Persecution of Mount Athos' Esphigmenou Monastery by the EP

[Euthymios]

A monk doesn't own anything. Their home is in heaven. In defending their right to stay in the monastery, they are showing they have pride and are still attached to material things.

"Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you" (Luke 6:27).

"And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; amd him that taketh away they cloak forbid not to take they coat also" (Luke 6:29).

"Give to every man that asketh of thee, and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again" (Luke 6:30).

"But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again..." (Luke 6:35).

I would never assert my will if I was there, and I would be in obedience to whatever my spiritual father wanted. But I do not believe their actions represent the ideal and purfect picture of Christianity. A monk trusts God and never takes matters into his own hands.

[joasia]

So you're an expert, Euthymios? Your comment is simply your own opinion and that is how it will stay. I don't agree with it.

[Euthymios]

No, I gave the opinion of Jesus Christ. He doesn't mince words nor does He stutter. What part of those citations from the New Testament did you not understand?

That's what I'm talking about. "Orthodox" today are only external Orthodox. They have all the trappings and outward mainfestations of Christianity, but they don't live the faith and bring it to its logical conclusion.

You Stated: People may think that the monks are living in extremes;that their view of Orthodoxy is extreme and to the point of fanatic. But, that is understandable, considering that we, in the world, don't preserve that spiritual discipline.

My Response: Speak for yourself, please. I live in the world and I preserve Orthodoxy and the traditional cause to the point of what would be considered by many to be insane. Perhaps it is insane.

[ANGELA]

Euthymios,

Let me ask you a question? If you were evicted from your home, would you put up a fight? These monks are fighting for the truth!!!
How dare you speak like that saying that they are holding on to material things . They are fighting for the truth.

Joanna is right. Keep your opinions to yourself!

And furthermore I have noticed since you joined you have created havoc. Going through most of the threads and writing whatever you feel. It seems to me you must have a lot of time on your hands. When you speak of external Orthodox don't speak of others, as you do not know all Orthodox.

[Euthymios]

"Let me ask you a question? If you were evicted from your home, would you put up a fight? These monks are fighting for the truth!!!
How dare you speak like that saying that they are holding on to material things . They are fighting for the truth.

Joanna is right. Keep your opinions to yourself! "

My Response: You just asked my opinion above then proceeded to tell me to keep my opinion to myself. And no, I could not put up a fight if I was evicted. I would love and forgive my evictors. And the best way to fight for the truth is to turn the other cheek.

[joasia]

Euthymios wrote:

My Response: Speak for yourself, please. I live in the world and I preserve Orthodoxy and the traditional cause to the point of what would be considered by many to be insane. Perhaps it is insane.

The fact that you get negative responses to your post shows that you are not reacting with love...which is the core of the worship of Christ, Orthodoxy. Don't you see it in yourself? Don't exalt your Orthodox living. That is the FIRST sign of prelest. Just admit that you are not living the way God wants you to live...for the mere fact that YOU want to argue.

My Response: You just asked my opinion above then proceeded to tell me to keep my opinion to myself. And no, I could not put up a fight if I was evicted. I would love and forgive my evictors. And the best way to fight for the truth is to turn the other cheek.

You certainly don't follow the law of turning the other cheek here, in your posts. Your responses would reflect love.

Truely, I don't feel that in your posts. So, no. You are not turning the other cheek here.

And...you are new here. I've come to know the other people here, like Angela. You really should give this Cafe some time.

If you are not yourself as you mentioned in another post, then take some time to get to know us.

Stop judging. We are reacting to you, not the other way around. We were already here....YOU are the new one.

But, we are giving you the time of day. If you had humility then you would reconsider your posts and appreciate the advise you are given.

There's no need to be hostile.

In Christ,

Joanna

[ANGELA]

Euthymios,

Once again, (as Joanna kindly pointed out) you are hypocritical. You say you would not put up a fight if your home was taken from you. Didn't you post a forum on "Orthodox Millionairs" requesting help for your property that was sold to someone else?

You might need to go back and see this forum again!!!!

What exactly are you seeking here???

Do you need help in our Orthodox Faith? We can help

Do you have info to share about our faith? We are more than happy to hear.