Moderator: Mark Templet
Nicholas,
But you seem to be forgetting, I've given the exact same advice many times over the years, including on this forum, when I was Orthodox. And what I said was true, so what does it matter whether I am Orthodox or Buddhist (which I most certainly am not 
)? Would you suggest something otherwise than what I suggested?
I read Justin's post above and was intrigued by his post. Realising that I must have missed something I went back and read the following written by Deacon Nikolai:
Also, for the record for our inquirer, RE: Justin Kissel's response, please note that he considers himself an ex-Orthodox Christian at this point.
First off, I have to say that I am deeply disturbed by Fr Nikolai's comment. In my own personal opinion he should have never made it.
Secondly, you cannot un-become Orthodox. If a soul is in trouble, doubting itself, questioning his decisions, it is the ABSOLUTE DUTY of any Orthodox cleric to pray for that soul...unceasingly. Rather the above comment makes it seem like we have thrown an Orthodox soul out with the bath water because it is floundering.
I have a friend who was in a similar situation. Everyone was ready to cut him off. I had to shame a priest into remembering his duty to the lost soul. It is through the unceasing prayers of his Church, people on this forum and others, my friend found the answers he was looking for and came back into the "fold".
Who are we to judge another, who are we to say who is a right-believing Orthodox? For that matter what kind of example are we showing to someone who wants to become Orthodox? Lord, have mercy on us all!!
I for one will add Justin and his family to my comemmoration book and will pray that he finds his way back to the belief he has always displayed here.
I am deeply disappointed in my Orthodox brothers.
Milla
apostasy is never to be coddled, and excusing it only makes it seem more acceptible. I recommend stark akriveia--the shock tends to bring people to their senses better than skewing the borders of Truth with falsehood and offering spiritual profligacy milk and cookies...There is no salvation outside the Church for salvation IS the Church, ie Jesus Christ the God-man.
Orthodoxia I Thanatos!
Rostislav Mikhailovich Malleev-Pokrovsky
The Nietzsche quote of certain parties is nothing to take solace in. That tormented man died in a rubber room wearing a straight jacket loving a God he could no longer believe in. Only the worst spiritual advice comes from such places.
Justin Kissel wrote:Nicholas,
But you seem to be forgetting, I've given the exact same advice many times over the years, including on this forum, when I was Orthodox. And what I said was true, so what does it matter whether I am Orthodox or Buddhist (which I most certainly am not
Dear Justin,
You are or were in ROCOR-L? Maybe as the Grace of God is leaving that jurisdiction you no longer feel Him in your soul, but Christ is still there, the Holy Spirit is still descending on the gifts offered on Orthodox altars, you just have to find where they are.
Most people get doubts at some time. Its how we deal with them that counts.
I dont know you so there isnt anything more I can say.
Theophan.
Justin Kissel wrote:Nicholas,
But you seem to be forgetting, I've given the exact same advice many times over the years, including on this forum, when I was Orthodox. And what I said was true, so what does it matter whether I am Orthodox or Buddhist (which I most certainly am not
Dear Justin:
I Believe you should respect the rules of the Cafe, you have not referred to a clergyman in a way allowed here and also as respectfully it should be, simply for question of respect.
Priest Siluan
Moderator
Rostislav wrote:
apostasy is never to be coddled, and excusing it only makes it seem more acceptible. I recommend stark akriveia--the shock tends to bring people to their senses better than skewing the borders of Truth with falsehood and offering spiritual profligacy milk and cookies...
I am glad that you are so sure of the strength of your faith that you can find in yourself the self-righteousness to judge another for his faltering, his doubt. There very few people in this world who can say unequivocally that they have never doubted, never questioned, I would even venture to say that none of us in this day and age can say they have not doubted or wavered. That we remain Orthodox is a mark of God mercy on our souls.
The measure of our love for our fallen brother is I think the measure by which God will judge us. It is better that you say "Lord have mercy on this floundering soul, show him the light of Your truth!" than for you to call him an apostate and never even spare him a prayer or two. You presume to know God's plan for the individual.
It is our duty to each of our fallen brothers or sisters to pray that God will be merciful and lead them back. Their punishment is the doubt, the torture, the discontent of their path, I hardly call that coddling, and hardly a milk and cookies fate. I have seen and even felt what that torment can do to someone's soul. I pray that you never experience it.
Milla
