Bishop Photii - On the current situation of ROCOR

[GOCTheophan]

. Are things so bad today that only a small handful of some Greek or Russian traditionalists somewhere hidden in the world, comprise the true Church of Christ? If this is the case, then we are truly in the very last days. All around me is heresy and apostasy. I stand completely alone within a several hundred mile radius. This is very difficult.

Indeed things are that terrible and indeed it really does look that we are in the very last days, I seriously dont understand how anyone can deny that reality. I for one except to see the personal Antichrist enthroned before I reach 40.

It is very difficult. Perilous times have come. I for one cant see myself escaping the judgement of hell at this time.

May the Lord have mercy on us all!

Theophan.

[Pravoslavnik]

Evfimy,

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   My situation is very similar to yours.  I have been trying to read the Typika, and would like to make a trip to one of the ROCOR parishes under the Ukrainian Bishop Agafangel for confession and communion this year.  The scriptures speak of "even the very elect" being deceived in the last times, and that may be true.  When Christ God returns, "will he find true faith upon the earth?"

   Today, September 11/24, is the day of St. Euphrosynos, and I pray that St. Euphrosynos will intercede for all of us so that we may discern the truth, chose the right path during these difficult times, and, with St. Euphrosynos, also be vouchsafed a vision of Paradise some day!  Please, also, pray to God for me, a sinner, and for my family, who have no parish of our own, following the Act of Canonical Communion between the ROCOR-Laurus and the MP.

[Evfimy]

While the jurisdictional chaos has caused me many problems, the virtual complete lack of love and compassion from professing Orthodox Christians has caused me many doubts. If anyone knows where the "true" Orthodox Church is amidst this world of apostasy, ecumenism, masonry, schism and heresy, please e-mail me. I would really like to know.

[Evfimy]

Sorry, I didn't see those last two comments before I posted my last response. Christians have always believed they are in the last days. They have always believed the Antichrist to be just around the corner. I think extreme apocalypticism can be dangerous. As far as I can tell,the true ROAC with Metropolitan Valentine (not Fr. Gregory of Colorado), ROCOR-V and the GOC with Archbishop Chrystodoulos, are true churches.