A spiritual father-confessor named Benjamin, when a person had come to him for confession was talking about others and criticizing his brothers, would send the "penitent" away until he could correct himself and change his attitude.

The most simple monk, Elder David, would tell his visitors about this kind of criticism: "Be careful, do not say one person does this and the other does that. If you do so, you lose Christ's grace. Even if you see a person acting like an ***, do not criticize. Love your neighbor as you would your own self. This is what Christ tells us to do."


from An Athonite Gerontikon

I like Elder David.

Wise words. I'll have to check out this Gerontikon if it is available in English.

Indigo

I just deleted two posts in this thread that seemed to me to make fun of a serious topic. Please refrain from cartoon-type posts in this section.

BOB
Moderator

Bob:

Please accept an old man's humble apology for daring to inject a bit of humor into such a "serious topic".

Perhaps more laughter and less seriousness among us all would lead to less criticism in this troubled world of ours.

+Cosmos

Wow! This is certainly a grace. I was several hours ago banned from an Orthodox Forum (I will not say which one) simply for pointing out the similarities between Catholicism and Oriental Orthodoxy, and trying to inspire my Eastern Orthodox brethren to not be so condemning of Catholics. In pointing out the similarities, I was accused of misrepresenting the OO and causing discord within the Orthodox community in the website (perhaps because the Holy Spirit moved 2 or 3 hearts to be convinced not to call a certain teaching of the Catholic Church heresy). I was very saddened, not angry, and when I came on here just now, my eyes IMMEDIATELY fell on this thread. What a blessing this message is to me right now.

I was thinking of venting in other places on the web, but this message has moved my heart, and after this post, I shall not speak of it again, but rather forgive and love.

Thank you, sister Alice. A very timely message (especially for me, anyway), especially for this Holy Season.

Blessings,
Marduk

Dear Marduk,

Be at peace and know that you are safe here in finding love between Christians...

In Christ,
Alice

Thank you Alice! I stand condemned.
Stephanos I
Arch Sinner and unworthy monk.

This is one of those very difficult things for a brand-new Orthodox individual, after living in the Evangelical world for 30+ years. Much of the pain I am attempting to unload has to do with my divorce 3 years ago, from my husband of 40 years. It was an abusive relationship. That being said, I still struggle with anger and deep hurt, and also guilt. It is a fine and difficult line I walk when I am in Confession to confess my sins and guilt in these areas without casting any dispursions on my now-X-husband.
abby
<*)))><