Question: Fr. Andrew,
could you explain what are fear and fright from the Orthodox viewpoint? There
prayers against fright, dread, fear and curse. Is this all somehow connected
with our character? With mental condition, maybe? Does it depend on us at all?
Or are we oppressed by evil forces? I would rather say that this is the work of
evil. But could it be so that God prevents us from sin by this? Thank you.
Natalia.
Answer by
Fr. Andrew Lemeshonok: Indeed,
we need to discuss every case separately and must not compile them.
Of course, fright is like sin, for we know that in the
perfect love there is no fear. I think sometimes we can say that fear shows our
mistrust of God, our lack of faith and doubt. For example, we are afraid of
something, there is certain conscious or unconscious fear in our heart. But if
we say that we live with God and are protected by the cover of God’s love – then
what can we be afraid of? What can separate us from this love? This is why we
should confess such fear as sin. If a Christian has fear and does not believe
that God will protect him, does he really believe in God? Does he trust Him?
Besides, we should prepare ourselves somehow to become
a brave person. A Christian is a warrior of Christ, after all. If a warrior trembles
in fear every time he faces his enemy, then of course his victory is questionable.
“I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
There were many examples throughout the history, when
cowardly people became true and brave warriors of Christ. I wish you to find
strength to become one of such people, who manage to overcome their fears.
November
7, 2018
St.
Elisabeth Convent
CONVERSATION