were parting, words slipped from his lips—saying, “I don’t care what you say, I have the blessing of the elders for asceticism, for intercession!!?” This is a Satanic trap, from which only God can extricate! First, Satan suggests to his victim “logical” arguments that justify one or another Satanic practice—”love,” “mercy,”
“compassion,” “help,” etc. And when these false, illusory arguments are shattered against the rock of Orthodoxy, Truth, the devil
pulls out the trump card—”blessing,” which covers all possible arguments of common sense (“According to the Scripture He must die”; “it is better that one (Christ) should die for the people”—here is an example of Satanic “logic” and
“love”). When we discuss at the level of arguments—there is hope that doubt regarding one’s own rightness may arise on one or both sides of the discussing parties. But when it comes to
“blessing”—all logic (formal and informal) and reasoning is disabled—here is the realm of Satan, the realm of deception and death (from which by human help one does not return—only by God’s mercy)—this is senselessness in the direct sense of the word, fanaticism (deadness). For example, “blessing,” “gracefulness”—these are the chains with which the ROC keeps its hysterics, fanatics in slavery, in unenlightened darkness. This “blessing” is a disaster for the “blessed” and “blessers,” both isolated from Truth, the Church. About “elders” we talked above—the blind “bless” the blind to see!?—a sad spectacle! I ask: “What is a blessing, what does it mean?” In response—silence, as if it is self-evident. And when you start to insist on an explanation, in response you hear some logically incomprehensible, panic mumbling of incompatible words, or mindless tautology:
blessing is blessing… And so irresponsibly live and think the majority of “Christians” (fanatics—dead). I no longer talk about understanding: What is asceticism and why is it necessary? Who is an elder?.. I do—I do not know what, I go—I do not know where!?
“What benefit to you, man, if you gain the whole world (save everyone, “have mercy” on everyone, “help” everyone, lead everyone to the “truth,” to the “christ” you created—V.A.), and lose your own soul?!” Do not forget: Love in Truth, Truth in Love!—If there is no Truth somewhere?—There is no Love! There is no Love?—There cannot be Truth!
Let’s summarize our discussion, setting forth criteria for checking “benefactors” and “good” deeds. If there are no elementary knowledge of Orthodox theology, this means that the person does not know Christ, is in darkness, as the Apostle John says: “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not the truth.” If there is no elementary knowledge of the laws of correct spiritual life—before us is a dead person, who at most can—bury the dead! These are quick check criteria, but do not always work effectively (one can be mistaken)—the stamp of the diagnosis is the fruits: “By their fruits…”!
Spiritual life is multifaceted and diverse, therefore, writing on paper about something one, we do not have the opportunity, due to the limitation by the sinful state (and the inability to express the hypostatic fullness, holistic vision instantly), to talk simultaneously about something else, which also conditions and affects what is being discussed. The task of this booklet is to help pose questions, encourage the search for answers, so that you do not agree thoughtlessly, without reasoning, and in place of the dubious offer your own vision, solution… Unfortunately, the father in his short notes and jottings did not leave references, because he said that Christians should know the Gospel almost by heart, almost verbatim. Therefore, all references to the Bible are my work. He does not name the holy fathers by name, did not like authorities and did not believe in them! He said that we began to perceive the Fathers as theologians-intellectuals, who constructed mental constructions, and not recorded (often prompted by the malice of heretics) their catholic (to one degree or another) experience of communing with God! And we repeat their words, behind which there is nothing for us, no spiritual reality, which we would have experienced, and which we would express with God-worthy words found by the holy fathers. I sometimes indicate a specific Holy Father there, where I consider that there is a need for greater clarity (out of my folly, out of my weakness, because I still do not know how to do without authorities completely). And you, if you want to read, as it is in the notebooks, read in the plural—Holy Fathers.
All unclear, “tempting,” “mad” discuss with your spiritual directors-advisors, parish priests, Christian friends. And always by the principle: if you cannot discern the spirit, from where it is—do not accept and do not reject, and if after conversations, prayers, seeking an answer, enlightenment does not come—defer until later. If you sincerely sought enlightenment from God—the answer will definitely come. How?—as God pleases