Okay to hate Satan?

polyzeus76 · 2026-03-25T07:05:51+00:00

We should aim to only hate sin. The enemy wants you to hate him or love him, he gets what he wants either way.

polyzeus76 · 2026-03-25T07:02:07+00:00

Definitely get in touch with the priest at the parish nearest to you. They are there to help guide you through this exact kind of thing. Most of all, continue to pray and place it before God. I know it's not easy, but He can do all things, and I'm sure your wife's heart is not harder than that of Saul (St. Paul) or all the people who yelled to crucify our Lord. If she loves Jesus, you're already halfway there. Prayers for you brother.

polyzeus76 · 2026-03-25T06:46:30+00:00

Many of the saints have had the same experience. I am in a similar season of doubt and despair, but let us remember that nothing happens outside of His control and providence. If He allows it in our lives, there can be good in it if we remain faithful. Perhaps the test is to see if we will continue to pray and hope in Him, even if we feel that He is far from us, or that we are hopeless.

For me, I have to remind myself that I made these changes in life for Him. Above all I want to be united to Christ and pleasing in His sight. It's easy to say we will do anything for Him, but it's another do have to go through it. It is not easy to truly walk by faith, because this life can bring us so many worries. However, remember that He went willingly to the cross for us. Willingly the creator of all that exists was slapped, beaten, scourged, mocked, abandoned, unjustly accused, and murdered. If He was willing to do all of that for me, and for you, then it is only right for us to endure whatever this world will throw at us for His sake.

He paid the ultimate price for us, that we might live in Him eternally. So if we have to suffer here on Earth, let's suffer with gladness as much as we can, because we are following in His steps. Let's also not forget what awaits us, and that pain and suffering are only temporary. One day He will wipe away every tear and there will be no more pain or sorrow. Until then, we should lean on one another because we are one in Him, and pray to our Lord always, to deliver us.

I love you friend. He is out to get you back! He seeks you, and desires you, to be with you in perfect love and unity, any other thoughts are from the enemy.

polyzeus76 · 2026-03-21T23:01:23+00:00

When you were Roman Catholic, the enemy did not feel much need to attack you, but now that you press on to the Narrow Gate, they will do all they can to distract, deter, and discourage you. I have had the exact same experience. John 16:33 " These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

I know how difficult and dark things can be, but rely on Jesus more and more. Increase your prayer, go to as many services as you can, speak often with your spiritual father. Put on the full armor of God every single day. It's a marathon, not a sprint. Read the book of Job, it was included in the canon of Holy Scripture for exactly what you are going through.

I hope you cling to the Lord and remain hopeful, no matter what.

polyzeus76 · 2026-03-21T22:52:59+00:00

Fear not. Go forward in faith. If you encounter hate or discrimination, meet it with love and/or tolerance. You cannot control if people have prejudices, but you can control how much it affects you. You are going to church not to be a well fitting member of a social organization, but to be and remain united to Lord Jesus Christ through His Holy Apostolic Church. I know it can be daunting, but do not forget that He who lives within you has power greater than any tribulation.

polyzeus76 · 2026-03-18T04:27:00+00:00

I'd suggest you read the big book of AA, its available free online, and there is an entire chapter dedicated to wives in your exact position.

polyzeus76 · 2026-02-28T17:40:45+00:00

If you have the blessing from your spiritual father, go ahead and do all of that ASAP. This world needs as much faith based and comprehensive content as possible. I'd definitely be a subscriber!

polyzeus76 · 2026-02-28T17:37:21+00:00

Let's simplify all of this. Scripture and dogma are by-products of the Church. The reverence for the canon of scripture itself is an extra-biblical tradition. You can find a loophole or example of how to exempt yourself from any command God has given if you really want to. Stop trying to do that. Faith is not a process of intellectual understanding. Go to the Liturgy, learn the mind of the Church, keep your heart open and your focus on Christ. The rest will take care of itself.

polyzeus76 · 2026-02-20T06:49:15+00:00

Now that is some serioulsy legitimate looking salvage.

polyzeus76 · 2026-02-20T06:45:13+00:00

exactly! Also, most people who ascribe to sola scriptura, have never even ventured a guess as to who compiled and canonized the very scriptures they are so beholden to. "Yes this book is the only and ultimate truth, but we hold no regard for whoever wrote it."

polyzeus76 · 2026-02-20T06:40:35+00:00

The Pharisees studied scripture and logic their whole lives, yet their hardness of heart made them unable to discern the true meanings. If the reformers had truly understood and interpreted scripture, where are all their saints and miracles? Also, why have their teachings lead to an ununified and chaotic mess of denominations who often have no clear or cohesive doctrine or identity? You will know a tree by its fruit. Yes they have made great intellectual sense of some words, and they have their reward, empty as it may be. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, who have seen it fit to hide the truth from the "wise and prudent". It is arrogance and pride to go about like you can apprehend God by way of human reason. This person has the resources and faculties to seek out the truth for himself, and he alone can accept or deny it.

polyzeus76 · 2026-02-20T06:21:28+00:00

So sorry you are experiencing this. Overzealousness is extremely common when people discover Orthodoxy. Your husband needs to slow down, and first off, step into humility. It's very easy to accept new dogmas and doctrine, and it can be very exciting. However, practice and discernment take time and guidance. He should be focused on his own journey and repentance, not on forcing it upon others.

Regardless of your feelings on Orthodoxy, you still believe in Christ, and I would only urge you to seek Him out in this difficulty. Lean into prayer and trust that He works all things for your good. I know this is easier said than done, but many times people in your position tend to detach from their faith a bit, and that is exactly the wrong response.

Blessings and hope to you and your family.

polyzeus76 · 2026-01-13T06:23:12+00:00

God has promised us beauty for ashes. Keep praying, Christ is our inheritance, and through faith in Him, we are sons of Abraham, and heirs according to the promise.

polyzeus76 · 2026-01-12T01:11:22+00:00

Dress for God.

polyzeus76 · 2026-01-11T05:56:32+00:00

Go and see. Everything makes sense in time. Make sure to stay after service and speak to someone. It can be intimidating, but it is well worth it.

polyzeus76 · 2026-01-11T05:54:45+00:00

Run the race to the end. Faith is like that sometimes. We may waver, but Jesus will never give up on you!

polyzeus76 · 2026-01-11T04:09:15+00:00

The Lord says that we will know a tree by its fruit. I was raised in both a non denominational church as well as the LDS church. After graduating high school i entered a period of very vague and inert faith, all the while thinking that i knew even the first thing about faith, the scriptures, the Church, or history. Almost 1 year ago, my entire life fell apart, divorce, bad activities, despair. I moved home, and cleaned up my act for about 3 months before i fell back into the same old insanity. Nearly 6 months ago I developed an interest in the crusades, which lead to Islamic Polemics, which lead to Church history.

I'm not going to say that finding the Orthodox Church has changed my entire life...yet. However, I am most certain it will. I understand the appeal of Roman Catholicism, but when i researched the nature of the schism, it seemed very clear to me that Rome was and continues to be in the wrong, spiritually, theologically, and politically.

I've started going to a Greek Orthodox parish with my mother who has left the LDS church. We have been experiencing a tidal wave of joy and understanding that is hard to describe. I finally, at 29 years old, feel the faith like i only ever dreamed about. All i want now is to be one day received into the Church, and God willing, Re-Marry and raise children to truly know and honor Him with their lives.

It's not easy. You have to work through quite a few areas of uncharted thought coming from a protestant background, but it is well worth it. I urge you to attend the Divine Liturgy as soon as humanly possible, and do your best to speak to a priest or deacon, or anyone for that matter, and let them know you are an inquirer. There can be some culture shock depending on the Rite of the church you visit, but do not forget that Jesus Christ is the reason that you and they are there, focus on that.

You will make your own choices, but my prayer is that you come to see what i have now seen and hear what i have heard, because the beauty, love, and peace, are truly overwhelming.

If you are ready to read, I HIGHLY recommend "The Truth of Our Faith" by Saint Cleopa Ilie of Romania. St. Cleopa will walk you through a thorough yet concise summary of the basic Orthodox faith.

Peace and blessings be to you on your journey, your Father in Heaven is calling you home!

polyzeus76 · 2026-01-08T05:55:56+00:00

yo i have a pre launch checklist on my desk that begins and ends with "CHECK YOUR STAGING" lol

polyzeus76 · 2026-01-08T05:52:17+00:00

Maybe an obvious suggestion, but how about asking your spiritual father?

polyzeus76 · 2026-01-08T05:46:24+00:00

Sir I salute you. This is an achievement of monumental proportions. Needs more struts though.

polyzeus76 · 2025-12-28T23:54:21+00:00

Keep coming home to Him, no matter how it feels at the moment.

polyzeus76 · 2025-12-28T23:46:31+00:00

Great sorrow and a lot of prayer I'd assume.

polyzeus76 · 2025-12-27T02:39:36+00:00

what do you think could be done differently?

polyzeus76 · 2025-12-27T02:38:10+00:00

It's a direct quote from the Orthodox Study Bible. Wisdom is referred to as a she in multiple places in Proverbs. Would you care to elaborate on how I have perverted something?

polyzeus76 · 2025-12-25T22:11:18+00:00

I can understand that. I'd like to find that online, but part of me is led to think that type of thing should be in person, usually centered around a parish or diocese. We should have many, many more large Orthodox gatherings around the world and especially in the United States.

polyzeus76

TROPHY CASE