Tuesday, January 14, 2020

St. Porphyrios on Spiritual and Mental Health

St. Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia (source)
  
"They tell us to work together with Psychiatrists. Psychiatrists accept Confession, but as regards everything else they are deniers. Thus, we can't [fully] work together with them. I am not saying that they have nothing to offer people. They do offer. The medicines that they give sick people, in some manner, calm the sick person so they do not harm themselves or others. The medicines, however, do not approach the passions of the soul. The passions of the soul are very adhesive. And behind every illness of the soul are hidden the demons.***"
-St. Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia
  
(source)
  
***Note: Of course St. Porphyrios is speaking in very general terms, as there are always a wide spectrum of scenarios and of course believing physicians besides those who do not believe in the soul and its healing through the Lord. St. Porphyrios, however, is beautifully outlining how spiritual healing is just as important as medical or psychiatric care for patients who are suffering in body and soul. And the temptations and influence of the demons can only be remedied with Christ in His Church.
  
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

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