DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - View Single Post - A recent miracle of Archangel Michael in Greece

**pprropeciaaa** · 11-15-2011, 06:51 AM

I was taught (by a Greek bishop, I may add) that any miracle or similar manifestation of grace should be confessed to one's spiritual father who may then give permission for the occurrance to be made known to others. I believe this is standard procedure. This is not to cast doubt on the occurrance but to obtain confirmation of it and sanction for the retelling of it generally. This way way we avoid pride and prelest.

I understand the profound meaning of the Bishop's words, but miracles are shared in the Orthodox world every day and all the time, by word of mouth, by internet, in conversation, in books and periodicals...and actually, I think it is the opposite of prelest to do so using your own name because you are telling the whole world of a need you had which needed a miracle; and all needs (health, finances, family turmoil, marital woes, etc.) are humbling and can be extremely embarrassing to share..

Therefore, I think that to share something so personal but so magnificent is pleasing to God--for in doing so, one is elevating the greatness of God, His existence, the glory of the Saints, and the efficacy of their loving intercessions on our behalf, and persuades others who are of little faith and belief to strengthen their faith and their religious and/or spiritual life.

Sharing miracles in Greece is how St. Nektarios has become so well known. The other day in Bible Study, our leader shared how after reading the life story of St. Nektarios he turned back to the Church, and that in doing so, he shared some holy oil from St. Nektarios's pilgrimage site/grave in Aegina, with the friend of a friend who had cancer and was ready to be operated on. The x-ray before the operation revealed nothing--the cancer had completely disappeared! Glory to God! We all rejoice when we hear of such stories.

I fail to see how a miracle should not be shared.

In Christ,
Alice

11-15-2011, 06:51 AM	#9
pprropeciaaa Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 477 Senior Member	I was taught (by a Greek bishop, I may add) that any miracle or similar manifestation of grace should be confessed to one's spiritual father who may then give permission for the occurrance to be made known to others. I believe this is standard procedure. This is not to cast doubt on the occurrance but to obtain confirmation of it and sanction for the retelling of it generally. This way way we avoid pride and prelest. I understand the profound meaning of the Bishop's words, but miracles are shared in the Orthodox world every day and all the time, by word of mouth, by internet, in conversation, in books and periodicals...and actually, I think it is the opposite of prelest to do so using your own name because you are telling the whole world of a need you had which needed a miracle; and all needs (health, finances, family turmoil, marital woes, etc.) are humbling and can be extremely embarrassing to share.. Therefore, I think that to share something so personal but so magnificent is pleasing to God--for in doing so, one is elevating the greatness of God, His existence, the glory of the Saints, and the efficacy of their loving intercessions on our behalf, and persuades others who are of little faith and belief to strengthen their faith and their religious and/or spiritual life. Sharing miracles in Greece is how St. Nektarios has become so well known. The other day in Bible Study, our leader shared how after reading the life story of St. Nektarios he turned back to the Church, and that in doing so, he shared some holy oil from St. Nektarios's pilgrimage site/grave in Aegina, with the friend of a friend who had cancer and was ready to be operated on. The x-ray before the operation revealed nothing--the cancer had completely disappeared! Glory to God! We all rejoice when we hear of such stories. I fail to see how a miracle should not be shared. In Christ, Alice
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