O Lord, I know that I receive unworthily thine immaculate Body and precious Blood; I know that I am guilty and that I eat and drink condemnation to myself, not discerning the Body and Blood of Christ my God.
Here in Romania you are not allowed communion without confession and leave from your confessor. The priests even warn that whoever takes communion without confessing everything mocks confession and the body of Christ will be onto death not life.
My wife is Romanian and she won’t take communion unless she recently confessed. I wish everyone was like that. Church would be finished sooner with less people doing communion
In Romania, clergy established new canons : lay people can only have Communion four times a year! Romanian clergy wants to keep Christ as a prisoner in the Holy Cup. Only kids under seven have Communion every Sunday . What about the Word of God who says: "" Christ in us , the hope of glory "
@@bogdantoader8714 it’s not a new thing. It was that way for many years in previous centuries. Even the recent martyr Daniel Sysoev was criticized in seminary for communing regularly. He countered the objections by pointing to the canons and traditions and saints of the church that say that we should be communing frequently. The problem isn’t that people are trying to hold Christ captive, but that it is a false piety that says we aren’t worthy of receiving him frequently. Nobody is ever worthy of the Eucharist. We commune because God wants us to commune and to share himself with us. Of course we need to properly prepare ourselves also. We shouldn’t approach with pride and presumption that the priest has to commune us, but if you obey the requirements for how to prepare yourself the priest should never withhold the Eucharist. I would complain to the bishop if the priest refuses you communion only because you had it too recently.
Here in Spain (we are Roman Catholics) we are currently having quite a crisis on this topic: a mayor man married to another man is suing a priest for denying him holy communion. The Episcopal Conference is supporting this priest, but now the (socialist) minister of Equality says it is unconstitutional discrimination and they are taking action. We need a lot of praying and penance, as this is the tip of the iceberg of a attacks taking place againt the Spanish Church since this year began.
Beautiful words. Encouraging and correct. Thank you for addressing this extremely important issue. Many appear to be confused, and most unfortunately, they believe it is their right. God bless those who misunderstand and / or are confused, and may they hear your reflection and see guidance. Amen 🙏
Thank you for this lesson. I’m making my way back to the true true faith of Christ. For the longest time, I told myself I was Protestant, truly just non-denominational. Which meant I had no real Church at all. But I was thought about communion as always it’s holiness and grace, but it’s worth and it’s meaning and its value never had the same sort of effect but when I started re-attending the holy church. I was arrogant just like the emperor. I thought I had a right to communion. Thank you for providing clarification that I truly and righteously needed.
I was baptized 6 days ago, and have communed twice since. Each time I have felt woefully unworthy. Haven't watched the video yet, but I imagine that's basically how I should feel.
One the hardest things about coming into orthodoxy is learning to endure your self, just keep repenting when you fall short and the Holy Spirit will strengthen your brokeness
It's normal to *feel* unworthy; if fact, the opposite is abnormal. It's a terrible thing to be deprived of communion for so long; in the old days, it used to be a form of penance for grievous sins.
@ I don’t hate myself. I know I’m made in the image of God, I’m eluding to knowing the truth and how it makes it hard to be same person you were before knowing the Lord. I love the Saint Jesus calls me to be but I hate my sins.
An exhortation from 1718 about receiving communion that you might find comforting. DEARLY-BELOYED brethren, on Sunday I intend, by God's grace, to celebrate the Lord's Supper: unto which, in God's behalf, I bid you all that are here present ; and beseech you, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, that ye will not refuse to come thereto, being so lovingly called and bidden by God himself. Ye know how grievous and unkind a thing it is, when a man hath prepared a rich feast, decked his table with all kind of provision, so that there lacketh nothing but the guests to sit down, and yet they who are called (without any cause) most unthankfully refuse to come. Which of you in such a case would not be moved? Who would not think a great injury and wrong done unto him ? Wherefore, most dearly beloved in Christ, take ye good heed, lest ye, withdrawing yourselves from this holy Supper, provoke God's indignation against you. It is an easy matter for a man to say, I will not communicate, because I am otherwise hindered with worldly business. But such excuses are not easily accepted and allowed before God. If any man say, I am a grievous sinner, and therefore am afraid to come : wherefore then do ye not repent and amend ? When God calleth you, are ye not ashamed to say ye will not come ? When ye should return to God, will ye excuse yourselves, and say ye are not ready? Consider earnestly with yourselves, how little such feigned excuses will avail before God. They that refused the feast in the Gospel, because they had bought a farm, or would try their yokes of oxen, or because they were married, were not so excused, but counted unworthy of the heavenly feast. I for my part shall be ready ; and according to mine office, I bid you in the name of God, I call you in Christ's behalf, I exhort you, as you love your own salvation, that ye will be partakers of this Holy Communion. And as the Son of God did vouchsafe to yield up his soul by death upon the cross for your salvation ; so it is your duty to receive the Communion, in remembrance of the sacrifice of his death, as he himself hath commanded : which if you shall neglect to do, consider with yourselves how great injury ye do unto God, and how sore punishment hangeth over your heads for the same, when ye wilfully abstain from the Lord's Table, and separate from your brethren, who come to feed on the banquet of that most heavenly food. These things if ye earnestly consider, ye will by God's grace return to a better mind : for the obtaining whereof, we shall not cease to make our humble petitions unto Almighty God our Heavenly Father.
I live in southern Bavaria and attend a rocor parish. We need to do fasting, confession and a specific prayer rule before we receive communion. Great video father!
Sadely the Archibishop Anastasios of the Autocephalus Church of Albania, εκοιμήθη ' has passed away... A holy man, a man of God, a tireless worker of Christ, revived from the ruins and ashes Orthodoxy in Albania... Αιωνία η μνήμη αυτού. Μαy he continues to pray for us from the Heavens. RIP. Αναστάσιε , πρέσβευε υπέρ ημών. 🙏☦
My priest told us about this, because the one missionary our small parish (USA) has enough resources to help sponsor works in Albania. The story of the Orthodox Church in Albania and the resurgence under Archbishop Anastasios is monumental. I think we have him in our list commemorating those departed in the Liturgy.
Elder Ilie Cleopa (now a canonized Saint) wrote an essay on the several types of Communion, not just receiving God directly throgh the Sacrament. Since God is Spirit it comes to common sense that He can commune with us in many ways. There is also Communion with through hearing (listening especially the Liturgy, especially the Gospel), by praying to Him aloud or secretly in our heart, through the good deeds done in His Name. There is also anaphora that is a blessed bread and coming to church without eating, as if to Commune but only eating the anaphora is a deep spiritual experience in itself. And there is also Love, a way of Communion with Him. Joy of seeing the brothers and the sisters receiving God, knowing they are blessed and happy then. God is Spirit, the Kingdom was called Spirit in the ancient texts. He is always more than we think. When we feel we need Him inside us and for whatever reason we cannot receive Communion, He may come if we call Him. 🙏🤗
My wife watching people get denied communion actually helped her take Orthodoxy seriously. In the Roman Catholic religion everyone gets communion , no questions asked. The Trad Catholic clergy tend to be more inclined to ensure proper dispositions but even then they are being told by Rome not to deny anyone.
Geez not here in Canada last I heard, but maybe things have changed. The Anti Pope is horrible if he has actually changed this and told the Priests to not deny. I will check it out thank you
Jesus Christ allowed Judas Iscariot for the Holy Communion even after knowing that Judas Iscariot would later turn him to the Sanhedrin and he also allowed Peter for the Holy Communion even after knowing that Peter would deny him in three times.
@@danielchequer5842if the priest does not know you or know that you have recently confessed they often ask when you approach and if they judge so they may not commune you. It was fairly standard practice for millennia.
@@xXKillaBGXx "Knowing would later" You said . While God transcends time- space, you creature, do not; nor were the foreknown acts of Peter or Judas Iscariot morally equivalent to their already committed acts; we creatures are inside time- space. Above such though experiments there's the fact that The King of Kings is Lord over what is normative and what He personally permits. For instance the good thief wasn't baptized, yet the King of Kings has prerogative to admit him to heaven that day. None of this is relevant to someone trolling, but perhaps for others.
There is a need of pastoral guidance. Its a matter of having a blessing and also a willingness to walk into the paths of orthodox faith and pure love of Jesus.
That said, any Orthodox priest who denies a mystery to an Orthodox Christian unjustly, that is, *without a very serious canonical reasons,* commits a grave sin against God, and may even be liable to defrocking, since *any Orthodox Christian who doesn't have any canonical impediments from receiving Holy Communion, must not be denied it.* The only exception would be if the priest has actually acquired the Holy Spirit and it was revealed to him that this particular person must not receive Holy Communion at that particular time; in any other case (provided that there are no obvious canonical impediments for the person) the priest must not deny him neither confession nor Communion; and if he does that anyway out of spite or malice, he commits a most serious canonical crime.
I go to confession every month and depending on my sins and my progress with them, my Spiritual father lets me know how many times I can take communion that month. Usually 2- 3 times, leaving me with one week, 2 max a month with no communion, during which I fast and prepare myself for the next confession. Then the process starts again. However, even when I don't take communion , I still go to Liturgy.
10:37 The thing that disturbs and confuses me about this quote, though, and the mindset behind it, is the fact that nobody is ever actually "worthy" to receive Holy Communion. This is, as I understand it, the very reason Holy Communion exists, because nobody can become worthy on his own, apart from union and communion with Christ. So if a priest is not able to give Communion to the unworthy, and distribution and reception of Communion is based on "worthiness," and every person is unworthy, how then can anyone ever receive Communion? With Christ's disciples, I ask: how then can anyone be saved?
If a visitor is new, without understanding of the meaning, with little Remembrance, then that is unworthy. The blessings will be weak, or nonexistent. They may be forgiven for innocent participation, but, could be cursed if there are cynical thoughts, or disregard of it's value. It can be a small blessing because of the obedience and participation, but, it can be a very large Blessing for the knowledgeable Believer. Praises to Jesus, may God's Kingdom grow. A.D. 2025 A.D. , Amen, and Amen! We are not deserving of it, yes, but worthy is not quite the right word. If we are understanding, then we are valid candidates for participation. Acceptable, not so much worthy. It can cause unwanted feelings of being shunned and pushed away from following God.
My faith is getting weaker and weaker I do still faintly believe in God but I haven't been praying much lately I feel lonely regardless in the presence of God
Have you been born again? Have you fully given your life to Christ or are you trying just find God in religion and customs? Pray my friend. And I will pray for you. Seek him with all your heart. Look closely and you see God in everything. The breath you breathe and the fact you can touch your fingers and send a message across the world. All this is glory to his design of the world and reality he gave us.
Sins are destroying grace, and without prayer and sacraments we become like a plant without sun and water. Go to a confession, if you don't have strength to do it, than be more often in a prayer, let God bless you and you will start getting better i promise Just have prayer life it is food for your soul
God and God alone is our Spiritual Father as per Matthew 23:9 "Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven." Yes Paul felt a fatherly responsibility over new Christians / Christians Churches, however there is zero record of anyone calling him father.
You misinterpret Matthew 23:9, where Jesus warns against prideful misuse of titles, not the respectful use of “father” in spiritual contexts. Paul himself says in 1 Corinthians 4:15, “I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel,” and calls Timothy his “true child in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). These examples show that spiritual fatherhood is biblical, reflecting a priest’s role as a guide and caretaker in Christ.
Not knowing what it means, not doing it in Remembrance of The Lord's suffering, the price he payed for our lives, is disrespectful to Jesus and his crucifixion. If you believe in Jesus and understand the meaning, then it is a great honor and blessing to partake. That is worthy enough. Respect and understanding, humility and repentance. May God's Kingdom grow, Amen.
@@nathanieln.1732if you believe you are worthy, then you are unworthy. People who genuinely believe they are unworthy do everything they can to be obedient to the teaching of the Church, including going to confession, fasting, asking forgiveness and not being in a state of quarrel with your brothers, praying the pre-communion prayers, and approaching with dread fear.
@ a worthy manner is one that is taken in the spirit of repentance. I’d have have any non confessed sins, go confess them. If you have done any sins you can make right go make it right and then take communion.
If your engine is broken, have a mechanic look at it and isolate and solve the problem before you turn the key and go on your road trip. Don't get mad about the engine's mechanical failure or try to pretend it's working fine when it isn't. You'll get stuck out in the middle of nowhere by yourself with an empty gas can.
This is also one of the great debate some of Protestant churches, some have opened communion for a man judges himself under the warning that if you eat and drink on Worley, you’re eating and drinking damnation or close communion where you cannot partake of communion unless you remember the churchit’s a debate death been raging for millennia in the Protestant church
@@notsureyouthis is not the teaching of the Church. "confessing daily" is great, but not a stand-in for God's instruction to receive the Holy Mystery of Absolution from His ordained priest.
when I was brought into the church 2 years ago my priest told us that we could come to confession 1-2 times a year if we wanted but that during the liturgy we repent so really don’t need much confession and we are to never ever skip communion without his permission ? So my question about this video is .. do you mean if we have major sin we don’t take the communion and go to confession then? I’m just not sure how to process the video advice.
Abouna Bless: I have a question I have been wondering about from a real-world scenario that happened a year or two ago (though in the Roman Catholic tradition.) As I understand it, a year or two ago, Rep. Nancy Pelosi was barred from the chalice by the priest in her local California parish due to her pro-abortion stance. I had heard that politics got involved, and the Bishop of her diocese instructed her priest to resume serving her communion. Again, this is as I understand the situation. I could be wrong about this. I am an Orthodox seminarian in my second year. If God wills that I be ordained to Holy orders, what would I do as a local priest in a similar situation? My first thought would be to be obedient to my Bishop. However, in the scenario above, the Bishop could possibly have been influenced by politics. Given that I will answer to God at my judgment for those under my pastoral care, would that change my duty of obedience? Clearly, this is just a hypothetical question and is indeed one I will bring up with my various instructors as well, but if you have the time, I would be interested in your take on the matter. In Service, Michael
27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.
Fathers your video brought up an idea for an amazing video. Your scholarly take and understanding of the various oracles in the Ancient Greek world. Was it complete coincidence that entire armies and campaigns were basing their entire success on the opinion of these oracles? Or was there something more behind it?
Usually the leaders would tip the scales in their favor by offering the Oracles valuable gifts. Then they would usually get a good fortune reading on their plan of action (and the leader could tell his people that the oracles said they would be successful in the planned battle). Politicians have been using religion way before Christianity
So if a priest bans someone From communion what’s to prevent them from going to another Orthodox church if they want communion that badly for some reason? In most metro areas there are multiple orthodox churches of various kinds. There are at least 5 within a 45 drive from my house. Probably even more in the LA area. It’s not like priests put up wanted posters of people on a no fly list for communion
If the person goes to another show his disobedience and show he has pride before God he may can trick man but he cannot trick God in other word be honest with yourself bc we will answer to God at judgment
As an American Catholic I've always heard that the Orthodox don't deny communion to anyone. I honestly thought this practice was just a Catholic thing.
St. Paul said it best for those who bring judgment on themselves by gluttonous actions at the Lord's table. There is no need for extra biblical texts. Thankfully, Jesus would never turn anyone away who was looking for Him. I lived most of my life feeling unworthy to partake, so I never did. Holy communion consists of more than a wafer and a sip. It more about loving one another, and less about who's worthy. I still won't take it for fear of spiritual abuse from my past experiences in the church. I'm still afraid to find a congregation to fellowship with due to the abuse I've experienced from them.
Church of Christ here. The church I went to was a little restrictive and hesitant to encourage communion early on. After becoming more dedicated believers, we were accepted to partake, but strongly encouraged to be Baptized for a more complete obedience and acceptance of The Covenant. The Church I went to took it very seriously and solemnly. After a few weeks, I had communion. Later, the next year, I was Baptized. I fully understood the meaning. It was a Wednesday, and I took my time, I had been thinking about it, and was ready. My mind and heart were right, and the Pastor was older, and very knowledgeable and experienced. It was very solid. Later, in High school, our history teacher educated us about the Gregorian calendar, B.C. , A D. , what it means, the details, using Jesus's name. I didn't doubt, after that, there was no doubt at all. Spiritual confidence and feelings backed up with facts. Since then, I have only grown. Jesus has seen me through. He has enabled me to grow up to be seeking The Father Creator, and to discover much more about God's Kingdom. Thank You Jesus! Every day is a chance to grow, and help with God's will. Amen!
PLEASE PRAY FOR ME 🙏✝️ My orthodox priest hates me, ignores me, ignores everyone that doesn’t agree with him, and I’m scared to go to holy communion because the priest is such a mean narcissist he may take advantage to embarrass me when going to receive communion 😢🙏✝️🕊️
@@bluetigerlozano59 It’s the Church I spent my life at, born there, baptized there, married there, but the new priests is more focused on filmmaking for social media, I find cameras 📷 in church a distraction from worshipping and a violation of our privacy and connection to GOD, after I complained the priest ignores my existence, ignores me in front of everyone including my family, IGNORES me, with Easter and fasting for lent coming up, I want to receive communion, but my priest ignores and hates me 😭
@@justusbryce3392 I’m praying for him and our church, it seems like our church has become unrecognizable with our new priest that is so focused on filming us for social media content Thank you 🙏
It’s the Church I spent my life at, born there, baptized there, married there, but the new priests is more focused on filmmaking for social media, I find cameras 📷 in church a distraction from worshipping and a violation of our privacy and connection to GOD, after I complained the priest ignores my existence, ignores me in front of everyone including my family, IGNORES me, with Easter and fasting for lent coming up, I want to receive communion, but my priest ignores and hates me 😭
For you know how to prepare our Holy communion, ICXC, 9 order of saints, the living and the dead, Mother of God Theotokos, the water the sweet red wine. Prayers, censoring, plus many more other steps taken before presenting the holy gifts to your parishioners. As I attended church to participate in the Divine Liturgy. I pray to our Lord and ask for forgiveness, for im not worthy and a sinner. I follow the service with more prayers, including the Lord Prayers the Creed plus the preparations Prayers before communion and thanksgivings Prayers after communion. I know im not worthy, but I need my medicine from our Lord to heal me and my me a better and keep me on track. Why wouldn't I receive communion? Is it only for the righteous and worthy, who is worthy. We all should be prepared to receive the Holy gifts if I fast the days prescribed and confess my sin to the Lord. Why wouldn't you want me to receive.
From the prayer of thanksgiving after Holy Communion, St. Symeon Metaphrastes (translator): "Freely Thou hast given me Thy Body for my Food, O Thou Who art *A FIRE CONSUMING THE UNWORTHY!*" There's no point in receiving communion for the sake of doing so. Like the sun is necessary for life, it can also destroy it under the wrong circumstances.
But aren't we all unworthy at any time! Isn't it prideful to think at some point you're "ready"? My priest told me to commune as long as I'm "trying to repent"
If I have to, I'll make my own unleavened bread, and wine or grape juice. To think Christians making the mistake to make a man who is just flesh be the mediator the King Of Kings is supposed to be, for something as holy as communion shows why we are stuck forever in chaos
when I was brought into the church 2 years ago my priest told us that we could come to confession 1-2 times a year if we wanted but that during the liturgy we repent so really don’t need much confession and we are to never ever skip communion without his permission ? So my question about this video is .. do you mean if we have major sin we don’t take the communion and go to confession then? I’m just not sure how to process the video advice.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I pray I’m worthy one day! 🙏🏽 ☦️
Me as well brother. May we be blessed with such glory one day ☦❤🔥
Nobody is worthy, that is the reason for Jesus' sacrifice.
O Lord, I know that I receive unworthily thine immaculate Body and precious Blood; I know that I am guilty and that I eat and drink condemnation to myself, not discerning the Body and Blood of Christ my God.
I just pray for that minimum worthy not to be judged and casted to hell...
@@BaikalTii beautiful communion prayer of St Basil the Great ☦︎
St Basil pray for us 🙏🏽
Here in Romania you are not allowed communion without confession and leave from your confessor. The priests even warn that whoever takes communion without confessing everything mocks confession and the body of Christ will be onto death not life.
And that’s the way it should be.
My wife is Romanian and she won’t take communion unless she recently confessed. I wish everyone was like that. Church would be finished sooner with less people doing communion
In Romania, clergy established new canons : lay people can only have Communion four times a year! Romanian clergy wants to keep Christ as a prisoner in the Holy Cup. Only kids under seven have Communion every Sunday .
What about the Word of God who says: "" Christ in us , the hope of glory "
@@bogdantoader8714 it’s not a new thing. It was that way for many years in previous centuries. Even the recent martyr Daniel Sysoev was criticized in seminary for communing regularly. He countered the objections by pointing to the canons and traditions and saints of the church that say that we should be communing frequently. The problem isn’t that people are trying to hold Christ captive, but that it is a false piety that says we aren’t worthy of receiving him frequently. Nobody is ever worthy of the Eucharist. We commune because God wants us to commune and to share himself with us. Of course we need to properly prepare ourselves also. We shouldn’t approach with pride and presumption that the priest has to commune us, but if you obey the requirements for how to prepare yourself the priest should never withhold the Eucharist. I would complain to the bishop if the priest refuses you communion only because you had it too recently.
That's the case in Greece as well. But many seem not to confess before partaking in communion, unfortunately.
Here in Spain (we are Roman Catholics) we are currently having quite a crisis on this topic: a mayor man married to another man is suing a priest for denying him holy communion. The Episcopal Conference is supporting this priest, but now the (socialist) minister of Equality says it is unconstitutional discrimination and they are taking action. We need a lot of praying and penance, as this is the tip of the iceberg of a attacks taking place againt the Spanish Church since this year began.
😢
The communists have warred against the Church in Spain before, be steadfast and fight for the Faith.
Lord have mercy!
🙏
One cannot serve two masters. He can't have it both ways. And no civil law can or should supersede a divine law.
As always, Father, your teaching is a balm for the soul. Many thanks!
Beautiful words. Encouraging and correct. Thank you for addressing this extremely important issue. Many appear to be confused, and most unfortunately, they believe it is their right. God bless those who misunderstand and / or are confused, and may they hear your reflection and see guidance. Amen 🙏
Communion is not a right, it’s a commandment.
Thank you for this lesson. I’m making my way back to the true true faith of Christ. For the longest time, I told myself I was Protestant, truly just non-denominational. Which meant I had no real Church at all. But I was thought about communion as always it’s holiness and grace, but it’s worth and it’s meaning and its value never had the same sort of effect but when I started re-attending the holy church. I was arrogant just like the emperor. I thought I had a right to communion. Thank you for providing clarification that I truly and righteously needed.
Thank you for reminding us to listen to the prayers of thanksgiving after Divine Liturgy
I was baptized 6 days ago, and have communed twice since. Each time I have felt woefully unworthy. Haven't watched the video yet, but I imagine that's basically how I should feel.
One the hardest things about coming into orthodoxy is learning to endure your self, just keep repenting when you fall short and the Holy Spirit will strengthen your brokeness
It's normal to *feel* unworthy; if fact, the opposite is abnormal. It's a terrible thing to be deprived of communion for so long; in the old days, it used to be a form of penance for grievous sins.
Why do you feel that way? Don't hate yourself.
@ I don’t hate myself. I know I’m made in the image of God, I’m eluding to knowing the truth and how it makes it hard to be same person you were before knowing the Lord. I love the Saint Jesus calls me to be but I hate my sins.
An exhortation from 1718 about receiving communion that you might find comforting.
DEARLY-BELOYED brethren, on Sunday I intend, by God's grace, to celebrate the Lord's Supper: unto which, in God's behalf, I bid you all that are here present ; and beseech you, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, that ye will not refuse to come thereto, being so lovingly called and bidden by God himself. Ye know how grievous and unkind a thing it is, when a man hath prepared a rich feast, decked his table with all kind of provision, so that there lacketh nothing but the guests to sit down, and yet they who are called (without any cause) most unthankfully refuse to come. Which of you in such a case would not be moved? Who would not think a great injury and wrong done unto him ? Wherefore, most dearly beloved in Christ, take ye good heed, lest ye, withdrawing yourselves from this holy Supper, provoke God's indignation against you.
It is an easy matter for a man to say, I will not communicate, because I am otherwise hindered with worldly business. But such excuses are not easily accepted and allowed before God. If any man say, I am a grievous sinner, and therefore am afraid to come : wherefore then do ye not repent and amend ? When God calleth you, are ye not ashamed to say ye will not come ? When ye should return to God, will ye excuse yourselves, and say ye are not ready? Consider earnestly with yourselves, how little such feigned excuses will avail before God.
They that refused the feast in the Gospel, because they had bought a farm, or would try their yokes of oxen, or because they were married, were not so excused, but counted unworthy of the heavenly feast. I for my part shall be ready ; and according to mine office, I bid you in the name of God, I call you in Christ's behalf, I exhort you, as you love your own salvation, that ye will be partakers of this Holy Communion. And as the Son of God did vouchsafe to yield up his soul by death upon the cross for your salvation ; so it is your duty to receive the Communion, in remembrance of the sacrifice of his death, as he himself hath commanded : which if you shall neglect to do, consider with yourselves how great injury ye do unto God, and how sore punishment hangeth over your heads for the same, when ye wilfully abstain from the Lord's Table, and separate from your brethren, who come to feed on the banquet of that most heavenly food. These things if ye earnestly consider, ye will by God's grace return to a better mind : for the obtaining whereof, we shall not cease to make our humble petitions unto Almighty God our Heavenly Father.
On my path to becoming able to partake in the Eucharist, praise God for His grace and love. Have a great walk for life Fr. Josiah
I live in southern Bavaria and attend a rocor parish. We need to do fasting, confession and a specific prayer rule before we receive communion. Great video father!
München?
May I ask what a rocor parish is?
@@kimberHD45 Russian orthodox Church outside of Russia
@ thanks
@@boriswirzba7564 München, manchmal auch Augsburg
Great Exhotation Father, Lord have mercy.
Sadely the Archibishop Anastasios of the Autocephalus Church of Albania, εκοιμήθη ' has passed away... A holy man, a man of God, a tireless worker of Christ, revived from the ruins and ashes Orthodoxy in Albania... Αιωνία η μνήμη αυτού. Μαy he continues to pray for us from the Heavens. RIP. Αναστάσιε , πρέσβευε υπέρ ημών. 🙏☦
My priest told us about this, because the one missionary our small parish (USA) has enough resources to help sponsor works in Albania. The story of the Orthodox Church in Albania and the resurgence under Archbishop Anastasios is monumental. I think we have him in our list commemorating those departed in the Liturgy.
@NFS0038 May God bless you for your support 🙏
Ο Θεός να του χαρίσει τον Παράδεισο κ να προσεύχεται για μας τους πρόσκαιρους. 🙏
@@sophiamac9100 Αμήν
Elder Ilie Cleopa (now a canonized Saint) wrote an essay on the several types of Communion, not just receiving God directly throgh the Sacrament. Since God is Spirit it comes to common sense that He can commune with us in many ways. There is also Communion with through hearing (listening especially the Liturgy, especially the Gospel), by praying to Him aloud or secretly in our heart, through the good deeds done in His Name. There is also anaphora that is a blessed bread and coming to church without eating, as if to Commune but only eating the anaphora is a deep spiritual experience in itself.
And there is also Love, a way of Communion with Him. Joy of seeing the brothers and the sisters receiving God, knowing they are blessed and happy then.
God is Spirit, the Kingdom was called Spirit in the ancient texts. He is always more than we think. When we feel we need Him inside us and for whatever reason we cannot receive Communion, He may come if we call Him. 🙏🤗
Great video! Thank you so much, Father Josiah!
Thank you Father for this explination.
For this reason I love the fact we venerate the cross before we go to the Parishhall. 14:00
*seek guidance 🙏
Thank you Father love the great story 🙏☦️
My wife watching people get denied communion actually helped her take Orthodoxy seriously. In the Roman Catholic religion everyone gets communion , no questions asked. The Trad Catholic clergy tend to be more inclined to ensure proper dispositions but even then they are being told by Rome not to deny anyone.
Geez not here in Canada last I heard, but maybe things have changed. The Anti Pope is horrible if he has actually changed this and told the Priests to not deny. I will check it out thank you
Jesus Christ allowed Judas Iscariot for the Holy Communion even after knowing that Judas Iscariot would later turn him to the Sanhedrin and he also allowed Peter for the Holy Communion even after knowing that Peter would deny him in three times.
I mean if the priest doesn't have a clear reason to deny it he really shouldn't. How would he judge that
@@danielchequer5842if the priest does not know you or know that you have recently confessed they often ask when you approach and if they judge so they may not commune you. It was fairly standard practice for millennia.
@@xXKillaBGXx
"Knowing would later" You said .
While God transcends time- space, you creature, do not; nor were the foreknown acts of Peter or Judas Iscariot morally equivalent to their already committed acts; we creatures are inside time- space.
Above such though experiments there's the fact that The King of Kings is Lord over what is normative and what He personally permits.
For instance the good thief wasn't baptized, yet the King of Kings has prerogative to admit him to heaven that day.
None of this is relevant to someone trolling, but perhaps for others.
There is a need of pastoral guidance. Its a matter of having a blessing and also a willingness to walk into the paths of orthodox faith and pure love of Jesus.
Lutheran here, god bless you Josiah.
Former luthren, come to the orthodox faith
That said, any Orthodox priest who denies a mystery to an Orthodox Christian unjustly, that is, *without a very serious canonical reasons,* commits a grave sin against God, and may even be liable to defrocking, since *any Orthodox Christian who doesn't have any canonical impediments from receiving Holy Communion, must not be denied it.*
The only exception would be if the priest has actually acquired the Holy Spirit and it was revealed to him that this particular person must not receive Holy Communion at that particular time; in any other case (provided that there are no obvious canonical impediments for the person) the priest must not deny him neither confession nor Communion; and if he does that anyway out of spite or malice, he commits a most serious canonical crime.
I go to confession every month and depending on my sins and my progress with them, my Spiritual father lets me know how many times I can take communion that month. Usually 2- 3 times, leaving me with one week, 2 max a month with no communion, during which I fast and prepare myself for the next confession. Then the process starts again. However, even when I don't take communion , I still go to Liturgy.
10:37 The thing that disturbs and confuses me about this quote, though, and the mindset behind it, is the fact that nobody is ever actually "worthy" to receive Holy Communion. This is, as I understand it, the very reason Holy Communion exists, because nobody can become worthy on his own, apart from union and communion with Christ. So if a priest is not able to give Communion to the unworthy, and distribution and reception of Communion is based on "worthiness," and every person is unworthy, how then can anyone ever receive Communion? With Christ's disciples, I ask: how then can anyone be saved?
If a visitor is new, without understanding of the meaning, with little Remembrance, then that is unworthy. The blessings will be weak, or nonexistent. They may be forgiven for innocent participation, but, could be cursed if there are cynical thoughts, or disregard of it's value. It can be a small blessing because of the obedience and participation, but, it can be a very large Blessing for the knowledgeable Believer. Praises to Jesus, may God's Kingdom grow. A.D. 2025 A.D. , Amen, and Amen! We are not deserving of it, yes, but worthy is not quite the right word. If we are understanding, then we are valid candidates for participation. Acceptable, not so much worthy. It can cause unwanted feelings of being shunned and pushed away from following God.
Only if properly prepared.
My faith is getting weaker and weaker
I do still faintly believe in God but I haven't been praying much lately
I feel lonely regardless in the presence of God
Have you been born again? Have you fully given your life to Christ or are you trying just find God in religion and customs? Pray my friend. And I will pray for you. Seek him with all your heart. Look closely and you see God in everything. The breath you breathe and the fact you can touch your fingers and send a message across the world. All this is glory to his design of the world and reality he gave us.
@@DanielSturge yes he was born again when he was baptized, exorcised, chrismated , and communed. Everything else is delusion. ☦️
Go to Confession and confession your doubt. You’d be surprised how Demons influence your thoughts
Sins are destroying grace, and without prayer and sacraments we become like a plant without sun and water. Go to a confession, if you don't have strength to do it, than be more often in a prayer, let God bless you and you will start getting better i promise
Just have prayer life it is food for your soul
You aren't alone. At all. Lucky for you, Christ saved your spot on the boat. Grab an oar and punch in.
Wow that’s unbelievable somebody would be so disobedient to their spiritual father and try to take communion.
On the other hand they could be going up for a blessing.
And so dumb they just didn’t go to another Orthodox Church
God and God alone is our Spiritual Father as per Matthew 23:9
"Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven."
Yes Paul felt a fatherly responsibility over new Christians / Christians Churches, however there is zero record of anyone calling him father.
@@andrewward5891sacrificing chickens to stand in for sins tier of pharisee logic, as if you can fool Christ our God by going to another parish.
You misinterpret Matthew 23:9, where Jesus warns against prideful misuse of titles, not the respectful use of “father” in spiritual contexts. Paul himself says in 1 Corinthians 4:15, “I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel,” and calls Timothy his “true child in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). These examples show that spiritual fatherhood is biblical, reflecting a priest’s role as a guide and caretaker in Christ.
Whoever takes the cup in an unworthy manner is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of Christ
What is a "worthy" manner? Who can ever be said to be worthy?
Not knowing what it means, not doing it in Remembrance of The Lord's suffering, the price he payed for our lives, is disrespectful to Jesus and his crucifixion. If you believe in Jesus and understand the meaning, then it is a great honor and blessing to partake. That is worthy enough. Respect and understanding, humility and repentance. May God's Kingdom grow, Amen.
@@nathanieln.1732if you believe you are worthy, then you are unworthy. People who genuinely believe they are unworthy do everything they can to be obedient to the teaching of the Church, including going to confession, fasting, asking forgiveness and not being in a state of quarrel with your brothers, praying the pre-communion prayers, and approaching with dread fear.
@ a worthy manner is one that is taken in the spirit of repentance. I’d have have any non confessed sins, go confess them. If you have done any sins you can make right go make it right and then take communion.
If your engine is broken, have a mechanic look at it and isolate and solve the problem before you turn the key and go on your road trip.
Don't get mad about the engine's mechanical failure or try to pretend it's working fine when it isn't. You'll get stuck out in the middle of nowhere by yourself with an empty gas can.
This is also one of the great debate some of Protestant churches, some have opened communion for a man judges himself under the warning that if you eat and drink on Worley, you’re eating and drinking damnation or close communion where you cannot partake of communion unless you remember the churchit’s a debate death been raging for millennia in the Protestant church
☀️🙏⛪✝ GOD BE WITH US AGAINST EVIL AND TEMPTATIONS 💪👩❤️👨💍❤
3:05 it actually says on the icon "St Prophet Moses". Not "St Babylas".
I read this just as I got to this part of the video!
amin
I’m reformed and it’s evil not to accept church discipline.
I would need to have confession first and pray and have communion.
Communion is not what saves you.
Yes you need to confess daily, daily prayer is also a requirement.
Since prayer is communication with you and God.
@@notsureyouthis is not the teaching of the Church. "confessing daily" is great, but not a stand-in for God's instruction to receive the Holy Mystery of Absolution from His ordained priest.
@notsureyou I know that it is not what saves you and yes you do it daily I know that.
when I was brought into the church 2 years ago my priest told us that we could come to confession 1-2 times a year if we wanted but that during the liturgy we repent so really don’t need much confession and we are to never ever skip communion without his permission ? So my question about this video is .. do you mean if we have major sin we don’t take the communion and go to confession then? I’m just not sure how to process the video advice.
Abouna Bless:
I have a question I have been wondering about from a real-world scenario that happened a year or two ago (though in the Roman Catholic tradition.) As I understand it, a year or two ago, Rep. Nancy Pelosi was barred from the chalice by the priest in her local California parish due to her pro-abortion stance. I had heard that politics got involved, and the Bishop of her diocese instructed her priest to resume serving her communion. Again, this is as I understand the situation. I could be wrong about this. I am an Orthodox seminarian in my second year. If God wills that I be ordained to Holy orders, what would I do as a local priest in a similar situation? My first thought would be to be obedient to my Bishop. However, in the scenario above, the Bishop could possibly have been influenced by politics. Given that I will answer to God at my judgment for those under my pastoral care, would that change my duty of obedience? Clearly, this is just a hypothetical question and is indeed one I will bring up with my various instructors as well, but if you have the time, I would be interested in your take on the matter.
In Service,
Michael
Orthodox bishop would not order you to give to Pelosi 😂
27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.
Which book does this come from , is there any scripture stating what you commented here.
@@rongopaihiku369 hi , 1 Corinthians 11
1 Corinthians 11
@@rongopaihiku369The comment is scripture my friend. Which is God breathed and holds authority over all traditions of man.
Exactly!"examine themselves "
There are no rights, only duties
This is a right wing meme, even medieval people believed in rights in a sense, what do you think the Magna Carta is?
Fathers your video brought up an idea for an amazing video. Your scholarly take and understanding of the various oracles in the Ancient Greek world. Was it complete coincidence that entire armies and campaigns were basing their entire success on the opinion of these oracles? Or was there something more behind it?
Usually the leaders would tip the scales in their favor by offering the Oracles valuable gifts. Then they would usually get a good fortune reading on their plan of action (and the leader could tell his people that the oracles said they would be successful in the planned battle). Politicians have been using religion way before Christianity
Father what are your thoughts on the bishop’s behavior in the past few days towards the president?
The fact that you call him father is in stark contract to Matthew 23:9
So if a priest bans someone From communion what’s to prevent them from going to another Orthodox church if they want communion that badly for some reason? In most metro areas there are multiple orthodox churches of various kinds. There are at least 5 within a 45 drive from my house. Probably even more in the LA area. It’s not like priests put up wanted posters of people on a no fly list for communion
If the person goes to another show his disobedience and show he has pride before God he may can trick man but he cannot trick God in other word be honest with yourself bc we will answer to God at judgment
A stranger to another Orthodox Church usually needs a letter from his priest to receive communion somewhere he's not known.
Can anyone point me to books about the early church? Or the events that father is talking about?
Eusebius wrote a book "Ecclesiastical History".
Read the letters of St Ignatius of Antioch, who was taught directly by the Apostles themselves.
@@nuns8126 just bought it, I got the 2 versions. So it'll keep me preoccupied for a little bit
@@NFS0038 will order that next, thank you fellow brother/sister
As an American Catholic I've always heard that the Orthodox don't deny communion to anyone. I honestly thought this practice was just a Catholic thing.
Ortodossi italiani che ascoltano frate Josiah?
St. Paul said it best for those who bring judgment on themselves by gluttonous actions at the Lord's table. There is no need for extra biblical texts. Thankfully, Jesus would never turn anyone away who was looking for Him. I lived most of my life feeling unworthy to partake, so I never did. Holy communion consists of more than a wafer and a sip. It more about loving one another, and less about who's worthy. I still won't take it for fear of spiritual abuse from my past experiences in the church. I'm still afraid to find a congregation to fellowship with due to the abuse I've experienced from them.
Do you have recommendations for a church in Yuma
Saint Piasios Orthodox Church in Yuma is a wonderful parish of the Antiochian Archdiocese.
Church of Christ here. The church I went to was a little restrictive and hesitant to encourage communion early on. After becoming more dedicated believers, we were accepted to partake, but strongly encouraged to be Baptized for a more complete obedience and acceptance of The Covenant. The Church I went to took it very seriously and solemnly. After a few weeks, I had communion. Later, the next year, I was Baptized. I fully understood the meaning. It was a Wednesday, and I took my time, I had been thinking about it, and was ready. My mind and heart were right, and the Pastor was older, and very knowledgeable and experienced. It was very solid. Later, in High school, our history teacher educated us about the Gregorian calendar, B.C. , A D. , what it means, the details, using Jesus's name. I didn't doubt, after that, there was no doubt at all. Spiritual confidence and feelings backed up with facts. Since then, I have only grown. Jesus has seen me through. He has enabled me to grow up to be seeking The Father Creator, and to discover much more about God's Kingdom. Thank You Jesus! Every day is a chance to grow, and help with God's will. Amen!
Your spiritual father will decide for communion.
PLEASE PRAY FOR ME 🙏✝️
My orthodox priest hates me, ignores me, ignores everyone that doesn’t agree with him, and I’m scared to go to holy communion because the priest is such a mean narcissist he may take advantage to embarrass me when going to receive communion 😢🙏✝️🕊️
Find another parish.
Not all priests are like that.
Many have a kind heart, Christ does not want you to give up because of one man.
Pray for your priest
@@bluetigerlozano59 It’s the Church I spent my life at, born there, baptized there, married there, but the new priests is more focused on filmmaking for social media, I find cameras 📷 in church a distraction from worshipping and a violation of our privacy and connection to GOD, after I complained the priest ignores my existence, ignores me in front of everyone including my family, IGNORES me, with Easter and fasting for lent coming up, I want to receive communion, but my priest ignores and hates me 😭
@@justusbryce3392 I’m praying for him and our church, it seems like our church has become unrecognizable with our new priest that is so focused on filming us for social media content Thank you 🙏
It’s the Church I spent my life at, born there, baptized there, married there, but the new priests is more focused on filmmaking for social media, I find cameras 📷 in church a distraction from worshipping and a violation of our privacy and connection to GOD, after I complained the priest ignores my existence, ignores me in front of everyone including my family, IGNORES me, with Easter and fasting for lent coming up, I want to receive communion, but my priest ignores and hates me 😭
Worthy of receiving Holy Communion? No one is worthy of receiving Holy Communion.
For you know how to prepare our Holy communion, ICXC, 9 order of saints, the living and the dead, Mother of God Theotokos, the water the sweet red wine. Prayers, censoring, plus many more other steps taken before presenting the holy gifts to your parishioners. As I attended church to participate in the Divine Liturgy. I pray to our Lord and ask for forgiveness, for im not worthy and a sinner. I follow the service with more prayers, including the Lord Prayers the Creed plus the preparations Prayers before communion and thanksgivings Prayers after communion. I know im not worthy, but I need my medicine from our Lord to heal me and my me a better and keep me on track. Why wouldn't I receive communion? Is it only for the righteous and worthy, who is worthy. We all should be prepared to receive the Holy gifts if I fast the days prescribed and confess my sin to the Lord. Why wouldn't you want me to receive.
None Have The Right To Communion According To Devil's Son Theology. YULE Is Worked For.
I call Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden to mind.
From the prayer of thanksgiving after Holy Communion, St. Symeon Metaphrastes (translator):
"Freely Thou hast given me Thy Body for my Food, O Thou Who art *A FIRE CONSUMING THE UNWORTHY!*"
There's no point in receiving communion for the sake of doing so. Like the sun is necessary for life, it can also destroy it under the wrong circumstances.
But aren't we all unworthy at any time! Isn't it prideful to think at some point you're "ready"? My priest told me to commune as long as I'm "trying to repent"
If I have to, I'll make my own unleavened bread, and wine or grape juice. To think Christians making the mistake to make a man who is just flesh be the mediator the King Of Kings is supposed to be, for something as holy as communion shows why we are stuck forever in chaos
Yes, you have ;)
tl;dr
We have no right, and we are not worthy, but we (baptized Orthodox faithful) are permitted to partake anyway. Glory to God.
Father, were you baptized in the Orthodox Church?
Thank you Father love the great story 🙏☦️
when I was brought into the church 2 years ago my priest told us that we could come to confession 1-2 times a year if we wanted but that during the liturgy we repent so really don’t need much confession and we are to never ever skip communion without his permission ? So my question about this video is .. do you mean if we have major sin we don’t take the communion and go to confession then? I’m just not sure how to process the video advice.