Let us remember that there are not only natural laws, but also spiritual laws, which govern the spiritual life of man.
Therefore, the wrath of God cannot be confronted through compromises and alliances with sin—for such compromises only bring greater wrath—but through sincere repentance, a return to God, and the keeping of His holy commandments.
Elder Sophrony of Essex, speaking in 1993 about the union of the Churches, is reported to have said, in accordance with the tradition also associated with Saint Paisios:
“The union of the Churches is difficult, if not impossible, for those who speak of the union of the Churches without knowing the mentality of the heterodox or the level of Orthodoxy.”
Saint Paisios, possessing a profound understanding of these matters, advised the faithful to remain restrained and vigilant. For, according to this tradition, a time will come when the Lord will reveal Saint Mark of Ephesus, and then our brothers who have been scandalized and troubled will be gathered together, so that they may confess the Orthodox faith, strengthen the Holy Tradition, and bring great joy to our Mother, the Holy Orthodox Church.
Within this tradition, there is also a reference to a truly Orthodox Council, which some associate with the expectation of an Eighth Ecumenical Council.
A related prophecy is also attributed to Saint Nilus the Myrrh-streaming:
“Then the Eighth Council will take place, and they will choose the good from the evil, that is, Orthodoxy, just as the farmer separates the chaff from the wheat. And afterwards there will be peace among the people for a little while, but again they will turn towards evil…”
True peace in the world cannot be established without Christ, the only true Peacemaker, nor without the living and unadulterated teaching of the Orthodox Church.
Throughout the centuries, despite the great trials it has endured, Orthodoxy has never ceased to proclaim the truth of the Gospel. According to the prophetic traditions attributed to various saints, after great trials and wars there may come a period of particular spiritual renewal and a widespread return to the Orthodox faith.
Saint Cosmas of Aetolia, according to traditions attributed to him, speaks of a great and general war, after which significant changes will take place.
Such a period has been described as an “awakening” or “renewal of Orthodoxy”—a brief but particularly radiant period during which many people may return to the faith, seek the truth of Christ, and turn towards the Church.
Yet spiritual vigilance must never cease. For, as Orthodox tradition teaches, man is always in danger of being drawn once again towards passions, sin, and evil.
Therefore, the greatest hope of the Christian does not lie in human predictions or worldly events, but in Christ Himself.
“Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
Orthodoxy does not fear trials. It continues through the centuries with faith, patience, and hope, having Christ as its guide and Holy Tradition as its sacred inheritance.
The hour of spiritual renewal may be drawing near.
Our duty, however, remains the same: repentance, prayer, faith, and love for Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment