Talk 21: Encounters with a Clairvoyant Elder
Elder Porphyrios of Greece, an extraordinary Holy Father of our own days, was given the gift of clairvoyance (not to be confused with the popular psychic phenomenon) by God for his humility, love, and faithfulness to Orthodoxy. This gift enabled him to see into the past, present, and future. He was able to look into people’s souls and see their passions, deceptions, and thoughts. He also revealed to many their medical conditions, both physical and mental, healing them as God willed. In speaking of the Elder’s clairvoyance, Fr. Kosmas describes how the Elder revealed what was happening in another country, how he disclosed to a taxi driver the driver’s dark and hidden secret, a Roman Catholic monk’s amazement at the Elder’s clairvoyance, and other examples of the Elder’s extraordinary gift.
Fr. Kosmas continues this talk by discussing various questions: What is the difference between an Orthodox elder and a psychic? Can the possessed reveal our sins? Can psychics really reveal the unknown? Why do Muslims go to Orthodox churches for prayers and miracles? Is Ecumenism less dangerous today than in the past? Can the prayers of monastics be more effective than those of a bishop? Why did the Elder blame parents for their children’s problems? Should parents tell their fellow Orthodox about their suicidal children? Why is it increasingly important for Orthodox priests to speak about the Church’s miracles and divine help?
Other topics examined in this talk are: a cure for depression; the belief that monastics care only about themselves; a mother who is told that her beloved son will strike her; expensive good luck charms; the miracle of the Holy Fire in Jerusalem; the obsession of some Orthodox Christians to convert people to Orthodoxy; and why associating with certain people can be spiritually harmful.
Talk Duration: 183 minutes
3 CD set