexual urges, especially when I'm bored or working. Protection seems to last about 36 hours. I believe that as the patron of students and the tempted, St. Benedict is praying on my behalf. :) Hope this helps someone.
If you're young, it's a very difficult situation.
Jesus said we must forgive a person 70 x 7 (490) times per day.
That's a lot of forgiveness for each us.
Gy Bx Dont takw these number to seriously, they are just metaphoricaly - what Jesus meant is that we should allways forgive.
May your patron saint Benidict pray for me sinner as well. God bless you dear. Love From Orthodox Christian ❤🇪🇹
Thank you Father. This is a wonderful approach and teaching to share with my kids. Please pray for our family the Morphies family. I have four teenagers and one preteen. All of whom have been exposed to the temptations of the internet. There is already a struggle in their hearts to understand the sanctity of the marriage bed. It’s hard to see them struggling with something that caused me to stumble most of my life. Thank you.
Thank you Father for all your Homiliies, they are so thought-provoking and understandable, thank you.
Glory to Jesus Christ!
And let's Not forget The ORTHODOX RULES OF MARRIAGE - - -
1): FASTENING
2) CONFESSION
3) HOLY COMMUNION
FOR A HEALTHIER,HAPPIER
CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE!!!
Shareing
I have been watching porn since I was 12, I realized I was an addict at 19, I am 21 now and still struggle with it but I have very different views on sex now. To me porn is wrong and masturbation, I view sex as a holy act meant to be done between two married lovers, it’s two fleshes becoming one, people think I am crazy for not having sex all the time, but for me I will wait till marriage, I have had sex multiple times in the past but not longer is that me.
God bless you John Willis!
@@DChristina thank you
Good!!u waked any ways
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.
Thank you for your words Father.
This is a succinct and thoughtful explanation. Thank you.
This is a very powerful video, thank you father.
Well said Father!!!
Thank you father Spyridon ,your videos are delighted for my soul. Please post something for forgiveness .Thank you.God bless you.
Amen Amen Amen 🙏
God bless you dear Father Spyridon for the truth 🙏💖
This is so very good and scripturally sound that we will quote you in our book about raising children with Christian values.
I'm greatly, greatly disturbed and saddened by what I see around me. I cannot take a wife who has a history of promiscuity. It, I fear, will poison the marriage.
If she is an active belieber it will not.
Understandable, especially for a man, and no one will force you to marry any one woman. But if she takes up the cross of repenting for it and committing to future chastity, such a woman would make a formidable spiritual partner and should not be rejected easily. I couldn't judge a changed woman by her past anyway, given my own pre-Christian sexual history.
Good luck then. If you can't see women as flawed, human creatures like yourself, you'll never find someone to marry.
Not saying you have to be with someone you dont want to, but rarely does the perfect, submissive, virgin waifu exist.
@Rumia Rare but not impossible. I never doubted my future wife would be a rare creature. Why would I marry anything less? Accepting that they are flawed does not mean accepting all flaws! That is absurd.We all have our red lines. Chasteness is mine.
I think, you should remember St. Mary of Egypt.. How likely is it that your virgin wife will reach a similar spiritual state that St Mary did after 15 years of sin? God does not have the 'red line' for our human sins. He healed and blessed sinners around him. It sounds like your 'requirements' to your wife are higher that God's.
I would agree with you, if you said you can't accept a lady who thinks it's normal, but why would you not accept the one who repents? We believe that Confession and Communion washes us and leads to Paradise. So, repentance is enough to enter Paradise, but not enough to enter your family? Please, forgive me if my thoughts hurt you, but I did not feel like it's right to stay silent
This is so beautiful, thank you Father. I love what you say about the Blessed Virgin being a symbol for holy single life as well.
God bless you Father.
Thank you.
Thank you Fr. Spyridon! Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me a sinner!
Great teaching, thank you father
You are 100% right, thank you and God bless you
I was exposed to porn when I was only 13 and first noticing the opposite sex for the first time, my natural curiosity became a pitfall that I've been trying to dig myself out of for 17 years now. Pray for me, every day is a battle. There is something inherently pedophilia in the porn industry, the state of Virginia passed a law demanding that porn sites verify age, PornHub stopped making their site available to residents in Virginia. They have shown their hand. They would not have customers if they didn't target children. Parents, keep your children off the internet, don't let them suffer as I have.
Thank you Father Spyridon.
Your videos are always right on the money for me.
Father Spyridon on this point i have many questions, but in you i find my answers ! Thankyou and Blessings for your Word !
I always love your teachings. I know you love our souls and care for each one of us. I thank you and bless you for this love of ,Christ you give us.
Amen! May the Lord bless you Father!
Thank you Father
Thank you, Father. This is really helpful
2:40 made me tear up. Thank you, Father!
We must teach our children what God wants them to do and not to follow the world.
Fantastic advice brother! Thank you.
Some of best advised ever, this is God's teachings.
Hi father i am Orthodox from Ethiopia, please invite me same Video about how to overcome those though which come's to my mind during praying.
your wisest teaching speech, so far, our beLoved leader,
shepherd Spyridon.
[ Mat.23:9 . ]
Thank you for this wisdom brother.
It grieves me so to know that sexuality has become so misunderstood/mistreated from the beauty that God created it to be by the evil spirit of pornography and incest. This destroys the spirit of those forced into sexual impurity.
I am saddened to think that all men aren't fighting to protect the weak from such evils.
Satan knows that he can destroy another person by influencing them to corrupt their temple.
I once heard a priest say, that if someone confesses they are involved in pornography he tells them they can't partake of the Eucharist until they have stopped. Totally agree because when one gets involved in pornography they are promoting the (ill-will/raping) of those forced to perform it along with corrupting of their own spirit.
When we corrupt our temple our foundation is weaken.
I feel if we teach more in how to love and spend more time on caring for others it gives us less time to focus on ourselves to be self-observed/self-focused.
Terrifically helpful Father!
Thank you, this message is move important than ever!
vedios like this give strength ....it touch and change the youth in a positive way
Fr Bless+
Thank you for these spiritual talks - much needed ‘soul food’ - God bless you, family,friends and those around you+++
Glory be to God for all things+
Our Holy Theotokos , Mother of God to all MANKIND +
The 21 st century has opposed God and all HIS CREATION - the enemy began his work and slowly gained recognition through WORDLY desires and clever deceitful passions, making all the bad look good and the good look like outdated or ancient belief customs - I’m sure the enemy is clever at temptations and knows our weaknesses - WORDLY desires can be defeated by prayer, fasting , church confession communion in unity - Definetely the long and narrow path is the sure way to our salvation - we fall many times ( sin- missing the mark) but must get up with faith hope and love in Christ our Lord God+++
ICXC NIKA
Thank You for the video
Thank you for insight us.
It is very helpful.
Those who do spiritual exercise are💯 percent free from sin.
Everyone should also look into Natural Family Planning
Excellent
Well said and be in chastity, weather single(do pranayama - organize your creative energy) or married ( do not spill the waters-The Perfect Matrimony ).
Thank you for doing this video. I like your thought, it is just something my body started want at the age 13
Exactly, well said Fr.!
I love holding on to my life force. It actually helps me get more discipline in other areas of my life.
AS we were meant to be before sexual imagery everywhere, when we had to work hard for food and fast during cold winters instead of all year around comforts
@@Korvxx western culture is so polluted with self worship that any mention of self sacrifice and self discipline invokes inner oand often outward revolt....especially the younger generation, entitled to privileges and comforts. Yeah, indeed. Devil doesn't have to do much, they do it to themselves....but price to pay is HIGH
Hi Father. I have thought of joining an orthodox church but the kissing of the icons (pictures of saints ) kinda doesn't sit well with me. If i join do i have to kiss icons or bow to them? Lived in pentecostal circles all of my life, and sadly some wierd charismatic ones too. Thank you for the videos and the Word of God you bring.
The veneration of saints through the icons is an expression of our belief that through His incarnation Christ has changed the very nature of the physical universe so that all things may be drawn into our worship of God. I will make a video on the Orthodox understanding of this in a few weeks. God bless you.
@@FatherSpyridonROCOR God bless you too. Thank you.
Let us give thanks unto the Lord ☦️
We also venerate the Scriptures (the Jews do this also) and the Cross of Christ. We do this because just like the saints, God has worked and continues to work through these things to lead people to Himself. Why should they not be venerated? We know already that it isn't worship, otherwise anything from kissing your family members to saluting a flag to putting flowers of a loved one's grave would become "worship".
Something to think about. From a former Pentecostal.
Fire fromfire I’ve learned from my falling, and venerate the icons ☦️
This way ahead of the public dialogue. They’re catching up now.
Father, in our schools where I live priests and the talk of religion is banned. We are learned that we "should" have sex at the age of 15 and that its the right thing.
Fasting and🙌😋 prayers🙌🙇🙏 need of the time⌚⌚⌚⌚⌚⌚.
god bless you, you change my life, you show me the way, you are my hero
Put love first
The problem comes after a certain period let’s say 3-4 months of abstinence when the urges will torment you everyday. You also have to cope with testicle pain, now i understand what the father is saying but if you don’t eat very clean and healthy and stay away from sugar/alcohol then this is almost impossible.
καλησπερα απτο Περάμα . Ευχαριστω ,δεν το ειχα δει ποτε ετσι
Amen. May God protect our soul
A very good encouragement for those struggling is Roosh V's article "How to Control Your Lust" on his website. He describes an important biological mechanism by which it becomes easier to control yourself the less you dwell on sex.
Father can you make a video about Theosis and what that means/looks like for lay people
I second this!
Father he in Australia we have teachers teaching 6 year old with toys & condoms & its ok to masturbate whate hope has this 6 year old child got.im 47 & have chosen to live as best as the monks on athos iv stoped fornicating in all forms I study your videos & decided to stay single il only Mary if it's gods wish & only to an orthodox woman. Because it's hard to have a relationship unles use are both orthodox & blessed by the church & I feel good being abstained. But father I get angry with today's mentors for kids usaly woman & telling them its ok to experiment may God have mercy on my soul .Thank you whants again father for these small videos may God bless you
You are justified being angry ,those women sexualizing children will pay a high price to God ,it's horrible to make kids lose their innocence д,those teachers should be punished
Beautiful icon!
I think that the sex question is a simple question of action and consequence. If you're not ready to accept and deal with the consequences don't do the action.
The world may be tempting to succumb to, but through Christ ALL temptation instantly loses value before God.
may i also ask you, when citing Augustine, you called him blessed and not saint? due to his rhetoric and tense relationship between the concept of grace and salvation and his theology which depersonalized the HOLY TRINITY reducing the 3 PERSONS into sole relations?! am i correct?
Yes that's right. Because of the fillioque the orthodox consider him blessed rather than saint.
There should be a ceremony that people go through to cleanse themselves before marriage because of are age of fornication.
The Theology of The Body by PJP11 is a good example of how to think also for the Catholics that appreciate this channel.🕊
How can we pretend the sexual past is not important. It tells a lot about his/her moral integrity, they way they view people and life in general. The Number of sexual partner also correlates with marriage instability. Unless he or she does not truly repent and cry about their lustful sins, that's a DEALBREAKER. It is naive to say: "Oh your past doesn't matter." It is hard to abbandon habbits.
I think what Father Spyridon is trying to say is that, by entering a marriage with another who has fornicated. It's best to not be judging of the past behaviors(sins). Because by wanting a full report of sexual activity would just induce thoughts of lust, envy, jealousy.
@@michael44544 it is not about judging. It is about dodging a bullet. What if your future wife has been with 100 men? Don't you wanna know?
ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. GOD EVEN STRESSES THAT THE FIRSTBORN MALE IS FOR GOD (SHOULD REMAIN VIRGIN FOR LIFE). BUT IF HE CANNOT, LET HIM MARRY A VIRGIN WOMAN AND PROCREATE. ANYYTHING ELSE IS HORRIBLE.
This I say as someone who has been chastised by God. Bern virgin for 37 years. Then had sex with a vegan woman. Now I got a undiagnosed permanent disease. Doctors say I am healthy. But God gives diseases that cannot be diagnosed to such as me.
@@jenss.3613 Sorry to Hear that. Stay strong
@@michael44544 No I believe what he is saying is, if they have both lived a life of fornication then do this.
But if one is a virgin and the other is
not, then the sexual past of the person should be shared by the other that has remained a virgin. It is only when both have lived the life of fornication and adultery that it is best to just look ahead and forgive, as both have sinned in that way and so cannot say too much because that would be hypocrisy.
Relationships should be open and forgiving but the one who has remained faithful to God should be told.
Amen
fantastic
He is right, as is The Word Of Almighty God (Epistle 1 Of Paul To The Corinthians, 6: 13-20 & 7: 1-9;
abstinence, or a mutually exclusive lifelong relationship between Mister and Miss Right, is the best
safeguard to morals and health)!
What if you don’t necessarily hate your sexual sins but you confess them because you’re supposed to?
Also, oral sex is forbidden even when married.
says who?
@@nananina982why would you have intercourse with a mouth that sings the Name of The Lord?
is that the only use of the mouth? Do you see something disgusting about oral sex within lawful marriage? Are our genitals not from God and therefore good and clean?@@eduardsusai559
Great
Hello, I was wondering what the Eastern Orthodox view on sex inside of marriage was, if it is okay to do outside of procreation purposes but as an expression of love. I know Roman Catholic teaching is that it is only for procreation, but I was unsure of the Eastern Orthodox’s view.
I believe the Orthodox view it as for both purposes not just procreation.
@@alexissashanicolle8675 incorrect. Orthodoxy teaching of sexual intimacy is primarily for procreation. As a matter of fact, the saints teach that sexual relations should cease for women after menopause, however, in an Orthodox marriage it also believed that the one spouse should not withhold sex if his/her spouse requests it.
@@heragr2912 that is not what I read in numerous books written by Orthodox theologians. It's for both purposed.
@@alexissashanicolle8675 could you please provide a few of the numerous books you've read this in? My statement above is based on St Paisios, as well as a book by St. John Chrysostom called 'Marriage & Virginity.'
Powerful🙏
I wonder where this priest is living. Is he in a monastery or a retreat house somewhere out in the woods off the grid?
Dear father
My wife betrayed me and left with another man after 32 years of marriage.
So now I have to live in abstainance for the rest of my life?? I Can't be remariéd so that's it I'm done ???? At 50 ??
PL, you can see the right answer in your bible /Word.
Apostle Paul wrote about that.
I believed in God. Not really by choice anymore, I just do believe though.
I kinda wish I could go back before thinking sex was sinful as now, I can't think about sex, I can't get sex (not that I could have before but now I'd be damned) and most women, if not all, would not want to wait till marriage for sex.
I don't mean to be disrespectful but I am more confused and conflicted now than before I got into Christianity.
It's sad to hear this. I think the women who claim to be feminists are the root cause of this problem. I had read an article a few months ago about how back in the 50s - 70s women 'barefoot and pregnant' were indeed happy and in healthy marriages, with both husband and wife happily married. Meaning, the concept of the wife home with the kids and the household and the husband out working as the breadwinner maintained a healthy and balanced married life. I think this is very true, especially the importance of the mother being home with the children. This is so important for their upbringing and encourages a healthy transition to adulthood for the child. I pray for this life, just to surround myself with my husband and children - as well as my faith. Nothing else will ever matter to me but that, God willing I pray.
Yes, True indeed.
My cousin had the same problem.
May the Lord Jesus help you in His way. He is our Helper / Saviour.