Orthodox Talks

Since the events of September 11, 2001, there has been much in the media regarding martyrs, martyrdom, sacrifice, jihad, etc. Because of this, many Orthodox Christians are confused about what true martyrdom is. Furthermore, the very mention of martyrdom causes many to have a negative reaction.

In this talk, Father Kosmas outlines what an Orthodox martyr is and the attitude that Orthodox Christians should have towards those of different faiths. He answers a very important question: is every desire for martyrdom spiritually healthy? Furthermore, using the life of the New-Martyr Constantine (June 2), he examines whether such a desire can in fact come from pride.

The following questions are also discussed: it is easy to hate those who wish us harm, but is this allowed for an Orthodox Christian? Should Orthodox Christians be proud that they have the True Faith and, because of this, disdain those of other faiths? Why do the demons afflict those who produce Orthodox materials and services in English? Can zeal for the truth stem from pride? Why has it been said that “only idiots believe in dreams”? Were the martyrs scared of denying Christ during their sufferings? What are the dangers when making promises to God?

Other points covered in this talk include: true and false conversions to Orthodoxy; counterfeit spirituality; tricks of the demons; whether there are good ghosts and bad ghosts; spiritual ignorance; the difference between spiritual fathers and confessors; the many temptations to deny Christ today; how lack of discernment can lead to spiritual disaster; obedience and humility; the dangers of fantasy; true and false inner peace; the bedsores of lounge chair confessors; “holy” liars; and the blessedness of seeking God’s will.

Duration: 1hr 36mins

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More and more lives of saints have become available in English. Many of the Holy Fathers of the Church have said that it is absolutely necessary for one’s salvation to read the lives of saints. This statement seems harsh to some: why such an emphasis on reading the lives of the saints? The answer is that by studying their lives, Orthodox Christians are able to see the teachings of the Gospel in practice. Trying to read and apply the Gospels without following the example of the saints can lead to heresy and deception.

In this talk, Father Kosmas relates the life of New-Martyr Constantine. As a Turk, Saint Constantine knew that converting to Orthodoxy from Islam would result in the death sentence. Regardless of this, he set out for Mount Athos to receive Holy Baptism. After listening to this life, one will have no doubt that the lives of saints can be applied to our own lives in many ways.

The following questions are also discussed: does God help the non-Orthodox? Is obedience really that important? Did the Holy Fathers of Mount Athos compromise with the Muslim authorities? To what degree may we judge those who have made compromises in difficult situations? What attitude should the Orthodox have towards non-Orthodox?

Other points covered in this talk include: visions and dreams; sorcery; conversion of Muslims to Orthodoxy; the devil’s tricks; supernatural phenomena in the media; Islam and Orthodoxy; spiritual stubbornness; sociopaths and the mentally ill; being judged according to one’s conscience; mediums; ghost chasers; corrupt monastics and clergy; and UFOs.

Duration: 1hr 41mins

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The Church’s teachings regarding death and the afterlife are something everyone should know. Simple observation, however, demonstrates that most people, including Orthodox Christians, are not familiar with these essential truths. Since we will all face death, the question naturally arises: why is there such ignorance, neglect and fear in a matter concerning the eternal salvation of our souls? God desires that all come to the knowledge of the truth and thereby attain salvation. The desire of the demons, however, is to keep us ignorant in order to prevent our salvation, for our salvation is hateful and agonizing to them.

In this talk, Father Kosmas uses many excellent examples to explain the teachings of the Orthodox Church on the topic of death and dying. After listening to this talk, one will understand that the Church offers blessed eternal life to the souls who have reposed in the hope of God’s mercy and love.

Questions discussed include: should Christians fear death? Is all contact with the spiritual world evil? Can the reposed make contact with the living? Can good deeds help us after death? Why do some people die a violent death? Why don’t some bodies decompose? Can the Church release sinners from hell? What are the toll-houses? How can helping the dead help us?

Other points included in this talk are: ecumenism beyond the grave; the difference between natural, divine, and demonic apparitions and dreams; the importance of our Guardian Angel before and after death; unconfessed sins after death; the importance of commemorating the dead; the pain of the soul at the hour of death; the Church’s prayers before and after the departure of the soul; the appearance of demons at the time of death; and reciting the Creed at the time of death.

Duration: 2hrs 30mins

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In almost any bookstore or library, as well as online and on television, one can find numerous accounts of “near-death experiences”—first-hand experiences of people who have died or nearly died and then returned to life. Such people often describe meeting a “being of light” that is non-judgemental and full of love, as well as many other pleasant encounters and sensations. These accounts have greatly influenced public opinion on matters relating to death and the afterlife, even among many Orthodox Christians.

In this talk, Father Kosmas discusses how many people today feel that this new teaching offers a more enlightened and humane attitude towards death and dying. He describes how these accounts are even promoted as a helpful way to prepare the dying for the transition from this life to the next. It is claimed that these accounts remove the fear of death, replacing it with a calm acceptance, or even an eager anticipation, of death and the afterlife. Although the Orthodox Church possesses the truth about death and dying, many Orthodox Christians have unfortunately been influenced by these teachings.

The following questions are also discussed: is it true that when a person dies they can see their own body? Should Orthodox Christians fear death? What were the saints concerned with at the time of their death? Why does society object to treating hell as a reality? Why have scientists and doctors become interested in dying and the afterlife? How do modern near-death and afterlife experiences promote suicide? Can a soul see and hear after death? Can the dead appear and talk to the living?

Other points covered in this talk include: ancient civilizations and their beliefs about the afterlife; negative opinions about traditional Christian teachings on the afterlife; how blind people who died during an operation could see everything in the operating room; how angels at times appear to the dying as dead relatives or friends; accounts of people who died and were resuscitated and what they saw; visions at the time of death; society’s powerlessness to help the dying; the three types of ESP: natural, divine and demonic; and spiritual communism in the West.

Duration: 2hrs 4mins

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This sermon is No.14 of 14 sermons given by Father Kosmas during his visits to the parish of St George Church, Carlton, Sydney, Australia.

Duration: 28 mins

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This sermon is No.13 of 14 sermons given by Father Kosmas during his visits to the parish of St George Church, Carlton, Sydney, Australia.

Duration: 28 mins

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This sermon is No.12 of 14 sermons given by Father Kosmas during his visits to the parish of St George Church, Carlton, Sydney, Australia.

Duration: 20 mins

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This sermon is No.11 of 14 sermons given by Father Kosmas during his visits to the parish of St George Church, Carlton, Sydney, Australia.

Duration: 30 mins

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This sermon is No.10 of 14 sermons given by Father Kosmas during his visits to the parish of St George Church, Carlton, Sydney, Australia.

Duration: 45mins

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This sermon is No.9 of 14 sermons given by Father Kosmas during his visits to the parish of St George Church, Carlton, Sydney, Australia.

Duration: 35 mins

Visit our website at www.OrthodoxTalks.com