The Causes of the Pandemic – photo journal from the Sunday of the Cross (Audio)

Many ask us what the causes of the pandemic COVID-19 are, if it is a natural phenomenon, or if there are state-level actors who generated this epidemic.
We need to understand that this way of thinking is distorted.
Don’t blame others
We must first think why perfect God has allowed this to happen to us. Nothing is accidental.
So, the cause is us, our sins. Since it is a general pain, it is clearly shown that this sin is a general one—and this due to indifference to spiritual matters, an indifference to God.
Thus, we deserve separation from services and Holy Communion, due to the general indifference of those who know almost nothing about faith, and those who know about faith but do not mourn and pray for their state and society in general.
We must cry and pray intensely, patiently and hopefully, waiting for the solution. That is how the problems are solved.
Causes of the Pandemic are spiritual
We, however, have completely changed our value system: we regard sin as virtue and virtue as sin. This is the worst thing of all and, in fact, is the main cause of the trouble. If sin had been accepted as sin, then people would have repented, fought and come back from it and, so, God would have expected our return. Now, when sin passes as a virtue, mankind goes for self-destruction, without stopping, and so spiritual law is bound to intervene.
Of all the sins that pass as virtue, what is the sin—or category of sins—that is the causes of the pandemic?
It is obvious that, since this temptation comes to us in the body, the sins that cause the pandemic are the bodily sins which we see today as a virtue. We are sexually obsessed; we accept any sexual distortion and we no longer know how to satisfy these desires. Therefore, God separates us from each other in quarantines because, by staying together, we destroy ourselves.
Let’s not look for the causes of the pandemic outside of us, even though it is possible that different players, more or less malicious, may have brought or contributed to this pandemic. However, information accusing a state or an organization capable of doing such things will only arouse hatred. This will not solve the situation, but will rather increase the hostility between us.
Conclusion
Once again: the solution is repentance: crying, fasting and intense prayer with patience and hope. Things are simple, but we do not want to apply them because of the overturning of our value system, self-love, and indifference. These are the causes of the pandemic.
The photos are from the Sunday of the Holy Cross. At the end of the feast, the entire brotherhood of Vatopedi monastery together with all the workers and civil administration went out for a litany around the main church (katholikon) in order to pray for the pandemic. No pilgrims were present since the Mount Athos is closed.
Below is a live recording from the feast with the troparion of the Holy Cross:
If you want to pray for you or to donate, click here.
Ελευθεριος
Your blessings Geronta and Brothers in Christ. This is very beautiful and have shared it with others. I have one question which relates to my personal opinion that no Church shall ever close the doors to anyone who wants to pray under any circumstances. Church is a hospital for our souls and bodies and is a need (not a want) . Does the Bible or our Holy Fathers gave an example or a true event where Church are allowed to be closed to individuals who wants to pray? Ο αμαρτωλος Ελευθεριος
Admin
We agree with you. However, the history shown that because of our sins, sometimes the reality is a little bit different: monasteries are demolished with tanks and canons, churches are burned, monasteries are transformed in jails, hospices or in „happy” cases in touristic attractions. We should pray and weep. We are now in the valley of sorrows.
Ελευθεριος
Your blessings Father. Ε
Ευχαριστώ και συγχωρέστε με τον μεγάλο αμαρτωλό για την ερώτηση. Να μας έχετε στις προσευχες σας να συγχωρεθουν οι αμαρτιες μας όπως ο Κύριος μας αποφασίσει.
Admin
Προσευχώμαστε για σας!
Όλοι είμαστε αμαρτωλοί και προσπαθούμε να βοηθάμε ένα τον άλλο.
Πέστε και στους άλλους για την ιστοσελίδα!
Paul Adamson
Outstanding as always! It’s great that you are adding audio to the posts!
Admin
Thanks a lot for your kind words!
We try to add whenever applicable – pray for us.
Spread the word!
Andrew S. Bramlett
Thank you for these words! May we all see this time as an opportunity given us for good and not of fear or despair.
I thank you all for reminding me to weep for the world, and not become angry and dejected over the evil around me. I’ve been so focused on the bad things in this world I’ve grown less and less aware of my own faults, becoming cold and merciless, uncaring of those around me. I’ve become like the things I’ve given so much attention to. If I had trusted Christ to care for it, maybe I would be more at ease, lighter and more loving to neighbor. Lord have mercy on me a sinner! Please pray for me!
Admin
Praying for you!
Chrysostomos of Lefkara
May God grant you many years brothers! Thank you, thank you, thank you..for making such a wonderful site available that offers your spiritual wisdom, and in English! I am a wretched convert and only follow a pathetic spiritual life. How amazing that for many years as an Orthodox I have missed the essence of our faith, stood at the abyss and assumed it was enough to pray, attend services, confess and Commune. I did not build my daily life around repentance and purification, nor did I see how my sinful thoughts and ways, even after confessing them, had harmed those around me, left deep marks on my soul and polluted this world!
I need this nourishment and feel it is an answer to my prayers whenever I find it. May God’s will be done in me and in us, and may He bless all those who seek to correct their ways–the “causes” of this pandemic as well as our other ills–with success!
Admin
We thank you for your kind thoughts!
Pray for us and spread the word!
Bogdan
Poat fi cauzele acele mici obiecte facil de achizitionat , produse prin sclavie , tortura, dispret fata de viata in general, si care se gasesc la tot psul, poate chiar si in pangare? ..
E oare posibil sa ne distantam de pacat daca folosim zi de zi produse ale pacatului?..
Este oare posibil sa scapam daca NU inteegem cauzele pentru care Bunul a trimis peste noi (toti!!) asta?..
Doamne ajuta!
Admin
Doamne ajută!
Nu prea. Omul după cădere este victimă a influențelor. Toți trebuie să ne distanțăm de lume în mănăstirea inimilor noastre.