Regarding the capture—rather, the liberation—of Constantinople: I misspoke earlier, as the lady correctly said before me. This event will happen, and Saint Paisios repeated it many times. It is a prophecy both of his and of the Saint of Limassol.
The “Flash of Orthodoxy”
The “flash of Orthodoxy” is a subject that, in our time, has divided those who deal with the prophetic word into two camps—some well-intentioned, others ill-intentioned.
This manifestation of Orthodoxy will occur. But what do we mean when we use the term “flash of Orthodoxy”?
It refers to the period after the wars—after the Third World War and other regional conflicts come to an end. Those of us who survive will have passed through immense hardships. This is not said lightly or humorously. Many will suffer greatly. Our faith will be tested.
Scripture warns us: “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”
The population of the earth will be greatly reduced—through nuclear weapons, fires, earthquakes, floods, and sinkings across all nations. These are the times of the nations into which we have now entered, times in which each nation will pay for its historical sins.
After Orthodox leadership prevails—at least in Constantinople and in Russia—there will follow a period, not a very long one. Some say a few decades, during which Orthodoxy will be preached throughout the world.
No one will be able to say, “I did not know Christ—whether I am Chinese, Indian, or of any other nation.” Christ will be proclaimed to all. Some will believe; others will not. This is the true meaning of the “flash of Orthodoxy.”
It does not mean Greek domination. There is no nationalism in the prophecies. Nor does it mean the humiliation of the Russians, just as we ourselves are humiliated today. God cares for all nations—but His care is not expressed through glory. It is expressed through humiliation, because humility saves.
For us Cypriots, have we not lived in humiliation for over fifty years? Do we not wake every morning to see the Turkish flag with the five fingers opposite us?
Prophecy and Discernment
Are all these things deceptions of the devil, meant to deceive even the elect? No. These are real events.
There are prophets, and there are prophetologists—those who study and interpret prophecies. I am not a prophet; I am a student of prophecy. I may err in interpretation. I am not infallible. I am not a pope, nor do I wish to be one.
Some prophecies may already be in the process of fulfillment. Others require patience. One must not rush to declare fulfillment prematurely. Dealing with prophecy demands great humility, patience, and prayer.
Expect disbelief. Expect mockery. This has always happened. The prophets of the Old Testament were mocked, persecuted, and even killed.
We must also distinguish between:
- a prophet, who receives revelation, and
- a prophetologist, who studies, transmits, and carefully interprets prophecy.
Father Athanasios of Mytilene, whose works I strongly recommend, speaks clearly about these matters. One contemporary saint testified that God granted him the gift of interpreting the prophecies of the saints and the Book of Revelation.
There are not only the prophecies of Saint Paisios, Saint Matrona, or other saints—there are many voices bearing witness to the same coming trials.
God’s Mercy and Human Responsibility
God does not desire the destruction of His creation. The Triune God created the universe and will never allow it to be annihilated. But when human sin opens the door to demonic energies, God allows consequences—not out of cruelty, but out of justice and correction.
Prayer restrains disasters. Where people pray, where priests act with humility, where there are litanies with relics and holy icons, the grace of God intervenes.
We have power in our hands—but modern Christians have become fearful and passive.
Prophecies are not fate. Saint Porphyrios said something profound:
Prophecy is given with the intention that it may never be fulfilled.
Its purpose is repentance, vigilance, and change.
We are not meant to sit idly, watching television, waiting for catastrophe. We are meant to pray, repent, struggle, and humble ourselves—so that God’s mercy may prevail.
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