Talk 10: The Struggle of Saint Xenia the Fool-for-Christ for Her Unrepentant Departed Husband
Saint Xenia was happily married to an army colonel who suddenly died while drinking with his friends, without Confession and Holy Communion. In order to repent for her husband’s sins, Saint Xenia began to wear his uniform and insist that she be called by his name. Taking up a life of homeless wandering and foolishness for Christ’s sake in St. Petersburg, Russia, she endured mockery and abuse from Orthodox Christians who did not understand her. She is an example of a woman who loved her husband so much that, after his death, she dedicated the remaining time of her life to struggling for his soul by means of prayer and almsgiving.
Saint Xenia is especially called upon for help with everyday problems, such as finding employment, housing, a spouse, or missing children. She also helps those suffering from alcoholism, marital problems, childlessness, and depression.
Among the topics included in this talk are: the temptations of those who serve in the Church - altar boys, readers, chanters, clergy; Christians who ignore their selfishness; not regarding everyday tasks as spiritual; child abuse in the spiritual life; childbearing; the beauty of loving one’s spouse; finding a spouse; love beyond the grave; the highest form of love; the “magic” of credit cards; whether homosexuals are born that way; whether paedophilia should be considered one of the passions; martyrs in hospitals; the two types of unrepentant Christians; whether good can come of catastrophe; emotional funerals; how God can look over everyone’s life simultaneously; the deception of “loving” your enemies; spiritual reasons for ADHD; whether women can work while raising children; soul killers; praying for the non-Orthodox; and more.
Talk Duration: 135 minutes
Chanting Duration: 33 minutes
Sermon Duration: 34 minutes
3 CD set