Barbara wrote:Not to sidetrack the discussion but wanted to mention that there have been some statues venerated in Russia, even.
One which comes to mind is that of St Nil Stolobensky. I didn't see it myself but was informed about it by a woman pilgrim who had.So there are a few statues - not well known - which are tucked away. But not popularized either for this reason of statues being looked down upon by Orthodoxy, or just not a major factor in the spiritual life of the country.
I think few people know about this particular statue which is reportedly small.
So, it seems that the pagan worship is coming back. It's been slowly edging it's way. Not surprising since paganism is a popular thing with this culture. Looks like it's turned full circle and we are living in the times of Godlessness, but in a worse degree. We really are living in the times that the first Christians had to suffer. You know, with this new Bill of same sex marriage and the belief that any life can be terminated, it feels like we are living beyond the ancient Roman Empire. We've surpassed them.
Am I presumptuous to say that we may be the last Christians of the end times? Remember what Christ said that the first will be last and the last will be first. It's not a matter of prestigious positions, but He was really talking about the fact that if we, at the last times endure the evil forces, then we will have gained more than the Christians of the firsts times. He was really talking about us. Just think about it. He was seeing us, in our time, when He was saying that. He was seeing all of us in the horrific state that we will have to live in this society that has become so evil.
Look at all that is allowed in this world. Abortion, Euthanasia, assisted suicide (with cooperation of doctors!), marriage of same sex, evolution lie, and many others that I can't think of now. These have all become laws. If we, as Christians, speak against it, we can be arrested and thrown in jail. We can lose our jobs. People will look at us as if we are insane.
Maybe life was confused and corrupted at the beginning of the 20th century, but they still had some common decency. Now, there is nothing left. It's really become insane/demonic.
Do you know what the real meaning of the mark of the beast is? The one on the forehead means that a person will accept the ideas of the evil concepts in this society. They will think the same way. The one on the hand means that they may not approve of the views, but they will still act with acceptance just to save their skins. These are the marks.
Sorry Barbara. I just get so upset because I see where society is heading and I'm just wondering when will the bomb drop in my life. We are moving towards great devastation. We must hold strong to our faith in God.
