Disclaimer: This article provides some recent discussions on the topic, but by no means is it all-inclusive, nor is it the first or final time the issue will come up in Orthodox circles. However, the insights by the three priests and a bishop mentioned in the links below provide some real golden nuggets of wisdom worth remembering when addressing the topic, in my humble opinion. May their insights be edifying to all that listen. – Alex Braszko
Orthodoxy on the internet… it’s good, it’s bad, it’s ugly, it’s irrelevant, it’s groundbreaking! So which is it really? Depending on who you ask and their experiences with online Orthodoxy, you’ll get a different answer every time. And the responses are not as neatly organized into the aforementioned categories as you might hope. As the Centurion said, “For I myself am a man under authority”. Because I understand the value of hierarchical authority, I avoid asking the question of laity and defer to leaders in the Church. In this instance, three priests and a bishop. It would be great to hear a friendly discussion on the topic by a larger forum of Orthodox leaders… until then I recommend:
- “Online Orthodoxy” or “Orthodoxy on the Internet” or “Internet Orthodoxy” has attracted quite a bit of attention lately, especially in online forums. Father David Galloway addressed it in a February 2023 Pastoral Conference in KY during a presentation entitled, “Becoming Orthodox in Spite of the Internet”.
- Father Joshiah Trenham and Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe discussed the topic in a recent Tech Tuesday talk:
- And newly illumined Buck Johnson covered the topic in two Counterflow podcasts with Father Turbo Qualls, George Michalopulos (Monamakhos.com) and me.
So what is one to think? What’s the bottom line?
Whether you are an inquirer of Orthodox Christianity, a new convert, a catechumen, or a cradle Orthodox Christian, the answer is (as expected), “It depends.” It depends on the topic. It depends on the speaker. It depends on the delivery. It depends on your intent in listening. It depends on where you are spiritually. And it depends on the end result.
Here are some recommended Ground Rules in listening to online Orthodox content I’ve found useful. This checklist will be developed further, so stay tuned. In the meantime:
-Before listening, pray. Ask God for wisdom and discernment in listening to the content, and if you should even listen to it at all.
-If the topic is one you think, or know, you should probably avoid altogether, then don’t listen to it.
-That podcaster is likely not your buddy and you don’t owe him/her anything. Just because someone you know listens and raves about the program, doesn’t obligate you to listen.
-Ask some critical questions before you do listen: Is the Orthodox influencer notorious for controversial or obnoxious content? Is the tone and manner of the host addressing the topic toxic? Does the influencer speak as one with authority, as a priest or bishop, but actually is not? Is he/she puffed up, trying to sound relevant? If the answer to any of these questions is, “Yes”, then you are wasting your time and really should not be listening to the social media content.
-Here’s a good question to ask before listening or watching: Why are you taking precious time out of your day, time you could be spending with family, friends, loved ones, to listen to or participate in the forum?
-Is the topic one that even experienced priests have difficulty addressing, one you definitely need your spiritual father’s advice on? Then move on…
-When you are done listening, are you blessed with any fruits of the Holy Spirit? Or do you find yourself more anxious, riled up, frustrated?
-If you were caught off guard, listened anyway and regret it, say the Jesus Prayer. Pray for forgiveness. Pray for discernment. Go talk to your spiritual father about what’s concerning you.
In his presentation, Father David Galloway recognizes some good coming out of a few Orthodox Christian websites, influencers, podcasts, and social media platforms. But he also warns that:
“The internet has become the biggest stumbling block over which an inquirer might trip.”
He also mentions, “Inquirers and catechumens often first learn about the Church by consuming internet media and being influenced by these echo chambers.” Finally, he emphasizes the difficulty arising from “Inquirers/Catechumens that present unhealthy habits in consumption of Orthodox content online [that] often have spent years on the Internet exacerbating and creating short circuits for enslavement to their passions.”
Father Galloway wisely reminds his listeners of St John Cassian’s quote:
“[We must] go on the royal path, avoiding the extremes on both sides.”
A warning: Father Galloway does provide a critique of many popular Orthodox influencers in the discussion, some you may even find worth listening to. [See Editorial Note at the bottom of this article from Orthodox Reflections.]
During a Tech Tuesday discussion, in referring to Online Orthodox resources, Bishop Irenei says, “There is no intrinsic reason why we shouldn’t use these for the promulgation of the Faith and the information of the world as to what we believe and why they ought to believe it.” However, he goes on to explain, “What I find concerning is Internet Orthodoxy… and this I would characterize as kind of a transformation, usually not intentional… in which the ethos of Orthodoxy is translated from living encounters experienced in the Church into an environment which is characterized by an Internet presence, almost more than of other things.” He continues, “I am concerned chiefly about… a loss of an Orthodox mindset of learning…
Orthodox pedagogy is a living encounter… sitting at the feet of the teacher… as a personal encounter… [by] someone who knows the disciple.“
Further, Bishop Irenei gives one simple test he finds very essential to determine if an online Orthodox experience is keeping one on the right path:
“does it… result in a life being drawn into the living experience of the Church? If the answer to that is, ‘Yes’, then one can have a certain confidence that one is on the right path.”
On Buck Johnson’s podcast, Father Turbo Qualls (host of The Royal Path podcast) speaks about the Internet having become the rooftop from which to preach (Matt 10:27). It is his desire to use his Internet presence to help people find the Church and stay in the Church. He also addresses the events of the past few years which drew individuals’ attention to online forums and social media for answers in the absence of real truth, or as Father Turbo referred to it, “actual spiritual meat and drink”. At that point in the podcast, I agree wholeheartedly with him and mention my own frustration with Orthodox senior leaders, Bishops and Metropolitans not addressing concerning topics popping up into our lives (COVID, AI, transhumanism, etc) I referred to my own desire to hear Church leaders’ wisdom, guidance and instruction – communication laity so desperately long to hear. Father Turbo goes on in the podcast to explain the importance of vigilance in watching what we take in as Orthodox Christians, including online content:
He emphasizes focusing on the ultimate Truth; Christ, and our salvation…
especially as we navigate life as Americans in the 21st Century, participating as many of us do, in online forums. He goes on to encourage critical thinking, but also praying for discernment
Note: If you are reading this as an inquirer of the ancient Faith, attracted to its foundation in Christ, the early Church, apostolic succession, customs, iconography, sacraments and Holy Tradition, then I might suggest you use caution in following a specific Orthodox influencer, as enticing and invigorating as he/she may seem, until you learn more about the Orthodox community. Meanwhile, check out the three links provided above to learn more about Orthodox perspectives on online Orthodoxy. Oh, and definitely contact a nearby Orthodox priest!
Humbly, in Christ,
Alex Braszko
Editorial Note: We found quite a bit of wisdom in Father David’s presentation about online Orthodoxy. However, we wanted to vehemently disagree with his admonition for Orthodoxy to not fight the “culture war”. Below is the introduction to our Culture War category. It sums up how we, as a group blog, feel about attempts to encourage Orthodoxy to disengage with our increasingly spiritually hostile surroundings. — Orthodox Reflections Staff
Too many voices within Orthodoxy tie the defense of traditional Orthodox morality to the “culture war” in an attempt to delegitimize opposition to blatantly harmful social policies as merely a political ploy to get votes. In reality, the Church’s teaching on sexuality, the nature of humanity, the sanctity of life and other moral issues transcends politics and is universal. Therefore, the “culture war” is not something the Church can avoid. That fight with darkness is essential to the Church’s very mission of transforming the world. Whether you call it “Woke” or “Globalism” or “Progressivism” or “Transgenderism / Transhumanism” – the ideology of the Modern Age is not a political movement(s), but rather a competing religion full of lies and heresy. This is a battle for souls, not votes. We cannot let charges of participating in a “culture war” deter our efforts to speak the Truth of Christ in love.
Even the best of our clergy must understand something: God is in love with His people and He will not tolerate any competition for the hearts and minds of His people. Anything that gets in between their hearts and Him, He will remove. In this regard, clergymen are very expendable and even good men are set aside.
An old story with new meaning: Joseph had total authority over everything in Potiphar’s house (hello, bishops/priests)—he could do whatever he please—, except ONE thing—the wife. Catch my drift?
When the wife became enamored with the servant—the clergyman—the Master (Christ) took even the good man out of harm’s way (God’s own judgement). God’s judgement for the clergy and the laity are on different plains altogether.
“But it was not Joseph’s fault”—you say. Of course not, But, are you kidding me?? Did not Potiphar (the Christ architype) know his wife had compulsive behaviors? Keep in mind: Egyptian culture was based on a male fertility cult. Promiscuity in every form was the norm, it was ritualized; it was the spirit of the age. It would have been unusual for any fertile woman to not be tempted and have a wild side. Potiphar’s–like Christ–loved exceeded her weaknesses.
Like God, Potiphar knew she was problematic but dealt with her in a fashion according to what she could handle—on her level; like any parent dealing with a small child. Rather than correcting her, he removes the temptation and ignores the woman’s lie, knowing her weakness, like a parent placing a gate above a stairwell. (who in their rite mind would not do this).
BTW: the name Potiphar technically means He whom “Ra” gave. “Ra” was the Egyptian concept of God. Although a pagan construct, the symbolism comes through (he prefigures Christ—the Orthodox have always read Scripture mythological and not scientifically (Protestant); always asking what is the meaning here; what does it say to us in all its refractions.
Why is Orthodoxy in such chaos rite now? (get your head out of the sand, and smell the incense; judgment is neigh) Really, what is the core issue? Let’s ask some questions.
Have the Orthodox people—the wife of Christ—become spiritually attached more to clergy than to their Husband which is Christ? In always referring people to their priest and/or even the Church fathers, to what extent have we replaced Christ as the lover of their soul and the working of the Holy Spirit on the individual basis? This was never the father’s intentions.
Is not it nearly always, that the “good thing”—even the fathers—, becomes the enemy of best? (Hearing God for themselves, forcing them back toward God to get their prayers answered). In the family, the children (especially the “man-childs” [spiritually mature male of female]) keep going to mom, and the Spirit in mom keeps saying, go ask your Father, it’s time to get you off the teat,–you have teethe for a reason—, and onto solid food you get directly from your Father through the Holy Spirit. Just like in modernity most all young men are way over-mothered, and they have no standing before God. (“Depart from Me, I never knew [experienced you, we never talked or worked it out]”).
In what way do Orthodox clergy accept the emotional attachments of the Bride of Christ, which emotionally, spiritually, and covenantal attachments were meant for Christ alone? Is this the norm? or the near-norm? How is this avoided?
He doesn’t care how good your intentions are; He doesn’t care how true to the Faith you are; He doesn’t care how much you defer to the Fathers or the priesthood or the bishopric, when you put yourself between God and His people, you are skating on thin ice.
When your ego is stoked because the sheep are dependent upon you, when you are juiced (emotionally orgasmic) for the co-dependency created, your relationship with the Sacred Trust puts you in harm’s way, and…..you are in severe danger of committing adultery because truth is parallel and to get in bed with them on any level, is guilt of all levels—accepting their gratitude, emotional attachment as belonging to you and not the true Husband, it goes hand in hand (I have stories).
God will allow a good man to fall, just to disrupt this adulterous dynamic even when it is a weakness in the flock and not the clergy. Additionally, God will allow for corrupt men to take the sacred seat, just to make a point, that your heart belongs to Him alone. Every other relationship must be a love/hate relationship (combining Jesus with St Paul, “love/hate your wife”). The ONLY love is “The love of God spread abroad in our hearts.” All human love has defect, self centered.
The confessional is extremely dangerous in this regard; use it wisely and never become the answer to anybody’s problem or you fall into the crosshairs for the Master of the House. Take it from our Holy Mother, never—I mean never— do anything other than point to, exalt, talk about, and put forth Christ and Christ alone. As soon as the clergy—in any actions, valid or not—step into Christ’s role as the Bride Groom, watch out! At some point, they get tagged, and things start going south and they find themselves out of the clergy (by God’s grace and for their own good).
To the laity, do you love your priest? Do you want to keep him? Hold him at arm’s length. In these the last days of the last days, pick up all the fragments of your soul (attachments)—retrieve them from everyone and everything— and lay them with singleness of heart at the feet of Jesus, because it’s all coming under judgment.
Bottom line: NEVER pursue a “spiritual father.” Never, never, never; it too easily falls into spiritual adultery (again, I have stories). Pursue Christ and a relationship with the Holy Spirit and if HE brings a spiritual guide/s—living or dead—into your life but only be for a season, because all things must yield to Christ—filling all in all in you— and becoming a fully orbed offspring of the Almighty.
Jesus put it this way, “Seek ye FIRST, the Kingdom (God’s governance within you—not the Church—God’s governance outside you), and His Righteousness (Holy Spirit’s presence—Righteousness as Substance) and all these things (all spiritual mentors will be prescribed by Him) will be added unto you” automatically. Obey the Good Shepherd before any human shepherd, then all will be well and you will escape the calamity coming on the world.
If I have reflected HIS assessments of our situation, He will back me on it. If not, then I have tread where angels dare not. Just take it to the bank. Discerning the signs and seasons of the times: we are in Revelations 2-3; this is not 10 years ago and we cannot behave as if it were.
Didn’t the guy the OCA put in charge of “internet Orthodoxy” have a paid prayer list where he was charging people to pray for them? Really hard to take someone like that seriously.
Excellent points that many here should consider
Maybe how I decide to read an article or video someone sends me is too elementary, but so far, it works – did my forwarding friend or the author of the link pass the “covid test”? We’ve had 3 years for people to prove themselves. Even if mistakes were made, there was ample time for “metanoia”. I’m not wasting my time listening to any video by Fr David or most OCA or GOA hierarchy…not until they repent for closing churches.
The overall message is a good one, but Fr David G is the last person we should be listening to. Per his own bio, he’s big into gaming (lol, is he a teenager?) and is obsessed with coffee, tobacco, whiskey, etc, etc. Nothing wrong with coffee and whiskey, for the record. The issue is that he, like all of the other Priests at that conference, can’t stand that people are hearing the truth online, as they and their Bishops cozy up to the Fordham crowd.
While these are some of the most respectable voices in Orthodoxy, here is our problem: Until leadership starts addressing morality issues in the clergy (the elephant in the room), sites like this one will continue to flourish and be necessary. And while Met. Irenei spoke honorably (he never disappoints me) regarding the value of one-on-one mentoring, those I would trust to such work are a very small group. In Europe, it may be different. I have horror stories, so do others. Without a lot of walking back things done, public repentance, things said by clergy they have no validity. They have distroyed their own credibility and its not the parishioners fault.
To speak as if the Church is uniformly true to itself across the board is pure fantasy leading to the false assumption attending any Orthodox church is the same thing; these men speak as if this were true. It is not, and it is out-rite damning. I would gladly attend any church led by either Met. Irenei, or Arch-priest Trenham, However, for them to stick up for the rest, they are hanging themselves and the rest of us out to dry, and the error is breathtaking. While it is not out-rite spoken, it is unavoidably assumed they speak for the universality of the Church, because they make no distinction. How could they? damned if they do, damned if they don’t.
That good, honest, holy men give credence to all, is a deception. Evil men hide behind the cassocks of good men; because we all assume them the same, not true. And the ignorant cannot tell the difference, especially the newbie.
Case in point: by far the GOA has the largest footprint in America yet it has become a political arm showcase of the LGBT. I’ve seen a very good Greek priest strong armed (treated in the altar as if he was the new altar boy) by a 6’3″ or 4″ bouncer, north of 250, (so called military Chaplin) who shows up and takes over, LITERALLY. Since when does a military Chaplin trample on a long tenured shepherd’s turf? Treat him as if he did not belong there; this is pure Bulls—T. Don’t you ever treat my priest that way!!!! If I were a criminal, I would hunt you down! You are messing with my family and I do not take it lightly. During the bouncer’s homily, folks surfed the internet on the cell phones, tells me all I need to know. Unable to bear the humiliation of a good man, I stopped going there. it was gut retching. And I am only touching on the obvious.
And its not just the GOA, I’ve seen BB’s intimidation, others have experienced it. Really? No need for sites like this? Let’s get real.
Oh, am I irreverent? Its about time somebody be.
As long as Orthodox clergy talk as if there is no problem, I will NEVER believe in them, neither will a lot of other people; they themselves have become part of the deception that all is well.
Hello Orthodox, your house is burning down. If the room you are in is on fire, you may want to get out before your children become perverted.
BTW: did St Tihkon’s ever get paid for the Pfizer infomercials?
Great last line. St Tikhon’s was in lock step with the world and did multiple infomercials for big pharma. They were seen as an authoritative voice, with clergy, Bishops, seminary backing. Were they illuminating the “Royal path” or one of the extremes?
About that same time this came out from Elder Parthenios of Saint Paul’s on Mount Athos;
“Open the churches. Let the people come out. Bring out the icons. Go in procession. Do Litanies. Call upon the all-powerful God to remove this affliction. The leaders of this age are not able to save us. Only the all powerful God. He will save us. Open the churches. Bring the people out. We need to fall down, prostrate, like the Ninevites. Let us implore God in His great power to remove this scourge. Otherwise, who knows what will come of us. Do not be deceived. Only God will save us. Only our mother, the All-Holy One. Only the Holy Apostles and all of our Saints. Only our prayers and faith in God. What has saved the world? Our faith. Put aside the lukewarm, the unbelief. We are Christians. We are baptized, Christmated. We have the seal of God. The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
Many who followed this path were ostracized from the Church … but wait, was this the Royal path or extreme?
Setting up criteria might make one feel good but it doesn’t apply very well to the internet world, especially in confusing times.
The question in our age is do you have eyes to see and ears to hear … which is mostly a movement of the heart. The Elders words prove that.
John,
When you said:
“And while Met. Irenei spoke honorably (he never disappoints me) regarding the value of one-on-one mentoring, those I would trust to such work are a very small group. In Europe, it may be different. I have horror stories, so do others.”
Were you saying that you don’t trust most Orthodox clergy you’ve met in person and/or found on the internet to guide you spiritually?