POKROV Russian Orthodox Church Melbourne
These podcasts are a collection of sermons, talks, theology discussions and lectures that take place at the church or with the parishioners and are based on Orthodox Christianity. They are thoughtful and meant to be provocative in thinking about God and the Church. Most services are now livestreamed and can be seen on YouTube.
POKROV Russian Orthodox Church Melbourne
Session 18 – Asceticism and Martyrdom (Fr Nicholas Karipoff)
Christ is very clear about the connection of His Cross to our personal cross as an acceptance of the journey up the mountain of Transfiguration. Christian asceticism is not about one’s efforts to become a ‘better person’, but about the synergy of transformation of our humanity with Christ in the life of the Church. The holy fathers emphasise the labours necessary to achieve some measure of humility to learn from the meekness and humility of Christ. By striving to live in that spirit we become witnesses to the Truth – the Lord Jesus Christ. We should be ready to give an account of our faith or may even be called to serve the Word of God in one of the ministries of the Church.