The Metropolitan of Morphou, Neofytos, on the PIK [Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation] tv show “mazi” presented by Ms. Elita Michailidou on the issue of “the Signs of the Times” (April 4, 2017)
[Moderator Elita Michailidou]: “Good evening, friends. We are with his Eminence, Metropolitan of Morphou, Neofytos. Thank you, your Eminence, for being here with us today.
Soon, we will enter the Holy Week, but we have chosen a special issue today which you will help us understand.
What everybody talks about … the prophecies, and we thought [about] putting [them] into a right context through what is called “Signs of the Times.”
There are the faithful people who say that [some] prophecies [are starting to be] realized, whereas there are others who say, “No, these are crazy things and there is no way they are true.
Surely, we must be talking about [the prophecies] of St. Kosmas the Aetolian, right?” Not just him. Both before St. Kosmas the Aetolian and [after him]. [Events that are] happening right now, in our estimate, have been prophesized even by prophets of the Old Testament.
[Moderator]: “That old …” Especially the prophecies of prophet Daniel. Many scholars —not just Greeks, not just Orthodox— see that in our days [his prophecies] are starting to become clear.
[On the other hand], prophecy has this idiom, especially the ones of the old prophets, [that they are] sometimes symbolic.
For one to be able to say, “Aha, this was said by prophet Isaiah or Elder Paisios, one of the modern Saints, or St. Kosmas [the Aetolian],” whom you mentioned,
you should—and probably this is the wisest position—wait for the prophecy to be realized in part and then comprehend the word of the prophet which was said years ago.
However, in our days, it is true that “the signs of the times” have multiplied and people, both of greater and lesser faith, see that these signs have started revealing their face.
[Moderator]: “I must confess that, even I who am suspicious towards all these, I am thinking, ‘Can it really be like that?’”
Another thing that we have to watch is something new in the life of the interpretation of the "signs of the times.”
[It] is that they, who are not faithful or who are not Christians or who are not even Orthodox,
approach the signs of the times through a different “itinerary.” They are called [people] of modern geostrategy and geopolitics.
[Moderator]: “Meaning?” In our days, there have been created whole teams of scholars who watch certain “signs” which “prepare” [the ground for] certain future events so that people are “ready.”
They are the so-called think-tanks, tanks of thought. Otherwise, put in a more scientific approach, they are named modern geostrategic and geopolitical research.
For example, one of them in the US, maybe the most well-known, if I pronounce it rightly, is “Stanford.”
[Another] great geostrategic and geopolitical analyst of equal value, who studies the "signs of the times” so he can hand them to the leader of his country, Vladimir Putin, is Alexander Dugin,
with whom the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece has a close friendship.
Should we talk about the Israelis whose “radiation” in the whole world is known … who, for a long time now, have tried to research and study all these signs and the expected events
which have been foretold and have been prophesized … These people, I believe, are the most organized in this [kind of] study.
[Moderator]: “Daniel, prophet Daniel, what did he say exactly?” Prophet Daniel describes what is going on right now in Mesopotamia.
[Moderator]: “He did talk about it back then?” Of course. Why does it seem strange to you? [Moderator]: “It seems really strange.” Do you know how many years [before the birth of Christ], prophet Isaiah had said that a Virgin daughter will give birth to the Son of God -- 800 years before.
[Moderator]: “Before the birth of Jesus Christ …” Exactly and it was realized with exceptional accuracy!
Prophet Isaiah, himself, foretells that a star of the East will lead the astronomers of Persia to the King of Zion.
[Moderator]: “I have to admit that these were unknown to me.” We will celebrate exceptionally the following Sunday [Palm Sunday] in Morphou [Cyprus].
[Moderator]: “And you will be going to Morphou [meaning the part of Morphou that is occupied], Let us also note that.” Yes, this year for a third time, we will have the chance to perform the Liturgy [and celebrate at] St. Mamas for Palm Sunday.
[This celebration] was named during the beautiful years of paradise and freedom in Morphou [meaning the time when the island was still free from Turkish occupation], “the Feast of the Olive.”
Meaning, this feast is also important from a viewpoint of peace and reconciliation.
Morphou was celebrating -- it was her second feast, the feast of Palm Sunday.
[Moderator]: “What time?” On Sunday, and we will be there at 7:00 in the morning, to start the Archieratic [Hierarchical] Divine Liturgy and perform, at the end, the litany of the “Baiοforos" holy icon [«Βαϊοφόρος»].
[Moderator]: “It is going to be a really moving year.”
It is also something that represents another “sign” for me. [Moderator]: “Meaning?” We are talking about the signs of prophet Daniel. For signs of the geostrategists, [let’s] conclude [that] before we get to the signs of Cyprus.
What is the extraordinary thing here? Either you follow “the itinerary of faith” which is the prophecies, the various predictions [«προρρήσεις»] of Saintly people,
either old ones or modern ones, either monks or laymen.
It is remarkable that in Cyprus most people who have predicted signs that are either being realized or will be realized in the next few years are laymen instead of monks and priest.
Meaning, in Cyprus, we also have people who have prophesized things that are taking place or will take place soon or [even] in the next few years.
[Moderator]: “So, are they known?” Some of them we know, other are anonymous. Some are still alive and we do not announce their names so they won’t become the object of curiosity of many.
What is going on with the Liturgies? I can recall a sign, which a lot of people have noticed, not just me.
Saint Paisios (†1994), who had a great gift, not just a clairvoyant one, but a prophetic one! He is a prophet of the [Greek] people and of the whole world!
One of the signs that he was telling [us], in order for us, the ignorant, who only use our intellect to follow life and its evolution…
whereas these people, other than their intellect, they also “studied” … They were people of repentance.
And when you take repentance seriously, she gives you Light. This Light is [i.e., appears] first in the heart and the heart opens.
And [then] you can see in the depth of time and of the century and all the centuries. This is how the prophecy starts “arriving” at the man of repentance.
[Moderator]: “Meaning you “exit” time, you exit …” Better put, you “enter” time and God reveals “all these things that will come to pass” as we heard on last Sunday’s Gospel.
Why is God doing this to people? To prepare us, [the people] of lesser faith, us, the cowards… the people of logic, logocracy [«λογοκρατίας»], rationalism.
[Moderator]: “Of the material …” Of the material, the people of apostasy, meaning the ones who abandoned His way.
“Come to your senses, repent, pray … difficult times are ahead.”
God might postpone these difficult times so He can provide [more] time of repentance to some people who have delayed their repentance.
[Or] alternatively, so that the evils and sorrows arrive in lesser [amounts]. This has happened in our era and in Cyprus of which we talk right now.
Now, concerning the churches in the occupied [part of Cyprus] where the Liturgy is performed, I consider it a sign that St. Paisios himself had spotted with his clairvoyant and prophetic eye. What was it that he said?
“When you see the Turks [re]building [Orthodox] churches in Asia Minor and in other occupied parts…” Take Cyprus for example.
They [The Turks] do it for their own reasons—touristic, archaeological ones.
But the Providence of God is to have them start conserving churches, to have Liturgy performed again in many of them [the destroyed Orthodox churches].
Because, soon, we will have to visit these places and we will need churches already built to perform the Liturgy,
because Liturgy is the quintessential act of peace and reconciliation,
not just for the Orthodox [people], not just for the Christian [people], but for all people.
Impressive is the fact that [when] we serve Liturgy at St. Mamas, there are always people from the Turkish-Cypriot community, even from the [Turkish] settlers.
[Moderator]: “I have heard this before.” They even bring their own children, to be in the church yard, so they can hear the Divine Liturgy.
Where do you think now the celebrated “rapprochement” takes place -- of which I was in favor and I still am. I am not saying I have abandoned her.
But it is crystal-clear now that the people [both Greek and Turkish Cypriot] “spontaneously” take part in these numerous Divine Liturgies.
The only time when our occupied lands are free is when a Liturgy is performed [there].
[Moderator]: “Exactly!” Thus, here is a "sign of the times.”
[Moderator]: “Your Eminence, they say that this turmoil—and I was reading in the morning a lot of prophecies—but they might be false since a lot false prophecies circulate the internet.”
Of course, there always have been the false prophets. And allow me to say something, Ms. Lita. The reason I have engaged with this issue [of prophecies] these previous years --
and I have been characterized by a colleague of yours as “prophetologist.”
The term is accurate, although, at first, it seemed sort of “offensive” to me. However, I told myself, if you [really] know the Greek [language], Neofytos, [the term] is indeed accurate.
Prophetologist is the one who talks about prophecies. Why do you think I engaged with the issue?
[Moderator]: “So that you tell the true prophecies apart from the false ones.” Exactly! I realized that, especially as far as the internet is concerned, there was an extensive discussion of prophecies that was either of extreme nationalistic and ethnocentric character,
as if we are the only nation that is of interest to God and He does not care about the rest of the nations.
So, a [false] starting point led to false conclusions and Saintly people—such as Saint Paisios, Saint Kosmas the Aetolian, Saint Porphyrios, our Elder Saint Iakovos [Tsalikis]
and other people of God “were butchered.” They put words into their [the Saints’] mouths as they deemed fit, according to the interests of each and every one, according to their ideology, to their vision and their unfulfilled desires.
The other thing I noticed was that a large number of [people], among them Christians and even clergy, I won’t lie to you about that,
even more, some archpriests went on to say, “Are these things serious? Do you really believe that great prophets like the ones of the Old Testament still exist?”
That is, they, themselves, doubted… [Moderator]: “The gifts of the Holy Spirit.” Exactly, the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
I was disappointed [with this situation]. On the one hand, you have the contestation of the gift of prophecy and, on the other hand, the exploitation of this very gift.
And the third [reason] was the prelests and the false prophets, which is a timeless phenomenon in “the provinces”’ of faith.
As a result, some of us had to engage seriously with the issue. And what do I mean by that?
First of all, [I had] to recall [in my memory] what these people [the Saints] said to me as I have met some of the modern Saints. We have already talked about that [on another show].
There is no need in repeating them all the time. [Moderator]: “It’s a good reminder, though. It’s beneficial for us.”
Yes, but the Cypriots and the Greeks, who watch your show, have already heard them.
Secondly, [a reliable source] was the numerous books with testimonies of people who met these Saintly people of God.
The third [source] was the internet. The internet was and is [still] a chaos.
However when you have “a smell” and an experience of these people, you are in a place to tell the difference between the real one and the fake one, the extreme one and the moderate one.
And there is one last thing. How do you arrive at the conclusion that something is true and, hence, you must expect it in the life of your own homeland or, [even], the whole world?
In case the visions, the prophetic words of two, three or more people of God intersect.
[Moderator]: “Your Eminence, a lot of things have been said. For example, it was said that St. Porphyrios said that a time will come when the two nations of Greeks and Turks will live together in peace.”
Indeed, they will live peacefully [with each other]. That’s true. [Moderator]: “It has been said …” but not in the form of a [Cypriot] federation that Mr. Dimitris Kitsikis says …
[Moderator]: “Yes, that’s why we need you to clarify them. It is said that St. Paisios said that the people [who are] now leaving their homes … "
Which people…? Are you talking about the immigrants? [Moderator]: "[St. Paisios] prophesized the [Turkish] invasion of Cyprus … at least, this is what has been said and passed on to us.
These very people [who left their homes [i.e., the Greek Cypriots] will return back and what a pity that they do not know it yet and there is so much pain and misery.
But there will [eventually] be a return, they will return. I also read a bit about St. Kosmas the Aetolian who says that the Russian people 'will go down' to the Israelis …
That the three great powers … something will happen among them, and they will dispatch the force that will attack the Greek people.
Meaning, there are a lot of things that we have started seeing … that the Mediterranean basin is in turmoil."
It’s the center field right now. Yet, it’s not the only one.
[Moderator]: “Of course, it concerns us so very much … When you go see [the occupied parts of] Morphou, Keryneia, Varosha, Karpasia,
‘your blood is burning, you are burning.’ Tomorrow you are going to serve Liturgy there…”
Tell me about it. I have a buried father in Zodeia. And I perform Trisagion [services] in the whole of Cyprus [for other dead people] but I am unable to go perform one for my father.
[Moderator]: “What is there to say about this …” Next to our village in Upper Zodeia … Upper Zodeia was always [destined] to return [to Greek Cypriots after the invasion], next to Astromeritis.
If you go there right now, during the time of Mr. Akinci, who supposedly wishes for dialogue and a [Cypriot] federation as he says …
a mosque is built next to the church of Archangel Michael.
All the occupied parts of Cyprus are forced into Islamization while we are supposed to be holding talks [between Greek and Turkish Cypriots].
Behind Akinci, an Erdogan is hiding, [about] whom these people of God have prophesized.
[Moderator]: “What have they said about him?” Erdogan proclaims crystal-clear that starting 16th of April [2017], when the referendum will take place -- it so happens “by chance” on that same day, the Pascha of Orthodox [people] is celebrated.
[Moderator]: “The Easter of Catholics as well. They coincide.” Of the Catholics [as well]. From that date onwards, whatever the result [of the referendum] turns out to be, especially if it’s negative—we will do to you what we did in 1922 to the Greeks of Smyrna.
[Moderator]: “Who will do that?” [Erdogan], to us Greeks.
Thus, you realize under what kind of circumstances the talks about the Cypriot issue are taking place.
[Moderator]: “Which Greeks will he send away this time? Send them away from where?” From the [Greek] islands. [Moderator]: Lesvos, Chios, …
They name various islands … I won’t name them, although I know that some islands will be threatened [by Turkey]. Do you want me to mention a series of signs I am aware of, so that we do not just speak in abstract?
[Moderator]: “Please do so.” So, the things I personally believe will take place both through the prophetic words of the Saints who are now in the triumphant church [i.e., who are now canonized].
but also, through some Saintly people who are still alive, as the church does not cease giving birth to Saints. Sainthood does not end with St. Paisios and St. Porphyrios.
We keep having [within the Orthodox church], Saintly people who [can] “see.” Let’s pay attention to this one, who [can] “see.”
So, the timeline of the events which are expected is the following.
A big earthquake will precede in Greek territory.
This [earthquake] will cause a population movement.
At the same time, close to this event … [Moderator]: “Which is going to be a real earthquake … [she is asking to know if the term is used metaphorically or literally].”
Yes, of course, by earthquake, I mean a geophysical earthquake. And it is going to be of great magnitude. Already, a lot of small earthquakes have taken place in the area of the Aegean Sea and Greece.
I have a hope that this is due to the prayers of Panagia [Holy Theotokos] so that the big earthquake won’t arrive but “will be divided into” a lot of smaller earthquakes,
because the providence of God works in such ways, especially [with] the prayer of the Saints and much more, of our Panagia [the Holy Theotokos].
But it is necessary that we “activate” this prayer of the Saints. Do you know what Panagia said to a man of God who is alive?
“I pray that this earthquake will not happen to our Greece.
But my Son and my Lord told me, ‘Mother, neither I wish for people to suffer. You come to Me and beg Me, but your hands are empty, Mother…’
They [her hands] do not carry prayers of the faithful. They do not pray anymore. And even the ones who pray, their prayers are ‘cold.’
This is really tragic. If this show has a purpose, it is to “activate” and “heat up” our frozen prayers. The prayers of us, Christians. I am not referring to the people who doubt the signs and the prophecies …
[Moderator]: “Usually, we pray [only] to ask for something, when, instead, the prayer should be full of repentance, as you told us.”
[Especially] when we witness the signs [taking place], when we see that the explosions/eruptions of volcanos have increased.
The earthquakes in the whole of the world have increased. The war zones, the threats of war, famines, immigrations ...
[Moderator]: “Social inequality.” The explosion of corruption and perversion, its legalization. Where do all these things lead to?
[Moderator]: “You said that an earthquake will take place …” Hence, you realize that a sign we expect -- and we hope that God will “repress” it -- is the earthquake.
It’s not going to take place just in Greece, [although] we are talking about our [geographical] area right now. Earthquakes of the same magnitude will take place in other places.
In America, they say that something much, much, much greater than an earthquake will take place …
One is even scared to say something like this about America.
Right after [the earthquake], the Turks will attack. They will take advantage of the absence of preparedness.
There won’t be a [Greek] government [at the time]. “You will have a government, but, in fact, it won’t [be able to] govern,” he [St. Paisios] says.
If you think about that—having or not having a government—it does not seem that far away…at least as far as Greece is concerned.
The Turks will attack. First, at a small island and afterwards, at a bigger one.
In the past, they were talking about the «εξαμίλια»/ examilia [translated from Greek as ‘six miles’] and some interpreted it falsely. [They thought] that examilia/six miles refers to a geographical location in Greece.
[Indeed] there are places in Greece, even near Corinthus, called Examilia, a village. But Saint Paisios with his enlightened nous told us that the examilia refers to the six miles of the territorial sea [of Greece],
which is going to be the pretext for the Turks to claim …
[Moderator]: “What they are claiming right now?” What they are claiming right now … and they tell us to terminate the Treaty of Lausanne. [Moderator]: “So, a small island and a big island will be attacked.”
Yes, they will attack. I am impressed that people [already] fear this a lot.
[Moderator]: “The scholars, the analysts of such events have already started saying that since Erdogan is not content with [the idea of] the creation of a Kurdish state.”
Not only he is not content, he is in panic [because of it]! [Moderator]: "He is in panic and since he is losing there [i.e., in the east of Turkey], they will give him [an exchange] here [to the west of Turkey].
Already, this is discussed and that’s why I am surprised and asking what is going on. The signs of the times are proven right?
That’s why it is important to clarify [things] since you study them …at least, let us know what the Saints of our faith have said.”
I hope so, I hope so. I am not saying that I am one who knows but we strive so that the people can be prepared, so they are not panicked and we prepare more with strong prayer and repentance.
[Moderator]: “Yes, we will get there, your Eminence. A small island and a big island …”
Yes, and let this not panic people a lot, because this will not last more than three days.
[Moderator]: “Yes, I remember that [too].” Everybody says so, both those who are alive and those who are in heaven.
Three days. The Turks will do a few things because they are scared. Although, their impertinence will be unbelievable!
These three days, our people will be scared. I also asked about [what will happen to] Cyprus.
[Moderator]: “I was going to ask you right now about that … we are living right next [to the Turks].”
I asked a man of God who is of great sainthood. I believe that when some years pass, he is going to have his own holy icon. We will venerate him.
And I asked him what will happen with Cyprus. I am a Cypriot and I am concerned for my homeland. All the more, “I am burned” by the Turks and, in general, by the coup d’états and the invasions.
[Moderator]: “You are right in recalling it, your Eminence.” He told me, “My child, [what happens to] Cyprus is also temporary.”
Saint Philoumenos, a modern hieromartyr, who did not leave us a lot of prophecies. He “left” us his martyrdom which was also prophetic as an event.
He was martyred in 1979 by fanatic Zionists at Jacob’s Well in Palestine [because] he refused to abandon the Christian pilgrimage which they claimed as their own.
Why was his martyrdom prophetic? Because the Middle East and elsewhere is filled with martyrs [right now].
Everywhere Christians are murdered, especially, by fanatic Islamists, [because] the Christians refuse to abandon the places where Christianity was born.
And Europe, although witnessing it, hypocritically comments on it and [even] us, in the routine of our everyday lives inside the consumerist society, we go on … until our time arrives.
Some people experience these things. In Syria, my dear Cypriot and Greek brothers, they have dealt with these [sufferings] for six years now.
The earthquakes, the famines, the catastrophes, the massacres … they [are] facing all these things [already].
Hence, let us not behave as if they do not concern us or right now, that we feel they [the disasters] are approaching us to panic. God is just.
He proves the fact that He is just to all people [not just our people]. The fact that we have these prophets and these Saints to prepare us, let us be grateful about it.
[Moderator]: “Your Eminence, will Cyprus be occupied for a few days?” No, no, no … Saint Philoumenos said that the Turks will provoke an incident by sea to scare us in Cyprus.
[Moderator]: “The date is already announced …” No, no we don’t talk with dates.
[Moderator]: "The men of our faith did not mention any dates. But some dates were mentioned by politicians."
Thus, you realize that … If you read the books we have published on Saint Philoumenos, these things [have been] mentioned already since 2003.
What you say was mentioned [by politicians] a month ago and it created a problem between the two Ministries of Greece and Cyprus.
You realize that what Saint Philoumenos once said ...
[is now] being realized a decade later through these geopolitical events.
[Moderator]: “We definitely do, and we listen carefully to the Orthodox account of the events.”
Saint Paisios who is “a mouth of God without lie” regarding [what takes place] in our age, talked about “a slap” as far as Cyprus is concerned.
[Moderator]: “Meaning?” He said that Cyprus “will endure a slap” and I believe that this intimidation [by Turkey] will be “the slap.”
[Moderator]: “By sea …” Yes, I think. [Moderator]: “At the same time that Greece will be threatened?”
Yes, this will take place at the same time that the two islands will be threatened.
[Moderator]: “What happens afterwards?” This threat will frighten the Greek world. [As a result], it “will contract” and come into great repentance.
Listen to the result of the fear … it will be positive!
This repentance will stem from the fear and the threat of the Turks.
It will have as a result [that] Greece [and Cyprus] to be the only countries with safety—for our kids and our people—in the events to follow, which I will mention concisely.
At the same time when other countries of Western Europe, America, Russia, neighboring Middle East will suffer from a World War,
Greece and Cyprus will not [suffer this World War] and they will be safe countries so that other people can come and protect themselves.
Do you know that what is happening right now with [some] Turks who are leaving Turkey because they cannot bear the Erdogan regime and going to the [Greek] islands and other places of Greece
and buying or renting houses, asking for asylum and feeling that Greece is a safe place, besides Greece’s own problems—[This] has been foretold by some people of God?
[Moderator]: “It has been said by them…” That Saints have said it. And that these people will love Greece so much, as well as Orthodoxy as a faith that much, that they will choose it as their faith.
And when Turkey “calms down” after the big disasters, [disasters that will occur] due to her arrogance, which rests upon her leaders, but also [Turkish] people,
it says they will become the [Orthodox] missionaries [back] to Turkey … incredible events!
[These events], however, are [already] being “scheduled” through the events that have already started taking place.
Following these events, for her own reasons and not because of sympathy towards us,
Russia will wage a terrific war of a few days against Turkey.
[Moderator]: “Although, it now seems that they collaborate.” They don't! What you say concerns last week, forgive me.
[Moderator]: “Yes, all of a sudden..." Right now, it is crystal-clear that there is a rapid distancing of the two countries -- after what happened with the station.
[Moderator]: “Awful things …” The explosion that took place there. You realize that Putin has a lot of reasons to watch his back and his back is the Caucasian one, meaning the countries on the perimeter of the Caucasus.
Georgia will pay dearly for the role that she plays there. [Moderator]: “Meaning?” Meaning that when Russia attacks Turkey, Georgia will also pay [the price] as well, because a NATO base is being built there.
NATO is building a watchtower for Russia’s missiles there.
The rest of the NATO powers as well as China will allow Russia to hit Turkey. I wonder why.
My—a bit suspicious and sneaky mind—makes me wonder whether this [outcome] might be a result of an agreement.
Turkey will be hit mercilessly. Not because she will have attacked [Greece] in the Aegean [Sea], but because they will be serving their own interests.
One interest rumored, prophesized and described by the geostrategic analysts is the Convention of Montreux
which governs the passing of the Russian and other ships through the straits of Bosporus.
Turkey knows well that if there is a war involving the Aegean or somewhere else, she is entitled to close the straits.
What does this mean? That Russia cannot supply the base of Tartus [in Syria] and wherever else there are warzones [she is involved in] with armaments.
You realize that we are talking about an inflammable situation.
[Moderator]: “Really critical.” Yes. They say that as a result of this big collision, during this great war, Turkey will be forced to withdraw its troops from Cyprus.
[Moderator]: “Two camps are already empty.” Yes, a lot of people say this … but it’s not just that. We will have a whole withdrawal of the Turkish army from Cyprus.
When this moment comes, it will take a lot of wisdom to decide how to deal with an occupied Northern Cyprus without an army [anymore].
It’s not a simple thing and it needs control not just over the Turkish-Cypriots and the [Turkish] settlers,
but, principally, over our people, our sentiments and our impatience to see our homeland liberated.
Let us not describe all these things [any further]. The Saints have already said some things and I remember on your show a very good gentleman,
Andreas Xenofontas, who phoned [into your show] and told you what St. Paisios had told him when he visited the Saint.
Back then, the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia were still in existence and the Saint told him, “My Andreas, the beast of sovietism is shivering, its legs are clay and it is ready to fall …”
He tells him: “What are you talking about Elder [Paisios], the Soviet Union is a superpower!”
“She is nothing. Soon you will see her partitioned, both her and Yugoslavia.”
[Moderator]: “Truly [it happened].” So, it happened. Is it not so? “As you will [live to] witness this, you will also be made worthy to see the Turkish troops leaving Cyprus,” the Saint said.
[Moderator]: “What will follow?” The whole of Cyprus will be liberated. We will [then] have to show great love to the Turkish-Cypriots and, even, the [Turkish] settlers. Otherwise, there will not be any place for these people [the Turkish settlers] to go.
We will also have to give them as a church what they will ask of us. A word to the wise and he who has ears, let him hear…
Those are prophecies of Cypriot and Greek [Orthodox] Saints.
Let me just mention Xatziflourentzos from Milia of Ammoxostos [«Χατζηφλουρέντζος από τη Μηλιά Αμμοχώστου» in Greek] There is a really important book [on his life]. Let the Cypriots read it.
[He was a] Saintly man who fell asleep in 1967. He met Makarios [and] the three Metropolitans at the time, of Kyrenia, of Paphos and Anthimos of Kitias, and told them,
“They will make you fight with Makarios. Beware, you will become the reason the island and the people will be divided. Then, the Turks will come.
They will occupy the half of Cyprus and they will stay for lots of decades in our villages and our churches will be left without Liturgies. Our churches will turn into stables,” he told them.
Not only did they refuse to believe him, Elita [the moderator], some [even] mocked him. It is said that Gennadios and Makarios considered his words. This speaks volumes …
Still, the consideration [even by those two] was small, “a charitable consideration.” Yet the man of God “came true.”
He said many other prophetic things as well. [Moderator]: “Let us listen to them. Tell us …” This man said that an age will come that Cypriots will walk on the streets [of their cities] and among 5 [random] people, 3 will be foreigners and [just] 2 Cypriots. We are living that [right now].
[Moderator]: “Something else?” Men, not just Cypriots, would be looking for donkeys, but won’t be able to find any.
Do you know why we will be looking for donkeys? Not to make picturesque farms and charge tickets on tourists to visit them. Everything in Cyprus has been “touristized.”
Some people say to me, “Metropolitan Morphou do not say these things [publicly] because our tourism will take a hit. We need to show [the world] that we are a safe country."
All these things I speak of … what are they? That we [Cypriots] are a part of humanity. The whole of humanity will suffer
[in] the World War that will follow the events with Turkey. When the Western [countries] see that a huge problem is due to happen in Turkey, they will intervene.
They will wage a huge war in Constantinople and around her. This is when the Third World War will take place.
[Moderator]: “But as you said, Greece and Cyprus, according to the Saints … “ They won’t take part in it [the Third World War].
Do you know what will happen to us? There will be a shortage of goods… hunger. [Moderator]: “That’s why it has been said many times [grow] trees, [gather] salt …”
Right. So, while the others will be engaged in this war, which is worse. We will be in need of our everyday food.
This won’t take too long. It will last some months. This is what they told us and what they [still] say to us.
Still, we need to be ready. I brought a piece to read on that, can I?
[Moderator]: “Yes, sure!” While we were coming here, my driver was telling me that his wife went to one of the big supermarkets of Nicosia to shop.
There, she found people buying foods in quantities. And when she asked, “Why is that, is it for Pascha?”
“No, we heard that war events are to follow and we need to fill the cellars of our houses.”
I am not saying that this is [necessarily] a bad thing to do. It’s a good thing. Yet, do you know what is even better? Not to fill my cellars in order to feed myself, my wife and my children, but to share them with those who do not [have anything].
[Moderator]: “This is Christian-like, it’s our faith.” This is [the essence of] Christianity. Not to own things for myself and leave the rest hungry.
[Moderator]: “Are we [truly] living Christian-like today? [Are we living] in accord to what they say to us.” [This is] a question which we should probably discuss later. Let us not forget it. Why will God allow these things to happen?
Let us discuss this later. I would like you to see how Christ looks at us, the modern-day Christians.
[Moderator]: “Is this yours?” It belongs to an ascetic who slept in 2002 in Arta [Greece] from the book, “Ascetics in the World.”
The ascetic’s name is Lambrini. She was married, but soon enough she loved ascesis, fasting, prayer, all-night vigil.
God gave her great gifts and a lot of people were visiting her to get advice and ask for her prayers.
God showed her many of the things that are taking place today and others that will take place [in the future].
She is one of the people that, after I read her work, I cross-referenced it and found out that she says the same things as St. Paisios, St. Kosmas the Aetolean,
[as well as] the same things prophesized by the Russian Saint, St. John of Kronstadt, by St. Seraphim of Sarov, by St. Matrona, the blind Saint of Russia.
Thus, one realizes that a prophecy is real if it comes from more than two or three men of God and they say the same things.
[Moderator]: “It’s a good way to …” In this way, you realize that the same Holy Spirit illumines all of them. What I am going to read is the depth of things.
When we listen to prophecies, we are panicked and what is the first things we do -- we fill our fridges and our cellars.
I repeat: Let us do that, [only] if we are to share them with the ones who don’t own, the poor ones. The best thing we can do? Those of us who have land, let us cultivate it.
[Moderator]: “That is the wisest thing.” Right? Let us love the earth. It says that one of the reasons God will allow these things to happen is because men do not love the earth and His creation.
[Moderator]: “Up until the day before yesterday, we loved her, your Eminence.” “The day before yesterday” … and do you know “when the day before yesterday” ended?
[Moderator]: “With the [Turkish] invasion of Cyprus.” In Cyprus with the invasion, in the whole world with the Unified Europe (i.e., European Union).
[Moderator]: “You will read it and [then] you will tell us about Europe.” So, it says that once they were asking this ascetic, Lambrini, to pray for the Greek children who were taking the [national] college-entrance exams [the Panhellenic exams].
I am not sure why … when the Greeks have their young people taking these exams, they are very anxious. I do not think this is the case in Cyprus.
They feel that it’s all or nothing. [Moderator]: “[This] causes pressure on the children.”
The children are pressured. The success of the children is the success of the parents, right? The same with their failure.
Savvopoulos once said, “The modern day heroes are the children who take the college-entrance exams.”
So, the parents were visiting this ascetic, Lambrini, and asking her to pray for their children.
While this woman of God was praying, Christ appeared to her and told her. I am impressed by her feeling.
“I do not ask many things of men. Just a little praying to Me. Why do not they pray?
I do not ask many things of the children. I understand their anguish and effort. The whole day [at] school and studying, but nothing for Me.
From the children, I ask at least ten minutes of prayer for Me. I have given everything to men.”
What an aching word… to come out of a God! “I have given everything to men.” And now that Pascha is approaching, we will realize better what Christ has given for us.
[Moderator]: “Of course.” Listen to what He says here. He does not say anything about His Cross, about the fact that he descended to Hades for us, about His Crucifixion for us, His Death for us, the One without sin.
He rose from the dead for us. He does not say this. He says something on modern technology. “To the point that a parent [is able] to speak and see his child who is on the other edge of the world.”
Meaning that, even this thing, which one might say is [a product] of modern technology … Who ‘enlightened’ it [its invention]?
God ‘enlightened’ it to help the parents and the children who have lost, in our days, their “manhood” and the girls, their femininity.
And all of them act like little children and must get to 30 years old before they mature. This was given by Christ, Himself, to cure our own weakness.
[Christ continued to Lambrini], “But they continue to worship him,” and He showed me [showed to Lambrini] the devil who was standing outside my home.
“Whoever wishes, let him follow Me. Only I will save them. And [just] from the air they will breathe, they will feel full.”
This is an answer to the consumerism of supermarkets.
“From the air they will breathe, they will feel full.” Who are they? The people who will follow Christ.
And who follows Christ? The one who repents! Thus, if these events, the terrible, the horrible ones lead to repentance [and] more prayer, then they are welcome and beneficial.
[Moderator]: “That’s why He allows them.” It’s not He who carries them out. He allows them. It’s the men who wage wars.
[Moderator]: “What about Europe? We see a lot of things being set in motion … Do we have something to say about Europe?”
Look, I think that the most accurate things on Europe were said by St. Paisios, among our Saints.
He said the following. It’s a pity that I haven’t brought [the extracts] to read his exact words.
He said that Europe will be dissolved by the Americans and the English.
Listen to the countries he named! He did not say France, he did not say Italy, he did not say Germany … he said England and America will break her apart.
He also said: “Do not compare [Europe to] the United States of America which is a strong union of states [where]
And every shabby [«κουρελιάρης»] took his rag [«κουρέλι»] and together they made a whole rug [«κουρελού»].
No matter how hard you pull these rags that have been woven together, they cannot be broken, they cannot be separated, they cannot be destroyed.
While in the Unified Europe, every member-state took its rag.
And as it happens, Europeans take luxurious rags since they are ancient people. They are not shabby and they carry their nationalism [with them].”
This is exactly what the Saint said. Their nationalism. The “nationalisms” will come to the surface.
[Moderator]: “He did say that …?” Exactly as I am saying it: “The nationalisms will come to the surface. Then, with Germany as a protagonist, Europe who is on the road of unifying, will not make it and will break apart.”
[Moderator]: “Your Eminence, we have Petros Diomidous on the line who wants to talk to us. Let us hear Mr. Diomidous.”
[Mr. Diomidous]: “Thank you. I heard the beautiful words of his Eminence and I wanted to intervene myself. At a point, his Eminence said that,
“When we have goods for ourselves and we are self-sufficient, we do not think of other people who have nothing to eat.” It is correct and really Christian-like.
Immediately, it came to my mind what happens in our Cyprus. I heard the other day that …”
[Moderator]: “Mr. Diomidous, Mr. Diomidous listen to me. Speak slowly and clearly because we cannot hear you.”
[Mr. Diomidous]: “Right. So, I heard the other day in «ΠΑΣΥΔΥ» [abbreviation for ‘Organization of Cypriot Public Servants’] that they were asking for some extra money from «ATA».
What the people in ATA [actually] decided [on that], I am not sure of, as a private employee myself.
The day before yesterday, they [also] asked not to pay for «ΓΕΣΥ» [abbreviation for Cyprus’ General System of Health].
For God’s sake, don’t they see that there are people who do not have enough to eat, and yet you seek to increase your wage which is already high enough. This makes me furious somehow.”
[Moderator]: “You want a comment from his Eminence, right?” [Mr. Diomidous]: “Thank you, be well!” [Moderator]: “Thank you!”
Look, I am not sure whether the comment by the gentleman is on topic. Yet, it showcases an attitude of modern Cypriots.
I am laughing because I remember a sort of a cute proverb which says, “When there is no food, radishes are tasty.”
In essence, this is what the gentleman is alluding to, with simplicity, and reveals the greed of Cypriots, even of some organizations of Cyprus.
I think that one of the big causes of these evils is the avarice of people. And this is not a Cypriot phenomenon, but a global one.
[Moderator]: “Still, there is a ‘big fall’ between the ethos of the society before the [Turkish] invasion [and now]. There are always those who profiteer, but the masses were really such good people."
Why were the masses good people? Because they were organized around the Church of Christ.
Even when some of the clergy did not live up to the commandments of Christ,
they [the Cypriot masses] thought: “Is the bishop sinful, is the priest sinful …that’s his problem.
I know really well that my Christ will never let me down, nor my Panagia or my Saints.” Right?
They had the experience of the Saints. They lived the miracle. Now, we are entering the subject I want to talk about, even in short, please indulge me: Why will these things happen?
There are other things [aside from the ones I mentioned] which will take place. Still, why will they happen? [Moderator]: “Yes, there are more things I would like to ask you. Can we wait a bit more before going to the ‘Why all these things will happen?’”
Yes, let us wait. [Moderator]: “It is of great interest why they will happen since we also [happen to] enter Pascha and one realizes that [Pascha] is a journey.”
Yes, it is. [Moderator]: “So, your Eminence, what will happen afterwards? The World War takes place, Greece and Cyprus as you told us will ‘enjoy’ a certain [degree of] safety.”
We have approached the time of these events …
We cannot speak in terms of dates. The people of God say that the events can no longer be postponed.
Up until now, God postponed them with the hope that more people on a global level will come to repentance.
Indeed, many came to repentance. Our «εξομολογητάρια»[ie. places where people go to confess] prove this, as well as the many monasteries that were built in America, Korea, China.
You realize that the world has turned his agony into a bit of prayer, a bit of “return.” But watch my words “a bit.”
We still need “fear of God” and “The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord” (Psalm 110:10).
[Moderator]: “Your Eminence, what follows afterwards? The World War takes place, Europe is torn apart …”
Let us say that what follows [the World War] is good things. This huge, general war will take place as was described by the prophets of the Old Testament as well as the Saints of our age.
[Moderator]: “Will there be [use of] nuclear weapons?” There will be use of [nuclear weapons] on a limited scale and it says that when they will be used, this will be the cause for the whole telecommunications system of the planet to stop.
[Moderator]: “So, for some months, there will be an unprecedented blackout… “
Those are described well by St. Matrona. The Russian Saints describe these things well … do you know why?
Because they [the Russians] will be the protagonists of the event I just described.
[Moderator]: “Will the United States get involved?” America, at some point, will cease to be a superpower, through different “itineraries,” not wars.
[Moderator]: “Natural disasters.” Exactly. Which are not that “natural,” they will be a fruit of the sin, iniquity and exploitation of peoples.
Revelation says, “I see Babylon falling and sinking.” (Rev. 14:8, 18:2-3)
Of course, it speaks symbolically. Still, when all of them say “Babylon,” they do not allude to London, Rome, Moscow … they allude to America.
When this Great War ends with countless dead people -- because the nature of the weapons will be such that they will kill a lot of people,
[including] short-range nuclear weapons and others that we cannot describe as we are not experts.
Then, it says, there will be a great peace which will last for many decades.
It will be the time when God will ask of the Orthodox Christian people to become missionaries in order to preach Orthodoxy throughout the length and the breadth of the world.
It is remarkable that one or two Saints prophesize that the first country that will ask Orthodoxy is Germany. This is amazing.
It says that England will have a special protection due to the prayers of women Saints who lived in the old times when England was Orthodox.
It says that other countries like Italy will have great geophysical disasters. [Moderator]: “France?”
It says that France will have “disasters” by the immigrants. It is stated [also] that the War will reach Australia and Canada.
The areas of Scandinavia will be the first ones to suffer the evils of the World War because they are [lie] opposite of Kaliningrad.
This [is the] city where the missiles of Russia [are found], opposite the missiles of NATO.
It says that the Balkans will burst at some point. [Moderator]: “Reality meets the prophecy.”
Who was the one who said that Albanians will be a threat for the Balkans? The only one who said it and the military officials of Greece were laughing [at him], ironically, was St. Paisios.
I asked him, when I met with him, “Elder, what will happen with FYROM/Skopje?” [Back then] they were claiming the name “Macedonia” for their [newly created] state.
He said, “This is a ‘groundless’ state. It will be torn apart. Your attention should be on the Albanians. They might do harm to the entire Balkans.”
Now, we see the Albanians being used by the Turks, by Islamism …unfortunately so, even by NATO.
[Moderator]: “Your Eminence, we have three calls waiting and then let’s move to what is the substance of all the things you have spoken about.”
As you wish, you “govern” here. [Moderator]: “No, you said that we should see what can be done …”
And with your presence here in PIK [Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation], let’s see what we can do for the most beautiful journey to Pascha, what we can do [about it].”
Of course! [Moderator]: “Mr. Papantoniou, please?” [Mr. Papantoniou]: “Hello.”
[Moderator]: “Hello, Mr. Papantoniou.” [Mr. Papantoniou]: “I speak to you from Paralimni. Many years ago, I was in Greece and it happened that I met father Porphyrios (†1991), now Saint Porphyrios.
He asked me where I was from. Back then, I lived in Ayia Napa, so I told him from Ayia Napa.
He turned his head on the right, he put his hand, his fingers like this and it seemed as if he made a big prayer.
When he finished, he tells me, ‘Here are the heights of Ayia Napa, here is the sea in the south and in the north the heights. The monastery, the trees etc.’
[He described them] exactly as they are. I asked him, ‘Have you visited the place?’ He answered, ‘No, God enlightens me and I can see them.’
The other thing, when he ‘returned’ after the prayer, I tell him: ‘Father, tell me about the Cypriot issue.’
He asked me where I was from and I told him, I am a Cypriot from Ayia Napa.
He tells me: ‘There is no ‘permanent’ [viable] solution. There is no solution and if one is found, it will be a fake and temporary one. There is not one I see.’
I have more things to say which are considered miracles, but I will leave it here.” [Moderator]: “Thank you very much, Mr. Papantoniou. Be well! Let us listen to Ms. Katerina now and then we will listen to his Eminence. Ms. Katerina?”
[Ms. Katerina]: “Your Eminence, your Eminence.” Yes, my lady. [Ms. Katerina]: “[May I have] your blessing?” Our Lord’s blessing.
[Ms. Katerina]: “I am reading Daniel’s visions and he says that the fourth beast he saw, a beast with 10 horns and iron teeth. Is it possible that we are living these things?
Also, in Revelation, there is a mention 10 horns, 10 states. One withdraws.
I also read in Zechariah that our eyes will go out, our tongue will melt, our hands …”
The nuclear [weapons]. [Ms. Katerina]: “A nuclear war. This [is found] in Armageddon. What is the Armageddon?
Daniel also sees “the abomination of desolations” (Daniel 9:27) to sit in Jerusalem. I want you to tell me who is ‘the abomination of desolations?’”
It’s the Antichrist. It’s the Antichrist. But “the abomination of desolations” does not concern the present.
These are events [to follow] after the great peace that will arrive and the return of men to the true faith. This [great peace] won’t last indefinitely.
Concerning Armageddon, it’s the great war that will take place between the big states,
when they will “descend” from the places of Constantinople to the places where Mount Tabor is, somewhere close [to there].
There, “the battle of all battles” will take place. Israel with all the powers against Russia.
Many say that this is the Armageddon as described. Others say that it will take place later, during the era of Antichrist.
Personally, I think it’s the first one. [Moderator]: “Israel against Russia?” Yes. St. Paisios talked about this rivalry [that] you mention. Not [just] rivalry, great war.
Now, concerning the question of the gentleman about St. Porphyrios. First of all, he [the gentleman] describes how the Saints [were able to] see beyond time and space with the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit.
He says there won’t be a solution through talks and understanding of the political powers of both sides.
[Moderator]: “We have witnessed this.” Yes, we have and we are still witnessing it. And if we said such things, a year ago, Ms. Elita, they would say, “How come [Metropolitan of] Morphou does not wish for talks?”
I do wish for them, but since I see that Erdogan does not want [this]. [Moderator]: “Let’s go to Mr. Antonis, so we can take a break and, afterwards, I will give you the chance to say to us what is so important for Pascha. Mr. Antonis, please, we are listening.”
[Mr. Antonis Pillas]: “Good evening, your blessing, your Eminence. Elita, good evening. I am Antonis Pillas, I am not sure whether his Eminence remembers me.”
I do, the poet of Paphos. [Mr. Pillas]: “The views of his Eminence find me absolutely in agreement. They are more realistic than the realistic ones.
I would like to say that an Elder from Andros, Cyprianos, I am not sure if you know him.”
[Moderator]: Of course, we do. [Mr. Pillas]: “He lived before the World War and the ‘symptoms’ of our days are just like back then and even worse.
He also said, something I personally liked. He said, ‘Let the World War take place, so some scums can fall.’ He said it just like this.”
[Moderator]: I am still afraid about the innocent people who will also fall. [Mr. Pillas]: “The other thing I wanted to say was about Europe, sinful Europe.
I believe that their ‘crisis’ is they betrayed [Orthodox] Christianity and sided with Papism and everything that comes with it.
Still God is all-merciful. The Germans were Orthodox, and they are tired and ‘depressed’ by their systems. That’s all I wanted to say!”
[Moderator]: “Thank you very much. Your Eminence, will you allow me to go to a break. Do you want to add something before that?”
The fact that the Germans “will return” will be [nothing else but] a fruit of repentance. Repentance is not exclusive to Greeks.
There is repentance for the Turks, there will be repentance for the Germans and for all the well-intentioned people.
[Moderator]: “A tough lesson [to be paid] but we don’t care anymore [about God’s will]. Let’s take a break and we will be right back.”
[Moderator]: “We said many important things, you said them, we listened. Your Eminence, why will God allow, why the innocent and why experience all these?”
I think the Pascha [itself] answers the question. Why was Christ Crucified, Resurrected and Ascended to the Heaven?
To give us the chance to have His life in our lives, His sainthood in our everyday life, His eternity to find it as a reality after our falling asleep.
[Moderator]: “Exactly, exactly like that. That is, of course, if we live everything He taught." If we [manage to] live the Gospel, the love, the forgiveness, the repentance, right?
[Moderator]: "Great, each one of them, … mysteries." So, every single one of us, for some reason or cause, we will live this side of the earthly life and we will continue the spiritual dimension of the essence of the humankind.
This spiritual dimension is the life of Christ. What we call “Paradise” is the life of Christ in heaven.
[Moderator]: “When we die?” It starts from this life and it will go on in the eternal life and it will be multiplied.
If we have love, forgiveness and prayer from this life, it will turn into doxology, joy and multiple love in eternal life.
If we have evils, egoisms, hatred and we do not forgive and we do not have compassion for our fellow men in this life, our evilness will be multiplied.
[Moderator]: “Is that so?” Certainly, the “temptation” multiplies it. Thus, this is called hell. Things are simple!
The wars we described, the earthquakes, the plagues, that is the famines, the geological and other disasters. What are they?
They are—for a certain era of mankind—their “opportunity” to enter the eternal life.
[Moderator]: “Meaning to come to our senses.” Right. To come to our senses, to realize [our mistakes], then to come to repentance and realize who is our Lord and our God and which is the real life. Not to live in a lie and [live] virtually.
[Moderator]: "Even the people that are not so spiritual or religious, wrong use of [the word] religion – even [people] of our faith feel as you said.
There is a saturation, a superficiality, an egocentricity."
Do you know what one of the biggest owners of a cafeteria in old Nicosia told me? I am not going to say his name; he is well-known and he is my friend.
He came to see me recently. He says that the 35 year-olds of Nicosia say to him,
“Friend, you that go to church and have priest-friends, what is the meaning of life?”
I ask him, “What do you say to them?” He says, “I do not talk to them religiously. But I tell them half the truth, so they can look for the other half themselves.”
“What do you tell them?” I ask. “The meaning of life, my friend, is to live life. What do you live right now? You live your coffee in my cafeteria? Do you live it, are you happy with it?”
He replies, “Yes, I try to.” “Are you living the dialogue with me?” “Yes, and I am happy about it.” “You also have two parents, though. Do you ‘live’ them, or have you put them at the margin already? And tomorrow when they will die, you will have regrets…”
“They start ‘gathering’ themselves,” he tells me. “Do you have a girlfriend. Do you have a wife?” “Yes.” “Are you living in a right way with her or do you just take advantage of her?”
“How do you live your life? How do you spend your time? Is it a dead time, or is it creative?”
“How do you live nature? God gave us a few rains, the whole Cyprus sprouted and it became like Paradise. Are you living the spring of our land, of the creation of God?”
“Or, are all those things indifferent to you and the only thing that matters to you is your job, your 8-hours and then come to the cafeteria and [surf] on the web, in a virtual reality.”
Right away, he introduces them to a whole different … [Moderator]: “Life!” Life. He does not talk to them ecclesiastically. Repent, go to confession, receive [the Body and Blood of] Christ, who is the eternal life, which starts from this life however.
This taste of eternal life, Pascha, has already started. We do not just expect it on the 16 th of April, this year [2017].
If Neophytos [his name] does not forgive right now, how will he be able “to do Pascha” [i.e., celebrate Pascha] on the 16th of April. If he does not pray for all these [events] that are going to happen or are already happening right now.
When he does not partake of the pain of the sick, of the drug addicts, of the disoriented people and we only [stick to] verbalism, sermons without pain, without heart …
How am I supposed to do [i.e., celebrate] Pascha? Just because I did a bit of fasting? “The devil eats nothing,” I tell them. He is devil.
Why does this God, who is Resurrected from the dead, who beats death “trampling down death by death” and He offers remission of sins and eternal life,
and [offers] His Body and Blood in every Divine Liturgy. These are the Pascha. [Moderator]: “So, we can also be resurrected.”
Why does He allow all these things? He allows them for specific reasons and I will state them…
[Moderator]: “Since the show is coming to an end, if you can, your Eminence …” Yes, I will tell them briefly and with appalling reality as they were revealed to today’s Saintly people by the Saints of God and our very own Theotokos.
The first big cause of all these events that will take place are the unrepented abortions … which take place in all quarters of the globe.
The second is the extended blasphemy of the name of God, witchcrafts and satanism.
[Moderator]: “Those things do take place …” Yes, they do. Not just on our small island, in other areas of the globe where Orthodoxy does not have the strength of the many Liturgies.
They are extended and continuous and [have become] structured into the culture of people for centuries now.
The last one, probably the worst one which concerns all of us, are the many carnal sins which take place in a non-natural way both inside and outside marriage.
This last one, as a monk, I did not comprehend, and I asked a man of God and he told me the following:
“Why did God become man, my bishop? Because He had no body and He ‘borrowed’ His body from Theotokos. And this body, our body, He turned it into a God-man body.
He resurrected it, He beat its death, its sin, its temptation, He lifted it up to heaven and [placed] it on the right of the God-Father.
And He offers it in every Divine Liturgy, is it not so? ‘[f]or the remission of sins and unto life everlasting.’ [from the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom].” “What do we do to this body?” he says. “We kill it with the abortions, with the non-natural [carnal sins], and with the so-called modern rights, we defile it.”
And what the Psalter says is fulfilled. “A man being in honor did not understand; He was compared to the senseless cattle, and became like them.” (Psalms 48:13)
It says, man who was made, is made, for honor, to be honored by God, [failed to] comprehend this thing and he was “meddled” with animals and became like them and lost his honor.
[Moderator]: “Your Eminence, thank you very much. We wish you a blessed Resurrection [of the Lord]. We hope we will have the chance to host you after Pascha.”
Thank you, God willing. [Moderator]: “Let us not forget, this Sunday at 7am at St. Mamas where [his Eminence will serve] the Divine Liturgy."
Palm Sunday, “the Feast of Olive.” Blessed Pascha to the people! [Moderator]: “Blessed Pascha! Be well!”
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