When Your Prayers Become an Abomination - Sermon delivered by His Eminence, Metropolitan Demetrius скачать в хорошем качестве

When Your Prayers Become an Abomination - Sermon delivered by His Eminence, Metropolitan Demetrius

When Your Prayers Become an Abomination - Sermon delivered by His Eminence, Metropolitan Demetrius of America at Saint John of San Francisco Orthodox Monastery, Cobleskill, NY. In this sermon, His Eminence Metropolitan Demetrius of America reminds us of the reality of spiritual struggle, the danger of delusion, and the healing power of Christ through faith, prayer, and fasting. “Delusions come from demons… Many want to create their own God, one who is comfortable, one who does not command us to crucify our will. But this is idolatry.” Our world often denies the existence of demons, mocking the very truths the Gospel reveals. Yet, as the Fathers teach, one of the devil’s greatest tricks is to convince us that he does not exist. When we live in pride and self-love, we open the door to this deception. But Christ shows us the way out: humility, repentance, and a life shaped by prayer and fasting. The Gospel account of the possessed young man reminds us of our own struggles. Just as the Lord healed him, He also seeks to heal us: “Only through prayer and fasting… we cannot just speak; we must show our faith in action.” His Eminence also reflects on the lives of the saints and martyrs—men and women who endured suffering for the sake of Christ with joy and love. Their witness challenges us to ask: Do I truly love Christ, or do I only love myself? Above all, we are called not to create a God in our own image, but to conform ourselves to Christ: “With humility and repentance, we can turn to God… admitting our weakness, and He will fill that which is lacking in us.” May this reflection encourage you to deeper repentance, steadfast prayer, and faithful love for our Lord Jesus Christ, who is our healer and our salvation. “With joy, let us take up our cross, and let us follow Christ.” For more videos, visit:    / orthodoxtradition  . If you would like us to light a candle for you during our services, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/bdckxd83 To make a donation to the monastery, click below: https://tinyurl.com/3y9s8t8y #OrthodoxTraditionShorts