Talk 16: Encounters with Elder Paisios of Mount Athos
Elder Paisios (1924-1994) was a rare ascetic and man of prayer in our modern world. As a God-bearing elder, he had the prophetic gift of being able to see into men’s souls, and, from his hermitage on the Holy Mountain, he guided and healed thousands of people who came to him with their spiritual and physical infirmities.
In this talk, Father Kosmas relates the experiences of a number of people who visited the Elder: their problems, concerns, questions, and the Elder’s response in each case. This not only provides a clear illustration of the gift of eldership, but the wide range of topics discussed in the course of these encounters is sure to interest anyone trying to lead a Christian life in this age of religious confusion.
The Elder addresses such questions as: Can our sins affect our loved ones? What is meant by being tied to the devil? Why does God allow incurable illnesses? Is it always beneficial to witness a miracle? Based on the Elder’s teachings, Father Kosmas expands on some of these subjects and introduces others: Is walking on water a sign of holiness? Why did Elder Paisios refuse to see a certain person? How was he able to stop a young man from committing suicide? Why can it be dangerous to dismiss an elder’s advice? What is the difference between the clairvoyance of an Orthodox elder and a psychic? Can all holy people guide souls?
Also included in this talk are discussions about the effects of Internet pornography on spiritual life; intellectual spirituality and pride of the mind; trusting one’s thoughts, mental illness and deception; how to distinguish between real and fake or demonically-inspired miracles; practicing obedience even to non-Orthodox; UFO abductions; and a young man’s encounter with demons on Mount Athos.
Talk Duration: 208 minutes
3 CD set