God's First Testament
"Pay attention, my people, to my law," the Lord God of Hosts commanded through His chosen one and the prophet Moses on Mount Sinai:
1. I am the Lord your God... Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.
2. Do not make for yourself an idol or any image of what is in the sky above, and what is on the earth below, and what is in the water below the earth.
3. Do not pronounce the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave without punishment the one who pronounces His name in vain.
4. Work for six days, and do all your work; and the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.
5. Honor your father and your mother, that your days on earth may be long.
6. Don't kill.
7. Do not commit adultery.
8. Don't steal.
9. Do not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. Do not covet your neighbor's house; do not covet your neighbor's wife; neither his servant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is with your neighbor.
Verily, this law is short, but these commandments speak much to anyone who can think and who wants to save his soul.
But those who do not understand with their hearts this main God's law will not be able to accept either Christ or His teachings. Whoever does not learn to swim in shallow water will not dare to swim to the depth, fearing to drown. And whoever does not learn to walk first will not be able to run, for he will fall and be broken. And whoever does not first learn to count to ten will never be able to count thousands. And whoever does not first learn to read in syllables will never master fluent speech and writing. And whoever does not first lay the foundation of the house will try in vain to build a roof.
And again: who does not fulfill the commandments of the first God's law will knock in vain on the doors of the kingdom of heaven.
This is what, it turns out, these very first commandments of God mean, if we look at them closer and think about them longer.
I am the Lord your God... Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.
It means:
God is one and there are no other gods besides Him. All creatures come from Him, live by Him, and return to Him. All strength and power resides in God, and there is no strength outside of God. And the power of light, and the power of water, air, and stone is the power of God. If an ant crawls, a fish swims and a bird flies, then this is thanks to God. The ability of a seed to grow, the ability of grass to breathe, and the ability of a person to live, all come from God. All powers are the property of God, and every creature receives its power from God. The Lord gives to everyone what He needs and takes back when He needs it. Therefore, when you want to gain the ability to do something, turn only to God, for only God is the source of life-giving and mighty power. There are no sources other than Him. Pray to the Lord like this:
"God, the Gracious, the only inexhaustible Source of strength, strengthen me, the weak, so that I can better serve You. God, give me wisdom so that I do not use the strength received from You for evil, but only for the good of myself and my neighbors to magnify Your glory . Amen."
Then, in God is all wisdom, and outside of God there is neither wisdom nor a drop of knowledge. The Lord endowed every creature with a particle of His wisdom. Therefore, my brother, if you think that God gave wisdom only to man, you will be mistaken. A bee and a fly, a swallow and a stork, a tree and a stone, water and air, fire and wind have reason. The Wisdom of God abides in everything, and nothing could exist without a grain of wisdom. By the wisdom of God, the animal senses danger in advance; and the bee builds honeycombs; and the fly anticipates the rain; and the swallow builds a nest; and the stork nurses the chicks; and the tree knows how it must grow; and the stone knows how to be silent and be a crystal; and the water knows that it must flow down from the mountain, and knows how to fly in a cloud; and the fire dormant in every thing can warm and shine; and the wind knows how to blow in the right direction, blowing out rubbish and bringing health to the sick. At the same time, no one and nothing has its own wisdom, which he himself created or himself generated, but all wisdom stems from the one and only source of all wisdom. And that source is in God. Therefore, when you seek wisdom, seek it only in God, for the Lord is the Source of life-giving and great Wisdom. There is no other Source besides this Source. So pray to God like this:
"God, Almighty and All-Seeing, endow me, the unwise, with Your life-giving wisdom, so that I can better serve You. And guide me, Lord, so that I do not use the knowledge given to me for evil, like Satan, but only for the good of myself and my neighbor to glorify Your name, Amen."
Then, in God - all goodness. That is why Christ said that "no one is good, except God alone." His goodness includes His mercy, patience, and forgiveness of sinners. The Lord endowed all His creation with His kindness. Therefore, in any creature of God there is Divine goodness. Even the devil has God's goodness, because of which he wishes good for himself, and not evil, but out of his stupidity he thinks that he will achieve good by evil, that is, by causing evil to all God's creatures, he does good for himself. Oh, how much goodness of God is in every God's creation! In stone, in plant, in beast, in fire, in water, in air! All this kindness is received from God - the inexhaustible, bottomless and great Source of all virtue. Therefore, when you want to become kinder, do not look for kindness anywhere but God. He alone has kindness in abundance. So pray like this:
"Good, All-Merciful and Long-Suffering God, grant me, the wicked, Thy kindness, so that from Thy kindness I rejoice and shine and be able to serve You even more and better. Lead me and support me, Lord, so that I do not direct Your kindness to evil, like Satan, but only for joy and happiness, so that I can shine with kindness and illuminate myself and all of Your creatures surrounding me with it.
"Let there be no other gods but Me," commanded the Lord. But why do you need other gods, if there is the Lord God of hosts? As soon as you have two gods, know that one of them is the devil. And you cannot serve both God and the devil at the same time, just as one ox cannot plow two fields at the same time, just as one candle cannot light up two houses at the same time. The ox does not need two masters, for they will tear it to pieces; and forests do not need two suns, for they will burn; and the ant does not need two drops of water, for he will drown in them; and a child does not need two mothers, for a "child without an eye" will remain. And you do not need two gods, because you will not become richer, but poorer. So stay alone with your only Lord of Hosts, in Whom is all strength, all wisdom and all kindness, inseparable, inexhaustible, infinite. Honor Him, the One, bow to Him, only fear Him. And when you begin to pray to Him, pray like this:
"Lord, my God, to You belongs an innumerable number of creations, but Your creations cannot have more than one God, You, the One in Essence. Drive away, Lord, from me bad thoughts and dreams about other gods. God, cleanse my soul, illuminate it, expand and dwell in it, You, the Only One, as the King in Your palace. It will lift my spirit, strengthen me, educate, correct and renew. Glory and praise to You, the One True God, Who rises above all false deities, like a mountain top above a reflection in a puddle. Amen."
Second Commandment
Do not make for yourself an idol or any image of what is in heaven above, and what is on the earth below, and what is in the water below the earth.
It means:
Do not deify creation as the Creator. If you climbed a high mountain where you met the Lord God, why would you look back at the shadows in the puddle under the mountain? If a certain person longed to see the king and after much effort managed to stand before him, why would he then look around to the right and left at the king's servants? He can look around to the right and to the left for two reasons: either because he does not dare to stand face to face before the king, or because he thinks that the king alone cannot help him.
But why does a person not dare to stand alone before the face of the King of God? Is not that King at the same time his Father? And when a man is afraid to stand face to face with his father?
Didn't the Lord think about you, man, even before you were born? Was it not He who inaudibly touched you with His fingers in a dream and in reality, and you did not even suspect about it. Doesn't He think of you every day more than you think of yourself? Why are you afraid of him then? Verily, you fear God not as a man, but as a sinner. Sin always breeds fear. And he appears where there is no place for him or his creatures. It is sin that makes you turn your eyes away from the King and turn your eyes to the servants. Among servants sin is easy; this is his environment, where he rules and feasts. But you must know that the King is more merciful than the servants. Therefore, do not hide your eyes, but boldly look at the King, your Father. The look of the King will incinerate the sin in you. So the sunbeam destroys the harmful dirt in the water, purifying it, and the water becomes drinkable.
Or do you not believe that the King God will be able to help you, and therefore you rely on His servants?
But think for yourself: if the Lord God cannot help you, then all his servants are even less. Do not all of God's creatures expect help from God? So what kind of help from the creatures of God do you hope for? If a thirsty person cannot drink from a bubbling mountain spring, then will he get drunk, absorbing the dew from the meadow grasses, drop by drop?
Who deifies a carved face or a painted image? Only those who do not know the carver and painter. Anyone who does not believe in God or does not know about Him is forced to deify things, for a person must deify something. The Lord carved mountains and valleys, fashioned plants and animal bodies; He painted meadows and fields, clouds and lakes. The one who understands this praises the Lord as the greatest Carver and Painter, and the one who does not know this praises the very engravings and canvases of God.
But this is not the worst sin. The most terrible sin is when a person deifies what he himself created, the work of his hands and his mind. The savages carve an idol for themselves out of wood and pray and worship it. But savages are forgiven. Their savagery is their excuse. The true and eternal Lord God is merciful and indulgent towards them. Those prayers with which they turn to their wooden product, He accepts as if they were directed to Him, and sends help and protection to His unenlightened children.
Another thing is enlightened people. There are many cultured people who create something with their mind or with their hands, and consider their own creation to be a deity. There are artists who bow before their painting and worship it like a real deity. There are writers who, having written a book, will drive it into their heads that their book is the pinnacle of heaven and earth, and worship this book of theirs. There are rich people who scoop up good things like a hamster for the winter, and begin to turn up their nose and look up, not noticing God and His light, worshiping their rotten, moth-eaten wealth. Where a man has all his thoughts and all his heart, there is his God.
If a certain person devotes all his thoughts and gives his whole soul to his family and does not know another god, then his family is a deity for him. It is a disease of the soul of one kind.
If a certain person devotes all his thoughts and gives all his heart to gold and silver and does not want to know another god, then gold and silver for him is a deity whom he worships day and night, until the night of death overtakes him and plunges him into darkness. This is a disease of the soul of a different kind.
If a certain person concentrates all his thoughts on rising above other people, tries at all costs to be the first, desires fame and praise, considers himself the best among all people and all creatures in heaven and on earth, then such a person - himself a deity to whom he sacrifices everything. This is a disease of the soul of the third kind.
You see, brother, only sick souls do not know the true God. And healthy souls are healthy thanks to knowledge and faith in the true one Lord God, Creator and Ruler of all human families, all gold and silver, all mortal people on earth.
If someone writes the name of God on paper, or on a tree, or on a stone, or in snow, or in mud, then honor this paper, and this tree, and this stone, and snow, and dirt for the sake of the Most Holy Name written on them. However, do not deify that on which the most holy name is written.
Or when someone depicts the face of God on anything, you bow, but know that you do not worship the matter on which the Lord is written, but the Living Great God, Whom the image reminds of.
Or when someone pronounces or sings the Name of the Lord, you bow, but know that you are worshiping not a human voice, but the Living and Mighty God, Whom the human language reminded you of.
Or when you see the greatness of the stars of heaven at night, you bow low, but bow not to the creation of the hands of God, but to the Lord Most High, Who is higher than the stars, the radiance of which reminds you of Him.
And when you kneel in the evening, pray like this:
"Lord, my God! I know You alone, I recognize and praise you always: and when the day reveals to me all Your Beauty through the beauty of Your deeds, and when the night covers everything with a dark mantle and leaves me alone with You. Amen.
Third Commandment
Do not pronounce the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave without punishment the one who pronounces His name in vain.
What?! Are there really those who dare to commemorate, without reason and need, the name that leads to trembling - the name of the Lord God Most High? When the name of God is pronounced in heaven, the heavens bow, the stars flash brighter, the Archangels and Angels sing: "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts," and the saints and saints of God fall on their faces. Then who among mortals dares to commemorate the Most Holy Name of God without spiritual trembling and without deep sighing from longing for God?
If a person is dying, give him any name, and you will not be able to cheer him up or restore peace to his soul. But when you remember one single name - the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, you will cheer up and calm him down. And the one leaving for another world with his last glance will thank you for the balm shed on his soul.
If relatives turn away from a person or friends betray him, and he realizes that he is alone in this boundless world, then remember him, tired of loneliness on the way, the name of God, and you will, as it were, give him a staff for his heavy hands and feet.
If evil neighbors take up arms against someone and bring them to shackles and prison with false testimonies, bending the judges against the righteous to your side, approach the sufferer and whisper the name of the Lord in his ear. And at the same moment, tears will flow from his eyes, tears of hope and faith, and heavy shackles will seem to him easier than a fake rosary.
If someone drowns in the depths and remembers the name of God at the last moment between life and death, then his strength will be doubled.
If a scientist tries to solve some difficult riddle of nature and, feeling that he has vainly relied on his limited mind, one day he remembers the name of God, then a sudden illumination will stir his soul, and the veil of mystery will be lifted.
The parable of the blasphemer
One goldsmith sat in his shop at a workbench and, while working, incessantly remembered the name of God in vain: either as an oath, or as a favorite word. A certain pilgrim, a haji, returning from holy places, passing by a shop, heard this, and his soul was indignant. Then he called out to the jeweler to come out into the street. And when the master left, the pilgrim hid. The jeweler, seeing no one, returned to the shop and continued to work. Hadji called him again, and when the jeweler came out, he pretended not to know anything. The master, angry, returned to his room and began to work again. Hadji called out to him for the third time, and when the master came out again, he again stood in silence, pretending that he had nothing to do with it. Then the jeweler in a rage attacked the pilgrim:
Why are you calling me in vain? What a joke! I have work up to my throat!
Hadji calmly replied:
Truly, the Lord God has even more work to do, but you call on Him much more often than I do you. Who has the right to be more angry: you or the Lord God?
The jeweler, ashamed, returned to the workshop and has kept his mouth shut ever since.
So let, brothers, the name of the Lord, like an unquenchable lamp, unceasingly flicker in the soul, in thoughts and heart, let it be on the mind, but not on the tongue without a significant and solemn occasion.
The Parable of the Slave
There lived in the house of a white master a black slave, a meek and pious Christian. The white master used to, in anger, scold and slander the name of God. And the white gentleman had a dog, which he loved very much. Once it happened that the owner became terribly angry and began to vilify and blaspheme God. Then the torment of death seized the negro, he grabbed the master's dog and let's smear it with mud. Seeing this, the owner shouted:
What are you doing with my beloved dog?!
The same as you with the Lord God, - the slave answered peacefully.
Parable about foul language
In Serbia, in one hospital, from morning to evening, bypassing the sick, a doctor and a paramedic worked. The paramedic had an evil tongue, and he constantly, like a dirty rag, whipped anyone he remembered. His dirty scolding did not spare even the Lord God
Once the doctor was visited by his friend, who came from afar. The doctor invited him to attend the operation. The paramedic was with the doctor.
The guest felt sick at the sight of a terrible wound, from which pus flowed with a murderous smell. And the paramedic, without ceasing, scolded. Then a friend asked the doctor:
How can you listen to such blasphemous abuse?
The doctor replied:
My friend, I am used to festering wounds. Pus should flow from festering wounds. If pus has accumulated in the body, it flows out of an open wound. If pus accumulates in the soul, it flows out through the mouth. My paramedic, scolding, only reveals the evil accumulated in the soul, and pours it out of his soul, like pus from a wound.
O Almighty, why does not even an ox scold you, but a man scolds you? Why did You create an ox with a mouth that is purer than that of a man?
O All-Merciful One, why do not even frogs revile You, but man reviles You? Why did You create a frog with a nobler voice than a man?
O All-Suffering One, why do not even snakes blaspheme You, but a man blasphemes? Why did You create a snake more like an angel than a man?
O most beautiful one, why does not even the wind that rushes over the earth far and wide carry Your name on its wings without a reason, and why does a person pronounce it in vain? Why is the wind more God-fearing than man?
O marvelous name of God! How omnipotent, how beautiful, how sweet! May my lips be silent forever if they pronounce it casually, casually, in vain.
Fourth Commandment
Work six days, and do all your work; and the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.
It means:
The Creator created for six days, and on the seventh day He rested from His labors. Six days are temporary, vain and short-lived, and the seventh is eternal, peaceful and durable. By the creation of the world, the Lord God entered into time, but did not leave eternity. This mystery is great... (Eph. 5:32), and it is more fitting to think about it than to speak about it, for it is not accessible to everyone, but only to God's chosen ones.
The chosen ones of God, being fleshly in time, rise in their spirit to the heights of the world, where there is eternal peace and bliss.
And you, brother, work and rest. Work hard, for God also worked; rest, for the Lord also rested. And let your work be creation, for you are a child of the Creator. Do not destroy, but create!
Consider your work as cooperation with God. So you will not do evil, but only good. Before doing anything, think about whether the Lord will do it, because, basically, the Lord does everything, and we only help Him.
All of God's creatures are working unceasingly. May this give you strength in your work. Getting up early in the morning, look, the sun has already done a lot. And the sun, and water, and air, and plants, and animals. Your idleness will be an insult to the world and a sin before God.
Your heart and lungs work day and night. Why don't your hands do the same? And your kidneys work day and night. Why not work on your brain too?
The stars rush across the expanses of the universe, faster than a galloping horse. So why would you indulge in idleness and laziness?
The Parable of a Great Inheritance
In one city there lived a rich merchant, and he had three sons. He was a worthy merchant, and through hard work he managed to amass a huge fortune. When asked why he needed such wealth and so much trouble, he answered: "I suffer in order to provide for my sons so that they do not suffer." Hearing this, his sons became lazy and stopped working altogether, and after the death of their father, they began to spend the wealth accumulated by their father. The father wanted to come from the other world to see how his sons live without labor and worries. The Lord God let him go, and he went down to his native city and went to his house.
But when he knocked on the gate, a stranger opened it for him. The merchant asked about his sons and heard in response that his sons were in hard labor. Idleness brought them to a quarrel, and the quarrel led to the burning of the house and the murder
Alas, - the father, distraught with grief, sighed, - I wanted to create a paradise for my children, but I myself created hell for them.
And the unfortunate father began to walk around the city and teach all parents:
Don't be as crazy as I was. Because of the immense love for my children, I myself pushed them into hell. Do not leave any possessions to the children, brethren. Teach them to work, and leave it to them as a legacy. Distribute all other wealth to the poor before your death. Truly, there is nothing more dangerous and pernicious for the soul than to inherit a large fortune. Be sure that the devil rejoices in a rich inheritance more than an angel, for nothing else does the devil spoil people so easily and quickly, as with a large inheritance.
Therefore, brother, work hard and teach your children to work. And when you work, do not look for only profit, benefit and success in work. Better find in your work the beauty and pleasure that labor itself gives.
For one chair that the carpenter will make, he can get ten dinars, or fifty, or a hundred. But the beauty of the product and the pleasure from the work that the carpenter feels, strict with inspiration, gluing and polishing the wood, does not pay off with anything. This pleasure is reminiscent of the highest pleasure that the Lord experienced at the creation of the world, when He inspiredly "planed, glued and polished" it. The whole of God's world could have its own price and could pay off, but its beauty and the pleasure of the Creator at the Creation of the world have no price.
Know that you humiliate your work if you think only about the material benefit from it. Know that such work is not given to a person, he will not succeed, will not bring him the expected profit. And the tree will be angry with you and resist you if you work on it not out of love, but for profit. And the earth will hate you if you plow it without thinking about its beauty, but only about your profit from it. Iron will burn you, water will drown you, stone will crush you if you look at them not with love, but in everything you see only your ducats and dinars.
Work without selfishness, as the nightingale unselfishly sings its songs. And so the Lord God will go forward in His work, and you will follow Him. If you run past God and rush forward, leaving God behind, your work will bring you a curse, not a blessing.
And on the seventh day, rest.
How do you rest? Look, rest can only be close to God and in God. Nowhere else in this world can one find true rest, for this light seethes like a whirlpool.
Dedicate the seventh day entirely to God, and then you will truly rest and be filled with new strength.
All seventh day think about God, talk about God, read about God, listen to God and pray to God. So you will truly rest and be filled with new strength.
The parable of the labors on Sunday
A certain person did not honor the commandment of God about the celebration of the Sunday and continued the Sabbath labors on Sunday. And while the whole village was resting, he worked up to a seventh sweat in the field with his oxen, which he also did not allow to rest. On Wednesday, however, he became exhausted, and his oxen also weakened; and when the whole village went out into the field, he remained at home, tired, gloomy and desperate.
Therefore, brothers, do not become like this man, so as not to lose strength, health and soul. On the contrary, work for six days, helping the Lord, with love, pleasure and reverence, and devote the seventh day entirely to God. From my own experience, I was convinced that the correct celebration of Sunday inspires, renews and makes a person happy.
Fifth Commandment
Honor your father and your mother, that your days on earth may be long.
It means:
Before you knew the Lord God, your parents knew Him. This alone is enough for you to bow to them and give them praise and respect. Bow down and give praise to everyone who has known the Highest Good in this world before you.
The parable of the young man
A wealthy young Indian was passing with his entourage through the passes of the Hindu Kush. In the mountains he met a certain old man grazing goats. The beggar old man stepped down to the side of the road and bowed to the rich youth. And the young man jumped off his elephant and prostrated himself before the old man. The elder was amazed at this, and the people from his retinue were also amazed. And he said to the old man:
I bow before your eyes, for they saw this light, the creation of the Most High, before mine. I bow before your lips, for they uttered His holy name before mine. I bow before your heart, because it trembled before mine from the joyful realization that the Father of all people on earth is the King of Heaven.
Honor your father and your mother, for your path from birth to this day is watered with mother's tears and father's sweat. They loved you even when you, weak and dirty, disgusted everyone else. They will love you even when everyone hates you. And when everyone throws stones at you, your mother will throw you immortelle and basil - symbols of holiness.
Your father loves you, although he knows all your shortcomings. And others hated you, although they only knew your virtues.
Your parents love you with reverence, for they anticipate that you are a gift from God entrusted to them for preservation and upbringing. No one except your parents is able to see the mystery of God in you. Their love for you has a holy root in eternity.
Through their tenderness towards you, your parents comprehend the tenderness of the Lord towards all His children.
Just as spurs remind a horse of a good trot, so your harshness towards your parents encourages them to take even more care of you.
Parable about father's love
A certain son, corrupted and cruel, rushed at his father and plunged a knife into his chest. And the father, breathing his last, said to his son:
Quickly wipe the blood off the knife so you don't get caught and put on trial.
Parable about mother's love
In the Russian steppe, one immoral son tied his mother in front of a tent, and in the tent he drank with promenading women and his people. A gang of robbers stumbled upon them and, seeing their mother bound, decided to immediately avenge her. But then the bound mother shouted at the top of her voice and thereby gave a sign to the unfortunate son that he was in danger. And the son was saved, and instead of the son, the robbers killed the mother.
Parable about the father
In Tehran, a Persian city, an old father lived in the same house with two daughters. The daughters did not listen to their father's advice and laughed at him. By their bad deeds they have soiled the honor of their father. One evening, the daughters, thinking that their father was asleep, agreed to prepare poison and give it to him in the morning with tea. And my father heard everything and wept bitterly all night and prayed to God. In the morning, the daughters brought tea and placed it in front of him. Then the father said:
I am aware of your intention and will leave you as you wish. But I want to leave not with your sin to save your souls, but with mine.
Having said this, the father overturned the bowl of poison and left the house.
Son, do not be proud of your knowledge before your uneducated father, for his love is worth more than your knowledge. Think that if it were not for him, there would be neither you nor your knowledge.
Daughter, do not be proud of your beauty before your hunched mother, for her heart is more beautiful than your face. Remember that both you and your beauty came out of her emaciated body.
Day and night develop in yourself, son, reverence for your mother, for only in this way will you learn to revere all other mothers on earth.
Verily, children, you do little if you honor your father and mother and despise other fathers and mothers. Respect for your parents should become for you a school of respect for all men and all women who give birth in pain, raise in the sweat of their brow, and love their children in suffering. Remember this and live according to this commandment so that the Lord God will bless you on earth.
Verily, children, you do little if you honor only the persons of your father and mother, but not their work, not their time, not their contemporaries. Think that by respecting your parents, you honor their work, and their era, and their contemporaries. So you will kill in yourself the fatal and stupid habit of despising the past. Children, believe that the days given at your disposal are not dearer and closer to the Lord than the days of those who lived before you. If you are proud of your time before the past, do not forget that you will not have time to blink an eye when grass will grow over your graves, your era, your bodies and deeds, and others will laugh at you as if they were a backward past.
Any time is filled with mothers and fathers, pain, sacrifices, love, hope and faith in God. Therefore, any time is worthy of respect.
The sage bows with reverence before all past epochs, as well as before the future ones. For the wise know what the fool does not, namely, that his time is but a minute on the clock. Look, children, at the clock; listen to how minute after minute flows, and tell me which of the minutes is better, longer and more important than the others?
Get on your knees, children, and pray to God with me:
"Lord, Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother, glory to You that You commanded us to honor our father and mother on earth. Help us, Omnipotent, through this veneration learn to respect all men and women on earth, Your precious children. And help us, All-Wise , through this to learn not to despise, but to honor the previous epochs and generations, who before us saw Your glory, said Your holy name and vanished into dust before Your shining throne. Amen.
sixth commandment
Dont kill.
And this means:
God breathed life from His Life into every created being. Life is the most precious wealth given by God. Therefore, whoever encroaches on any life on earth raises his hand on the most precious gift of God, moreover, on the very Life of God. All of us living today are only temporary bearers of the Life of God in ourselves, keepers of the most precious gift that belongs to God. Therefore, we do not have the right, and we cannot take away the Life borrowed from God, either from ourselves or from others.
First, we don't have the right to kill;
Second, we cannot kill life.
If a clay pot happens to be broken in the marketplace, the potter will become furious and demand compensation for the loss. In truth, a person is also created from the same cheap material as a pot, but what is hidden in it is priceless. This is the soul that creates a person from within, and the Spirit of God, which gives life to the soul.
Neither father nor mother have the right to take the life of their children, for it is not the parents who give life, but God through the parents. And since parents do not give life, they have no right to take it away.
But if parents who work so hard to put their children on their feet do not have the right to take their lives, how can those who accidentally bump into their children along the way of life have such a right?
If you happen to break a pot in the bazaar, it will hurt not the pot, but the potter who made it. In the same way, if a person is killed, it is not the person who is killed who feels the pain, but the Lord God, who created man, exalted and breathed in His Spirit.
So if the one who breaks the pot must compensate the potter for his loss, how much more must the murderer compensate God for the life he has taken. Even if people don't demand restitution, God will. Murderer, do not deceive yourself: even if people forget about your crime, God cannot forget. Look, there are things that even the Lord cannot. For example, He cannot forget about your crime. Remember this always, remember in your anger before you grab a knife or a gun.
On the other hand, we cannot kill life. To completely kill life would be to kill God, for life belongs to God. Who can kill God? You can break a pot, but you cannot destroy the clay from which it was made. In the same way, it is possible to crush a person's body, but it is impossible to break, burn, dispel, or spill his soul and his Spirit.
The Parable of the Vizier
A certain terrible, bloodthirsty vizier ruled in Constantinople, whose favorite pastime was to watch every day how the executioner flogs heads in front of his palace. And on the streets of Tsargrad lived one holy fool, a righteous man and a prophet, whom all people considered God's servant. One morning, when the executioner was executing another unfortunate man in front of the vizier, an old beggar stood under his windows and began to swing an iron hammer to the right and left.
What are you doing? the vizier asked.
The same as you, - the old man answered.
Like this? the vizier asked again.
Yes, the old man replied. - I'm trying to kill the wind with this hammer. And you're trying to kill life with a knife. My labor is in vain, as is yours. You, vizier, cannot kill life, just as I cannot kill the wind.
The vizier silently retired to the dark chambers of his palace and did not let anyone in. For three days he did not eat, did not drink, and did not see anyone. And on the fourth day he called his friends together and said:
Truly the man of God is right. I acted stupid. Life cannot be destroyed, just as the wind cannot be killed.
The Parable of the Murdered Neighbor
In America, in the city of Chicago, two men lived next door. One of them was seduced by the wealth of his neighbor, made his way to his house at night and cut off his head, then put the money in his bosom and went home. But as soon as he went out into the street, he saw a murdered neighbor who was walking towards him. Only on the shoulders of the neighbor was not his head, but the own head of his killer. Terrified, the killer crossed to the other side of the street and began to run, but the neighbor again appeared in front of him and walked towards him, looking like him, like a reflection in a mirror. The killer broke out in a cold sweat. Somehow he got to his house and barely survived the night. However, the next night, the neighbor again appeared to him with his own head. And so it was every night. Then the killer took the stolen money and threw it into the river. But that didn't help either. Neighbor from night to night appeared to him. The murderer surrendered to the court, admitted his guilt and was exiled to hard labor. But even in the dungeon the killer could not close his eyes, for every night he saw his neighbor with his own head on his shoulders. In the end, he began to ask one old priest to pray to God for him, a sinner, and to give him communion. The priest replied that, before praying and taking communion, he must make one confession. The convict replied that he had already confessed to the murder of his neighbor. "Not that," the priest told him. "You must see, understand, and admit that your neighbor's life is your own life. And by killing him, you also killed yourself. That's why you see your head on the body of the murdered. By this God gives you a sign that your life, and the life of your neighbor, and the life of all people together, are one and the same life.
The convict thought. After much thought, he understood and admitted everything. Then he prayed to God and took communion. And then the spirit of the murdered person ceased to haunt him, and he began to spend days and nights in repentance and prayer, telling the rest of the condemned about the miracle that had been revealed to him, namely, that a person cannot kill another without killing himself.
Behold, brethren, how terrible are the consequences of murder. If this could be described to all people, there would truly be no madman who would encroach on someone else's life.
God awakens the conscience of the murderer, and his own conscience begins to grind him from the inside, as a worm under the bark grinds a tree. Conscience gnaws, and beats, and rumbles, and roars like a mad lioness, and the unfortunate criminal does not find rest day or night, neither in the mountains nor in the valleys, nor in this life nor in the grave. It would be easier for a person if his skull were opened and a swarm of bees settled inside, than an impure, disturbed conscience would settle in his head.
Therefore, brothers, God forbade people, for the sake of their own peace and happiness, to kill.
"O Lord, the Good, how sweet and useful is every Thy commandment! O Lord Almighty, save Thy servant from an evil deed and a avenging conscience, to glorify and praise You forever and ever. Amen."
seventh commandment
Don't commit adultery.
And this means:
Do not have an illegal relationship with a woman. Indeed, in this, animals are more obedient to God than many people.
Adultery destroys a person physically and mentally. Adulterers are usually twisted like a bow before old age and end their lives in wounds, agony and madness. The most terrible and most evil diseases that are known to medicine are diseases that multiply and spread among people through adultery. The body of the adulterer is constantly in disease, like a stinking puddle, from which everyone turns away in disgust and runs with their noses pinched.
But if evil concerned only those who do this evil, the problem would not be so terrible. However, it is simply terrible when you think that the children of adulterers inherit the diseases of their parents: sons and daughters, and even grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Verily, the disease from adultery is the scourge of mankind, as the phylloxera aphid is to the vineyard. These diseases, more than any other, are dragging humanity back into decline.
The picture is scary enough, if we mean only bodily pains and deformities, rotting and decay of the flesh from bad diseases. But the picture is completed, it becomes even more terrible and gets on the nerves when spiritual deformity is added to bodily deformities, as a consequence of the sin of adultery. From this evil, the spiritual forces of a person are weakened and upset. The patient loses the sharpness, depth and height of thought that he had before the illness. He is confused, forgetful and feels constantly tired. He is no longer capable of any serious work. His character completely changes, and he indulges in all sorts of vices: drunkenness, gossip, lies, theft, and so on. He has a terrible hatred for everything good, decent, honest, bright, prayerful, spiritual, divine. He hates good people and tries his best to harm them, slander them, slander them, harm them. Like a true misanthrope, he is also a God-hater. He hates all laws, both human and God's, and therefore hates all legislators and keepers of the law. He becomes a persecutor of order, goodness, will, holiness and ideal. He is like a fetid puddle for society, which rots and stinks, and infects everything around. His body is pus, and his soul is also pus.
That is why, brothers, God, who knows everything and foresees everything, has imposed a ban on adultery, fornication, extramarital affairs between people.
Young people especially need to beware of this evil and shun it like a poisonous viper. The people where the youth indulges in licentiousness and "free love" has no future. Such a nation will in time have more and more deformed, stupid and feeble generations, until finally it will be captured by a healthier people who will come to subdue it.
AT Holy Scripture it speaks of the fall of two cities, Sodom and Gomorrah, in which it was impossible to find ten righteous men and virgins. For this, the Lord God brought down on them a fiery rain with sulfur, and both cities immediately fell asleep, as if in a grave.
In southern Italy, there still exists a place called Pompeii, once a rich and luxurious city, but now only a miserable ruin, where people gather to look and shudder with horror. And the fate of Pompeii, in short, is this: wealth has brought this city to such an immoral life, which, probably, the world does not remember. And suddenly the punishment of God overtook the city. Once Mount Vesuvius opened up near Pompeii, a volcano woke up, and a fiery rain of ash and sulfur began to cover the city with all its inhabitants, until it fell asleep at home to the roofs, burying Pompeii under the ashes, like a dead man in a grave.
May the Lord Almighty help you, brethren, not to slip into the dangerous path of adultery. May your Guardian Angel keep peace and love in your home.
May the Mother of God inspire your sons and daughters with Her Divine chastity, so that sin does not stain their bodies and souls, but they are pure and bright, so that the Holy Spirit can fit into them and breathe into them what is divine, what is from God. Amen.
eighth commandment
Don't steal.
And this means:
Do not grieve your neighbor by disrespecting his property rights. Don't do what foxes and mice do if you think you're better than a fox and a mouse. The fox steals without knowing the law on theft; and the mouse gnaws at the barn, not realizing that it is harming someone. Both the fox and the mouse understand only their own need, but not someone else's loss. They are not given to understand, but you are given. Therefore, you are not forgiven what is forgiven for a fox and a mouse. Your benefit must always be under the law, and it must not be to the detriment of your neighbor.
Brethren, only the ignorant go to theft, that is, those who do not know the two main truths of this life:
The first truth is that man cannot steal.
The second truth is that a person cannot benefit from stealing.
"Like this?" many nations will ask, and many ignoramuses will be surprised.
That's how:
Our universe is many. She is all strewn with an abundance of eyes, like a plum tree in springtime, completely covered with white flowers. Some of these eyes people see and feel on themselves their views, but they neither see nor feel a significant part. An ant crawling in the grass does not feel the gaze of a sheep grazing above him, nor the gaze of a person watching him. In the same way, people do not feel the views of the innumerable number of higher beings who are watching us at every step of our life path. There are millions and millions of spirits who keep a close eye on what is happening on every inch of the earth. How then can a thief steal without being noticed? How then can a thief steal without being discovered? You can't put your hand in your pocket without millions of witnesses seeing it. It is all the more impossible to stick one's hand into someone else's pocket so that millions of higher forces do not raise the alarm. He who understands this asserts that a person cannot steal unnoticed and with impunity. This is the first truth.
Another truth is that a person cannot benefit from theft, for how can he use stolen goods if invisible eyes have seen everything and pointed to him. And if he was pointed out, then the secret will become clear, and the name "thief" will stick to him until his death. The powers of heaven can point out a thief in a thousand ways.
The Parable of the Fishermen
On the bank of one river lived two fishermen with their families. One had many children and the other was childless. Every evening both fishermen cast their nets and went to sleep. For some time now, it has become so that in the nets of a fisherman with many children there always turned out to be two or three fish, and in a childless one - in abundance. A childless fisherman, out of mercy, pulled out several fish from his full net and gave them to a neighbor. This went on for quite a long time, perhaps a whole year. While one of them grew rich trading fish, the other barely made ends meet, sometimes not even being able to buy bread for his children.
"What's the matter?" complained the poor man. But then one day, when he was sleeping, the truth was revealed to him. A certain man appeared to him in a dream in a dazzling radiance, like an angel of God, and said: "Quickly get up and go to the river. There you will see why you are poor. But when you see, do not give vent to anger."
Then the fisherman woke up and jumped out of bed. Having crossed himself, he went out to the river and saw how his neighbor was throwing fish after fish from his net to his. The poor fisherman's blood boiled with indignation, but he remembered the warning and subdued his anger. Having cooled down a bit, he calmly said to the thief: "Neighbor, can I help you? Well, why are you suffering alone!"
Caught red-handed, the neighbor was simply numb with fear. When he came to his senses, he threw himself at the feet of the poor fisherman and exclaimed: "Truly, the Lord pointed out to you my crime. It is hard for me, a sinner!" And he gave half of his wealth to the poor fisherman, so that he would not tell people about him and send him to prison.
The Parable of the Merchant
In one Arab city lived a merchant Ishmael. Whenever he released goods to customers, he always shortchanged them for a few drachmas. And his condition greatly increased. However, his children were sick, and he spent a lot of money on doctors and medicines. And the more he spent on the treatment of children, the more he deceived his customers. But the more he deceived customers, the more his children got sick.
Once, when Ishmael was sitting alone in his shop, full of worries about his children, it seemed to him that for a moment the heavens opened. He raised his eyes to the sky to see what was happening there. And he sees: angels are standing at the huge scales, measuring all the blessings that the Lord endows people with. And so, the turn of Ishmael's family came. And when the angels began to measure health for his children, they threw less health on the scale than there were weights on the scales. Ishmael got angry and wanted to shout at the angels, but then one of them turned to him and said: “The measure is correct. Why are you angry? We don’t give your children exactly as much as you don’t give your customers.
Ishmael rushed as if he had been pierced by a sword. And he began to bitterly repent of his grave sin. Since then, Ishmael began not only to weigh correctly, but always added a surplus. And his children returned to health.
In addition, brethren, a stolen thing constantly reminds a person that it has been stolen and that it is not his property.
The Parable of the Clock
One guy stole a pocket watch and wore it for a month. After that, he returned the watch to the owner, confessed his misdeed and said:
Whenever I took my watch out of my pocket and looked at it, I heard it say: "We are not yours; you are a thief!"
The Lord God knew that theft would make both unhappy: the one who stole and the one from whom it was stolen. And so that people, His sons, would not be unhappy, the All-Wise Lord gave us this commandment: do not steal.
"We thank You, Lord, our God, for this commandment, which we really need for the sake of peace of mind and our happiness. Command, Lord, Your fire, let it burn our hands if they reach out to steal. Command, Lord, Your snakes, let them wrap themselves around our feet if they go to steal. But, most importantly, we pray to You, Almighty, cleanse our hearts from thieving thoughts and our spirit from thieving thoughts. Amen."
ninth commandment
Do not bear false witness against your neighbor.
And this means:
Do not be deceitful either towards yourself or towards others. If you lie about yourself, you yourself know that you are lying. But if you slander someone else, that other person knows that you are slandering about him.
When you praise yourself and show off to people, people do not know that you are falsely testifying about yourself, but you yourself know it. But if you start repeating these lies about yourself, people will eventually realize that you are deceiving them. However, if you start repeating the same lies about yourself over and over again, people will know that you are lying, but then you yourself will begin to believe in your lies. Thus lies will become truth for you, and you will become accustomed to lies, as a blind man becomes accustomed to darkness.
When you slander another person, that person knows that you are lying. This is the first witness against you. And you know you're slandering him. So you are the second witness against yourself. And the Lord God is the third witness. Therefore, whenever you bear false witness against your neighbor, know that three witnesses will be brought against you: God, your neighbor, and yourself. And be sure, one of these three witnesses will expose you to the whole world.
This is how the Lord God can expose false evidence against a neighbor.
Parable of the slanderer
Two neighbors, Luka and Ilya, lived in the same village. Luka could not stand Ilya, because Ilya was a correct, hard-working person, and Luka was a drunkard and a lazy person. In a fit of hatred, Luke went to court and reported that Ilya had spoken swear words against the king. Ilya defended himself as best he could, and in the end, turning to Luke, he said: "God willing, the Lord Himself will reveal your lie against me." However, the court sent Ilya to prison, and Luka returned home.
Approaching his house, he heard crying in the house. From a terrible foreboding, the blood froze in the veins, for Luke remembered the curse of Elijah. When he entered the house, he was horrified. His old father, having fallen into the fire, burned his eyes and his whole face. When Luca saw this, he became speechless and could neither speak nor cry. At dawn the next day, he went to court and admitted that he had slandered Ilya. The judge immediately released Ilya, and punished Luka for perjury. So Luke suffered two punishments for one sin: both from God and from people.
And here is an example of how your neighbor can expose your perjury.
Parable of the false witness
There was a butcher in Nice named Anatole. Some rich but dishonest merchant bribed him to give false evidence against his neighbor Emil, that he, Anatole, saw Emil doused with kerosene and set fire to the merchant's house. And Anatole testified to this in court and swore an oath. Emil was convicted. But he swore that when he served his sentence, he would live only in order to prove that Anatole had perjured himself.
Emil was a sensible man and soon amassed a thousand Napoleons. He decided that he would give all this thousand in order to force Anatole to confess to witnesses in his slander. First of all, Emil found people who knew Anatole and made such a plan. They were supposed to invite Anatole to dinner, give him a good drink and then tell him that they needed a witness who would testify under oath at the trial that a certain innkeeper was harboring robbers.
The plan was a success. Anatole was told the essence of the matter, laid out before him a thousand golden Napoleons and asked if he could find a reliable person who would show what they needed in court. Anatole's eyes lit up when he saw a pile of gold in front of him, and he immediately declared that he himself would take up this matter. Then the friends pretended to doubt whether he would be able to do everything as it should be, whether he would be frightened, whether he would be confused in court. Anatole began to ardently convince them that he could. And then they asked him if he had ever done such things and how successfully? Unaware of the trap, Anatole admitted that there was such a case when he was paid for false testimony against Emil, who as a result was sent to hard labor.
Having heard everything they needed, the friends went to Emil and told him everything. The next morning, Emil filed a complaint with the court. Anatole was tried and sent to hard labor. Thus, the inevitable punishment of God overtook the slanderer and restored the good name of a decent person.
And here is another example of how the perjurer himself confessed to his crime.
The parable of the slandered girl
In the same town lived two guys, two friends, Georgy and Nikola. Both were unmarried. And both fell in love with the same girl, the daughter of a poor craftsman who had seven daughters, all unmarried. The eldest was called Flora. Both friends looked at this Flora. But George was faster. He wooed Flora and asked a friend to be the best man. Nicola was overcome with such envy that he decided at all costs to prevent their wedding. And he began to dissuade George from marrying Flora, because, according to him, she was a dishonorable girl and walked with many. The words of a friend struck George like a sharp knife, and he began to assure Nicola that this could not be. Then Nikola said that he himself had a connection with Flora. George believed a friend, went to her parents and refused to marry. Soon the whole city knew about it. A shameful stain fell on the whole family. The sisters began to reproach Flora. And she, in despair, not being able to justify herself, threw herself into the sea and drowned.
About a year later, Nikola walked into the church on Maundy Thursday and heard the priest calling parishioners for communion. "But let thieves, liars, perjurers and those who sully the honor of an innocent girl not come to the Chalice. It would be better for them to take fire into themselves than the Blood of a pure and innocent Jesus Christ," he finished.
Hearing these words, Nikola trembled like an aspen leaf. Immediately after the service, he asked the priest to confess him, which the priest did. Nicola confessed everything and asked what he should do to save himself from the reproaches of an unclean conscience that gnawed at him like a hungry lioness. The priest advised him, if he was really ashamed of his sin and afraid of punishment, to tell about his offense publicly, through the newspaper.
The whole night Nikola did not sleep, gathering all his courage to repent publicly. The next morning he wrote about everything he had done, namely, how he had thrown a stain on the respectable family of a respectable artisan and how he had lied to his friend. At the end of the letter, he added: "I will not go to court. The court will not condemn me to death, and I deserve only death. Therefore, I sentence myself to death." And the next day he hanged himself.
“O Lord, Righteous God, how unfortunate are people who do not follow Your holy commandment and do not bridle their sinful heart and tongue with an iron bridle. God, help me, a sinner, not to sin against the truth. Wise me with Your truth, Jesus, Son God, incinerate all the lies in my heart, as a gardener burns the nests of caterpillars on fruit trees in the garden. Amen.
tenth commandment
Do not covet your neighbor's house; do not covet your neighbor's wife; neither his servant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is with your neighbor.
And this means:
As soon as you desired someone else's, you have already fallen into sin. Now the question is, will you come to your senses, will you catch yourself, or will you continue to roll down the inclined plane where your desire has led you?
Desire is the seed of sin. A sinful act is already a harvest from the seed sown and grown.
Note the differences between this, the tenth commandment of the Lord, and the previous nine. In the previous nine commandments, the Lord God prevents your sinful deeds, that is, does not allow the harvest from the seed of sin to grow. And in this tenth commandment, the Lord looks into the root of sin and does not allow you to sin even in your thoughts. This commandment serves as a bridge between the Old Testament, given by God through the prophet Moses, and the New Testament, given by God through Jesus Christ, because when you read the New Testament, you will see that the Lord no longer commands people not to kill with their hands, not to commit adultery with the flesh, not to steal hands, do not lie with the tongue. On the contrary, He descends into the depths of the human soul and obliges not to kill even in thoughts, not to imagine adultery even in thoughts, not to steal even in thoughts, not to lie in silence.
So, the tenth commandment serves as a transition to the Law of Christ, which is more moral, higher and more important than the Law of Moses.
Do not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor. For as soon as you desired someone else's, you have already sowed the seed of evil in your heart, and the seed will grow, and grow, and grow, and grow strong, and branch, leading your hands, and your feet, and your eyes, and your tongue to sin. and your whole body. For the body, brethren, is the executive organ of the soul. The body only obeys the orders given by the soul. What the soul wants, the body must fulfill, and what the soul does not want, the body will not fulfill.
Which plant, brothers, grows the fastest? Fern, right? But the desire sown in the human heart grows faster than a fern. Today it will grow just a little bit, tomorrow - already twice as much, the day after tomorrow - four times, after the day after tomorrow - sixteen times, and so on.
If today you envy your neighbor's house, tomorrow you will begin to make plans to appropriate it, the day after tomorrow you will begin to demand from him that he give you his house, and the day after tomorrow you will take away his house or set it on fire.
If today you looked at his wife with lust, tomorrow you will begin to figure out how to kidnap her, the day after tomorrow you will enter into an illegal relationship with her, and after tomorrow you will plan, together with her, to kill your neighbor and possess his wife.
If today you desired your neighbor's ox, tomorrow you will desire this ox twice as much, the day after tomorrow four times as much, and after the day after tomorrow you will steal the ox from him. And if a neighbor accuses you of stealing his ox, you will swear in court that the ox is yours.
This is how sinful deeds grow from sinful thoughts. And again, note that whoever tramples on this tenth commandment will break one by one the other nine commandments.
Listen to my one advice: try to fulfill this last commandment of God, and it will be easier for you to fulfill all the others. Believe me, one whose heart is filled with evil desires so darkens his soul that he becomes unable to believe in the Lord God, and to work at a certain time, and to keep Sunday, and to honor his parents. In truth, it is true for all the commandments: if you break at least one, you break all ten.
Parable of sinful thoughts
One righteous man named Laurus left his village and went to the mountains, eradicating from his soul all his desires, except for the desire to devote himself to God and enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Laurus spent several years fasting and praying, thinking only of God. When he returned to the village again, all the villagers marveled at his holiness. And everyone revered him as a true man of God. And there lived in that village someone named Thaddeus, who envied Laurus and told his fellow villagers that he could become the same as Laurus. Then Thaddeus retired to the mountains and began to exhaust himself with fasting in solitude. However, a month later, Thaddeus returned. And when the villagers asked what he was doing all this time, he replied:
I killed, I stole, I lied, I slandered people, I exalted myself, I committed adultery, I set houses on fire.
How can it be if you were there alone?
Yes, I was alone in body, but in soul and heart I was always among people, and what I could not do with my hands, feet, tongue and body, I did mentally in my soul.
So, brethren, a man can sin even in solitude. Despite the fact that a bad person will leave the society of people, his sinful desires, his dirty soul and impure thoughts will not leave him.
Therefore, brothers, let us pray to God to help us to fulfill this last commandment of His, and thereby prepare to listen, understand and accept God's New Testament, that is, the testament of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
"Lord, my God, the Great and Terrible Lord, Great in His deeds, Terrible in His inevitable truth! Give us a share of Your strength, Your wisdom and Your good will in order to live according to this holy and great commandment of Yours. Strangle, God every sinful desire in the heart before it begins to choke us.
O Lord of the world, saturate our souls and bodies with Your strength, for by our strength we can do nothing; and your wisdom, for our wisdom is foolishness and confusion of mind; and Your will, for our will, without Your good will, always serves evil. Draw near to us, O Lord, that we may draw near to You. Bend down to us, O God, that we may rise up to Thee.
Plant, Lord, Your holy Law in our hearts, plant, graft, water, and let it grow, branch, bloom and bear fruit, for if You leave us alone with Your Law, without You we will not be able to make friends with it.
May Your name be glorified, O One Lord, and may we honor Moses, Your chosen one and prophet, through whom You gave us this clear and powerful Testament.
Help us, Lord, to learn word for word this First Testament, so that through it we can prepare for the Great and Glorious Testament of Your Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ, our Savior, to whom, together with You and with the life-giving Holy Spirit, eternal glory, and song, and worship from generation from generation to century, from century to century, until the end of the world, until the Last Judgment, until the separation of unrepentant sinners from the righteous, until victory over Satan, until the destruction of his kingdom of darkness and the shining of Your Eternal Kingdom over all kingdoms known to the mind and visible to the human eye. Amen".
4. Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it holy: six days do and do all your work in them, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, to the Lord your God.
Remember the Sabbath day in order to keep it holy (i.e., spend it holy): work for six days and do, in continuation of them, all your works, and dedicate the seventh day - the day of rest (Saturday) to the Lord your God.
hedgehog- to; hallow- to sanctify, to devote to the service of God, to the holy and pleasing to God deeds; do six days- work six days, work; and do in them- and do in continuation of them; all your work- all sorts of things.
By the fourth commandment, the Lord God commands to work for six days and go about their business, to which one is called; and devote the seventh day to the service of God, to holy and pleasing deeds.
The holy and pleasing deeds of God are: taking care of the salvation of one’s soul, praying in the temple of God and at home, studying the Law of God, enlightening the mind and heart with useful knowledge, reading the Holy Scriptures and other soul-beneficial books, pious conversations, helping the poor, visiting the sick and prisoners in prison, the consolation of the sad and other good deeds.
AT Old Testament the seventh day of the week was celebrated - Saturday (which in Hebrew means "rest") - in remembrance of the creation of the world by the Lord God ("on the seventh day God rested from the works of creation") In the New Testament, from the time of St. apostles, the first day of the week began to be celebrated, Sunday - in remembrance of the Resurrection of Christ.
Under the name of the seventh day, one must mean not only Sunday, but also other holidays and fasts established by the Church, just as in the Old Testament, under the name of Sabbath, other holidays were also understood (the feast of Easter, Pentecost, Tabernacles, etc.).
The most important Christian holiday is "holidays Feast and Triumph of celebrations" - bright resurrection Christ's called Holy Easter, which is celebrated on the first Sunday after the spring full moon, in the period from March 22 (April 4, N.S.), to April 25 (May 8, N.S.).
Then come the great, so-called twelfth holidays established in honor and glory of God and our Lord Jesus Christ and His Most Pure Mother the Virgin Mary:
3. Annunciation, i.e., the angelic announcement to the Blessed Virgin Mary about the incarnation of the Son of God from Her - March 25 (April 7, N.S.).
8. Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday)- on the last Sunday before Easter.
9. Ascension of the Lord on the fortieth day after Easter.
10. The Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles (Pentecost), or the day of the Holy Trinity on the fiftieth day after Easter.
Of the other holidays, the most revered:
Posts established by the Church:
1. great post or Holy Forty Day before Easter.
Continues seven weeks: 6 weeks of fasting itself and the seventh Holy Week - in remembrance of the suffering of Christ the Savior.
2. Christmas post before the feast of the Nativity of Christ.
It starts on November 14 (November 27, N.S.), from the day of St. Apostle Philip, why it is called otherwise - "Philip's fast". (Lent 40 days).
3. Assumption post before the feast of the Assumption of the Mother of God.
Continues two weeks, from August 1 (Aug. 14 n.s.) to Aug. 14 (27 Aug. N.S.) incl.
4. Apostolic or Petrov post before the feast of St. Apostles Peter and Paul.
It starts one week after the Holy Trinity Day and lasts until June 29th (July 12th). Its duration depends on whether Easter is earlier or later. Its longest duration is six weeks, and its shortest is a week with one day.
One day posts:
1. In Christmas Eve- day before Christmas.
December 24 (January 6, N.S.). Particularly strict fast, among the days of Advent (the custom is not to eat before the appearance of the first star).
2. Christmas Eve- day before the baptism of the Lord.
3. Per day The beheading of the head of St. John the Baptist.
4. Per day Exaltation of the Holy Cross, in remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
5. Wednesday and Friday every week.
Wednesday - in remembrance of the tradition of the Savior by Judas. Friday - in remembrance of the suffering on the cross and the death of the Savior for us.
Fasting on Wednesday and Friday does not happen only in the following weeks: on Easter week, on Christmas time (from the day of the Nativity of Christ to Epiphany), on Trinity week (from the feast of the Holy Trinity to the beginning of Peter's fast), on the week of the publican and the Pharisee (before the Great Lent) and on the Cheese or Butter week just before Lent, when only milk and eggs are allowed.
During fasting, one must especially resolutely give up all bad habits and passions: anger, hatred, enmity; it is necessary to move away from a distracted, cheerful life, from games, spectacles, dances; no need to read books that arouse impure thoughts and desires in the soul; you should not eat meat, milk, eggs, but you should limit yourself to lean food (i.e., vegetable food and, when permitted, fish), using this food in moderation. During a multi-day fast, one must confess and partake of the Holy Mysteries.
The fourth commandment is violated both by those who are lazy and do not work on weekdays, and those who work on holidays.
It is no less violated by those who, although they stop worldly occupations and work these days, spend them only in amusements, games and indulge in revelry and drunkenness, not thinking about serving God. It is especially sinful to indulge in entertainment under a holiday when we should be at the Vespers, and in the morning - at the Liturgy. For us, Orthodox Christians, the holiday begins in the evening, when the vigil is served, and giving this time to dancing or other entertainment means mocking the holiday.
From the book of John Krestyankin EXPERIENCE OF BUILDING A CONFESSION
Edition of the Holy Dormition Pskov-Caves Monastery, Father's House, 2004
Fifth Commandment
Honor your father and your mother, may it be good and may you be long on earth
Honor your father and your mother, that it may be well with you and that your days on earth may continue.
1. Love and honor your parents.
If we fulfilled this commandment of the Law of God, then not a single insulting word about our parents would ever come out of our mouths, not to mention rudeness. We would do our best to fulfill the will of our parents, their good commands; in every way they would rest their old age meekly, with patience and love, would look after them during their illness; they would pray for the prolongation of their lives and would especially intensify their prayers for their departure from temporal life into eternity.
This is how parents should be treated. And how do we fulfill this commandment of God? It is a shame to look up at the icons - do we honor our parents? In our age, it is "not fashionable" to respect parents. Young people are even ashamed in the circle of their peers to call their father and mother parents, but use the word "ancestors" that is insulting, even vile, to the ear. If any of you, young, now penitent, not wanting to lag behind your comrades, called your parents so disrespectfully, ask the Lord for forgiveness.
Who is an adult himself and already has his own family, does he strive to rest the old age of his parents, or does he think, as it is now common, that parents should rest us until their death?! We demand, we do not ask, but we demand that they run the household, raise our children, take care of us. And we justify our claims: "We work, but they sit at home!" And if, for some reason, parents refuse to be our slaves or do, but do not please us, we pour out our indignation and anger on them.
Lord, forgive us sinners!
And if the old mother or the old father falls ill, we completely fall into despair and endure it with longing, not out of pity for our parents, but out of pity for ourselves. We are so mad that we do not even realize on what basis we demand all this from our parents. If they are at home now, then this is a well-deserved rest, they have a life lived behind them: your upbringing, and illness, and labor, and bereavement. If now, out of the love of their parents, they somehow help you, then for this you need to kiss their feet. And we still dare to insult them with bold words and petty cavils. We are annoyed by their senile infirmities, and if our parents reproach us for something, we will say such things in response that our mother will even cry from grief and resentment.
Lord, we are insane, even just by human reasoning, not to mention the fact that we have completely lost the fear of You, and, perhaps, due to negligence, we don’t even know that the sin of disobedience to parents is so disgusting to You that in the Law of Moses You commanded to beat with stones wicked like us. "Cursed be thou dishonoring thy father or thy mother" (Deut. 27:16). And then we wonder why everything is not going well with us, why there is no happiness in our life.
Lord, forgive us sinners!
It’s especially scary for us Christians not to honor our parents: let’s be rude to our parents, throw ourselves out with irritation with all sorts of impudent words and go to the temple, and even knock the door in our hearts in farewell ... Why did we go to the temple? Do you think the Lord will accept our prayers and sacrifices? Not! Don't be fooled! From such God does not accept prayers or sacrifices. Here is an example for you that happened in the days of St. Alexander of Svir.
At the consecration of one temple in the name of the Holy Trinity, the monk, after a prayer service, collected sacrifices from the pilgrims for the temple. One peasant, named Gregory, also wanted to file something on his own behalf. But the monk did not accept the sacrifice. Two or three times Gregory tried to place his gift in the saint's stole. But the perspicacious old man at first silently pushed his hand away and finally said: "Your hand stinks, you beat your mother with it and thereby incurred the wrath of God." "What should I do?" Gregory asked. "Go, ask your mother's forgiveness and do not dare to insult her again."
This advice is suitable for all children who, by rude, irreverent treatment, have had the misfortune of offending their parents. Do you hear? Insulting parents is the greatest misfortune for us!
Lord, forgive us sinners!
If our parents have died, do we pray for them earnestly, do we give alms for them, do we commemorate them on parental memorial days, on the days of their Angel, the days of death? Do we give commemoration to the church, do we visit their graves, do we keep them clean? Are there crosses on the graves of our parents? Repent to the Lord whoever forgets to do this or refers to his incessant employment. No, this is not busyness, but vanity and unwillingness to bother yourself with worries about dead parents.
Lord, forgive us sinners!
2. We sin against the fifth commandment of the Law of God by coldness towards relatives.
How often can one hear among us who call ourselves Christians: "What do I care about my brothers, sisters, relatives. They are worse than strangers to me!" But after taking care of our parents, we must first of all take care of our relatives. This is our vital duty. We say: "Yes, they do not believe in God, I have nothing in common with them." Moreover, we must take care of them, so that by the example of our love, by the example of kind, benevolent relations with them, we can arouse their interest in Christianity. We, on the contrary, bristle at them, fence ourselves off from them, run from them as from lepers. What bad Christians we are!
Lord, forgive us sinners!
If a son brings a daughter-in-law or daughter-in-law to your house, and if we are Christians, then only by our extremely benevolent attitude towards new family members can we show what Christianity and faith in God are. And some, perhaps even today, confessing, out of wild maternal jealousy, they bring discord into new families that, God forbid, bring them to destruction. Repent who is guilty of this before the Lord!
Lord, forgive us sinners!
3. If we ourselves are parents, then we sin against the fifth commandment of the Law of God by inattentive upbringing of our children.
We have now become so proud that we do not even want to have children, so as not to bother ourselves with raising them. Many mothers, even Christians, prefer to work rather than raise children, forgetting the apostolic words that a wife is saved by childbearing, that is, by raising children.
For the same children that we have, we do not serve as an example of piety. Moreover, we, on the contrary, by our evil example teach children lies, pretense, laziness, disrespect for older, bad words. We irritate them with our unfair attitude towards others, and children have a particularly acute sense of justice and truth. And then we wonder why they did not grow up the way we would like to see them.
We are too lazy to pray for the children, we are too lazy to give communion to the baby more often, we are too lazy to bring the child to church. Here we all complain that in our godless age it is difficult to raise a Christian. And why, if you feel your failure in this matter, do not resort to the most important thing? Communion the child as often as possible, and believe that the soul of such a child will not be able to forget the frequent union with the Lord Himself.
But here, again, one can fall into the opposite and bring harm instead of good. Communicating a child, you should not mechanically carry him to Communion, but as soon as the child begins to have at least a little understanding, accustom him to reverent and joyful communion. There is no need to tell the child about Holy Communion such blasphemous words: "Come, father will give you honey," etc. Say to the child: "Let's go to partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ." Dress him better, create an outwardly special mood for him. If possible, let the child abstain from food until Communion. To do this, commune the child at an early liturgy.
Out of unwillingness to curb our exorbitant, unreasonable parental love, we often spoil children so much that we raise real egoists - consumers who do not want to work to earn a living, or study to get a specialty, recklessly give them everything we have, and then we complain that in our old age they drive us out of the house. You yourself have raised egoists! So endure and ask the Lord for forgiveness for the souls of your children crippled by upbringing.
Lord, forgive us sinners!
Have any of you cursed your children in a moment of anger? Parental curse is a terrible thing! Woe to those children who, by their behavior, brought a parental curse on their heads. But no less woe to those parents who curse their children. Maybe, in a fit of anger, one of the parents sent their children into the hands of evil spirits? But we are invisibly surrounded by the real world of spirits, both evil and light. The hour is not even, and by the permission of God you yourself will send the soul of your child into the hands of Satan.
Repent, ask the Lord for forgiveness, so that your curses will be erased by the mercy of God, and not hang on your children!
4. If we are spiritual parents - godparents from the font at the Sacrament of Baptism, that is, we are godfathers and mothers, do we fulfill our duties as godparents, or have we only become godfathers with parents to improve friendly relations? Do we help parents to bring up children baptized by us in faith and piety?
We, at the font, renounced Satan and all his deeds for them. We must not forget this, and if circumstances do not allow us to take a direct part in the upbringing of godchildren, then we must pray for them. But we don't pray for them as we should. And if they grow up as blasphemers of God or simply unbelievers, then we, negligent Christians and beneficiaries, are to blame for this no less than the parents themselves according to the flesh.
Lord, forgive us sinners!
Until the grave, there is still hope for correction. Perhaps if today the Lord forgives our former negligence and we pray with all diligence and faith for our godchildren, we will still beg them for blessed eternity.
5. We sin against the fifth commandment of the Law of God by a disrespectful attitude towards superiors. This is where we all make mistakes.
Being a boss is very difficult. Do not think that the authorities for "doing nothing" receive a large salary. Wherever there is a leader - at work, in a monastery, or in the state apparatus, in the areas of higher spiritual administration - each of them is responsible not only for the task assigned, but also for all subordinates. What right do we have to judge their activities, often incomprehensible to us, to condemn their actions?
In a monastery, obedience to elders, superiors, spiritual fathers, and elders is a spiritual law. A monk who follows the path of unquestioning obedience conveniently achieves salvation. This is the direct path of spiritual prosperity. But this is now forgotten by the monastics, and after all, the laity should also follow the same obedience in relation to those who have been placed over him as a leader or elder.
If we contradict, irritate our superiors with our disobedience, then we sin against the fifth commandment. Lord, forgive us, who do not want to obey anyone or anything due to our exorbitant pride, self-will and obstinacy. Perhaps one of the penitents is now participating in the service: singing or reading on the kliros. Do you sin by disobeying the rector or serving priest? Did they make unnecessary and inappropriate remarks during the service, thereby disturbing the prayerful mood in the temple and even the order of worship? Were you annoyed at the necessary remarks of the abbot, steward, regent? Was reading or singing intentionally harmed? Didn't they do something out of spite or out of malice and irritation in this holy work of choir obedience? Maybe someone who was evilly rebuked in singing, forced to be silent, than cruelly offended a person, exceeding their authority. Or, on the contrary, they stubbornly disobeyed the remarks and disrupted the order of singing and reading. These are all clirosine diseases.
Those who, either out of obedience or out of love (the so-called lovers) participate in church service, we must remember: if you want to receive some benefit, and not incur the wrath of God, then you must first of all observe strict discipline. Unquestioningly obey the rector, serving priest, usher, regent, psalmist. In no way disrupt the course of the service, humbly joining our wretched praise and singing to the invisible choir of Angels. Otherwise, it’s better not to stand on the kliros, it’s better to pray in some corner.
Repent, who by their behavior violated the order of worship!
Lord, forgive us sinners!
6. If the Lord has appointed one of you as a leader, then are we not sinful by indulgence or, on the contrary, by cruel treatment of subordinates? For their superior duties, they forgot that there are living people in our subordination, with living souls, and that no one has removed from us the obligation to be a person in relation to subordinates. And this is especially required of us Christians! Didn't they offend subordinates with an uneven attitude towards them, didn't they make pets, to whom they forgave everything, taking out their irritation on others? Didn't they harass subordinates with petty nit-picking, injustice?
Lord, forgive us sinners!
7. We sin against the fifth commandment by disrespecting elders. Taking advantage of strength and youth, we allow ourselves to treat people older than ourselves as if they were no longer people, and the word "pensioner" has become some kind of abusive word for us. Especially in big cities, people who have worked all their lives, endured all the horror of war, devastation, famine, endured innumerable sufferings, troubles, difficulties, who received a well-deserved right to rest from the state, suddenly began to “interfere” with the younger ones. “Oh, those pensioners! If only they could sit at home, there’s nothing to go to shops, clinics, and load city transport,” that is, there’s nothing left for you to live, you interfere with us ... Did someone among us, Christians, who were still working, dare not only speak aloud, in the faces of older people humiliating and offensive words, but even think so!
If you are guilty of this sin, striking in its cruelty and lack of an elementary concept, think about it: youth will flash like a moment, maturity will slip and old age will come, and then they will already shout to you: "Do not disturb your life!" - and repent of your madness and bitterness.
Lord, forgive us sinners!
8. We sin, and especially monastics living in monasteries, against the fifth commandment of the Law of God, by ingratitude towards benefactors. Any monastery now lives on the voluntary donations of benefactors-pilgrims, that is, these "boring" us pilgrims are our breadwinners and drinkers.
How should we treat them, how should we pray for them! Moreover, we live in a fertile place, although we have our own temptations, but is our situation comparable to theirs? What draws them to visit the monastery? Yes, the desire to take a break from the hustle and bustle, from the rudeness, from the cruelty of the world, the desire to concentrate on prayer, to hear the statutory divine service. If, through our fault, one of our breadwinners, our benefactors, does not receive the desired consolation, then woe to us who eat widows and orphans at home.
Lord, forgive us, the ungrateful!
9. We also sin against the fifth commandment by disrespectfully treating the pastors of the Church, our spiritual fathers. At this point, we are so unbelted and give such free rein to our evil tongues that we do not spare either the white hoods or the gray hairs of the poor village priest. Perhaps they also avoided blessings, avoided receiving the Sacraments from those priests who seemed unworthy to us.
Repent, for you have offended the Holy Spirit, Who, through the most unworthy priest, sanctifies the Sacraments!
They did not follow the advice and instructions of their spiritual father, they tormented him with their envy and zeal for other spiritual children. Check yourself again to see if your beloved spiritual father has obscured the image of Christ. Has such a misfortune happened to you? The Lord is jealous! Repent and change your attitude towards the confessor before it comes to a serious spiritual illness - delusion.
Lord, forgive us sinners!
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Questions about the fifth commandment of the law of God:
"Honor your father and your mother, may it be good for you, and may you live long on earth"
9.Are you concerned about the upbringing of your children? Do you accustom them to everything good and holy - to obedience, love of truth, prayer, diligence? Do you inspire them with love for God, neighbors and the Church of God with its salvific rites and statutes? Do you curb their bad character with reasonable measures of punishment, combined with meekness and justice? Are you setting a bad example for them with your life?
10.Do you pray, parent, for your children to God? Do you ask the Lord for grace-filled help to bring them up in piety and the fear of God, so that they will be useful citizens of their fatherland, your good children who have to comfort you in your old age, help you in your weakness, and obedient sons of St. mother of the church?Remember that it is an extremely grave sin not to honor your parents. Just as the Lord promises two great blessings for honoring parents - long life and prosperity, so also for disrespecting them takes away these two precious blessings: irreverent children often experience all kinds of disasters and die very early.
"Cursed be the dishonor, his father or his mother" (Deut. 27, 16). According to the law of Moses, children who offended their parents were given the death penalty! "Whoever speaks evil of his father or his mother, let him die the death" (Ex. 21:10).
“All respect,” says St. Tikhon of Zadonsk, “show those who gave birth to you, so that it will be good for you. Your parents are your great benefactors: show them your worthy gratitude. Remember their illnesses and their labors, raised in your upbringing, and be grateful to them for that ; know for sure that you cannot repay anything for their good deed, rendered to you.
Know firmly that the royal power is established by God for the welfare of the peoples. "For every nation the Lord has appointed a leader" (Sirach 17:14). "By me kings reign, and rulers legitimize righteousness" (Prov. 8:15). "The Most High rules over the kingdom of man and gives it to whomever He wants" (Dan. 4:14).
The king is sacred. The Lord says: "Do not touch my anointed ones, and do not harm my prophets" (Psalm 104:15).
Remember that whoever opposes the king's power opposes God's decree, "but those who oppose themselves will bring condemnation upon themselves" (Rom. 13:2).
The feeling of love for the motherland or the feeling of patriotism is one of the highest and noblest manifestations in human nature. History adorns its best pages with lofty feats of patriotism.
In the very St. In Scripture, the feats of patriotism are depicted next to the greatest feats of faith. The greatest representatives of the Old Testament world Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Ezra, Zerubbabel, Nehemiah, the brothers Maccabees, the great Old Testament wives - Miriam, Devborah, Esther and Judith present us with examples of high patriotism.
In some of St. people, the fiery impulses of patriotism rose to such a height that they were ready, out of love for their people, not only to sacrifice all the blessings of temporary life, but, if it were possible before the court of the highest justice of God, their most eternal salvation, God’s most good pleasure towards them: St. . the prophet Moses prayed to God to better blot him out of the book of life, but not to deprive the chosen people of His favor (Ex. XXXII. 32); St. app. Paul said with sorrow that he himself wished to be excommunicated from Christ because of his love for his brethren, the race of Israel (Rom. IX.3).
Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, who appeared on earth as a true God and a true man with all human properties and aspirations, except for sinful ones, and who showed us in His life high examples of obedience to sons (Luke II, 5-7), friendly love (John XI. 3. 33-36), at the same time showed us an example of love for His people. Although he was sent to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom of God to all people, but, first of all, he came to his own (John 1, 11), to the sheep that perished in the house of Israel (Matt. XV, 24), and he was the first to announce the mysteries of the kingdom of God, and tried to gather them near Himself, as a bird gathers her chicks under her wings (Mt. XIII 37-39); when they did not desire this, did not accept Him, hated Him, wanted to kill Him, He, the Most Holy One, grieved and wept over their blinding of the death they were preparing for themselves (Luke XIX, 41-44).
Thus, love for one's people constitutes in us not only a natural affection, but also a feeling of high morals, a Christian virtue.
Remember, my son, what is said in the word of God: "Let every soul be subject to the highest authorities, for there is no authority except from God; the existing authorities are established by God" (Romans 13: 1-2).
When we revolt against earthly power, we actually revolt against heavenly power. St. John Chrysostom instructs us to honor leaders of all kinds:
"Destroy the courts, and you will destroy all order in our lives; remove the helmsman from the ship, and you will sink the ship; take the leader away from the army, and you will betray the soldiers into captivity to the enemies ...". “Therefore, great gratitude should be sent to God for the fact that there are kings, and for the fact that there are judges. Having care for the well-being of people so that many of them do not live more senselessly than animals, God established the power of rulers and kings, as if reins for driving a chariot and helm to steer the ship." (Conversation of St. John Zlat. on ps. 147).
Let it be known to you that the pastor of the church is a servant of God, appointed by the Holy Spirit in the church to shepherd the flock of God. "Do you know," asks St. John Chrysostom, "who is the priest?" and answers: “an angel of the Lord” (2nd character, on the 2nd epistle to Tim.), and “for this reason, one should honor pastors,” he says, “more than parents.” (On sacred book 3), for "they are Christ's servants on earth, and whoever honors them honors Christ." (Conversation 7 on the gospel of Matthew).
“They are the very ones,” says the same Holy Father in another place, “who are entrusted with giving birth spiritually and rebuilding by baptism. Through them we put on Christ, are united with the Son of God, and become members of this blessed Head.” (Conversation 2 on 2 last to Timof.).
Those people who do not want to honor old age sin gravely, contrary to the clear teaching of the word of God: "arise before the face of the gray-haired man, and almost the face of the elder, and fear the Lord thy God" (Matt. 19:12). True, among the elders there are those who should be restrained from any uncommendable actions by young people. But in relation to them you need to be meek, polite and condescending. "Do not reproach the elder, but implore, like a father, an old woman, like a mother" (1 Tim. 5, 1-2), instructs St. app. Paul Bishop Timothy.
"Woe to him who builds his house with unrighteousness and his upper chambers with iniquity, who makes his neighbor work for nothing and does not give him his wages" (Jeremiah 22:13). Even according to the law of the Old Testament, it is prescribed that the wages of the mercenary should not remain with the owner until the morning. (Lev. 19:13).
Moreover, Christians should take care of their servants - brothers in the Lord. St. app. Paul teaches that the masters should treat their servants in the fear of God, moderating their severity, knowing that the Lord is also above them in heaven, Who has no respect for persons (Eph. VI, 9).
Never forget, my son, that by serving your master or master, you are serving Jesus Christ Himself, to whom you will once give an account of everything (Eph. 6:5; 1 Tim. 6:1-2; 1 Pet. 2:18- 19) - that you work not in the face of man, but of God - that you will not lose your reward from the Lord for your labors and faithfulness, and the more unfairly the masters treated you and the more meekly you served them.
Look at the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who, having become poor for us (2 Cor. 8:4), Himself willingly served others, was not ashamed to wash the feet of His disciples, and, finally, voluntarily gave Himself for the salvation of the World to suffering on the cross and a terrible death.
“Fathers,” the word of God says, “do not provoke your children, but bring them up in the teaching and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). "Instruct the young man at the beginning of his path: he will not deviate from him when he is old," the ancient sage advises (Prov. 22, 6). "A young boy can be likened to a board prepared for depicting a picture: whatever the painter depicts - good or bad, holy or sinful, that will remain; so is the child: what rules he teaches him, with those he will live." (Chronicle of St. Dim. growth.).
Severe punishment awaits parents for their negligent attitude towards the upbringing of their children. "Parents," say St. John Chrysostom, citing an example of God's strict punishment of the high priest Elijah for knowing about the bad behavior of his children and not curbing them, "parents who neglect the upbringing of their children in a Christian way are more lawless than child killers; for child killers separate the body from the soul, and they and soul and body are cast into hellfire." (Conversation 3).
Do not forget, beloved brother in Christ, that the matter of raising children, whom with all your efforts you cannot always protect from many bad examples, is so difficult that only the grace-filled help of God, requested in fervent prayer, can help you in this. Your prayer for children, namely that they be kind and pious (but not, of course, that they be rich and noble) will undoubtedly please God, who will always find a thousand means to make you wiser in the important matter of raising children through enlightenment. your mind or through good and pious people. Ask Him diligently about it - and it will be given to you, seek - and you will find, knock on the doors of God's mercy - and it will be opened to you. Remember that bad children, badly brought up, can ruin your whole life and prematurely bring you to the grave; moreover, you will answer to God for their moral destruction. Therefore, pray, pray strongly to God, the Source of reason and goodness, for your children, and He will grant you everything you need for the good upbringing of your children. Even corrupted children, if parents pray for conversion, He corrects. Here is an example: the mother of Blessed Augustine, later that great teacher of the Western Church, prayed for a long time for his conversion to the path of truth when he was drowning in wickedness; her prayer was finally answered; her son turned to God, accepted monasticism, began to lead a truly pious life, was ordained bishop of the Church of Hippo in Africa, and became a great teacher of the church; his excellent creations are still highly respected.
Below are the sins, falling into which is associated with the violation of the fifth commandment of God and refers to sins against neighbors.
Having skimmed through only the list of these sins, many immediately assert: "Yes, is it possible to refrain from all these sins? It's unrealistic!"
But this entire impressive list is associated with the violation of only one commandment, clearly described in Scripture. Each of the following sins lies in wait for us in certain situations of our spiritual, mental and bodily life, but the reasons for falling into these sins are precisely in the sin against this particular commandment - live in harmony with God's commandments- and sin will not take possession of you. There is only one Commandment - and how many problems we either acquire or do not allow.
By the fifth commandment, the Lord God commands us to honor our parents and for this promises a prosperous and long life.
Honoring parents means:
- love them
- be respectful to them
- do not insult or offend them with words or deeds;
- obey them in everything, except for advice directed against the commandments of Christ;
- help them in their work,
- take care of them when they are in need, and especially during their illness and old age;
- pray for them to God, both during their lifetime and after death.
The sin of disrespecting parents is a great sin. According to the laws of the Old Testament, slandering a father or mother was punished by death (Mark 7:10); (Ex. 21:16).
Along with parents, we must honor those who in some way replaces our parents. Such persons include:
- priests and confessors who care for our salvation, teach us the faith and pray for us;
- civil authorities, namely those who take care of our peaceful life and protect us from oppressors and robbers;
- caregivers, teachers and benefactors who try to teach us and teach us everything good and useful for life;
- grandfathers, grandmothers and generally speaking older in age who have experience of faith and life, a good conscience and therefore are able to give us good advice.
Those who do not respect their elders, especially the elderly, who treat their experience with distrust and self-conceit and react indifferently, and sometimes with mockery, to their remarks and instructions, sin. They sin when they consider older Orthodox and pious people to be “backward”, and their concepts and views to be “obsolete”. Also in Old Testament Lord said through Moses:
"Before the gray-haired man arise and honor the face of the old man, and fear the Lord thy God"(Lev. 19:32).
But if it happened that parents or leaders demanded from us something contrary to the Orthodox faith, then we must say to them, as the apostles said to the leaders of the Jews:
“.. Judge whether it is fair before God to listen to you more than to God?”(Acts 4:19)
And it will be righteous to endure everything for faith and the Law of God, no matter what follows.
Fifth Commandment
Exodus 20:12
Honor your father and your mother, may it be good for you and may you live long in the blessed land, the Lord your God will give you.Honor your2 ntzA2 and3 your mother2, may it be good for you2 and may you be long-lived on earth2 blaze, and your god bg7y gives you.
Honor your father and your mother, [that you may be well and] that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.
Deuteronomy 5:16
Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, may it be good for you and may you live long on the earth, the Lord your God will give you.Honor your2 ntzA2 and3 your mother2, as the commandment to you is your god bg7, yes it will be good for you and3 long life will be on earth2, but your god bg7y gives you.
Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, so that your days may be long, and that it may be good for you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
Sins of children against parents
Coldness and indifference to parents. “Honour your father with all your heart and do not forget your mother’s birth pains. Remember that you were born of them and what can you give them as they give you? (Sir. 7:29-30). Love for parents is a natural feeling of every normal person. Therefore, he sins who is cold and indifferent towards those who raised him. Sheer coldness is rarely to visit the parent's house when separated from it; shun parental care and affection; do not try to live near them, if possible; do not stand up for parents when they are told in vain or speak badly. It is contrary to filial love not to protect parents from the slightest annoyance and trouble, to say and do things that can cause their anger or irritation, not to be considerate to parents or to say “that we owe nothing to parents for their care and upbringing, because, this is their direct duty and obligation. We must always remember that the life given to us is such a blessing for which children cannot repay their parents with any good deeds. Before a child is born, how much care and caution a mother will need to preserve his uterine life! How much pain must endure at the birth of a baby! And then, isn't a person indebted to his parents for the preservation of his life in childhood, often for the knowledge of the first prayer to God and the like?
Disobedience to parental will, consonant with Christian commandments. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right” (Eph. 6:1), says the Apostle Paul. It is righteous and just in every way. There is no more ancient and natural authority than parental authority: the fathers as heads of families (patriarchs) appeared before the people's rulers and kings became known. Thus, they are sacred persons for children, caregivers assigned from God Himself (naturally, all of the above applies only to Orthodox parents who seek the will of God in everything). The Lord even refuses to accept the sacrifice in which children take away something necessary from their parents under the pretext of a gift or sacrifice to Him (Matt. 15:5-6). A disobedient son in the parental home and will not be obedient and yielding anywhere: neither in the service, nor in private life, nor in community (2 Tim. 3:2). In a word, obedience to parents is such a natural and sacred duty that disobedience and stubbornness in front of them, when they demand something well-intentioned and in accordance with the law of God, is a sign of the last times (2 Tim. 3:2). Hence, the judgment of the Church to disobedient children is the most formidable: “whoever listens to his parents in any pious thing, be damned during life and death” (Nomocanon at the Great Britanary, pr. 114).
Thin, rude, disrespectful treatment of parents, reproaches and slander of them.“Honor your father with all your heart” (Sir. 7:29), says the wisdom of God. And some do not even want to address their father or mother respectfully, as it should be for pious children. It is a sin to answer parents rudely, caustically, with a cry or mockery. It is a sin to contradict them without any need, to communicate sullenly or haughtily be silent. It is a sin to reproach them for their shortcomings, with the aim of only hurting them. It is a sin to condemn them or "wash the bones", even in the family circle. It is a sin to reproach them in vain for stinginess or inability to collect a sufficient inheritance for their children. It is a sin to spread bad news about them. For this, according to the word of the Holy Scripture, “the lamp will go out in the midst of deep darkness” (Prov. 20, 20), that is, the impudent son (daughter) will live in impenetrable darkness, he will not find happiness anywhere.
Neglect of parental blessings and prayers. “The prayers of the parents establish the foundations of the houses” (Prayer at the wedding) and “the blessing of the father establishes the houses of the children” (Sir. 3, 9), says the Holy Scripture. Whoever has pious and God-fearing parents can be sure that his well-being is largely due to parental prayers. The reason for the power of parental blessing is as follows: for the labors of parents in the birth and upbringing of children, the Lord God gives them a reward - a special beneficent power of their prayers for children and the blessings of children. Parents become an instrument of the creative and providential power of God in relation to their children. Those children who do not recognize the power of parental prayers for them and neglect parental blessings are foolish and sin before God.
Leaving a prayer for parents. Curse your parents. Prayer for parents is the direct duty of every child and already an adult. For minor children, the health and longevity of their parents is a kind of guarantor of their well-being and a serene life. For already adult children, prayer for parents as their first and sincere benefactors is a necessary and natural duty. In addition, a mother will never leave her children; she is a devoted and loving soul, always ready to help her children. Why not pray and ask God for their health and long life! Adult children should also pray for the salvation of the souls of their parents, for their attainment of eternal salvation. As for the curse of their parents, it is peculiar only to the most evil children, has no power and, as a rule, returns to the head of the cursing.
Unwillingness to listen and follow parental instructions.“Hear, my son, the instruction of your father, and do not reject the covenant of your mother…” (Prov. 1:8). Parents want only the best for their children. They are more wiser by experience and, in addition, often the parental heart tells them what is good and what is bad for children. Therefore, one should always listen and, if possible, fulfill the pious parental instructions.
Leaves and absences from home without the knowledge of parents.“Was not he the rock of our hands, when he went in and out before us?” (Tov. 5, 18). Children, especially minors, should not leave home without taking the blessings of their parents. Adult children living in their parent's house, at least, should say where and for how many hours they go, so that the parent's heart does not worry. Such behavior is also very useful for the children themselves, because here the latter is born obedience, which is accompanied by parental blessing and prayer, which saves children from many sorrows and troubles. So those children sin who, out of self-will, pride, frivolity or insolence, leave their parent's house without any demand.
Incorrect, derogatory comments about the severity and penalties on the part of parents.“A fool neglects the instruction of his father; but whoever listens to reproofs is prudent” (Prov. 15:5). Parental severity and punishment are absolutely necessary for children because of original sin, which operates in every newborn. Every person is born with a disposition to sin, and it is the job of parents to stop bad dispositions by using an arsenal of pedagogical means, including punishment. It is necessary to instill in a child humility, obedience, patience and other virtues that will help him become a real Christian and acquire the Kingdom of Heaven. And for this it is sometimes necessary to show reasonable severity and corporally punish the child. Therefore, to be angry with parents for the severity of upbringing in childhood, to consider this a whim of their character, an abuse of parental authority, to complain about it to strangers is sinful. Although sometimes, even with the strictness of upbringing, the child did not come out smart and decent from under the roof of the parent, but without strictness, he would be even worse.
Leaving parents without help in misfortune, illness and old age.“He who leaves his father is the same as a blasphemer, and cursed from the Lord is he who provokes his mother” (Sirach 3:16). It is a sin to leave parents without help in case of any misfortune that has happened to them. In prison, exile, illness, parents always remain parents, and it is a sin to be ashamed of them and refuse to help. It is a sin to leave your parents when they are in a sick state, not to treat them, not to take care of them, not to provide everything necessary, to grumble that they live long and burden them with their maintenance, to treat them imperiously or haughtily as worthless freeloaders. All this is the result of low self-interest and unnatural hardness of heart. It must be remembered that helpless and aged parents return to infancy, and the children must be to them what they were to the children in their infancy.
Failure to provide elderly parents with the opportunity to adequately prepare for the future life (living conditions, funds, spiritual books, a priest to perform the sacraments, etc.). Righteous Joseph rendered all sorts of services to his aged father when his father wanted to fulfill his duty of worship (Genesis 48:9-20). It is the sacred duty of every child to serve personally and to provide from others all conveniences for their aged parents, especially help in preparing for the hour of death and eternal life. It is necessary to provide parents with the necessary spiritual literature, icons, help them, as often as possible, go to church, give alms through their hands. If they are not able to go to church themselves, then it is necessary to periodically invite the priest to the house, for unction and communion of parents.
False modesty for simple and illiterate parents.“Remember your father and mother when you sit among the nobles...” (Sir. 23:17). One should be ashamed not of the simplicity of parents by position, education or their poverty, but of their pride, which is afraid that outsiders will find out about their parents that they are not “great” people. This is the baseness of the soul - to behave arrogantly towards those who gave birth and raised you.
Disrespectful attitude towards father-in-law, mother-in-law, mother-in-law, stepfather or stepmother. In the book of Tobit, we read that the wife of Raguel said to her own daughter, giving her in marriage: “... honor your father-in-law and mother-in-law; now they are your parents; I wish to hear a good rumor about you” (Tov. 10, 12). Respectful attitude towards fathers-in-law, mothers-in-law, stepfathers and stepmother, except in words, must be manifested in deeds. Husband and wife, as Scripture says, are one flesh. Therefore, the wife's relatives become the husband's relatives and vice versa.
Raise your hand to your parents.“Whoever strikes his father or his mother must be put to death” (Ex. 21:15). And this execution over the violent son (stoning) according to the law of Moses was performed solemnly, by all those persons who were in the people's assembly. Indeed, beating parents is an extraordinary audacity, even if it is not allowed in full consciousness, for example, while drunk or even in justified anger. According to church laws, the father is subject to penance even if the offended parents forgive him (Nomocanon pr. 128). And in ancient times there was also such a law: "If anyone takes a stick and hits his father or mother, then his hand will be cut off." Parents, when they endure insults and insults from their impudent children, know that these indecencies are not in vain. But it is this consciousness that brings new grief to the compassionate parental heart.
Parricide or mother murder indirect: a murderous sadness inflicted on parents by their behavior, drunkenness, drug addiction, or some kind of sinful act. “You will bring down my gray hair with sorrow to the grave” (Gen. 42, 38). Parents are ruined by those children who, with a disorderly life (like the gospel prodigal son), with their crimes and vices, upset and upset their parents. So, for example, can a venerable father and mother not be heartbroken if their daughter indulges in fornication or their son indulges in drunkenness? This inconsolable sadness undermines their health, and foolish children could not but know and foresee what a terrible blow they inflict on their pious parents by such behavior. Therefore, they are paricides. In addition, parricide can be direct: for the sake of receiving an inheritance, out of malice, because of money, in a state of intoxication or drug withdrawal. Undoubtedly, the murder of parents is the most ruthless cruelty of man and the most flagrant sin before God.
Failure to pay the last debt to parents (refusal to participate and organize their burial)."My son! when I die, bury me.... When she (your mother) dies, bury her beside me in one coffin” (Tov. 4:3). And Tobias, to whom this was said, buried both his own parents and “his father-in-law” gloriously. That body should be committed to the earth (and not burned for the sake of convenience in a crematorium), from which life was transferred to children, and how not to take care of a decent burial of their parents. Those sons and daughters sin who in advance lay down the burden of burying their father or mother, as well as father-in-law or mother-in-law, stepfather or stepmother, sending these worries to other relatives.
Not remembering parents in church and home prayers for repose, in the event of their death, especially on church-established memorable days. Those who do not care about organizing a full-time funeral service, arranging a grave, also sin, refuse church prayers and commemorations, especially on the ninth and fortieth day. They do not remember their parents out of laziness, as well as out of forgetfulness or stinginess. They do not pray for the repose of them at home, they do not give alms, they do not serve memorial services, they do not commemorate them on parental Saturdays. The afterlife of the deceased largely depends on the prayers of the Church and on the personal prayers of relatives and friends. And how can you leave the person closest to you in this life without spiritual help, and leave it just when it needs it most?
Violation of a parent's will. Solomon gradually carried out all the will of his father, which he expressed to him on his deathbed (1 Kings 2, 1-11; 5). The children of Jonadab, the son of Rehabov, because he fulfills his father's will not to drink wine, to be content with the simplest food - they were promised the preservation of their offspring forever (Jeremiah 35:6,19). And what? This people, known as "Rehavat", has survived even to this day amid various wars and devastations that have wiped entire states off the face of the earth. This tribe is still preserved and lives in the deserts of Arabia. And to this day, it fulfills the covenant of its ancestor. It is the duty of every son or daughter to fulfill the wills of his parents, if they do not contradict the law of Christ. The spiritual strength of a will lies largely in the fact that it is expressed or written immediately before death, and at this time, are not the best and impartial desires a person has? Leaving or changing a parent's will means deceiving the deceased parents, insulting their memory, which, of course, incurs the wrath of God on the wicked.
Honoring the will of the parent and obedience to it more than the commandments of God.“Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me...” (Matthew 10:37). So, for example, a sin: because of parental blessing or desire, to remain in any religious sect or heterodox church. Here the blessing has no power, because it was given out of error, and if the parents have already died, then their spirit will not only not be calmed by the fulfillment of the sinful desire by the children, but, on the contrary, will suffer, seeing how relatives die because of their unreasonable blessing. The daughter of Herodias, of course, would have acted correctly and would not have sinned with mortal sin herself, if she had not fulfilled the wishes of her mother regarding the head of John the Baptist. On the other hand, Saul's son Jonathan did the right thing, contradicting his parent when it was necessary to prove to the latter his injustice towards David (1 Sam. 19, 20).
Family sins and in relation to relatives
Neglect of a grandfather or grandmother. “But if any widow has children or grandchildren, then let them first learn to honor their family and pay tribute to their parents, for this is pleasing to God” (1 Tim. 5, 4). Grandfather, great-grandfather and grandmother, in connection with their gray hairs and old age, should be given special respect and be ready, nourishing their parents, and in case of helplessness, nourish and rest them.
Dislike for a sibling. “Love (Joseph) for his brother boiled up, and he was ready to cry ...” (Gen. 43, 30), - this is an example of the most tender brotherly love. Indeed, after a marital union and natural attachment to parents, the most tender union should be between brothers and sisters, since they are natural friends, from the first days of life, friends by blood. Brotherly love is so natural that we often call friends who are especially close to us brother or sister. Tikhon of Zadonsky was a saint and a bishop, but this did not stop him from calling his sister “sister and dear,” and when his sister died, he cried over her coffin.
Carelessness about the younger ones in the family, and from the side of the younger- disrespectful to elders. "Am I my brother's keeper?" (Gen. 4, 9), - this is how Cain answered the question about the fate of his brother. No, even during the life of the parents, the elder brother or elder sister is obliged to take some part in the upbringing of the younger ones and be a worthy example for them. After the death of the parents, the elders in the family enter into parental rights in terms of the guidance of the younger and minors. Seniors even sometimes postpone their marriage in order to more freely complete their upbringing and attach younger brothers or sisters to the business. Their duty is also to maintain a good memory of their parents, since the younger ones sometimes may not remember them at all. On the other hand, the younger ones are obliged to treat their older brothers or sisters as if with filial piety and obedience. Such is the God-established order in the Orthodox family.
Dislike for "brought in", as well as for cousins (second cousins) sisters and brothers. Ismail, himself "brought", meanwhile offended and even persecuted his brother Isaac (Gen. 21, 9), for which he was expelled, according to the word of God, from his father's house. According to natural love for parents, children should love those who are for their parents, the same is done legitimate son or daughter (from a previous or new marriage). Joseph, having an ardent love for the uterine Benjamin, also lovingly said to his brothers from another mother: “I ... your brother” (Genesis 45:4). Our cousins and second cousins are also not far from our flesh and blood; this is often seen in appearance, by nature, by abilities and so on. Thus, love for relatives is a natural feeling of every normal person. In fact, it happens like this: "ours are worse than strangers." But a Christian should not be like that, it is better for him to find "his own among his own." The Lord Jesus Christ sanctified both relationships in His life. So, Jacob the son of Joseph, calls Him the Godbrother, and John the Baptist, the son of a relative of His Most Pure Mother, was in blood relationship with Him.
Quarrels with neighbors due to paternal inheritance- testify to the lack of reverent memory of parents, the predominance of the carnal, material principle over kindred feelings. “It is better for you to be offended,” says the apostle Paul, than to sue and be at enmity because of material goods. Such behavior is unworthy of a Christian. “Leave me, I will repay,” says the Lord. It is better to lose materially and, having saved the world, gain spiritually, than, having snatched your share, lose peace of mind and enter into a state of enmity.
Enmity and litigation for various reasons with relatives. “And Esau hated Jacob” (Genesis 27:41), meanwhile they were not only siblings, but also twins. First of all, fraternal and any kindred enmity is shameful. To nourish it in oneself and to reveal it, for example, by lawsuits, means to go against one's own flesh and blood, which each one naturally nourishes and warms (Eph. 5:29).
Betraying your neighbors and leaving them without help when they need it. Joseph's brothers betrayed him into slavery, fully aware of the sinfulness of their act, since Joseph, no doubt, begged them to spare him. For this, their children and descendants suffered long-term slavery in the land of Egypt. So now, if a brother betrays a brother (sister) in difficult circumstances for the latter, although he could help his own blood with certain efforts, he will certainly suffer punishment from God.
Contemptuous attitude towards a lost brother or sister.“Your brother has come,” is said of the prodigal son. “... He got angry and did not want to enter” (Luke 15:27, 28) another brother, honest and serviceable. Pride and contempt for a fallen brother or a fallen sister manifests the sinful conceit of an imaginary “righteous person”. If a person is concerned about the honor of his family, then this should not be expressed by contempt for the fallen, but by moral participation in his position. Such participation can be expressed in advice, in exhortations pronounced with love, in prayer, almsgiving, fasting and other ascetic deeds performed for the sinner, in offering him soulful books for reading, as well as in helping to get an interesting job, in treating in case of need from hard drinking, in feasible material assistance.
Negligent attitude towards poor and uneducated relatives, denial of financial assistance to them.“The poor man is hated by all his brothers” (Prov. 19:7). Righteous Joseph, exalted in Egypt, summoned all his relatives to him during the years of famine, taking care of their well-being. No matter how extensive the relationship and how great one's own family, it is a sin to refuse and not recognize simple or poor relatives. It's not about taking care of everyone, sometimes it's simply impossible, but not to be proud, to have kindred feelings for them and to treat them politely. Without a doubt, you must first help a relative, and then, if possible (means), and an outsider.
Excessive predilection for one's relatives. With equality of merits, it will not be a sin to prefer one's relative for any public service, but if the latter is vicious, then it is a sin to give him workplace, which is claimed by someone more worthy. Those who indiscriminately and biasedly surround themselves in their work with only relatives act viciously, since in this case a vicious circle of figures is formed, to whom it is difficult, and often dangerous, for an outsider to turn to with complaints and suggestions.
Sins of parents
Vicious state of mind during the conception of a child and moral inattention to oneself during the passage of the period of pregnancy. “Behold, you ... will conceive and bear a son; therefore, beware, do not drink wine and strong drink, and do not eat anything unclean ... ”(Judg. 13, 3-4). Children are direct extensions of their parents. As is known, man was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26), and after the fall this image, although distorted by sin, was preserved in man. It is inherited, along with the personal characteristics of the ancestors of the father and mother, to the born. God, having blessed man to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28), along with this blessing endowed man with all the necessary properties for this process. We are a direct continuation of our parents, "bone of bone... and flesh of flesh..." (Genesis 2:23). That is why the Bible speaks of a curse that is valid until the third, fourth generation of sinners, and a blessing up to a thousand generations of the righteous (Ex. 20, 5-6). If the Lord re-created every soul, why would there be a curse or a blessing on a newly created being that has not yet accomplished anything? So, according to the spiritual law given by God, the same person is born from a person. Of course, according to God's will and providence, a person may or may not be born. We know that the Most Holy Theotokos, John the Baptist and many others were begged by their parents. But this is an exception, a miracle, a special intervention of God in the course of natural processes that follow the laws established by Him. So, children, being a direct continuation of their parents, carry in their infancy all their mental and bodily properties. Therefore, if a mother drinks, smokes, leads a relaxed lifestyle, especially during pregnancy, all this will affect the unborn child. In the case when parents are drug addicts or alcoholics, children are born with severe pathologies, and sometimes already at birth they experience drug withdrawal or hangover syndrome. If a drunken or passionately lustful conception with various perversions occurs, this will also negatively affect the unborn child. Therefore, the parents themselves are to blame for many illnesses, passions, mental deviations of children.
Careless attitude to the state of one's health during pregnancy, resulting in early birth or the birth of a stillborn child. The fetus of the child has a direct connection with the body of the mother. He breathes and eats through his parent. Therefore, all the anxieties and worries that the mother experiences: fear, grief, fright, sadness, boredom, immoderate joy - have a harmful effect on the baby. In the same way, excessive stress on the mother, for example, at work, or a pampered, sedentary, "bohemian" life, malnutrition, as well as overeating, adversely affect the future baby. Sometimes, from the same causes, the baby dies in the womb or is born with some kind of bodily or mental injury. Assuming such guilt, the Church, at the birth of each dead baby, asks the Lord for forgiveness of his mother, “into the murder of a fallen will or captivity” (prayer “When the wife casts out the baby”), and then condemns the mother to a year-long penance (Priest’s Treasury), which, together with the father must also share it, especially if he did not behave properly with his pregnant wife.
Taking measures to avoid conception (prevention). One of these measures is shown in biblical history. It is said about Onan: "... when he went to his wife ... he poured out the seed on the ground (destroyed the seed by spilling it on the ground, not completing the carnal message), so as not to give the seed (so that fertilization would not follow)". And such a deed of Onan "was evil in the eyes of the Lord" (Genesis 38:9-10). Currently, various types of contraception are used. But their essence is the same. The sin here is that in marital relations a person wants to receive only bodily pleasure, only carnal pleasure. A person wants to live only for himself, for his flesh, not wanting to produce offspring (although it is said: “a woman is saved by childbearing”), because the appearance of children can interrupt the course of an egoistic life, the purpose of which is the pursuit of pleasures. Touching upon questions about the permissibility or impermissibility of contraception, it is necessary to note the opinion of some that "the natural method of using for marital relations periods when it is impossible for a woman to conceive a child can be considered acceptable, with a motivated use of it." This statement is absolutely false. What lies behind the use of certain days for intimate life? The desire to have fun and not conceive a child. The same motive lies with the use of condoms and hormonal contraceptives. What is the qualitative difference here? Yes, none! Both are equally sinful. And the user of these means should not deceive himself. The user of contraceptives must clearly say to himself: “Yes, I am sinning. I want carnal pleasures, but I don't want a child (for one reason or another, more or less valid). I understand that this is a sin, but my current spiritual state is such that I cannot act otherwise. Forgive me and help me get better, Lord! At least it will be honest with God and with yourself. It will lead to humility and relieve hypocrisy. Of course, the use of such means as the installation of a spiral in women is completely unacceptable; in this case, the embryo of a child of about a week of age is killed. Any kind of cleansing, with fear of conception, is also unacceptable, because this is the same abortion, that is, murder.
abortion are a mortal sin. In fact, it is the sin of infanticide. No excuses are accepted here. Some saints believed that he who committed the sin of infanticide could not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. The Church imposes strict penance for this sin. "For bringing out or killing a baby in the womb" is supposed to be at least a ten-year excommunication from the Church (Agkir. Rights 21,20). This penance must also be borne by the parent of the slaughtered infant, if he assisted in the abortion by advice or organization of child murder. In our godless time, when abortion has become a "natural" thing, many have committed this sin, not knowing God. Having come to faith, everyone must confess this sin, receive the appropriate penance, and repent of the sin of infanticide until the end of their lives. Some elders advised for each abortion to do three earthly bows a day with a penitential prayer (Lord, forgive me a sinful and foolish one), except for Sundays and holidays; if there is no strength for earthly bows, do half-length ones, and if they are not strong enough, then simply read this prayer with heartfelt repentance.
Negligent attitude of a midwife or doctor taking delivery to a woman in labor. People taking births are responsible for the life of newborns before God. If they are negligent in their work and the newborn is injured or dies because of them, then God severely punishes such negligence, and the Church regards this as the sin of infanticide. Such people are subject to church penance and are excommunicated for up to seven years.
Appeal during childbirth to non-specialists, childbirth in water. Childbirth, except in exceptional cases, should be carried out by professional doctors. The fashionable trend of childbirth at home, and even more so in the water, in the bath, poses a threat to the life and health of the baby. Childbirth at home, where, even with visible cleanliness, a large number of pathogenic microbes and viruses, as well as possible birth complications when a baby is born, endanger the life of the woman in labor and the newborn. If at the same time non-professionals take birth, then the danger doubles. It is a sin to put the life and health of a woman in labor and a newborn at possible risk. Childbirth into water is unnatural in itself, for the Lord established a different kind of childbearing. In addition, this method has a mystical background. In ancient Egypt, this was one of the rituals for the birth of the future priest, in which the newborn was supposed to discover supernatural (psychic) abilities, which, as you know, are purely demonic in nature. In addition, as practice has shown, during childbirth in water, the body of both the mother and the child are infected, which then often end up in the hospital with symptoms of infectious diseases. Unfortunately, in our time, even some priests, succumbing to the spirit of delusion, support the idea of childbirth in water; Orthodox Christians, on the other hand, should not accept this sinful practice, strictly following the patristic instructions.
Delay in the baptism of an infant, in poor health, then dead. The sin of this kind is so grave that those guilty of it are deprived of Holy Communion and condemned to many prostrations and fasting for a long time. It often comes from the frivolity of parents, from lack of faith and carelessness about the future life of the child. Parents, first of all, should take care that their child reaches the Kingdom of Heaven, and do everything that is necessary for this. The first step to achieve this goal is to baptize the baby without delay, especially if he was born sickly. In extreme cases, the parent himself can baptize the child using the baptismal formula: “The servant of God (the name of the rivers) is baptized in the name of the Father, amen, and the Son, amen, and the Holy Spirit, amen.” If the child remains alive, it is imperative to perform a full baptism (pass the sacrament of chrismation) in the Orthodox Church.
Abandonment of a child after childbirth for any reason. It is a sin to tear away your own child from yourself, even if he is left in the maternity hospital due to extreme need or lack of funds for his upbringing. Let us remember the widow in the days of Elijah the prophet, who, even in times of famine, wished to have her little son alive. If, relying on the will of God, we give ourselves up to raising a child, then the Lord will never leave us, and the child, having grown up, will be a guardian and a good helper to his parents in their old age.
Refusal of the mother to breastfeed the child (other than the cause of the disease). According to the nature and plan of God, “to give birth and breastfeed” should be an inseparable action, and only in this case the mother of the baby, in the full sense of the word, is the mother. The mother, out of selfish motives, having stopped feeding the baby, cuts off the latter from the source of life natural for him. It is known that feeding on mother's milk, the baby receives the necessary immunity from diseases, feels maternal care and love. By depriving him of his breast, an unreasonable mother makes the child's infancy defective, which may affect its further development.
Sleeping at the breast of a baby- in fact, this is an accidental crushing of the baby to death by the mother's body during sleep: "and ... the son of this woman died at night, for she slept him" (1 Kings 3, 19). The church canons excommunicate those guilty of this sin from Holy Communion for several years. Is it possible to prefer the serenity of your sleep to the safety of a child's life?
Careless or, conversely, overly caring childcare. So, for example, it is a sin to entrust the supervision of infants to minors, or to completely leave infants without supervision. It is a sin if parents leave their children without the necessary vaccinations or visit with them those places where there is a high probability of contracting infectious diseases. It is a sin if parents do not at all care about the health and strong constitution of their children, do not accustom them to gymnastics and various physical labors. But, on the other hand, it is also harmful to surround children with excessive cares, for example, wrap them up, constantly keep them warm, protect them from colds at the slightest breeze, overfeed them to the point of unnatural obesity.
Failure to teach children prayers and church services from an early age.“Let the children go and do not prevent them from coming to Me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). Children should be taught to pray from an early age. And one should not wait for the time when a living mind and self-consciousness will awaken in them. The mind is only one of the forces of the soul, but besides it, feeling (heart) and will also play a very important role in human life. As you know, the heart in this sense awakens in an infant before the mind, childhood impressions are very strong and have an impact on a person’s entire future life. Thus, even from the moment of birth, it is useful to attach an icon to the cradle itself, so that the newborn has it before his eyes; it is useful to pray aloud in front of his bed so that the child hears the words of the prayers and feels the beneficial effects of these holy words. It should be worn as often as possible, and then take children to church for Holy Communion. Talk to them about God angelic world, about sin, so that children from an early age receive the right spiritual orientation. From the age of four, children should be taught to constantly pray in the morning, in the evening, before and after meals. You should also not forbid the little children themselves to go to church if they have such a desire and if the temple is near the house.
It is a false pity to wake up the children in the morning for the beginning of the Liturgy and not to take communion for this reason. One should not feel sorry for waking the children for the morning service every time. On the contrary, it is necessary to take children to church as often as possible: the sight of the iconostasis, singing and church rites have a positive effect on their feelings. Without self-denial there can be no true faith, and who is not able to get up early in the morning to go to the temple for a church holiday, will he be able to defeat his flesh and feelings? The early rise of children to the service will be a kind of feat for them, like carrying the Cross of the Lord, like a sacrifice to God, and will have a beneficial effect on their whole life.
The long non-communion of the children of the Holy Mysteries of Christ and carelessness about the organization of the confession of the child after he is seven years old. The soul of a child is especially receptive to the action of grace. Because of its purity and openness, the child conveniently becomes a receptacle for the Holy Spirit. And to deprive him of this blessed Divine influence is a kind of crime. By the age of seven, a child’s awareness of his actions is formed, many actions are already the result of sinful impulses. In many children, by this age, selfishness, selfishness, disobedience, and willfulness are already noticeable. And the fight against these passions can be carried out already quite consciously. Confession is a great help in spiritual warfare. Therefore, children must be prepared for the first confession, to explain to them what sin is and how to deal with it.
Raising and educating children only for the purpose of achieving earthly and vain successes. It is said: "...bring them up in the teaching and admonition of the Lord" (Eph. 6:4). And this is not at all the teaching of the Lord, when they teach children only the art of the daughter of Herodias (dancing), only to play a musical instrument, skillfully sing or speak foreign languages. Often parents strive to give their children a purely secular, prestigious education, caring only that their children have success in this world and a full cup of material wealth. At the same time, the most important thing in earthly life is missed - the acquisition of the Holy Spirit, the transformation of oneself from a fallen person into a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. Sooner or later, each of the people will have to die, and neither education nor technical skills will be useful in another world. A soul filled with either virtues or passions will appear at the Last Judgment and give an answer for what it has collected and done. With this in mind, we must first of all take care of the soul of the child, so that he grows up as a true Christian and eternal eternity opens up for him. Parents should give a good education to their children, according to their strength, but the main thing is the education of the soul. Parents who forget about the goal of spiritual education, who care about purely material things, will reap the fruits of their mistakes while still here on earth. Children to whom they have given all their strength may refuse to take care of them in their old age, be indifferent to their needs. For, for carnal reasons, aged parents are an unnecessary burden for children.
Neglect and neglect of the education of their children.“He who despises wisdom and instruction is unfortunate, and their hope is vain, and their labors are fruitless .... Their wives are senseless, and their children are evil ...” (Wisdom 3, 11). Literacy and education help to avoid many superstitions and delusions. Also, illiteracy causes losses in everyday and economic affairs, which means “their labors are fruitless.” Hence the even greater thoughtlessness of wives - "their wives are senseless." Hence the rudeness and depravity of children - "their children are evil." But we must always remember that education without proper Orthodox upbringing is useless. Christian upbringing and secular upbringing must be harmonized, with the former playing the dominant role.
Development in children of ambition, pride, desire for a brilliant secular career.“Fathers, do not provoke your children” (Col. 3:21). Instead of bringing up small children in the spirit of Christian love, parents often incite them to display malice, bring them up in the spirit of pride, selfishness and self-love. So, for example, some people amuse themselves by irritating the child and encouraging him to grumble, swear, and pugnacity. Or they teach him to pour out his anger on material objects or animals: if the child stumbles on the threshold, they offer to punish him with a kick, if the “naughty” cat ran away, they offer to beat her. Everything is done to divert the attention of the baby from crying, and it is not taken into account that a child from such an upbringing can develop a sense of revenge, rancor - a passion that will torment him all his life later. Some from childhood inspire the child with thoughts about his special talent and superiority over others, hoping that the motive of ambition will be a powerful incentive for good studies. But all this awakens base instincts and passions in the child, destroys his soul and deprives him of eternal life.
Partial attitude and partial love for one of the children. The rules of the church say: “If someone hates his own child, loves the other… like a child-hater, he will not partake of the Holy Mysteries until he is corrected” (Trebnik of a priest). If parents show a clear preference for one child at the expense of others, then they are sinning. We must equally love all our children, not preferring one to the other. Mother and father should unite, strengthen love in their family. The coldness towards each other noticed between children should be corrected with a word of admonition and an example of one's own love for them. And not to arouse envy and jealousy in children with your biased attitude.
Lack of concern for the education of chastity, the preservation of virginity and the sober behavior of their children. Those parents who allow their children to lose their chastity, fall into a drunken lifestyle, and corrupt their lives in pursuit of so-called "pleasures" are gravely sinning. This is often due to the weak nature of the parents, carelessness and oversight. For such a grave parental oversight, the high priest Elijah, who in himself was a kind man, was severely punished. Even more criminal are those parents who not only do not forbid, but also encourage the depraved lifestyle of children, often saying: "Young still, let him take a walk, and then settle down." Such parents consider the depravity of children nothing more than a childish prank and hobby, and do not see in it the death of the soul and possible death for the Kingdom of Heaven. Parents from infancy should instill in their children chastity and purity, protect them from possible corruption and self-corruption. Do not allow loose morals to get to know people, protect from reading frivolous literature, watching pornographic films. To suggest that everywhere advertised sex is not a normal and natural phenomenon, but the dirt of debauchery and slavery to the spirits of fornication. It is known that God is served with chastity and purity, and the devil - with violent debauchery. It is necessary to ensure that children do not become addicted to the secret sin of masturbation, do not hesitate to find out if it exists. If such a sin is present, then it is necessary to explain its sinfulness and depravity, as well as indicate ways to combat it.
The complete absence of the necessary severity or, conversely, frequent and cruel penalties from children.“Whoever pities his rod, he hates his son, and whoever loves, he punishes him from childhood” (Prov. 13:25). It is known that the character and basic psychological characteristics of a person are formed in early childhood, so, according to some scientific data, a child receives up to 80% of all information acquired in life at the age of three years. It is very important from the first months of a child's life to show reasonable severity and exactingness towards him, and in no case should permissiveness towards the baby reign in the family. It must be remembered that original sin also takes place in the newborn. It manifests itself in a sense of self, selfishness, selfishness, cunning, greed, and so on. And this is from a very young age. The task of parents is to stop such passionate manifestations, to form the necessary Christian virtues and skills. At a young age, physical punishment is often appropriate. Of course, this should not be intimidating children and beating them for the slightest offense, but spanking a child, putting him in a corner is sometimes simply necessary. For at a young age, a child may simply not understand another means of suggestion. As the child grows, the methods of physical punishment should increasingly be replaced by verbal suggestion and the deprivation of some especially beloved rewards and rewards. After 12-13 years, it is better not to physically punish the child at all, so as not to embitter him and remove him from himself. Parents should take care not to severely punish their children, especially in moments of outbursts of their anger. It is always necessary to explain to the child what exactly is his fault and for what he is being punished.
Excessive separation of children from oneself or, on the contrary, too free attitude with them, which deprives children of the fear of speaking and doing evil even in the presence of their parents. Excessive distance means that the feeling of dominance over the children prevails over the feeling of love for them. But in this case, the love and trust of children in their parents is impoverished. True love one must also earn children for oneself; here one cannot count on their natural attachment to oneself alone. And for this, a father, for example, should not treat his children so coldly and arrogantly that they run away from him as soon as he appears home, that they do not dare to approach him with any request, with any question that interests them. and rather trust their secrets to strangers than to an overly strict father. In the parable of the prodigal son, we read that the father himself went out to meet his son and caressed him, while the son strove for his father with the full hope that his father would understand him as a tender and child-loving parent. On the other hand, when parents treat their children as brothers or as equals, vulgarly joke with them or allow them to joke with themselves in this way, play cards, sing secular songs, dance - in this case, nothing can keep the child from from falling. With such an upbringing, children do not even realize the worst is thin and often become extremely frivolous and windy.
Abandoning the duty of praying for children, regardless of their age.“A child of my prayers” (Eccl. 31:2). Job, after his children and their families gathered for a feast, each time brought a cleansing sacrifice for them (Job 1:4-5). Since “every gift is good” from God, believing and God-fearing parents should offer unceasing prayer that the Lord God Himself, who blessed them with children, would help them raise their children “in sobriety and chastity.” They pray for adult children that the Lord would save them from all evil, strengthen their faith, deliver them from sorrows and many diseases. It is known that the mother's prayer raises from the bottom of the sea, and the father's blessing builds houses (Sir. 3, 9). The Church has established special orders of prayers “at the beginning of the teaching of the youths” and for children who are not very successful in teaching. Often, prayer alone can influence children, especially if they live far from their parents or, as adults, do not obey their parents and do not want to lag behind pernicious vices. It is a mistake to rely only on your own - purely human means and strength in the upbringing of minors, it is also unreasonable to rely on them in dealing with adults. We must always remember that only the Lord is omnipotent, and through our prayers He can arrange the happiness of our children.
Actions to steer children away from believing in God and going to church- are the gravest parental sin, contributing to the death of the soul of the child. Quite often, parents who themselves were brought up in an atheistic spirit, when their child comes to faith and begins to live according to church canons, rise up against him with all the strength of parental anger. They believe that their child is dying, going crazy, disappearing as a useful member of society. Such parents try by all means to divert the novice Christian from the Church. They convince him that if he does not leave the Church, they will get sick from grief and die and he will be guilty of this; arrange scandals, wild scenes and the like. The leader of such wicked parents is a demon. It is through them that he tries to return the human soul to its former, disastrous path of life. Speaking against the faith of children, parents defend their way of life, their long-established stereotypes of thinking and behavior. After all, if the children are right, then the life of the parents is wrongly lived and all their ideals are false. It's very hard to go through something like this. It is better to accuse children of the “madness” of faith, excommunicate them from the church and return everything “to normal”. Parents of believing children! Have the courage to admit your mistakes and follow the good example of your children!
Depriving children of parental blessing without good reason. If “the blessing of the father establishes the houses of the children” (Sir. 3, 9), then to deny the children a blessing just because they expose the shortcomings of their parents or do not want to serve the vanity of the mother or father means to abuse the right given from above and reveal a reprehensible malice towards their own children. Even in moments of intense anger, children should not be threatened with deprivation of parental blessings. There are things that cannot be treated with even the slightest element of frivolity, because this can lead to fatal consequences.
A curse pronounced on children.“The mother's oath destroys to the ground” (Sir. 3, 9) children's homes. So specific life examples are known that the children cursed by the mother, one after another, quickly died. Especially insane is the curse pronounced on young children (equally calling children in anger demons, imps, and the like). Such a curse on innocent children does not receive its power (Prov. 26, 2), but this does not in the least diminish the guilt of parents who curse their children. The curse that is pronounced on adult children is also inappropriate. If sometimes adult children, with their impudence and bad deeds, lead their father or mother out of patience, provoking the latter to utter a curse, then the parents in this case should also show composure and wisdom. First of all, they should carefully look into themselves, whether their own vices are hidden in the vices of their children. Didn't they themselves communicate to their children the disposition to this sin at conception or upbringing? The bitter lessons of life and advanced age may have corrected the parents, but in their younger years did they not have the same evil qualities and habits that their children reveal? So, it is best never to curse anyone and, having reproached yourself before God, humble yourself and offer Him a prayer for your lost children.
Intentional humiliation in front of the children of the mother by the father or father of the mother. The fifth commandment of the Lord says: “Honor thy father and thy mother...” Thus, a father who, by words or deeds, humiliates their mother in front of their children (for example, reproaching them with imprudence or stupidity), sins against the law of God, against his children, teaching them to neglect their mother. He also sins against himself, for, having ceased to respect the mother, the children will soon cease to treat their father with due respect. But the mother sins even more when she inspires the children to disobey their father, undermines his authority in the eyes of the children, treats him with disdain. With equality of rights over children, the mother, however, herself is obliged to obey their father in everything - her husband (Eph. 5, 24). It would be much more prudent for her to instill in her children a sense of special respect for the father, as head of the family, and to show examples of this respect herself. In a word, father and mother must mutually uphold their rights in front of their children, hand in hand to carry out the work of their Christian upbringing.
Clearly seductive behavior in front of his own children. Children are always disposed to imitate their elders due to their natural inability to independent, deliberate activity. But especially children tend to imitate their parents, who are a high authority for children and a kind of role model. And indeed, children learn to walk, eat, drink and take the first steps in their lives, under the direct guidance of their parents, hence such boundless, childlike faith in the perfection of their relatives. Therefore, if parents set a bad example for their children, they are guilty before God as deliberately corrupting their children. For example, a father tells his son to tell an unwanted guest that he is not at home; the son, seeing a lie, also begins to resort to deception, as a natural and normal way of behavior; or parents in conversations slander their acquaintances, through this children are accustomed to secret gossip and condemnation. The depraved example of parents is especially destructive for children. Treason, adultery, or just plain coquetry. Woe to those parents through whom temptation comes to children (Matt. 18:7). This is not a father and mother, but the evil killers of their children.
Murmuring because of many children or a large family. A woman “... will be saved through childbearing if she continues in faith and love and holiness with chastity” (1 Tim. 2:15) - this is what is promised to people who give birth and raise their children God-fearingly. So it is the parents who sin who complain about what leads them to salvation. Caring for children accustoms parents to self-sacrifice, renunciation of entertainment and worldly pleasures, accustoms to prayer and spiritual exploits performed for children. In our selfish age of self-love and pleasure-seeking, this is especially true. But instead of children, people prefer to have dogs and cats, and if there is one or maximum two children in the family, then they are not given due attention, because parents want to live only for themselves. Many justify the small number of children in the family with the thesis “there is no need to breed poverty”, forgetting the folk wisdom that “if the Lord gives a child, he will also give a child.” Small children are the result of lack of faith and self-pity, and most importantly of the fear that children can deprive them of the possibility of passionate pleasures, which are the main stimulus in life for many.
Inconsolable grief for the dead child. Under any life circumstances, we must always remember the main goal of our life. This is the acquisition of the Holy Spirit, the formation of oneself in the image of God and likeness. And if the Lord, according to His inscrutable Providence, takes a baby out of this life, then it means that it is better for the baby. Being sinless, the child immediately enters the Kingdom of Heaven, avoiding all the sorrows and sorrows prepared for him in this earthly vale. “Do not prevent the children from coming to Me,” the Lord said in the holy Gospel; and we must always remember that God loves children more than you and me. Inconsolable sadness comes only because we live earthly, not heavenly, and we want only mortal, earthly happiness for our children. It is better to take care of the coming eternal life of our descendants, and from this already, to build an attitude towards the events taking place.
Deprivation of adults and separated children of any support and inheritance. Parents should also help adult children: if there is a need, then financially, if not, then spiritually. In particular, prayer for children and pious advice. If foolish children, who at one time, like the prodigal son, left their parental home and fell into various sins, repenting, desire to return to their father's shelter, then they should be received with love, as the Father accepted from the gospel parable. Parents should especially support their adult children in a moral sense: do not leave them to the mercy of passions; if they fell, then with the disease of the father's heart to look for them at the crossroads of vice; warn against mistakes in life and work; visit their homes more often and the like. The presence of children from the second or third marriage is an inexcusable reason for disinheriting or helping children from the first marriage, for they are all a natural part of their parents, "bone of their bones."
Constant, stubborn meddling in the affairs of adult children. King Solomon's mother went to intercede with her son for his brother, Adonijah; but this only hastened the execution of Adonijah, who resorted to her intercession (1 Kings 2, 13-26). If a son or daughter who occupies high places is respectful to their parents and fears God, then it is inappropriate for the father or mother to interfere in their affairs. This embarrasses the conscience of children, who do not want to refuse their parents' request, and the execution itself does not bode well and useful for the cause.
Harassment of one's stepsons, stepdaughters, adopted children and adopted children.“Whoever receives one of these children in My name receives Me” (Mark 10:37). So the stepfather or stepmother accepts stepsons and stepdaughters with the marriage crown. Having decided on marriage because of strong love, they had to make a decision even before marriage - to do everything possible for the children of a loved one. They are obliged for these children to replace their own father or mother, to show parental feelings for these children, even if they already have their own children. Guilty, therefore, is the stepfather or stepmother who leaves the “brought” children without due attention, turns a blind eye to the actions of their stepchildren, and does not hold God-given power over these children in their hands. But they sin all the more if they abuse their power, if, for example, they deprive their stepson or stepdaughter of everything in front of their children, speak badly or mockingly about the father or mother of these orphans, and commit other unworthy deeds.
Abandonment of illegitimate children without any help. Although the birth of illegitimate and illegitimate children remains the most painful memory for the conscience of parents, and before people a constant, shameful reproach of their immoral behavior, natural parents should do everything possible for the spiritual and physical well-being of their children. The child is not to blame for being born conceived in lawless passion, it is just as helpless as other children. Parents who do not want to know their illegitimate children are sinning. Especially in this case, fathers are unjust and inhuman, who allow one mother to drink the whole bitter cup of her unchaste life. It is also necessary to put illegitimate children on the good path of life. There is only one thing that illegitimate parents should beware of, especially when approaching each other for the education of illegitimate children, so as not to fall into a fornication again, the fruit of which was the illegitimate child.
Knowingly harming one's own children.“The father will betray his son” (Matthew 10:21). It happens that parents betray their children to debauchery (being drunkards or drug addicts), force them into a marriage that is opposite to them (because of a selfish goal), sell their babies to wealthy and childless people. Or they do not prevent a young daughter from marrying an old man, which she desires, being foolish and unreasonable; keep her from marrying for love with a decent but poor man, because of his material lack; out of cruelty and intolerance, they wish death on children, the chronically ill or the crippled; cripple spiritually and physically their child, forcing him to beg. Parents also deliberately harm their children by drawing their children into sects and forcing them to live according to the rules of these sects.
Cold attitude and carelessness about their grandchildren.“Kissed (Jacob) his grandchildren and embraced them...and said:... The angel who delivers me from all evil, bless these youths...” (Genesis 48:10, 16). Here we see both tender love and caring towards grandchildren. It is noteworthy that these feelings in the Old Testament patriarch were expressed as natural natural feelings inherent in man and as the fruit of the fear of God. Grandchildren are the continuation of the family - for the most part they bear the names or names of their grandfathers. Therefore, grandfathers should naturally love and care for them. On the spiritual side of this issue, grandfathers in their grandchildren can see God's blessing on themselves: "... and see the sons of your sons" (Ps. 127:7). It turns out that if grandfathers treat their grandchildren coldly, they do not appreciate God's blessing. The moral duty of grandfathers and grandmothers is to take an active part in the upbringing of young grandchildren, especially in the religious and moral direction. At the same time, without weakening the power of the parents themselves over them, without interfering and not contradicting the system of parenting. For, often, the parents themselves, due to their employment, pay little attention to the spiritual needs of their children.
Harassment of one's daughter-in-law or son-in-law."What is my fault, what is my sin, that you persecute me?" (Gen. 31, 36), - someone said to his father-in-law. Sometimes it happens that a strong-connected or important father-in-law harasses his son-in-law, usually because of his wife's complaints about him. Meanwhile, the cause of complaints is hidden in the shortcomings of the wife herself, and not the son-in-law. Often the daughter-in-law is also oppressed by her mother-in-law, because of jealousy, not according to the mind of the son's mother, for his wife. Often, especially at first, the mother of her son is set against his young wife, forgetting about the spiritual law: “... a man will leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife. ..” (Gen. 2:24). A wise mother should not destroy, but build a new family, helping in every possible way and instructing her son and young daughter-in-law to love and patience.
Excessive love for his family and complete indifference to the extreme needs of other people.“Do not disturb me, the doors are already locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot stand up and give to you” (Luke 11:7). Such is the partial love for one's own children and one's family, which a person protects, defends in truth and without truth. And the glaring needs of other families are indifferent and even hostile. Obviously, such love of fallen nature is contrary to true Christian love for one's neighbor and is unacceptable in public life.
In the case of their own infertility - complete indifference and even hostility to other people's children.“Each of you, as the father of our children, we asked and persuaded and implored to act worthy of God” (1 Thess. 2, 11-12), says the apostle Paul about himself. Whoever is not destined to be a father should look at young children, and in old age also at young men, as his children. With such a Christian view of other people's offspring, a childless person, meeting with these or those children, should first of all take care of the good influence on his part on the youth. In every way beware of everything seductive, unworthy in words and deeds. Treat them with love, speak affectionate, edifying words, help them materially according to your strength. In a word, a Christian must nurture in his soul the sweet feeling of fatherly love and always carry it in himself, manifesting it, first of all, to children and young men, as well as to all who need it.
Lack of care for their godchildren, lack of prayer for them. Godparents, or "godfathers", whose title has existed in the Church since the early days of Christianity, are obliged to help parents in the good upbringing of their godchildren and goddaughters. And whoever accepts an adult or a non-believer from the font is also a “purely father” for his godson, he must monitor his churching and spiritual development, supply him with the necessary Orthodox literature, monitor frequent visits services, confession and communion of the new convert. At baptism, the godfather or godmother become spiritually close to their godfather, like a mother or father. In the event of the death of the parents, the godparents replace the latter for their godson. Godparents should pray daily for their godchildren, serve prayers for them, take them to church for communion, that is, actively participate in their spiritual education. Those godparents who, after baptism, do not remember their godchildren, do not pray for them, and do not take part in their spiritual upbringing, are especially sinning.
Disrespect towards godparents.“When she (Lydia) and her household were baptized, she asked us, saying: ... enter my house and live with me” (Acts 16:15). So, when godparents need shelter, then you should take them in. In any case, it is required to give them, as well as the baptizing priest, filial piety, respect and listen to their advice. In the event of the death of godparents, it is necessary to enter their names in the commemoration book and constantly pray for their repose. Even if they did not show due care in the life of their godson, for the mere fact that they were fathers in the most important moments of a person's life, one should respect them and pray for them.
Invitation of noble and wealthy people as godparents for selfish motives. This is a sin both for the parents who baptize their child and for the recipients themselves. The first, that is, the parents, are looking for a person who is rich and useful in some respect for themselves in the recipients, the second, that is, godfathers, go for it out of vanity and for the comfort of their pride. In any case, what is sought here is the mundane, not the divine. Godparents should be selected according to their spirituality and prayerfulness, and not according to material wealth and position in society. In many ways, the spiritual state of the godfather affects the godson, and the prayers of the first are extremely beneficial for the newly enlightened.
Sins of pupils and educators
Ingratitude and direct payment for good with evil to their educators, teachers and benefactors.“For people will be selfish, proud ... ungrateful ...” (2 Tim. 3, 2), “... they repay me evil for good” (Ps. 34:12). After parents, the next place among the benefactors of a person is occupied by his educators and teachers. From parents, each, by the will of God, is born into the world; and from educators and teachers receives the necessary knowledge and skills for life in society. Therefore, it will be natural for students to have a sense of respect for their mentors. You should also honor our benefactors and benefactors. The beneficence of the benefactor makes us feel the right hand of God Himself that has mercy on us. Special benefactors in life, such as those who saved someone’s life in the midst of obvious danger, protected someone from unbelief or debauchery, gave comfort to another in bitter sorrow, did not leave the poor with their alms in his extreme needs, are the tools of God’s providence for a person (James 1:17). Gratitude to them is gratitude to God Himself. So, to remain generally ungrateful is a low feeling and an undoubted sin before God. It is also a sin to be unaware of the benefits themselves, to say that educators or teachers were obliged by their position; the first - to educate, the second - to teach, but the benefactor did a good deed from selfish motives and vainglorious motives. It is also a sin not to express gratitude and not to help your benefactors. It is even more unforgivable to pay evil for good to your educators, mentors and benefactors. Thus, Judas betrayed his teacher and benefactor. And the benefactor himself, being deceived once, may refuse to give alms in the future.
Forgetfulness of good instructions and warnings from educators, teachers, spiritual mentors.“I praise you, brethren, that you remember all my things and keep the traditions as I handed them down to you” (1 Corinthians 11:2). Pious, experienced priests and teachers always try to guide their pupils on the path of virtue and warn them against possible life temptations. Going out into worldly life, young men and women should accept these warnings as a fatherly gift, they should always remember them. The warnings of the elders are the fruit of many years of life and spiritual experience and not the result of conjecture and fabrication. Guiding the experience of pious people helps us avoid many falls and life conflicts.
Disrespectful attitude towards the elderly."Get up before the face of the gray-haired man and honor the face of the old man..." (Lev. 19:32). It is necessary to honor old age, seeing in it your parents and ancestors. Particularly honorable is that old age, which is adorned with wisdom, experience and sincere piety (Sir. 25:6,9). Unfortunately, not all older people have the above virtues. When meeting with such, it must be borne in mind that it is incomparably more difficult for the elderly to lag behind their vices than for the young. Therefore, it will be a great success for us if, with an affectionate, imploring word, we can correct or stop the old man who is in vice. In any case, old age is worthy of respect, or at least compassionate pity. Thus, those people who do not want to honor old age, for example, give way to an elderly person in public transport, remain silent when elders speak, or help gray-haired helplessness, sin. Those who dare, insult, and vilify the powerless old men and women sin. It is better to endure their senile insanity than to fall into "righteous anger" and burst into insults.
The desire to earn the favor of their pupils by indulging their pranks and passions.“We did not have a word of flattery before you…” (1 Thess. 2:5). The duty of the educator is to keep his pupils from manifesting the properties of the "old man", that is, from the actions of original sin. Explain and show them the fatality of sinful deeds, teach them to curb their passionate aspirations. Education will not be education if children are given the freedom to do whatever they please, everything that is inherent in corrupted human nature. The actions of the disciples must always be in conformity with the will of God, expressed in the commandments and evangelical instructions. It is necessary to explain to the wards that just as there are laws of the material world, and whoever breaks them dies, the rules of the spiritual world also apply, which no one can break with impunity, even here on earth. Any action will certainly entail a consequence, and if an act is contrary to the will of God, it will be sad for the sinner. Therefore, those educators are guilty who, instead of denouncing the guilty, caress and please them, with the goal of gaining the love of the pupils, for example, they praise too much when they succeed, when they are incapable or lazy in the subject, they overestimate the marks. It happens that a student reveals good qualities, but the teacher, instead of secretly rejoicing for these children and imperceptibly supporting their good sides, begins to noisily exalt them and express surprise at their “perfections”, which contributes to the development of pride and conceit among students . The teacher who indulges the pupils keeps himself on an equal footing with them, likes to joke with them, and makes all kinds of concessions and indulgences. But even such an educator does not always achieve his own goal - to be a beloved teacher, because children are quick-witted and on a subconscious level feel falsehood and hypocrisy. In any case, such a teacher is not engaged in education, but in spoiling the upbringing of the child.
Neglect of the health of pupils and students on the part of teachers, educators and educators.
In the nursery and kindergarten it is: oversight of children, leaving them wet, sweaty. Not ventilating the room where they are, allowing them to play in drafts or poorly dressed on the street. Failure to ensure that they eat well, sleep during "quiet time", do not engage in all sorts of obscenities (there are spoiled children who show their shameful parts of the body and force others to do the same). Not paying attention to the child's obscene speech, swearing, bullying or downtrodden behavior. Injury to children due to negligence of the teacher.
At school this sin manifests itself as: burdening students beyond their strength with study sessions; non-observance of the correct daily routine, the necessary number of walks and outdoor games; inattention to the posture of the student; indifference to smoking students, their use of alcohol or drugs, lack of education in them of chastity and purity, but, on the contrary, corruption by teaching obscene subjects (from the series "Family Planning" and the like); non-control of relationships between students; allowing fights, frivolous relationships, hard rock, satanism, sectarianism, the occult, and so on. It is no secret that 90% of schoolchildren (according to research in 1999) suffer from chronic physical and mental illnesses. This is largely the fault of preschool and school educational and educational institutions.
The omission in the upbringing of the most important thing: the formation in children of a firm Orthodox faith and the evangelical spirit of piety. “The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord; [good understanding in all who are led by him; but reverence for God is the beginning of understanding]” (Prov. 1, 7); “... bodily exercise is of little use; but godliness is profitable for everything...” (1 Tim. 4:8). Not only in the lessons on the law of God in Sunday schools and when visiting church, pupils should assimilate the spirit of faith and learn the rules of a charitable life, but in any subject at school, the spirit of purity, morality, chastity, love should direct the soul of the pupil to the heavenly. The goal of human life is to form oneself in the image and likeness of God, internal unity with God (deification), the eradication of everything sinful, alien to God, the development of virtues and the correction of shortcomings, the desire to become the way God wants us to be, and this is the most important thing, from this depends on our immortal life. This goal should be the leitmotif, run through all the upbringing and education of the child. Unfortunately, at the present time all-embracing importance is attached to teaching the sciences, this is useful, but far from being the most important thing, and only serves for the external passing life of a person. Even the thesis is put forward that the school now only teaches, and let the parents take care of the upbringing. This is inherently wrong, as the apostle says: “Knowledge puffs up, but faith edifies.” Knowledge without faith can give rise to moral monsters, monsters that are dangerous to society and doomed to eternal death. Therefore, that teacher sins who, while teaching external sciences, does not care about the formation of the image of God in his pupil.
Indifference to the vices of pupils and their own misbehavior which is a bad example for them. “See that you do not despise any of these little ones; for I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Heavenly Father,” commanded Christ the Savior (Matt. 18:10); said the valiant Eleazar, teacher of the seven holy Maccabee youths. (2 Macc. 6:28). Childhood vices are not at all innocent diseases that go away by themselves. If you do not nip them in the bud, they will get their further development take root and take over the soul of man. Therefore, those teachers who look indifferently at children's vices, supposedly not related to them, who know that their pupils: taste wine or drugs, smoke, play cards, are fond of rock music, porn products, or just outright debauchery with classmates, are extremely guilty. . A respectable educator should not only himself observe the morality of the wards, but be attentive to information about their behavior and turn in secret prayer to God about the moral state of children in order to prevent the appearance and development of destructive vices between them (here we mean masturbation, and the loss of children's children by pupils). innocence and purity). Even more responsible before God are those teachers who, by personal example, incline children to vices. For example, there are drunks in class, swearing, having obvious vicious relationships, ambiguous jokes and blasphemy.
Reproaches and reminders of previously rendered good deeds.“Do good... give us a loan, expecting nothing...” (Luke 6:35). If, according to the word of the Lord, a loan should not be valued too highly, then even more so it is not in the spirit of Christian love to reproach others with those good deeds that were rendered out of philanthropy and for which the Lord God will reward. A benefactor who attaches too much importance to his good deed or only loves to remind him of it, repels others from turning to him for help, in the same person to whom he has rendered a beneficence, cools the feeling of gratitude and thereby frees the latter from the obligation to thank him, and most importantly , deprives himself of the reward from God for the good done.
Sins of rulers and subordinates
Neglect of state property or the property of the owner for whom you work."If you were not faithful in someone else's, who will give you yours?" (Luke 16:12). Honesty and integrity must be observed at all times and in all places. Whatever a person does, he must do everything well, as for the Lord. If, however, a person in his work neglects the good of others, then he sins and robs himself, for, according to the words of the apostle, “each one will receive from the Lord according to the measure of the good that he has done” (Eph. 6:8). Even if the salary that a Christian receives is clearly insufficient for his work, but all the same, while he is in this position, he must work well, albeit for a meager pay. And the Lord, seeing the honesty and faith of a person, will change his life circumstances.
Conscious actions that cause loss to the owners.“Exhort ... not to steal, but to show all good fidelity” (Titus 2:10). The actions of employees that harm the property of the owners or the state are a sin, for whatever motives this may be done. The Lord commanded us to love our enemies, but we deliberately harm the people who pay our wages. This is contrary to the commandment of God. If you are offended by something, say it directly, or leave, or be patient, but do not harm secretly, this is the meanness of the soul.
Disclosing the secrets of the enterprise and deliberately inciting hostility in the work team. Each enterprise and home may have its own secrets that others do not benefit from knowing. It happens that a respected person deviates from his rules, indulging in intolerance, anger, irritability in his home life, sometimes saying things about strangers that would not be worth saying. The worker, seeing and knowing all the relationships and weaknesses of the authorities, should not tell others about this, embarrassing and seducing them.
Abuse of the trust of superiors. This includes accepting gifts and bribes from petitioners in order to incline the authorities to a favorable solution for the latter. Often an employee, using the trust of his superiors, does not allow a single person to see him without directly or hintingly demanding a gift for himself. Another's leprosy was punished by the servant Gehazi, who similarly abused the trust of the prophet Elisha. Such a "bribery servant" often inherits other people's pranks, that is, the vices of a person whom, for an unrighteous bribe, he asked his boss.
Teaching passions and vices to the children of rulers or malicious concealment from parents of the vices and passions of their children. This sin is especially characteristic of domestic servants, nannies, home teachers and educators. They sin if they directly teach the master's children to steal something for them, teach them beliefs and signs, swear in front of them, behave depravedly and vulgarly, devote children to such secrets that they should not know. Yes, and one silence about the bad habits and actions of children is a heavy fault on the part of their educators and servants.
Transferring your responsibilities to others. This includes laziness and unwillingness to properly perform their duties. An attempt by any means to shift one's work to others, and to enjoy idleness oneself. There is no need to be afraid of work, work is a normal state of a person, saving and pleasing to God. When a person tries to get rid of it and indulge in entertainment, for example, sitting at the TV, reading empty literature, and the like, he sins, thinking that he is resting, but in fact he corrupts his soul with such idleness. This gives rise to an extremely vicious trait - the desire to do nothing and receive money. A person relaxes and begins to evaluate any of his efforts extremely highly. Gradually gets used to it and becomes a worthless slacker.
Conspiracy of subordinates to deceive superiors and profit. For example: "collusion" (strike) against the authorities. Having agreed to cover each other, the subordinates either steal or unanimously contribute to the bad deed of one of the bosses, hiding the evil from those persons who could prevent this villainy. Also oppression by senior workers of new or junior ones (who do not have confidence or access to superiors) in order to create lawlessness.
Frequent change of duty stations. Workers must hold fast to their places and not change them without deep motives. Frequent change of place of service turns into a kind of habit and develops in a person in general a fickle character.
Arrogant attitude towards subordinates.“If you have a slave, then treat him like a brother” (Sir. 33, 32), the wise Solomon said back in the days when slavery flourished. Moreover, a Christian, who must see in every person the image of God, cannot proudly and disdainfully treat a person just because a subordinate is lower than him on the official ladder. In addition, it is known that love, combined with justice, and if necessary with the necessary severity, makes it possible to achieve good and conscientious work from subordinates. Whereas an arrogant attitude causes deaf resistance.
Exploitation of subordinates and careless attitude towards them in case of illness. This includes insufficient wages assigned to workers, squeezing all their strength out of them to get more profit. Taking advantage of the fact that at present it is difficult for people to find work, the owners deliberately lower wages in order to enrich themselves, indifferently looking at human needs. In many places, in case of illness, a worker is either not paid at all or is paid such a meager amount that it is impossible to live on; not only do they not worry about the health of the staff, but, on the contrary, in case of illness, they try in every possible way to get rid of it, as an extra ballast. This speaks of the hard-heartedness, love of money and godlessness of such employers.
Retention wages. “Woe to him who ... makes his neighbor work for nothing and does not give him his wages” (Jeremiah 22:13). It is not good even to delay paying the money earned by subordinates, and not to pay at all - this is an extremely serious sin, for which a person will undoubtedly be punished during his lifetime, up to complete ruin. It is necessary to have indulgence towards workers (as much as the boss wants to see indulgence from the Lord for himself), you can forgive the worker and some malfunctions in business, if he treats work in general responsibly. And the poorer the servant or worker who is not paid wages, and the more many children, the more sin falls on the owner who does lawlessness.
Using subordinates as tools to satisfy their passions and evil deeds.“And the wife of his master turned her eyes to Joseph, and said, Sleep with me” (Genesis 39:7-12). It is a sin to force your subordinate (bodyguard) to inflict insults for himself, maybe even beatings, to force him to deceive for himself, to involve him in carnal sin, especially, using his official position, to make an intermediary in his secret fornication, and so on.
To prevent subordinates from going to church, fasting or eating. These three virtues are most conducive to maintaining faith and the fear of God in every person. Thus, those masters who hinder the moral transformation of their workers, offend in their employees the most sublime and subtle religious feelings, sin. The ancient patriarchs, bringing home prayers and sacrifices, certainly made their servants participants in prayers and sacrifices (Genesis 35:2-4). The masters who interfere with the religious life of their subordinates, in doing so, forget their own benefit, since one can always rely on a God-fearing worker, which cannot be said about an atheist.
Carelessness about the moral state of subordinates.“Govern your house well” (1 Tim. 3:4). The head of the family is also obliged to be a kind of father in relation to domestic servants. The same should be the boss in relation to his subordinates. Indeed, it is no coincidence that some are bosses, others are subordinates. Initially, this inequality came from the commission of a sin: “Cursed is Canaan; he will be a servant of servants to his brothers” (Genesis 9:25). But as long as sin continues in the world, there will be servants and subordinates, however, not as something "natural", but as a reason for the inequality of people in abilities and moral strength. God's providence directs this inequality so that the weak are under the guidance of the strong, so that the less intelligent learn from the more gifted. The boss, the master, according to God's plan, should be the first, who cares about the morality of all, he must love the souls of his subordinates, as Jesus Christ loves them. Meanwhile, most managers demand that subordinates be good employees, and they don’t care about anything else. For this, the negligent leader will have to answer before God.
Sins in a friendly union
Frivolous choice of a friend.“If you want to win a friend, win him when you are tested and do not trust him quickly” (Sir. 6, 7). Parents and relatives are natural friends. Educators, teachers and benefactors are relatives with whom life was connected at one time and from whom memories cannot but remain. But besides the circle of relatives and home, there may also be a special closeness to strangers. This is friendship, an example of which the Lord Jesus Christ Himself gave us, calling Lazarus His friend (John 11, 11). We should be benevolent towards all people, but friendship is a special bond. It does not mean only close acquaintance, which is often of a family nature, although a person needs to be extremely careful when choosing one. A man gives his very heart to a friend. And since the gift of the heart is an extremely important gift, it cannot be given lightly to the first person you meet. The hasty and frivolous choice of a friend subsequently leads to bitter repentance, to deep emotional upheavals, loss of faith in a person. So, for example, some choose a friend for themselves only for a pleasant face and dexterous address, for a cheerful and lively speech. Many enter into friendship with vicious people, although such people should be avoided by the word of the Lord (Ps. 1.1), and they make friends with people rich and influential from base motives. It is better to do without a friend at all than to rush into a choice or frivolously entrust yourself to someone.
Friendship for profit- such is, for example, friendship solely for the sake of benefits. With rich people, who therefore always have “many friends” (Sir. 6, 10), with colleagues or with members of any society who have influence and who can support or cover up our mistakes at the right time. This also includes friendship based on selfish inclination, with those who are used to yielding to us, holding onto the same thoughts with us, even if they are wrong. And especially “they have sweet lips” (Sir. 12:8). Such is the friendship at the table (drinking). All these types of friendship are unworthy of the name of a Christian, and it is absolutely not worth seeking out such friendships and supporting them.
A friendship born out of a common passion.“And that day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for before they had been at enmity with one another” (Luke 23:12). Thus often the most irreconcilable enemies become friends in order to act in concert against an innocent person or in defiance of a good deed they envy. So friends among themselves are players, drunkards, drug addicts, debauchees or doing some dark things together. This is a complete perversion of friendship, rather a villainous union. There is neither mutual cordial affection nor mutual respect in it, but only mutual tolerance and obsequiousness. The enmity of such persons would be less sinful than friendship based on slyness.
The danger of friendship with the opposite sex.“All flesh is united according to its kind, and a man clings to his like” (Sir. 13:20). Pure, spiritual friendship with the other sex is extremely rare. As a rule, close relations between a man and a woman (naturally not a husband and wife) or develop into love relationship(often with a carnal fall), or badly affect the souls in such friendship. A man may experience a loss of spiritual strength, relaxation of character (rather than softening it, which can occur with rare communication with the weaker sex). There is also a relaxation of the soul with bad thoughts, the development of refined voluptuousness, when a man, without even realizing it, often talking on pious topics, enjoys the very energy of the conversation, the “fluids” of close communication with a woman. In a female being, blood and feelings predominate, a woman is even more disposed to a biased attitude. Communicating with a man, she often subconsciously reacts to him as a future partner or husband. So she calls a male friend her brother if they are close in age, father if she is much older than her, son if younger. But in any case, she seems to be related, associated with him. A woman begins to see and praise in her male friend such perfections as he never had. Thus, a woman turns her male friend into an idol, and then she herself seeks to become an idol for him. Even if they have common spiritual and religious interests, and their friendship is based on this, then, by the temptation of the devil, it leads even more quickly to the danger of falling. Suppose someone likes only spiritual things in a friend of the opposite sex, and there are only talks about goodness and the salvation of the soul, but meanwhile spiritual love easily turns into carnal and becomes partial, so that no attention is paid to either age or title, not to san. The words of the Apostle sound prophetic here: “Having begun in the Spirit, now you are finishing in the flesh” (Gal. 3:3). This is especially dangerous in relation to the spiritual father. Confessing and revealing her innermost secrets, a woman is extremely open to the latter. A dignity lying on a man can contribute to a kind of idolization of the latter, a desire to feel God through him, to be as close to him as possible. Often we see women who make idols out of their priests, praise and “protect” them in every possible way. They come to church no longer to God, but to the confessor. This is scary. For instead of grace, the soul of a sinner is overshadowed by subtle voluptuousness and love, which is extremely destructive for a parishioner. This is especially true for single women and single mothers. In view of the foregoing, it is always better to be wary of "spiritual love" for the opposite sex, and especially for the clergy.
Connivance with the sins of a friend and silence about them.“Sincerely are reproaches from the one who loves, and the kisses of the one who hates are deceitful” (Prov. 27:6). The purpose of true friendship lies in the fact that friends warn each other against mistakes and vices, and on the paths of good, strengthen and support each other. For example, is it a mistake for someone to enter the family or in the service, who will tell you except for a true friend? The rest do not care, or are indifferent, or laugh with gloating behind their backs. And only that true friend who is not afraid to expose his sincere, for his benefit, for the sake of his salvation; even if there may be a cooling of friendship. But love and devotion make a true friend act only in this way.
Silence when slandering a friend and not exposing the slanderer. If a friend suffers in vain, if he is subjected to a bad review that he did not deserve, then it is the sacred duty of friendship to protect him. “I will not be ashamed to defend a friend” (Sir. 22, 29). The duty to protect a friend naturally follows from the fact that no one knows him as intimately and truly as I do, especially when it comes to the way he thinks and acts. Friendship is based on mutual love and respect, so everything that closely concerns my friend also directly touches my heart. It is a sin on my part to be cowardly and silent when my friend is attacked in vain, even if in my silence there was no intention to harm him. Jonathan repeatedly proved to Saul that his friend David was innocent, even though his life was in immediate danger (1 Sam. 20:33).
Betrayal of a friend- is found in different ways and under different circumstances. Often a man who is exalted by wealth, social position, and fame forgets his friend. Meanwhile, as it is clearly said: “Do not forget a friend in your soul and do not forget him in your possessions” (Sir. 37, 6). They leave a friend in case of misfortunes that have befallen him: prison, persecution by the authorities, persecution by bandits or the powers that be. And from the Holy Scriptures it is clear that relations in friendship can only be like this: “Let the Lord be between me and between you, and between my seed and your seed, it will be forever” (1 Sam. 20, 42). In the days of adversity, it is useful to assure a friend of the immutability of friendship. No wonder folk wisdom says: "A friend is known in trouble." “But you have been with me in my misfortunes” (Luke 22:28), Jesus Christ said to his disciples, whom he called his friends (John 15:14). Another kind of betrayal of a friend is to find out the secrets of the heart in friendship and then reveal them to others. Although it is clearly stated: “The one who reveals secrets has lost confidence and will not find a friend according to his soul” (Sir. 27, 16). If after a disagreement, even a very strong one, friends can still reconcile with each other, then in the event of a malicious disclosure of a friendly secret, this becomes impossible. You should not play with friendly secrets even after the break of friendship, this is a sign of cowardice and insignificance of the heart. Not to miss a friend in case of separation from him is also a betrayal. If possible, it is necessary to exchange friendly visits more often. The Apostle Paul, for example, wrote to Timothy, whom he loved as a friend: “I wish to see you... Try to come to me soon” (2 Tim. 1:4; 4:9). It’s bad if they don’t mourn for a friend, in the event of his death, while “Jesus shed tears” (John 11, 35) at the tomb of Lazarus, which the Jews who were at the same time could only explain by the sincere, friendly love of the Lord for Lazarus. There is also such an attitude towards friendship when they break with a friend due to mere impatience, because of a small displeasure, due to a misunderstanding, or due to slander from outside. Indeed, it is foolish to believe in slander and leave a friend without understanding everything in detail, without explaining directly to an old comrade.
Leaving an old or paternal friend.“Do not leave your friend and your father’s friend”, “do not leave your old friend, for the new one cannot compare with him” (Prov. 27:10; Sir. 9:12). It is extremely wrong to leave an old friend whose friendship was interrupted due to external circumstances, for example, on the occasion of moving to another city or due to the impossibility of continuing correspondence. If a friend has never betrayed, and if circumstances allow you to get back together with him, then friendship should be renewed. A friend of his father should always be welcomed, not only out of respect for the memory of his father, but also for his own benefit in life, for the advice of an old experienced person can always be useful. In general, who every year introduces new friends and close acquaintances into his house, leaving old ones, that is, those who do not seem necessary to him, he is no friend to anyone. This one has only a lot of acquaintances, but no real friend.
Unfriendliness.“A friend loves at all times and, like a brother, will appear in times of trouble”, “whoever wants to have friends, he himself must be friendly” (Prov. 17, 17; 18.25). An unfriendly person, for example, because of his pride, because of which he does not find anyone worthy of his friendship, causes great harm to himself. Firstly, he is deprived of those noble feelings that real friendship nourishes and develops, and secondly, he often experiences boredom and loneliness and from this he seeks entertainment that is harmful to the soul. However, unfriendliness and the absence of a friend can also be the result of an objective life situation. Sometimes among those who surround us, it is really impossible to find a friend according to one's soul, and especially according to one's spiritual and religious dispensation. Friendship requires reciprocity of hearts and common interests. Friendship requires a person with whom one could freely exchange thoughts and feelings, communication with whom would ease the soul in difficult life situations and on whom one could rely. A friend is another, but such a benevolent partner in your life, who perceives all its events as his own, worries, sympathizes and tries to help in whatever way is possible.
Addiction to peers (comrades) or, conversely, neglect of them. King Rehoboam, blindly addicted to his peers, listened to their advice and began to threaten his subjects with heavy taxes, which forever undermined his authority (1 Kings 12: 1-21). Addiction to comrades makes one ignore their shortcomings, forces one to be unnecessarily indulgent towards their sinful deeds. But, on the other hand, neglect of those with whom childhood and youth passed is unworthy of a Christian. The Orthodox must choose the “royal path”, be reasonable, avoid bias and extremes.
Civil and public life
Rejection of God-established monarchical rule. The first king on earth was Adam, and his children were his first natural subjects. Then other families appeared on earth from his seed, they included children, grandchildren and household members. The father of the family was called "patriarch" and was for his family, as for a small state, both the sovereign, and the judge, and the commander in the event of an attack by enemies. Then peoples were formed from large families, states were formed from peoples, and accordingly, from the power of the patriarch, the power of the legislator, the judge, and finally, the king. As the God-given power of the father in every family, so is the power of the tsar in the national, state family from God. And how not arbitrarily the father appropriated power in relation to the children, and not the children themselves gave him this power, but God, the Creator of all. So the supreme royal power is God's gift and God's blessing. From Holy Scripture we see that at first God Himself reigned over the Jews (1 Sam. 8:7), and then the Lord Himself appointed kings for them. From God - the appointment of not only the kings of the faithful, Orthodox, but also the bestowal of the pagan kings with the name of the "anointed one" (for example, Cyrus of Persia (Is. 45:1). not by a word, nor by any propaganda of that kind. And so, to reject the divine origin and the sacred rights of the king is a sin. This is one of the most ungodly sins that will distinguish people before the end of the world (2 Thess. 2, 4). subjected him to an anathema (Chin in the week of Orthodoxy). Also, the commandment "honor your father and mother" applies to the king, as the father of the whole fatherland, and the promise is connected with it: "it will be good for you." The results of deviation from this commandment, we could " enjoy” throughout the 20th century, starting in 1917.
Blame on the king.“Do not slander the judges, and do not revile the leader among your people”, “even in your thoughts do not slander the king” (Ex. 22, 28; Eccl. 10, 20). God is not pleased with the slander of His anointed. Moreover, the murder and execution of the entire royal family, which falls like a bloody stain not only on those who gave the order and shot, but also on those who tacitly approved and now approve of this villainy. Belief in slandering the king and his family is also a significant sin. Why was Saul an unkind king, a murderer and oppressor of innocent people, but when David just cut off the half of his cloak, he felt fear, because he saw in him the anointed of God, although he himself had already been anointed to the kingdom and called to take his place Saul (1 Sam. 24).
Disrespect for the empress (her memory), disrespect for the heir to the throne and for the entire reigning house.“And the king said to her: what is it to you, Queen Esther, take heart, ... for our dominion is common” (Esther 5:3). The wife of the king shares with him to a certain extent the burden of his great labors, supports morally and spiritually, and educates the heir to the throne. In addition, according to the word of God, a husband and wife are one flesh, and therefore, whoever blasphemes the empress, blasphemes the king. About the heir to the throne, it is said: “I will plant from the fruit of your womb on your throne” (Ps. 131, 11). Consequently, there is a special predestination of God about the heir to the throne. The autocratic tsar, even during his lifetime, appoints him as his heir. As for the other members of the royal house, of which some were born in this house, others entered it through a marriage union, here we see from God Himself "a chosen generation, a royal" family (1 Peter 2:9). At the same time, each of the members of the family carries out its share of service for the state. Therefore, it is the duty of a Russian Orthodox person to treat the entire royal house with respect, not to believe slander against him, not to transmit malicious gossip concerning him.
A malicious insult to the memory of dead kings. David did not praise the soldier who rejoiced at the death of Saul (2 Sam. 1:14-15). Let the dead king live in another country, where “the king and the warrior are in equal dignity” (stichera at the funeral service), even if he can no longer influence his subjects, but the anointed of God always remains the anointed of God, and blaspheme him, maliciously discuss his weaknesses or else how to offend - there is a sin.
Hatred of all authority (anarchism). As we have said above, power has a God-established origin. As in heaven there is a strict angelic hierarchy, as in nature everything happens according to God-established laws, so in human society there must be a clear hierarchical order of control. Order and a clear organization are a manifestation of Divine qualities, while anarchy and chaos are the properties of Satan. Therefore, anyone who is on the ideological positions of anarchism is a conductor of destructive ideas emanating from the world of fallen angels.
The desire for power is not for the sake of serving the people and the Motherland, but for the sake of self-interest and glory.“If anyone desires the bishopric, he desires a good deed” (1 Tim. 3:1), as long as he desires leadership for better service to society and neighbors, and not for vile self-interest and human glory. Unfortunately, at present, the noble ideals of serving society and people are forgotten by many; everyone tries to extract the maximum self-interest from the business in which he is engaged. Selfishness has so taken possession of the human soul that patriotism and love for the Motherland have become an empty phrase for many. The Jewish slogan "get rich, this is the meaning of life!" captured and conquered many souls and hearts. Service to God and neighbor is replaced by service to the golden calf.
Use of one's official position to the detriment of the Fatherland and the people. Many people who see the meaning of life in enrichment, glory and serving their passions do not hesitate to harm their country and neighbors if it promises them benefits. For example, in the West, products of low quality and even harmful to human health are purchased at the lowest price, which are then sold on the Russian domestic market for decent money. Businessmen get a big profit, and the fact that this will harm the health of many people is completely unimportant to them. We meet a similar attitude both in state administration and in public organizations; hence such disorder and collapse in our society.
Espionage- this is a direct betrayal of the Motherland, the people, state secrets, as a rule, only for the purpose of vile self-interest. At the same time, a person becomes a traitor not only to his homeland and his culture, but also to the memory of his ancestors. For what has been collected and formed over a thousand years by many generations is easily betrayed and left for the sake of “thirty pieces of silver”.
Pro-Westernism and careless attitude to domestic traditions. We find examples of true patriotic love in the life of Jesus Christ. So in the words to the Samaritan woman: “You do not know what you are bowing to; but we know what we bow down to, for salvation is from the Jews” (John 4:22), Jesus Christ clearly distinguishes his fatherland from someone else’s. "You" means the Samaritans, and "we" the Jews; so he wept for Jerusalem, the capital of his fatherland (Luke 19:41). So every Christian, loving the whole human race, which is under the control of one King of Heaven, at the same time must have a special love for his Motherland, because the fatherland is not personally chosen by him, but by God Himself is predetermined where he will be born. Compatriots are bound together by one faith, one origin, language, customs, laws, history. As for the Russian land itself, it was not called otherwise in national history as "holy Russia", as "holy land". This name was given to her because of the special miraculous blessings of God in her, as well as because of the great multitude of people who shed their blood as martyrs for the fatherland and the commandments of Christ, and because of the abundance of God’s saints who rest here with their relics. Therefore, not to love one’s Motherland and prefer it to other states, just as not to love one’s father’s son, but to be attached to strangers who did not give birth and did not raise him, means to have low feelings and an ungrateful heart. Moreover, Western states have always feared Russia, envied its natural resources and did everything to weaken it. Predilection for the foreign and neglect of domestic traditions is sinful, since they destroy the feeling of patriotism in the soul of a person, which leads to the grinding of the cultural and historical type of the Russian Orthodox person.
Employers prefer foreigners and non-Christians to Russian Orthodox people. Christ the Savior primarily did good and preached to the Israelites at the beginning: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24), He said. Later, Christ commanded the apostles to spread the good news among the pagans as well. The apostles did the same (Acts 13:46), of whom one teaches: “Let us do good to all, but especially to our own according to faith” (Gal. 6:10). If you act in accordance with this evangelical spirit, then bypassing your Russians (Orthodox) and giving preference to foreigners is a sin, since this leads to the destruction of family ties of the same tribe, the cultural spiritual unity of the people. If, however, such actions are justified by the motives of simple philanthropy, which is not limited to the boundaries of one's own land, then the question arises: why in one's own land, among one's people, the same merciful love for humanity is not proved by deeds, as Christ the Savior proved it for the Jews.
Preference for foreign languages over domestic. “Half of their sons speak Azoth, or the language of other peoples, and do not know how to speak Jewish. I reprimanded for this…” (Nehemiah 13:24-25) – the prophet Nehemiah was so jealous at one time about neglecting one’s tongue for the sake of someone else’s. There are some Russians who are, as it were, ashamed of their language, their people, their culture, considering Russia a wild, “unintelligent” country, trying in every possible way to imitate foreigners, even to the point of using their language. Other Russians unnecessarily fill their speech with so-called Latinisms, words of foreign origin. Again, as after the revolution, when they tried to replace the Russian language with the bird language of abbreviations and criminal-parochial slang, foreign words and expressions poured into our literature, diligently introduced into the minds of people by the media. Even the very letters of the Russian language are being attacked. Latin is replacing them with city signs. The purpose of this intervention, as in 1917, is to suppress and demoralize national self-consciousness, to deprive Russians of the blessed means of communication, the opportunity to comprehend what is happening. "Newspeak", outgrowing the boundaries of philology, becomes a problem of the moral health of the nation. The spiritual connection between generations is being destroyed. The vices denoted by unusual-sounding Americanisms, as it were, lose their perniciousness, cease to repel morally healthy, but still insufficiently sophisticated young people. Newspeak helps to corrupt the souls of Russians, to cultivate depravity, violence, permissiveness. Therefore, every Russian Orthodox person must stand guard over his own language, not succumb to alien influences, fight against Latinisms and slang as alien and harmful influences.
Borrowing from foreigners is clearly harmful customs.“Test everything, hold fast to what is good” (1 Thess. 5:21). It is possible to borrow useful scientific and technical improvements from foreigners, but it is scary to adopt what concerns internal life, it makes you break with your cultural and historical heritage, moral and ethical Orthodox traditions. It is known that at present everything is being done to spread mass culture around the world so that all people become the same, do not have their own national characteristics and religious values. It is known that such a mass is easier to control and easier to make them accept the coming Antichrist. Take a closer look at the world around you, and you will see how depravity, aggression, the desire for profit, that is, the main mortal sins and vices, instill in people, exposing them in the media in the most attractive and tempting way. Therefore, a Christian should be very attentive to everything that is offered by the West, especially in relation to religious and spiritual and moral values.
Flight from the fatherland and residence without great need abroad.“They loved his stones and pity his ashes” (Ps. 102, 15), that is, once for the children of Jerusalem even his stones were kind, even dust (dust) from the roads of the fatherland is pleasant; the Jews, having been taken away to the Babylonian captivity, wept for their homeland, passionately desiring to return there (Ps. 137:1). Jacob also bequeathed not to leave even his bones abroad (Genesis 49:29). One can travel a lot, for example, in order, according to the words of the wise, “to learn good and evil between people” (Sir. 39, 5), and having learned the good and the best (in the sciences, art, technical progress), to introduce it in their homeland. But to flee from one's own country to a foreign land only for the sake of material gains and carnal comforts is unworthy. Orthodox Christian. We must serve the fatherland on our own land and do everything possible to improve it, to create a mighty Orthodox state.
Failure to provide assistance to a compatriot in a foreign country. Righteous Tobit, living in a foreign country, delivered bread and clothes to his unfortunate compatriots who were in poverty in captivity, and buried those who were dying or killed by enemies (Tov. 2:1-9). He who has arrived in a foreign country and is caught there by extreme need does not know whom to resort to for help, for he is a stranger to everyone here. You rarely find selfless help, so the necessary help to a Russian abroad can most often come only from a compatriot, and it’s a sin if the latter refuses this.
Participation in secret societies and Masonic organizations.“For the king knows this... for it did not take place in a corner” (Acts 26:26). Masonic societies and all their branches have a pronounced anti-Orthodox, anti-state, anti-people character. The secret essence of their activity is aimed at preparing the coming of the Antichrist, creating the necessary material and spiritual conditions for this. These include: a covert and overt struggle against Orthodoxy, the eradication of traditional religions in general, and systematic work to establish an occult-mystical consciousness among the masses: the leveling of national cultures and the spread of mass consumption culture. These goals are carefully hidden from the uninitiated and the newcomers, who are offered completely different ideals such as "freedom, equality, fraternity" and the like. Therefore, every person who works for these secret societies becomes an enemy of God and his people.
Tendentious selection of employees and participation in the organization of dishonest elections at various levels.“Do not each one take care of himself alone, but each one also of others” (Philippians 2:4). It is necessary to take care of the well-being of society, the success of the business, and not only about the structure and well-being of one's relatives and friends. Meanwhile, being in public service, many pursue only their own personal goals, for example: when they contribute to the election of a relative to the position in order to have “their” person in case of need or to give him a means of subsistence (although is service really alms?), and in general, they choose by kinship or friendship, bypassing those who are more worthy and capable (but not so devoted to them). Those who choose the rich, not paying attention to his dignity and ability to serve, are also sinning, choosing only to please him, casting their vote for him. If, for example, they choose as their boss a person who is more humble in character, not independent or short-sighted, so that under his bossing it would be more calm to remain with his own weaknesses and to have a beneficial effect on him. When a person is chosen according to the first impression, pleasing in appearance or other qualities, without a proper study of his abilities and properties, while the Word of God commands to choose not only the wise, but also the righteous (Ex. 18, 21; Deut. 1, 15). When they bypass the choice for a position of a person who is feared because of the truthfulness of his character and integrity, or because they did not get along with him before, expecting him to hold his views and contradict. It is also a sin to bribe voters, slander rivals in elections, and falsify election results.
Abuse of influence and power at public and industrial meetings.“But the chief priests and elders stirred up the people to ask Barabbas, and to destroy Jesus” (Matt. 27:20) - what this sin reminds of! You can not suppress the opinions of others with your authority; the decision of the question must be taken after careful consideration of it in its entirety, and here contradictions and different opinions can even be useful. But at the same time, almost every time there can be a predominance of someone's voice, predominance or well-deserved, for example, by high rank, by seniority, by great authority, by a better understanding of the matter compared to others, or forced, for example, by influence bossy power, by wealth, or only by arrogance and loudness. Whoever uses coercive methods in a meeting to achieve the desired solution is obviously sinning. In this case, he is responsible for the cause itself, which instead of protecting and supporting it destroys or sells, and for attracting to his side others who are forced to agree with him. Undoubtedly, the person who, being in a public office, undertakes to decide the issue alone, without being interested in and not agreeing with the opinions of others, sins; who, prior to the beginning of the meetings, indoctrinates its members in order to win them over to his side; who, using the right of chairman, invites only his supporters to the meeting; who at the meeting does not allow his opponents to speak, subtly ridicules and insults those who contradict him.
Abusing the trust of those you represent. There are proxies (directors, members) who are entrusted with representing the affairs and interests of a public organization in various instances. Meanwhile, some of them abuse the trust they are awarded. For example, they do not follow the course of affairs entrusted to them, pursuing personal mercantile goals, conclude deals that harm this community, waste public funds thoughtlessly or for their own purposes. Such as “unfaithful stewards” (Mt. 25:27) will answer God for their unfaithfulness, as well as for their neglect of acquiring other “five talents” in the affairs entrusted to them (Mt. 25:20).
Dishonest and careless performance of official duties.“Serving with diligence, as to the Lord, and not as to men” (Eph. 6:7). If a person did not himself seek service, but the service found him, or nevertheless sought it (but in a legal way), it is necessary to consider such service as God's election and predestination (1 Peter 4:10). Therefore, an employee must perform his duties as before the face of the all-seeing God, according to the Christian conscience. But there are people who only take a place, but do practically nothing, only receive a salary. Such, of course, sin before God with the sin of parasitism and idleness.
Evasion from selfless service to the fatherland in elected state and public positions.“And the wrath of the Lord was kindled against Moses” (Ex. 4:14) at a time when Moses refused to serve for the good of his compatriots, although he refused only for humility. Moreover, it is a sin before God to evade public positions in order to save time for one's own leisure. If in this way everyone shirks from the public service entrusted to him by the impartial choice of society, then society itself cannot exist. The first Christians did not refuse any public positions and performed them so diligently (according to the word of Christ, “render what is Caesar’s to Caesar” (Luke 20:25) that they surprised the pagans with their zeal. Therefore, those who evade public duties or act contrary to Christian duty perform them only under great duress.
Indifference to social needs and calamities. “For he loves our people and has built us a synagogue” (Lk. 7:5), the Jews responded with such gratitude about the centurion. Everyone who donates from his property for the benefit of people and society deserves the same grateful response. The fact that “it is difficult for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven,” Jesus Christ also spoke. It is difficult because the rich man hardens his heart, becomes selfish, thinks only of himself and his own pleasure. The Christian should be extremely wary of this. If the Lord allowed him to have significant funds, then he is responsible before God Himself for spending them. How can you bathe in luxury and indulge in crazy entertainment when so many people need an elementary piece of bread. With extra money, you can feed the hungry, clothe the undressed, give housing to the homeless, give education to the able, that is, significantly serve society and people. And those who have the means and are indifferent to other people's grief and public needs, seriously sin before God.
Class hatred and its arousal in others.“So give everyone their due: to whom to give, to whom dues, dues; to whom fear, fear; To whom is honor, honor” (Rom. 13:7). Various ranks in the state and public life are also necessary and noble, just as different members in the body are necessary. If only one member of the body is missing, such as an eye or a hand, then the whole body appears to be miserable (1 Cor. 12:27). A similar comparison can be made with respect to various classes and ranks in the state. Therefore, those who exalt one class or rank to the detriment of the others are extremely wrong. The main thing for the salvation of the soul is honest and conscientious work in the place where you are.
Sins towards the rulers
Obedience to superiors only out of fear, and not at the behest of conscience- although any obedience to those in authority is good (if it does not contradict the commandments of Christ), but not all is true and firm. It happens, for example, obedience out of fear alone, that is, in order not to be subjected to any penalty and not to lose work. There is obedience for the sake of social order, so that a society in which everyone has a need could exist. From the Christian, however, obedience is required in a more exalted spirit: “it is necessary to obey not only out of fear of punishment, but also according to conscience” (Rom. 13:5). And again: "be submissive to every human authority, for the Lord." The basis for such conscientious obedience is the conviction: “There is no power except from God” (Rom. 13:1). This means that God Himself established not only the supreme power, but also other principalities, because it is impossible for the supreme ruler to govern directly everywhere, there must be intermediate positions between him and the people. Therefore, any disobedience to the authorities (except in those cases when you are required to violate the commandments of God) and delay or negligence in the fulfillment of the assigned work are a sin.
Murmuring and reviling of the authorities.“We have sinned in speaking against the Lord and against you” (Numbers 21:7). Murmuring and slandering of the authorities, especially in public, is a sin; the guilty person often makes sure of this by his own sad experience. The boss begins to somehow treat this person strictly, not even knowing about his vilification. This happens not only by the inner feeling of the leader, but also by the direct permission of God as punishment for the sinner. Here the Lord intercedes not for the person in charge, but for insulting the rank, the authorities. It is possible and necessary to criticize the authorities if they violate the commandments of the Lord, but if only our vanity or other vices are affected, then it is better to be silent and correct.
Subservience and currying to superiors.“Many seek the benevolent face of a ruler” (Prov. 29:26). These include: direct flattery to the boss because of his high position, excessive praise for him for any wise orders or actions; timid, cowardly compliance with him when the latter makes the wrong decision or demands to act against conscience; obsequious courtesy in the execution of his favorite habits and whims; gifts to him on his name day or on another occasion; finally, fawning over his family and friends. These saints and flatterers harm the whole business of government, not only destroy their souls, developing low qualities in themselves, but also corrupt the rulers, who, having become accustomed to such signs of attention, sometimes do not tolerate even the slightest objection, filled with vanity and self-satisfaction.
Sins committed by rulers
Lack of concern for the needs of subordinates and the prevention of possible dangers to them.“And you, son of man, I have made the guardian of the house of Israel” (Ezek. 33:7). The boss should really be like a guard and an attentive, strict father for his subordinates, no matter how extensive or small the circle of his management is. And just as the head of the house foresees needs in advance and prevents possible dangers for his household, so the head in his post should take care of the subordinates entrusted to him. “Boss is not rest, but work”, not sleep or peace, but care; “The boss should sleep less so that his subordinates sleep more peacefully.” A true and God-fearing leader pays attention to the most essential things in business or to what is necessary for the good of his subordinates, and not to petty and vain things. So, those leaders who act contrary to this, who want to be served only by them, but do not want to show labor and paternal care for their subordinates, sin.
Weakness and inaction in management, or, on the contrary, cruelty and pretentiousness in relation to subordinates. “A wise servant rules over a dissolute son” (Prov. 17:2). This is usually the case when weak people are in charge; they themselves, and at the same time their subordinates, are controlled by minor persons who know the matter well. For example, secretaries, clerks, or completely outsiders for business, but people close to the authorities. Thus, a weak and weak-willed leader sins primarily by the loss of his power and by the fact that he entrusted his power, even unconsciously, to secondary or completely outsiders. And this responds extremely badly to those who are under his direct leadership. In this case, only faulty and dishonest people live well under his rule. But serviceable and conscientious, with a weak boss, there is no protection either in their business affairs or in their personal lives. Therefore, honest and God-fearing people will decide better to leave their position than to weakly rule because of sickness or old age.
On the other hand, cruelty and pretentiousness in the boss are already painful for everyone, both for good and bad employees: “For I was afraid of you, because you are a cruel man: you take what you did not put in, and you reap what you did not sow” (Lk 19, 21). What was not even in the thoughts of a person, then the suspicious boss deduces in his conclusions; and even from scratch finds fault on the part of subordinates. With such a leader, some become hypocrites, secretive, uncommunicative people, others are simply at a loss and do not know how to behave, because the more zealously a person treats the service, the easier it is to find fault with him, because often, caring about the essence of the matter, the worker forgets about some business formalities. A hard-hearted boss, punishing the right and the guilty solely because of his evil character, without any good intention, naturally does not think about how to win the trust and love of his subordinates. Therefore, fearing revenge and harm from all sides, such a leader surrounds himself with scammers and sycophants - this is his new fault. He mentally damages his subordinates, provoking them to the sin of condemnation, flattery, and deception. In a word, both a weak and doing nothing boss and a cruel leader are equally enemies of their subordinates and seriously sin before God.
Suggestion to subordinates of obedience to law and order only by shouting and anger.“You judge condescendingly and govern us with great mercy” (Wisdom 12, 18). An angry, noisy boss sins against himself, against his subordinates, and against his position. Anger and shouting are sins in themselves and cause great spiritual harm to the sinner. A few strict and just words, spoken calmly, but with inner strength, make a much greater impression than half an hour of angry shouting. Bringing down anger and shouting at the guilty, and then severely punishing him, the boss punishes this person doubly: from himself personally and by the justice of the law. But most often, in a fit of anger, the leader punishes the guilty beyond measure. In general, the boss, no matter what position he holds, should not insult his subordinate, since he is as close to him as others. You can offend with arrogance, and a condescending tone, rude words, or just a menacing look. An angry boss sins against his position, because by such behavior he contributes to the loss of success in the business. Accustomed to his character, the guilty with patience, silently endure his short-term anger, hoping to atone for their guilt. This means that in his weakness they find an excuse for their official negligence. On the contrary, the boss who acts calmly but persistently, who chooses a convenient time for reprimanding and reprimanding, and not the first minute that happens, is more likely to restore order and achieve the greatest production effect.
Chief unavailability.“If they put you in charge .... do not rise; be among others as one of them” (Sir. 32:1). The inaccessibility of the boss can come from two reasons: either from arrogance (and then it is completely sinful) or from doing business only according to written and verbal information, and not personally and from service experience (this is a lesser fault, since it is unintentional). It's not that the boss can't appoint famous days or reception hours, although even here he must make concessions for those in need. The guilt of the arrogant is that he does not want to fully listen to the person who comes, to delve into his case, makes him sit for hours in the waiting room and sometimes lets go without accepting. Not wanting to disturb or "humiliate" himself by talking to visitors, he does not listen to them and therefore does not satisfy them. Also, the inaccessibility of the boss, dependent on the habit of managing affairs only according to papers or according to the reviews of others, harms both the petitioners and himself. There are many cases, all the features of which are impossible to find out only on papers. Personal direct contact with people is necessary. Thus, management by papers is only speculative, as if from afar. It is necessary to personally get to know people, if possible, to follow the course of affairs on the spot, to listen to not one side, but certainly both.
So, the chiefs, conducting business on papers and verbal information alone, are guilty of not really delving into the essence of the matter, not satisfying the requests of their subordinates. They also sin against themselves, because they do not acquire the necessary experience in the service and in general in life.
Assigning power over other people- this spirit, these convictions were characteristic of Pilate: “don't you know that I have the power to crucify you and the power to let you go,” he said to Jesus Christ. And the answer was to him: “You would not have had any power over me, if it had not been given to you from above” (John 19, 10-11). Indeed, the power of the chief, no matter how great it is, is not a property of his personality, he did not create and did not create for himself that circle of people or that area inhabited by people over which he was placed as leader. Perhaps he achieved a leadership position by his merits, but even here the power was entrusted to him only in temporary possession, entrusted not unconditionally, but on the condition that he act according to the laws and conscience. So, before God, the Pilatian attitude to power (when the boss arbitrarily arrogates to himself the right to pardon or punish his subordinates, allow them something or forbid, etc.) is impudence, and an insult to your neighbor. The ruler must always remember that there is the Almighty and “power is given to you from the Lord, and power is from the Most High, Who examines your deeds and tests your intentions ... It’s scary and soon He will appear to you, and judgment is strict on those in authority, for the lesser deserves mercy but the strong will be severely tormented” (Wisdom 6, 3, 5, 6). Even if the boss moderately uses his rights and does not use violence and arbitrariness, but allows hints and frequent reminders of himself as an important leader, this is already a big mistake. Not in order for the boss to only realize and protect his rights and dignity, but in order to be useful to people and the whole society to the extent of his rights.
The desire to subjugate people who have equal or even higher power. The Apostles "James and Cephas and John ... gave me and Barnabas the hand of fellowship" (Gal. 2:9). Thus the saints respected each other for equal authority in all cases known to us. Against this spirit is the one who, being a member of any committee or council, tries to command others only because of his self-esteem and desire to rule. Moreover, having eliminated the others, he tries, contrary to their wishes, to act completely alone and on his own behalf. What to say about such a doer? He offends his comrades, arbitrarily becoming among them, as it were, a boss, removing them from business with his actions and words, thereby significantly harming the success of the common cause.
Failure to provide possible patronage and assistance to the Orthodox Church. Any leader, especially one who is at the head of local self-government, can provide all possible assistance to the Orthodox Church, help to restore, repair, strengthen different ways her spiritual authority. One of the main, ruling virtues of the old Russian authorities was "assistance to churches and monasteries." History testifies to large donations and contributions from all classes: princes, merchants, and peasants. The Church is the only thing that now truly belongs to the people. She is the only one who cares about his salvation, about his moral character. Helping the church, we help our people, shape our future.
Opposition to subordinates in the performance of their Christian duties. There are leaders who not only do not patronize and do not help the church, but also directly hamper their subordinates in the performance of Christian duties. For example, they publicly speak with ridicule about the Orthodox faith, clergy, fasts, in every possible way oppose church attendance on great holidays, interfere with the correction of church rites at work (they are not allowed to hold an icon, pray before eating, and the like). Meanwhile, it is well known that a whole city stands for the sake of the ten righteous (Gen. 18:32) and that a God-fearing believer will never let down or betray his boss.
When managing others, the lack of effort to manage oneself.“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). If, for example, a leader cannot restrain himself from the passion of anger, then he introduces only one confusion and discontent into the environment of those around him. So angry with one visitor, he shows his irritation in conversation with others, while others, having learned about his bad mood, completely refuse to communicate, which would be extremely necessary for the business.
The higher a person occupies a post, the more attentive his inner life he must lead, for the passions that have settled in him find favorable environment for his development, since few will dare to denounce and resist him.
Bad example and seductive behavior in front of subordinates and other dependent persons.“As the ruler of the people, such are those who serve under him” (Sir. 10:2). The example of the life of a leader either draws people to goodness or corrupts their souls. Let us recall how in the days of King Herod, after the king drove away his lawful wife and took Herodias to the harlot, many courtiers also began to chase away their wives and take on mistresses; and great wickedness and wickedness spread throughout all the land of Judah. Like the light of the sun, the life of a high boss should be pure and impeccable, since some, as a rule, simple people, imitate the authorities out of trust, believing that such a person knows better how to live, others, more literate people, imitate the authorities and, in general, higher faces out of vanity, to be like them. Still others imitate the actions of their boss because they want to please him. If the ruler adheres to the Orthodox way of life, then these people, little by little, assimilate such rules. The leader is also guilty when, although he does not create obvious vices, he does not set good examples in his life. And the higher the post a leader occupies, the greater his responsibility before God for personal passions and vices.
Inattention in the service to defenseless people and large families.“The widow ... coming to him said: “protect me from my rival.” But for a long time he did not want to” (Luke 18:3-4). An internally strong person or having a strong patron can stand up for himself. But a defenseless person, such as a widow or one without social connections, can only rely on the help of his immediate superior. Meanwhile, the latter often does not even think of standing up for the weak, often for the sake of mutual peace and the desire to please another boss, or simply out of cold indifference to someone else's grief. Pilate did the same with Jesus Christ, pleasing the Jewish leaders. It is strange self-interest and self-pleasing to sacrifice one's subordinates in order to avoid the needless displeasure and unjust wrath of others. As for a man with many families, the leader should treat him with special attention and patronage, in view of the many children who stand behind the back of their only breadwinner.
Depriving worthy people of rewards, promotions or direct oppression of them out of envy. In the first case, the boss sins by taking away from worthy workers what by right already belongs to them. Indeed, a well-deserved reward or a well-deserved promotion in rank, rank, position or the best place of service is the real property of a good worker, honestly earned by him. It should not depend on the location or bad mood of the authorities. The boss is also guilty here because he cools the zeal for the service of a worthy person, while he is obliged to encourage everyone to useful activity with attention and appropriate rewards.
In the second case, this is the sin of Saul, associated with the attitude towards David, that is, a mortal sin (oppression of a worthy person out of envy). The leader should not allow unaccountable hatred for any person, no matter what his own feelings or ill-intentioned people. A Christian leader must have endurance and corresponding self-denial.
Dulling the sense of sinfulness and unnaturalness of the crime in the frequent investigation of other people's crimes. “There was a judge who was not afraid of God and was not ashamed of people” (Luke 18:2). Many leaders have the responsibility to personally examine other people's misdeeds or read reports of crimes committed. Thus, they inevitably become acquainted with the most diverse and often terrible atrocities. This acquaintance leads to the fact that they themselves dull the feeling of disgust and fear of the most terrible human sins. They begin to look at all the crimes without grief of the heart, although they themselves do not allow them yet. Often acknowledging someone else's guilt, they cynically declare: "This is something else, others do it even cleaner." This is especially true for employees of the police, prosecutors and investigating authorities. This is who absolutely needs constant prayer and reading of the Gospel, which maintains the freshness of spiritual feelings and the consciousness of moral responsibility. Not the rulers from the defendants, but the defendants from the rulers should borrow the correct view of their actions. It is necessary to try to awaken the conscience of the guilty and bring them to repentance for the crimes committed. This includes not only criminal offenses, but any violations and misconduct in the service. It is especially important for those in charge to ensure that the voice of conscience does not cease in them and the perception of sin is not dulled.
Non-summoning God's help while managing others."Give me ... wisdom" (Wisdom 9.4), - so prayed one of the rulers of the people. Managing people is a science of sciences, the most difficult thing. Therefore, here it is clearly not enough to rely only on your rights, on knowledge of the laws and experience. Here we need help from above, which is achieved by praying to God for better management by their subordinates. In prayer lies the power of power, the secret of influence on subordinates, the insight of judgment. By prayer to God, offered daily in the secret of the soul, a pious leader can more protect from grave falls and crimes all those who are entrusted to his control.
Sins of warriors
The intention to desert because of homesickness, for relatives. St. David "rose early" (from his very youth) and hurried to the regiment (1 Sam. 17:20.22). It is certainly necessary for a warrior to preserve a tender memory of his homeland and relatives, of his wife and children. Living with such memories, a warrior will be able to save himself from adultery (if he is married), and if he is single, from unchastity and other gross vices. But he sins who gives himself up to longing for home and relatives to such an extent that he is ready to escape from the service or deserts for real. Troops are necessary for any state. Serving in the army, a person guards the peace and well-being of his relatives and friends, that is, he fulfills the commandment of God: “There is no greater love if someone lays down his life for his neighbors.” Therefore, service in the army is blessed by God Himself, Who "teaches the hands" of his faithful "for the militia, their fingers for battle."
Infidelity in service due to self-interest or bribery. “They gave enough money to the wars... But they took the money and acted as they were taught” (Mt. 28:12, 15). And now some of the warriors are seduced by a bribe, and often the smallest. So some ordinary policemen sometimes release petty criminals for an insignificant bribe, and unscrupulous investigators take bigger bribes. It happens that even generals concede victories for huge sums, sell secret information to the enemy, and even weapons. Businessmen who have reached the point of complete shamelessness call war "good business." When the blood of their soldiers is sold for money - this is the sin of Judas, a mortal sin that causes a curse on the entire generation of the sinner.
Lies of the lower military ranks. Loyalty to orders and accuracy of execution - that's distinctive features people of military rank. Meanwhile, it often happens that junior officers and sergeants faithfully and accurately carry out an order only when a senior in rank controls the fidelity of execution. Also, among them quite often there is a lie in words and in deeds. They lie because they are indifferent to the opinion of their comrades, because they hope that they will not extradite them because of the solidarity of the soldiers, they lie because they expect others to do the work entrusted to them. Any lie is a sin, but it is especially dangerous in military affairs, when failure to comply with an order during hostilities can lead to the death of many people.
Theft and destruction of property of civilians. “Do not offend anyone” (Luke 3:14) - it was said to the soldiers. The troops exist in order to protect the peace and prosperity of civilians. Thus, those soldiers who, at every opportunity, try to steal or destroy the property of civilians, pervert and humiliate their service.
Drunkenness and fornication- these are two terrible vices that exist among military men. Many of them do not even consider such actions to be a sin, but revere them as a kind of “military” valor. Meanwhile, it is known that "drunkards and fornicators" do not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Drunkenness intoxicates the mind, fornication weakens the body, the Holy Spirit departs far from such sinners. Moreover, such sins are unacceptable for the military, on the action of which not only their personal lives depend, but also the well-being of many. A soldier or officer in a state of intoxication or a hangover is not a warrior: his reaction is slow, his head thinks badly. And in war, it happens that one wrong decision - and death is inevitable. In addition, often without funds for drinking, the military sell government property, including weapons. Sometimes a drunken soldier comes to fornication, and, meeting resistance, resorts to violence, acting with particular cruelty and cynicism.
Violence in the performance of military duties."The soldiers of the ruler ... took a cane and beat him on the head" (Mt. 27:27-30). And then, when our Lord carried the cross to Golgotha and fell from exhaustion under the weight of the cross, they forced Him to get up with blows and pushes. So now, without mercy, some force a lightly sinner to severe punishment, while others exacerbate suffering with beatings, hunger and moral abuse. Many do not consider prisoners to be people at all, but treat them like slaves, like dangerous wild animals. It must be remembered that military service requires rigor, not cruelty, order and subordination (discipline), and not obstinacy at every step. An Orthodox warrior shows himself between enemies as a lion, and between his own - as a lamb.
Coldness towards the church, confession and communion. This sin is especially relevant in our time. The Soviet Army, formed on an atheistic, godless basis, still cannot part with the rotten remnants of militant atheism. Only at the beginning of the 21st century did the first shoots of the Orthodox faith begin to appear in our army. Meanwhile, the military profession, like no other, puts human life at risk, requires sacrifice, dedication, and good spirits. Without faith and the help of the grace-filled sacraments of the Church, this cannot be achieved. Be "like a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2 Tim. 2:3)! It is necessary to keep your conscience clear in order to have boldness before God and help from above at critical moments in your life. Yes, and the very performance of military service, full of various hardships, inconveniences, requiring abstinence and discipline, is unusually difficult without help from above. And Russian soldiers from ancient times went to war, confessing and partaking of the Holy Mysteries of Christ. During the battles, they carried icons and crosses with them, in front of which they prayed and kissed with reverence, but after the victory they solemnly thanked God.
Attitude towards pastors
Disrespect for the bishop.“Write to the angel of the Ephesian church” (Rev. 2:1), it is said in the Apocalypse. The name "angel" here refers to the bishop. The diocesan bishop ideally embodies the heavenly angel for his diocese. Angels are sent for those who want to inherit salvation (Heb. 1:14), and the bishop is appointed by the Holy Spirit to serve the salvation of the whole diocese. Does it serve this lofty purpose? Unfortunately, not always and not completely. But, there is no benefit for the laity to enter into the study of these matters. In addition to temptations, disagreements, loss of spiritual peace, they will lead to nothing. As long as the bishop does not drag his flock into heresy and adheres to the dogmas of Orthodoxy, it is necessary to be in obedience to him, without examining his personal life. The mere fact that through the diocesan bishop the current of priestly grace continues in the diocese, that through him there is a successive ordination of priests who perform the sacraments for the whole people, obliges the laity to have respect for him. Respect must be internal, disinterested and conscious, precisely for the high rank and the grace of God resting on it. The same respect should be given to retired bishops.
Sins against parish priests.“We ask you, brethren, to respect those who work among you, and your leaders in the Lord, and those who admonish you” (1 Thess. 5:12), wrote the Apostle Paul. Priests, like bishops, wear the image of Christ, they perform all the same sacraments as a bishop, except for the sacrament of ordination. The early Christians had perfect respect and obedience for them. In Russia, our ancestors treated the priests with the same respect as they did the holy faith and the Church. Meanwhile, there are many parishioners who treat their pastor with disrespect, for example, they are annoyed with him if he does not allow them to take communion because of their poor preparation, they call him unhelpful and lazy if he is delayed in fulfilling any requirement, they complain and inform on him if he refuses to perform the requested service. All this is a manifestation of the impatient self-pleasing of the parishioners, their lack of love and respect for their father, for his rank. Such cases at first arouse confusion, and then upset the mutual relations of the shepherd and the flock, produce anger and disorder.
Sins against the spiritual father. A parish priest is not every time and not for everyone a spiritual father. If several priests serve in the church, then each chooses his own confessor. A special relationship is established between the confessor and his child. A person to whom sins are confessed and who forgives from them deserves special respect. Therefore, it is extremely sinful to slander your spiritual father, judge his personal life, look for shortcomings in him and retell them to others. Can slander serve to correct shortcomings and correct a sinner? Isn't every Christian obliged to pray and ask God for his confessor? The condemnation and slander of the confessor, in addition to the corresponding consequences of this sin, also brings cooling and loss of a sense of reverence for the sacrament of confession. A sin, of course, is one already heated argument with the confessor at confession, not to mention obvious lies, concealment of sins, insincere answers. On the other hand, it would be erroneous to idealize your confessor, to consider him sinless and holy, to go to church not to participate in public prayer, but only to his services. It is also unnecessary to defend the confessor in his obvious or probable fault, it is unacceptable to have human love for him, spiritual voluptuousness, obsequious admiration. You should also not change the confessor because of his severity; his well-intentioned strictness is the greatest good deed "throws out of the fire" (Jude 1:23). It is also a sin, using your connections, to seek to transfer him to another parish, start a lawsuit with him, write denunciations, for example, just because he does not allow a person who has committed a mortal sin to the sacrament of Holy Communion. It is also a sin to choose only a monastery as a place of confession, bypassing one's own parish church, since the absolution of sins is performed wherever the sacrament of confession takes place. In general, it must be said that God does not leave intentional and grave insults to a confessor without punishment, and especially to people of spiritual life. In canon 121 of the Nomocanon we read: “It is not worthy to reproach a priest, or to beat or rebuke in person, if only the truth is. But if it befalls to create it, let the worldly be cursed. So dishonor the rector as well ”(You can’t reproach the priest, or beat, or insult the priest in the face and publicly, even if he is guilty. If someone does this, then if a layman, he will be excommunicated from the church ... The same punishment bears that who dishonor the abbot).
Rejection of the priestly blessing. The ontological roots of blessing go back to the distant past, to the time when the Lord God created the universe. In the book of Genesis we read: "And God blessed them" (Genesis 1:28). Then the creative right to bless was transferred to people, first of all to parents to bless children, and then to priests. The first bishop in the world (Aaron) and the first priests (his sons) were commanded through Moses to bless the people with the name of God (Numbers 6:23). In the New Testament, Jesus Christ blessed with His hands the children who were brought to Him (Matt. 19:13-15), as well as the apostles at His ascension to heaven (Luke 24:50). The Holy Fathers call the priestly blessing "an apostolic institution," and it remains so to this day. It passed to the priests along with the power to "bind and loose" and is a clear sign of this power. The first Christians, when meeting with the priests, bowed their heads and they blessed them. A priestly blessing brings success not only in spiritual affairs, but also in everyday life, especially to those who receive it with faith and good intentions. The ranks and learning of the priest do not affect the strength of the blessing. A significant role is played by the personal grace of the priest (which depends on the level of his ascetic life), the time when the blessing is given (the blessing given after the service of the liturgy can have great power), the reverence and zeal with which it is given. By virtue of all that has been said above, those Christians who are embarrassed and hesitant to approach the priest for a blessing, embarrassed to bow their head before him and stretch out their hands to receive the blessing, or simply stretch out their hand to him for a civil greeting, clearly expose the decline of faith. A blessing is received, as it were, from God Himself for every hour and for every useful time, and the priest is obliged to give it, as a precious gift entrusted to him from above, slowly, reverently and with dignity, no matter what noble person it is given. Every Christian should strive to receive blessings as often as possible, turning to the one through whom the Lord performs this grace-filled action.
The requirement from priests of one outward ritual piety, or vice versa, secularity (the so-called modernity) and dislike for true pastors. In the Word of God, the virtues of a priest are recognized not as secular dexterity and obsequiousness, and not only outward piety, but it is said: “It is worthy to show presbyters in authority a double honor, especially to those who labor in word and doctrine” (1 Tim. 5:17). It is the pastoral concern for the parish, and especially the work of preaching the Word of God and teaching, that give priests the right to enjoy special respect among the people and parishioners. These are the qualities that everyone can expect from a clergyman, and not secular dexterity, obsequiousness and diligence. The truth is often unpleasant for the listener, as it exposes his shortcomings, affects his pride. But the task of the shepherd is to open the purulent abscesses of sinful passions, to lead the sinner to sincere repentance. Therefore, we must look not for those shepherds who caress the ear and lull our passions, but those who heal our soul, even if our pride and vanity suffer in the process.
Excessive exactingness and severity in relation to the shortcomings of the priest.“Elijah was a man like us” (James 5:17) is said in Holy Scripture about Elijah the prophet. Similarly, modern priests are taken not from any other world, but from the society around us. They are characterized by all the weaknesses and ailments that are characteristic of the surrounding world, and only a stubborn struggle with passions and an attentive inner life make them spiritual people. But this happens gradually, and not in the blink of an eye, for example, during the sacrament of ordination. During consecration, the priest is given grace to perform the sacraments and grace-filled help for personal self-improvement, but the latter proceeds according to the laws of spiritual life. Therefore, it is at least unreasonable to demand from a pastor holiness, perfect piety. Knowing your own weakness and infirmity, desiring indulgence for yourself, you should treat pastors in the same way, especially young ones.
An unhealthy curiosity about the private life of priests and the spread of malicious rumors.“Do not accept an accusation against an elder except in the presence of two or three witnesses” (1 Tim. 5:19). With these words, it is forbidden not only to find out and shamelessly spread malicious rumors, but also to accept gossip and slander against the priest. Even if the guilt slandered against the priest by a gossip seems quite probable, it should not be accepted without an exact study. All the more so to stop spiritual communication with him or send a complaint to the higher authorities. To convict a priest, many testimonies or irrefutable evidence of his guilt are needed. With such care, the Word of God protects the priest's good reputation from reproaches and preserves his honor. It is also known from church history that God Himself apparently punished those who slandered spiritual shepherds, miraculously proved their innocence and shamed the slanderers. It must be remembered that blasphemy against a preacher often leads to blasphemy against faith itself, blasphemy against a priest turns into blasphemy against a church, and the like.
Therefore, in the case of real sins of the shepherd, it is best to prevent weaknesses in him by advice, solitary reminder, prayer and alms given for him.
Unwillingness to financially support the church, the priest, and in the event of death, his orphans.“Know ye not that those who serve in the priesthood are fed from the sanctuary” (1 Cor. 9:13). Since the title of priests was established by God, they have been supposed to be supported by donations from the people among whom they serve. So it was in the Old and New Testaments. Therefore, donations made to a priest are not a gift to be given or not given, but a necessary debt. This debt must be paid in good conscience, and not under compulsion, in full, and not in the form of a meager favor to an annoying petitioner. Even in the Old Testament, people were commanded to give one tenth of their income to the church. This commandment has not been repealed by anyone at the present time. Therefore, to financially support the Church and the spiritual hierarchy is the sacred duty of every Christian. Let us remember the two mites of the gospel widow, the donation to the temple, which was valued by the Lord above many rich contributions. So each of us must make a contribution to the house of the Lord, and by God, who rewards those who love him, any feasible sacrifice will be favorably received. You also need to remember that a priest who is not burdened with constant concern for a piece of bread for his family will be able to serve God and people with greater strength and energy. Caring for his orphans, in the event of his untimely death, is the sacred duty of the parishioners of the church where he served and, in general, of all Orthodox. For the shepherd gave his life for his flock, and to leave his children without maintenance is a great sin of ingratitude.
Disrespectful attitude towards monks. Monasticism is one of the most ancient institutions of the church. Its origin is attributed to the 3rd century AD. When Christianity ceased to be persecuted, and many took the path of Orthodoxy out of mercantile goals, zealous ascetics, in order to exactly fulfill the commandments of Christ, withdrew into the wilderness. Since then, a whole institution of monasticism has been formed with its own traditions, tonsure and rules of life. Those who have embarked on the path of monasticism renounce marriage and acquisition, and take a vow of complete obedience to higher spiritual authorities. A monk renounces the earthly joys of life in order to follow the path of spiritual perfection, serving God and people. But not for the material needs of people, although such service may be present, but helping the cause of their salvation and spiritual perfection. Even John Chrysostom wrote that the earth exists in order to give birth to saints. And the goal of human life, according to St. Seraphim of Sarov, is “the acquisition of the Holy Spirit,” that is, holiness. Therefore, the institution of monasticism serves the most important goal of human life - salvation. How wrong are those people who treat monasticism with mockery and disrespect, calling monks parasites, loafers, and the like. True, there are also vicious people among monastics, but even among the twelve apostles there was only Judas, which, however, does not in the least discredit the very institution of the apostolate. In addition, monastics do not appear from heaven, but from our society and carry in themselves, to one degree or another, all the weaknesses and vices inherent in it. Therefore, one cannot demand from a monk, especially young, holiness, full compliance with patristic ideals. It is good that he exists at all and at least somehow tries to labor in this field. For in our selfish, selfish, depraved age, few people agree to give up the slightest carnal pleasures, and even more so to carry strict monastic vows.
Going to churches of other faiths, sects and other disorderly gatherings, a trusting attitude towards their pastors.“They do not follow a stranger (shepherd), but run away from him” (John 10:5). Neither the Catholic Church, nor even the various Protestant sects, have preserved the apostolic doctrine in its entirety and completeness. Since the 11th century, the Catholic, and since the 16th century the Protestant Church that broke away from it, have been moving further and further away from the spirit and teachings of the early Christian church. Currently only Orthodox Church preserved the spirit and teaching of the apostles in their original purity. Therefore, turning to non-Orthodox pastors, going to meetings of other faiths not only does not bring spiritual benefits, but, as a rule, seriously damages weak souls, harms the cause of their salvation. Catholics and Protestants do not have Orthodoxy both in faith and in life: how can one have spiritual trust in representatives of their faiths? Among the Protestants, one can see the manifestation of excellent Christian qualities, namely: generosity in giving alms, respect for one's neighbor and, in general, kindness of the heart. But these Christian qualities are more external, developed by reading the Gospel. You will not see high spiritual qualities, strict deeds, fasting or gospel perfection in Protestants, because many distortions and indulgences are allowed in their faith, and most importantly, they are deprived of grace-filled help, which is communicated in the sacraments only where there is a legitimate priesthood, that is, in Orthodoxy.