The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XXI, Part IV

We continued with the incredible counsel of the Fathers about how one discerns when to embrace the advice and counsel of others, specifically one’s Elder. The first distinction made is about advice - counsel that is a part of the spiritual tradition as a whole and so valuable in and of itself. This should be embraced faithfully - for it is given by the goodness and kindness of one’s Elder. When that relationship has grown throughout the course of the years a command may be given by an Elder. This command, however, is only given under specific circumstances; never casually. One must have a kind of clarity and sense of commitment to what is being asked of the Elder. This is to be done by making a prostration, a bodily action and sign of obeisance showing one’s desire to take hold of the command of the Elder. The Elder, then, in an equally concrete fashion must give his blessing. In doing so he takes upon himself the commitment to pray and fast that the one in his care would be able to fulfill the command. We see in all of this the depth of the relationship that must exist between an Elder and the one in his charge. We do not simply expose ourselves to information, reading the writings of the Elders and applying them to our lives. Rather, we enter into a living tradition and it is in and through this relationship between an elder and the one in his care that spiritual growth is made. It is a relationship of love that mirrors the relationship that Christ has with each of us. He calls us to give ourselves to Him and follow Him and in doing so He gives us himself in the most holy Eucharist. The command always holds within it the grace to help us fulfill it. 

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Text of chat during the group:

00:17:46 FrDavid Abernethy: Anthony Coniaris

 

00:17:55 FrDavid Abernethy: Beginnners Guide to the Philokalia

 

01:09:50 Ren: This reminder that the Elder prays for the one whom he counsels is very helpful. I am not sure there is anything more humbling than being prayed for - or fasted for! Knowing that another is investing themselves so deeply on your behalf definitely spurs one on to greater dedication. The gift demands a response.

 

01:11:26 Ren: Yes. Wow. Imagine that: God himself, in the person of Christ, fasted for each one of us. Spent himself praying for each of us. So very humbling.

 

01:12:09 Carol Nypaver: Absolutely.

 

01:20:09 Ren: Just a little PSA for everyone: we have switched our email service to MailChimp. If you did not receive an email in advance of tonight’s group, please check your spam filter, and mark it as not junk. Thank you!

 

01:21:32 David Fraley: Thanks Fr David!

 

01:21:47 Debra: The short link, tonight, still triggered a 'Threat Warning' from Avast lol

 

01:21:58 Ambrose Little: stop using Avast

 

01:22:20 Fr. Miron Kerul-Kmec Jr.: 2nd experience with baptism!

 

01:22:28 Eric Williams: Keeping you busy and out of trouble. ;)

 

01:22:54 Debra: You're making me want to switch to the East lol