Questions about Orthodoxy

[Senkaku]

hey there, I was hoping to understand Orthodoxy better by starting a thread to ask questions to the Orthodox community. I'm looking more for those who are a little more seasoned in their walk but I'll take whatever comes.

My first question is this, what is the Orthodox position on the gift of prophecy and prophets? are they still active? if so, how does that operate in an Orthodox setting?

 

[christianforumsuser]

To clarify, you're using the context of what's labeled Orthodox by the majority, yes? Or are you using the term a different way

 

[~Anastasia~]

To clarify, you're using the context of what's labeled Orthodox by the majority, yes? Or are you using the term a different way

Hello ... if you will check the forum posted in, this can often answer your question. This thread is posted in The Ancient Way, which is the Eastern Orthodox community forum.

All community forums are intended for that particular community, so posts should be in accordance only with Eastern Orthodoxy in this forum.

If you're ever not sure, click on the forum name at the top of the page. There is usually a "Statement of Purpose" thread for mist forums, listing any restrictions on what may be posted in that forum.

I hope this helps.

 

[~Anastasia~]

hey there, I was hoping to understand Orthodoxy better by starting a thread to ask questions to the Orthodox community. I'm looking more for those who are a little more seasoned in their walk but I'll take whatever comes.

My first question is this, what is the Orthodox position on the gift of prophecy and prophets? are they still active? if so, how does that operate in an Orthodox setting?

Hello Senkaku, and welcome to CF.

I'm not sure what you'd considered seasoned ... we usually don't start to think that way until at least 10-15 years or more. And I'm not there yet. But I'll offer a little while we wait for others.

Orthodoxy does not believe that God has changed His form of operation from the early days of the Church, though I don't hear the title of "prophet" given to anyone. However, it is not unusual that those who are more diligent in their walk exhibit various giftings. Some have what is called "clear sight" ... knowing clearly a thing that happens where they cannot see it, or before it happens. It is not unusual for spiritual guides, Confessors, to have insight into the hearts of those who come to them. There have been confessors who told a person their sins, rather than the person confessing themselves. Things such as this. It happens. No big fuss about it usually.

 

[christianforumsuser]

hey there, I was hoping to understand Orthodoxy better by starting a thread to ask questions to the Orthodox community. I'm looking more for those who are a little more seasoned in their walk but I'll take whatever comes.

My first question is this, what is the Orthodox position on the gift of prophecy and prophets? are they still active? if so, how does that operate in an Orthodox setting?

I might at least tell you that prophesy/prophecy can be said to be interpreting the Bible, God's Word. In that context, they do prophesy. As for what they call it, wait and hear back from someone who is an official voice within that title.

Someone might consider prophesy in the more narrow sense of seeing the future or a seer who sees further than the human eye perceives. Is that what definition you wanted?

 

[Senkaku]

@

Hello Senkaku, and welcome to CF.

I'm not sure what you'd considered seasoned ... we usually don't start to think that way until at least 10-15 years or more. And I'm not there yet. But I'll offer a little while we wait for others.

Orthodoxy does not believe that God has changed His form of operation from the early days of the Church, though I don't hear the title of "prophet" given to anyone. However, it is not unusual that those who are more diligent in their walk exhibit various giftings. Some have what is called "clear sight" ... knowing clearly a thing that happens where they cannot see it, or before it happens. It is not unusual for spiritual guides, Confessors, to have insight into the hearts of those who come to them. There have been confessors who told a person their sins, rather than the person confessing themselves. Things such as this. It happens. No big fuss about it usually.

hmm, I see. It seems that spiritual experiences are a common thing then in Orthodoxy, not just prophecy, is that fair to say?

 

[~Anastasia~]

@

hmm, I see. It seems that spiritual experiences are a common thing then in Orthodoxy, not just prophecy, is that fair to say?

I haven't really thought about it to great degree. We see miracles, healing, demons cast out, prophecy in that sense.

When you say "common" ... if a person remains in a particular place all their lives, it seems there usually may be a few incidents in that place, at least. But with some Confessors, it is very common. With some particular things or persons, many healings are associated. In some places, miracles happen repeatedly. God chooses how He pours out His grace. But it is certainly not unheard-of.

 

[Senkaku]

I haven't really thought about it to great degree. We see miracles, healing, demons cast out, prophecy in that sense.

When you say "common" ... if a person remains in a particular place all their lives, it seems there usually may be a few incidents in that place, at least. But with some Confessors, it is very common. With some particular things or persons, many healings are associated. In some places, miracles happen repeatedly. God chooses how He pours out His grace. But it is certainly not unheard-of.

That's interesting...thank you for your responses, btw, I really appreciate your time bro.

Forgive my ignorance, but, what is a Confessor? I've not heard of that term being used before.

 

[FenderTL5]

@

hmm, I see. It seems that spiritual experiences are a common thing then in Orthodoxy, not just prophecy, is that fair to say?

It depends on what you mean by 'common.'

In the protestant west, beliefs on these matters seem to typically fall into two camps.
Cessationists who believe that the spiritual gifts have ceased and are no longer operative.
Charismatics (I'm using this term collectively to apply to all pentecostals, charismatics etc) who not only believe the gifts are still operative but are also normative. Normative being what is expected to be normal of all professing Christians.

As I understand the Orthodox position, it is neither Cessationist nor Charismatic. We do not believe the gifts have completely ceased BUT neither are they normative.
We believe in miracles but we test everything.

 

[~Anastasia~]

That's interesting...thank you for your responses, btw, I really appreciate your time bro.

Forgive my ignorance, but, what is a Confessor? I've not heard of that term being used before.

No problem, I appreciate the opportunity myself.

A Confessor is someone we talk to - technically there are different levels of involvement. We do practice sacramental Confession, by the way. (And yes, we also believe we can pray directly to God for forgiveness. When we do go for Confession, the priest is not the one who forgives us - God forgives, and the priest is only acting as a witness). But we can go in, just confess and be prayed for. We can also go in and confess, and the Confessor is one who knows us, and offers more along the lines of spiritual advice. Or we might consider someone a spiritual father, and we usually confess to them, talk about things we experience during prayer, thoughts, temptations, whatever, and he gives us guidance and advice.

Many people use those terms interchangeably, and there is some overlap. Technically a Confessor is one who gives a certain amount of advice and usually develops a relationship with the person confessing to them. But we have "Confessors" that that is all they do. Our priest hears confessions anytime, but we have a special Confessor who comes when he can, but it is not often because he goes to many Churches and is also involved in missions in Fiji.

Oh, and I'm not a bro, I'm I sis ... hope that's ok with you. And no problem for me, people often assume I'm male, maybe because of the icon? But I'm not bothered - it's a forum.

 

[Senkaku]

No problem, I appreciate the opportunity myself.

A Confessor is someone we talk to - technically there are different levels of involvement. We do practice sacramental Confession, by the way. (And yes, we also believe we can pray directly to God for forgiveness. When we do go for Confession, the priest is not the one who forgives us - God forgives, and the priest is only acting as a witness). But we can go in, just confess and be prayed for. We can also go in and confess, and the Confessor is one who knows us, and offers more along the lines of spiritual advice. Or we might consider someone a spiritual father, and we usually confess to them, talk about things we experience during prayer, thoughts, temptations, whatever, and he gives us guidance and advice.

Many people use those terms interchangeably, and there is some overlap. Technically a Confessor is one who gives a certain amount of advice and usually develops a relationship with the person confessing to them. But we have "Confessors" that that is all they do. Our priest hears confessions anytime, but we have a special Confessor who comes when he can, but it is not often because he goes to many Churches and is also involved in missions in Fiji.

Oh, and I'm not a bro, I'm I sis ... hope that's ok with you. And no problem for me, people often assume I'm male, maybe because of the icon? But I'm not bothered - it's a forum.

oops, haha, sorry sis. probably should have asked first >_<. I like the approach of having a confessor, I can see the benefit of it. it reminds me of "confess your sins to one another", I feel like it also helps to build a strong bond within the church.

 

[ArmyMatt]

hey there, I was hoping to understand Orthodoxy better by starting a thread to ask questions to the Orthodox community. I'm looking more for those who are a little more seasoned in their walk but I'll take whatever comes.

My first question is this, what is the Orthodox position on the gift of prophecy and prophets? are they still active? if so, how does that operate in an Orthodox setting?

yes, still active in our bishops and in saints known as Fools-for-Christ

 

[Senkaku]

@ArmyMatt haha, I like it. No shame in accepting being a fool for Christ.

 

[ArmyMatt]

@ArmyMatt haha, I like it. No shame in accepting being a fool for Christ.

it's a rough calling, but amazing for those who can do it

 

[Hermit76]

I am a former Pentecostal pastor. I've not been in Orthodoxy long enough to be considered seasoned, but here is what I have noticed.

There is a difference in how miracles and such are treated. The Orthodox do not seek them out per se. There may be something particular with an icon or place that warrants a visit, but Orthodox life surrounds the ordinary. By this I mean that we just live our lives and don't really separate the supernatural from the natural. Creation is by the grace of God and in it we find an ongoing healing of man. Whether it be the peace we find by sitting in the sun or the joy of a hug, God is present. Perhaps that is because we have held onto the true nature of the Eucharist. Each week we see Christ in the bread and wine. He is there. We experience healing in the prayers that we pray and through the prayers of the saints and the Most Blessed Theotokos. So, I guess I'm saying that when you're faith accepts the supernatural intervention of God in daily life, then you don't feel the need to go out and find these extravagant miracles. Does that make sense?

As far as prophecy goes, I think we expect the lives of the saints to have fulfilled what you are looking for. There is a teaching called Theosis that describes our journey towards becoming more of God. These saints have moved farther towards Theosis and experience more clear sight than most of us. For Orthodox Christians this is ok. There is not an expectation that everyone achieve the same level. There isn't, as always frustrated me in Pentecostalism, this drive to find "more." I just live Christ and let my desire to grow in Him lead me wherever it will. Each year at Pascha (Easter) we hear a sermon by St. John Chrysostom that reflects on the non-hierarchy of seekers. We are all invited to partake no matter our level of experience or perceived gifts.

Here is the sermon: The Paschal Sermon

 

[Senkaku]

I am a former Pentecostal pastor. I've not been in Orthodoxy long enough to be considered seasoned, but here is what I have noticed.

There is a difference in how miracles and such are treated. The Orthodox do not seek them out per se. There may be something particular with an icon or place that warrants a visit, but Orthodox life surrounds the ordinary. By this I mean that we just live our lives and don't really separate the supernatural from the natural. Creation is by the grace of God and in it we find an ongoing healing of man. Whether it be the peace we find by sitting in the sun or the joy of a hug, God is present. Perhaps that is because we have held onto the true nature of the Eucharist. Each week we see Christ in the bread and wine. He is there. We experience healing in the prayers that we pray and through the prayers of the saints and the Most Blessed Theotokos. So, I guess I'm saying that when you're faith accepts the supernatural intervention of God in daily life, then you don't feel the need to go out and find these extravagant miracles. Does that make sense?

As far as prophecy goes, I think we expect the lives of the saints to have fulfilled what you are looking for. There is a teaching called Theosis that describes our journey towards becoming more of God. These saints have moved farther towards Theosis and experience more clear sight than most of us. For Orthodox Christians this is ok. There is not an expectation that everyone achieve the same level. There isn't, as always frustrated me in Pentecostalism, this drive to find "more." I just live Christ and let my desire to grow in Him lead me wherever it will. Each year at Pascha (Easter) we hear a sermon by St. John Chrysostom that reflects on the non-hierarchy of seekers. We are all invited to partake no matter our level of experience or perceived gifts.

Here is the sermon: The Paschal Sermon

I like the idea of the supernatural being normal, I definitely agree with that, i don't understand why there is a separation within protestant circles.

 

[christianforumsuser]

People breathe and eat and barely know anything about it
People see and communicate with words
This all might seem normal to you, just as sin might seem normal

 

[Hermit76]

People breathe and eat and barely know anything about it
People see and communicate with words
This all might seem normal to you, just as sin might seem normal

If I missed your purpose I apologize.

As stated in the forum's Statement of Purpose:

All posts within this faith community must adhere to the site wide rules. In addition, if you are not a member of this faith group, you may not debate issues or teach against it's theology. You may post in fellowship. Active promotion of views contrary to the established teachings of this group will be considered off topic.

 

[christianforumsuser]

If I missed your purpose I apologize.

As stated in the forum's Statement of Purpose:

Regarding instinct. Could try to translate it into familiar terminology
In other words you know the words as well as you know them
It might take time to explain how that applies, but I could take that to someone either more learned or makes less quick assumptions (not saying you do, but if such were the case, as there's a translation problem). I don't have official credentials here to make decisions, only telling you about the eyes within context, whether someone assumes one way or another. If I said what you alrady knew it would be a reminder, not learning.

 

[Senkaku]

Concerning chanting, what is the Orthodox position in relation to Jesus teaching us "not to use many words". I do like the chants and find them to be powerful and practical phrases, but not sure how this works with this verse. Are chants considered not prayer maybe? (Matthew 6:7,8)