Вопросы и ответы

Question: How is God blasphemed? What does He, to Whom belongs all honor and power, require? Who is the giver of every holy thing? Answer: God says through the prophet: “Woe, for your sake my name is blasphemed among the nations” (Is. 52:5). So, this threat also comes (applies) to those who dishonor the image of God. God created us in the image and likeness of God; every Christian is obliged to observe himself, and to preserve and honor the image of God in himself, and to sanctify himself with good deeds, so that he can say: “Hallowed be my name Yours, Lord! “Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). Do you see how God is glorified by good works, so, on the contrary, the infidels and pagans are blasphemed and dishonored by evil deeds, looking at Christians and seeing that they are like the pagans. and the infidels spend their time in overeating and drunkenness, playing and jumping with harps and timbrels, and pipes, and lyres, then they reason that these are foolish Christians who violate the law and commandments of Christ, and in blasphemy of Christianity they say: “What Christ betrayed and commanded them, they keep, for they cannot transgress the words and commandments of their Teacher.” That is, they think that this is precisely the teaching and sacrament of Christ. Thus, through this the name of God is blasphemed because of us. And for us what is already written is being fulfilled: “Woe, for your sake my name is blasphemed among the nations.” But we, my brethren, leaving this to those who wish, will sanctify the name of God with good deeds. All glory is due to God forever and ever! Amen. Question: What does it mean when the apostle said: “By transgressing the law of God you are dishonored” (Rom. 2:23)? Answer: If someone who has taken and reads the royal scripture has accepted it with all care, with honor, fear and zeal, and honors it and kisses it, in a word, does what is prescribed to him, then honor is given to the king. And if he rejects and disparages that scripture, insults and dishonors the one who brought it, then the insult is made to the king himself. Likewise, those who transgress the commandments of the Great King, that is, His most pure Gospel, by their crime dishonor Christ who gave the commandment. This is what we should understand about the Jews. Having accepted the Scriptures written by the finger of God, they insulted those who brought them, beat them, stoned them and killed them, thus breaking the law of God, which says: “She who is innocent and righteous must not kill her” (Ex. 23:7). The very Author of life, the Holy and Righteous, was insulted and strangled, His holy, all-pure and terrible face was spat upon, Whom heaven, earth and sea tremble, and everything that fills them (which is why the Savior said to them: “I... honor My Father, and you do not honor Me” (John 8:49), and, finally, they killed Him. Have you heard how God is dishonored by breaking the law? Thus, children, even those who call themselves Christians, but live carelessly, by transgressing the Gospel, dishonor God, doing what is contrary to the Master’s Mystery and the commandments of our Savior Jesus Christ, considering them not at all worthy of attention, turning their ears away from the truth, and turning to fables, as the Apostle foretold that the time would come “when they will not listen to sound doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:3). And now we see that the word has become deed. For who obeys the Divine Scriptures? Who heeds Christ's commandments? Who is wise and keeps this? Who will prove that we are not criminals of the law? Many are wise according to the flesh; many are noble; many are knowledgeable: scribes, and lawyers, and kings and princes, and the rich and the poor, and slaves and free, and teachers and monastics, and virgins, and those living in virginity without a vow. Which of them can confirm or prove that a Christian should play the harp, or dance, or jump, or whistle, or make noise, or tell fortunes, or make and carry so-called storehouses (bags for donations), or question demons, or get drunk, and the like? Who will prove that this is characteristic of Christians? What gospel, what apostolic book, what prophet? Now, to the limits of the universe, the Divine Scripture, the law, the prophets, the apostles and the Lord of all are read in the Church, but nowhere will you find Christians doing this decently (in good faith). On the contrary, everyone has gone astray and strayed from his path, and has become a transgressor of the law, and dishonors God by transgressing the law and what was prescribed by the law, the prophets and the apostles. Behold, you have heard how God is dishonored. So, Christian, stop breaking the law and dishonoring God. Finally, stop imitating the pagans, so that when you go there (to another world), you do not encounter great need, cramped conditions and dishonor. Do you want to hear how the Bishop commanded Christians to “rejoice” and “jump”? Listen: “Blessed are those who weep... blessed are those who hunger and thirst” (Matthew 5:4, 6). This is the first holiday for a Christian. And again: “Strive to enter through the strait gate” (Luke 13:24); and again: “Amen I say to you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; but you will be sorrowful” (John 16:20). And he also says: “Do not be exalted. The nations of this world are looking for all of them” (Luke 19:29-30). So, don't be like them. Do you want to hear about the “reclining” and “jumping” of the prophet David? Listen to what he says: weeping and mourning we walked (Ps. 34:14); covered my soul with fasting... and laid down my garment in sackcloth (Ps. 68:11-12); My tears were my bread day and night (Ps. 41:4); I eat ashes like bread, and dissolve my drink with weeping (Ps. 101:10). And he also says: I will wash my bed every night, I will wet my bed with my tears (Ps. 6:7). And again: I will lift up my eyes to the Lord (Ps. 24:15); and again: Every evil way has been forbidden to my feet (Ps. 119:101). Did you hear how David “rejoiced”? So rejoice, Christian. Do you want to hear about the “festivals,” “rest,” “fun,” and “jumping” of Blessed Paul? Let us listen, brethren, to what blessed Paul advises. Listen to how he convinces and begs, saying: “Be imitators of me,” brethren (1 Cor. 11:1). What did Paul do, in which we must imitate him in order to be worthy of one part with him? For I hear many saying: “I obey the apostle, and as he taught, so I do.” Watch what you say - don't lie, don't change your word! If you stand in the truth, you will be blessed both in this and in the next century. But I suspect and fear, lest you turn out to be a liar: “for the truth has fallen away from the sons of men” (Ps. 11:2). - “Everyone has turned away” (Ps. 13:3). However, blessed Paul convinces, saying: “Be imitators of me.” Imitate Paul, Christian. Whoever says: “I accept and do everything that is said by the apostle,” whoever wants to become an imitator of Paul, does not rejoice, does not have fun, does not have fun on earth. Be imitators of me, brothers. Was Paul really rejoicing? Did you play the harp? Did you sing demonic songs? Let this not happen! Where did those who claim to themselves that they observe the teachings of the Apostle get their joy (where did they find it)? Who taught this to Christians? Neither Paul, nor Peter, nor John, nor any other of the God-bearing people taught this. But the ancient serpent, the enemy of true Christians, the teacher of all uncleanness, taught. He who taught to commit fornication taught him to dance; he who taught him to serve idols taught him to play. That is why the apostle called those who play idolaters, saying: “Neither be idolaters as there are any of them, as it is written: Men sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play” (1 Cor. 10:7). Listen, you who play, or better yet, who serve as playgrounds! The Apostle put you on a par with idolaters! Finally, be ashamed and stop indulging in this pagan and godless madness. Paul did not teach this, and neither did our mother, the Church. And you who want to be imitators of the holy apostles, leave this idolatry. Do not be deceived, brethren, this is not the work of the disciples of Christ, not the work of Christians, not the work of godly people, not the work of those who want to be saved and inherit eternal life. On the contrary, all this is done by pagans who have no hope of salvation, by those who do not have the future life and fear of God before their eyes. Paul cries: “Neither be idolaters, as there are none of them.” Who is this? Obviously Jews. How did they become idolaters, tell us, Paul? “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose to play.” Is this enough or should we add something else? But this is enough for those who want to hear. Pavlov's imitators will believe Paul; imitators of Christ, without a doubt, will listen to Him, as the Theologian says: “We are from God; Those who know God will listen to us, but those who are not from God will not listen to us” (1 John 4:6). Come, finally, imitators of Paul and imitators of Christ, let us hear what Paul is calling. He begs, saying: “be imitators of me,” brethren, “as I am of Christ.” Tell me, blessed Paul, how can anyone become your imitator? Offer your holy teaching for Wednesday (for us), tell us your deeds, describe your “fun,” your recreation, your stories (sermon), so that we can hear and imitate you, for we all know that you are blessed and will reign with Christ for endless centuries. Tell us, how did you struggle and become worthy of this glory? Tell us, Paul, so that we too can imitate you and become worthy of eternal blessings with you. If you rejoiced, we will rejoice; if you cried, we will cry too; if you fasted, we will fast too. Tell me what you did by faith, and we will do it all. Tell us, Paul, how a Christian should live, so that those who do not listen to you will be ashamed, and those who believe what you say will be strengthened. Paul answers and says: “I will listen to the Lord, who is not for you to walk, just as the rest of the nations walk in the vanity of their minds, darkened in their understanding, being alienated from the life of God” (Eph. 4:17-18). “Put aside lies, speak the truth... let not the sun go down on your anger. Below, give room to the devil. Let him who steals not steal... Let every corrupt word proceed out of your mouth” (Eph. 4:25–29). Where are those who sing demonic songs and claim to be imitating Paul? Listen to Paul crying: “Let not every corrupt word proceed out of your mouth; but let it be that it is good for the creation... Let all grief, and anger, and wrath, and crying, and blasphemy be taken away from you, along with all malice” (Eph. 4:29, 31). Having said the most important thing: “Be imitators of me,” say something else: “Be ye...as beloved children of God” (Eph. 5:1). Hear and tremble, you who want to be Christians, and leave pagan deeds - “become imitators of God.” Paul also cries: “Fornication and all uncleanness and covetousness below, let it be called among you... And foul language, and blasphemies, or blasphemy” (Eph. 5:3-4). “And do not get drunk with wine, for in it there is fornication” (Eph. 5:18). “Be imitators of me. admonish the wicked, comfort the faint-hearted, intercede for the weak, be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14). “Be imitators of me. Take heed that no one repays evil for evil: but always persecute what is good” (1 Thess. 5:15). “Be imitators of me. Always rejoice. Pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:16). Let us turn away from “ungodliness and worldly lusts” (Titus 2:12). “Be imitators of me, brothers. holding on to a love of hospitability” (Rom. 12:13). “Be kind to one another through brotherly love... Rejoicing in hope, enduring sorrows, remaining in prayer” (Rom. 12:10, 12). “Be imitators of me,” the model. Be imitators of blessed Paul, so that you too may reign with Christ for endless centuries. Where are those who claim about themselves: “We do whatever Paul says”? And who (then will be) more blessed than you, if you stand in the truth, brother? But be careful not to be a liar in what you say or what you don’t do, for Paul also exhorts you: Be imitators of me. In everything we imagine ourselves as God's servants, in patience, in sorrow, in troubles, in distress, in wounds, in prisons, in labor... in vigils... in fasting... in long-suffering, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in unfeigned love, in the word of truth, in the power of God (2 Cor. 6:4-7). Be imitators of me, brothers. Who is so courageous as to imitate Paul and become a vessel of election? So, Christian, if you want to imitate Peter, Paul and John, keep their words, guard their teaching, imitate their exploits, do not love the world and the things in the world, do not be merry in this age, do not sleep much, do not spend time laughing. Imitate Paul, I repeat again and again. Study, Christian, how Paul “rejoiced,” how he “amused himself,” how he “triumphant” and “celebrated,” and “rejoiced” in this world. Imitate not only in word, but also in deed. Tell us, Saint Paul (for I will not cease to beg you, blessed one), tell us how you “had fun” and “amused” in this world? – Paul answers: “for three years, night and day, without ceasing, teaching you one with tears” (Acts 20:31). Here is my triumph: “In labor we have multiplied, in wounds we have suffered, in prisons we have been overflowing, in deaths we have been abundant. From the Jews five times forty were received. I struck with clubs, I lashed out with a single stone, the ship was broken with me three times: I created night and day in the depths. In travellings, in multitude: troubles in rivers, troubles from robbers, troubles from relatives, troubles from tongues, troubles in the desert... in the sea... In labor and struggle, in vigils in multitude... in winter and nakedness" (2 Cor. 11:23-27). Such are Pavlov’s “leaps” and “processions”. “Be imitators of me,” brethren, “as I am of Christ. Not a single desire for silver or gold or vestments. I told you everything” (Acts 20:33, 35). “Be imitators of me,” but I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die for the name of the Lord Jesus. “For the sake of purpose, for the honor of the high calling of God” (Phil. 3:14). “This is how I flow, not like the unknown: this is how I struggle, not like the air beats. But I kill my body and make it into slavery” (Cor. 9:26-27). “If everyone strives, he will abstain from everyone” (1 Cor. 9:25). “Tako tetsyte,” brethren, “that you may comprehend” (1 Cor. 9:24). Imitate the saints, “and thus be yourselves,” so that with them you may receive the crown and reign. So, refrain, Christian, from pagan and Hellenic deeds, so that by breaking the law you do not dishonor God and bring dishonor on yourself, and do not accumulate for yourself “wrath on the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous Judgment of God,” in which “God will judge in secret by man, according to My gospel” (Rom. 2:5, 16), when the Angels will stand with trembling, when we will suffer punishment not only for deeds, but also for idle words. Let us bring to ourselves the thought, brethren, that “man is like the grass of his days, like the flower of the field, so shall he blossom” (Ps. 102:15). One moment of time - and everything stopped. Why are you worrying in vain, man? One fit of fever will stop your playing and cavorting, one hour will separate you from the rejoicing, one night - and your flesh will wither, your legs will become weak, your eyes will darken, your tongue will fall silent, your unruly voice will become impoverished, your lamentations will multiply, your tears will flow, and no one will be able to help you, but everyone, leaving you, will go on their own, and no one will stand next to you, except the invisible demons whom you served. The terrible Angel, standing in the distance, will wait for the Master's beck in order to snatch away your pitiful soul and carry it to the place prepared for it, so that it will reap what is sown to it there, where weeping, lamentation, weeping, sighing, and sorrow, and oppression, and gnashing of teeth, and grief are cultivated in abundance and in abundance. There the eyes of those who get drunk will darken, there the hands of those who dance will wither, there those who drink wine with harps and pipes will suffer and groan. There the fornicators and adulterers, thieves, soothsayers, poisoners, magicians, sorcerers, compilers of magical inscriptions and everyone who walked the wide and extensive path will weep and gnash their teeth. Woe to them! because it is impossible to jump and rejoice both here and there, as the Lord says: “Woe to you who laugh now, for you will weep” (Luke 6:25), - obviously, they will weep there. It is impossible, brethren, to be either a Christian or a pagan. For “no one can work for two masters” (Matthew 6:24). So, according to what was said above, nowhere is a Christian allowed to do anything like this, because our Lord abolished all this and, trampling down the devil who taught this, delivered us from his hands, saying: “I am the good Shepherd” (John 10:11). “Come to Me” (Matthew 11:28). “I am the way” (John 14:6). “Come to Me, all of you” (Matthew 11:28). “I am the truth. Come to Me. I am the belly: Come to Me, all of you. “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). “Come to Me, all of you”; renounce Satan, reject his teachings. “Come to Me, all of you.” “Putting off the old man with his deeds. And he put on the new spirit” (Col. 3:9-10). “Come to me, everyone. The ancient mimoidosha, behold, everything was made new" (2 Cor. 5:17). "The law was given by Moses; but grace and truth became Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). All "who are justified by the law, you fall from grace" (Gal. 5:4). "Come to me, all of you." For "him who comes to me I will not put out" ( John 6:37). Oh, the immeasurable goodness of God! She calls everyone! Everyone wants to be saved! Glory to God's love for mankind! So, brethren, no longer justify yourself by the law, because the shadow (line) of the law has passed away. Those who are under the law are under an oath, but we have been redeemed from the oath of the law by Christ our Savior. Don't justify yourself by law anymore. Let us not crown the vestibules, let us not form faces singing demonic songs, let us not be deceived by pipes and harps. Let us no longer justify ourselves by law, so as not to fall from grace, so as not to be under a curse. Christ has redeemed us from the legal oath. Glory to him forever! Amen. Question: Why is it written about heretics: “Have they not hated Thee, O Lord?” (Ps. 139:21). Elsewhere it is said: “hate them as the enemies of God.” And again in another place it says: “Do not hate your brother” (Lev.19:17)? Answer: Scripture calls heretics, as blasphemers and enemies of God, not men, but dogs, wolves, pigs and antichrists, as the Lord says: “Thou shalt not give the holy thing to a dog” (Matthew 7:6). And John says: “Now there are many Antichrists” (1 John 2:18). And you should not love and feed them, nor pray, nor eat with them, nor receive them into your home, nor welcome them, so as not to take part in their evil deeds. Question: What sin is unforgivable? Answer: Sin against the Holy Spirit. This is the sin of every heretic, because heretics have blasphemed and blaspheme the Holy Spirit. There will be no remission for them “neither in this age nor in the next,” according to the word of the Lord (Matthew 12:32), for they have resisted God Himself, from Whom is deliverance. And who will help them? Question: What sin, besides heresy, is the most serious? Answer: Just as love is the highest of all virtues, so the heaviest of all sins is to hate a brother; for “hate your brother, he is a murderer,” as the apostle said (1 John 3:15). He who hates his brother hates God Himself. “Hate your brother, who is in the darkness, and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, for the darkness has blinded his eyes” (1 John 2:11). That's how many evils are caused by hatred. And “love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Envy is incurable, and indeed incurable. Every unrepentant sin is a sin leading to death; Moreover, homosexuals, sorcerers, poisoners, prophets and anyone who withholds the wages of a mercenary, and who hates his brother, are gravely condemned along with murderers. You might be interested in: