The Difficulty of Reaching an Understanding

Protopresbyter Dionysios Tatsis | November 13, 2026 | Orthodoxos Typos

 

 

In our conversations with others, we often find ourselves unable to reach an understanding because some of those with whom we speak express opinions without offering convincing arguments. They possess neither the necessary knowledge nor the corresponding experience. Usually, they have heard something related to the subject at some point, it made an impression on them, and they have retained it in their minds. They repeat it at every opportunity, without, however, substantiating it through their own lives. Their assertions are merely repetitions of what they have heard, without their being in a position to exercise discernment or, naturally, to persuade those with whom they converse. This situation is aggravated by the daily misinformation disseminated by the mass media. Thus, almost everyone today considers himself an “expert on everything.” Clear thinking, purity of intention, a genuine understanding of the facts, and objectivity are lacking. Consequently, their conclusions have no enduring value but serve transient purposes and personal interests.

Among conscientious Christians, of course, this should not be the case. Their conversations should be characterized by seriousness, have spiritual content, and illuminate the path of life in Christ. Yet not everyone possesses the same degree of interest. Nevertheless, they share a common desire to be properly informed by people who have known individuals and witnessed events firsthand—that is, people who possess a wealth of experience. This is especially true when such people have associated with virtuous individuals and have been influenced by their sacred experiences and soul-profiting teachings.

The Apostles enjoyed the special privilege of living close to their Teacher, Jesus. They had sacred experiences, and their words to the faithful were steadfast and trustworthy. They had heard the Lord, had seen Him with their own eyes, and had touched Him with their own hands. It was this firsthand experience that made their testimony so effective.

Spiritual experiences make a person steadfast in his convictions. What he maintains is not a collection of facile theories, which are frequently revised, modernized, and sometimes rejected altogether. Rather, it is a steadfast light that does not flicker or fade, nor is it replaced by the dazzling lights of human vanity. Neither can it be compared with the experiences of those who present themselves as wise and accomplished scholars but lack virtue and the hope of eternal life.

Preachers of the word of God, in particular, must possess spiritual experience if their words are to be trustworthy. This truth is easily expressed but very difficult to put into practice. Virtue is difficult to find in our times. Certain innovationist clergymen diminish its value, maintaining that it is outdated and that the Church must look to the times and modernize in order to influence people. But this raises several questions: For what purpose should the Church seek to influence the world? Have spiritual blessings somehow lost their value? Have they been replaced by something new? What is the path of salvation for people today?

The answer to the foregoing questions is found in the words of the Apostle Paul to the Hebrews: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace” (Hebrews 13:8–9). In other words, Christ remains the same. His teaching is not subject to revision. The grace of Christ is the spiritual and saving foundation of our hearts.

 

Greek source:

https://orthodoxostypos.gr/%e1%bc%80%ce%b4%cf%85%ce%bd%ce%b1%ce%bc%ce%af%ce%b1-%cf%83%cf%85%ce%bd%ce%b5%ce%bd%ce%bd%ce%bf%ce%ae%cf%83%ce%b5%cf%89%cf%82/