John 12:24

Starets of the monastery up the hill. Co- managed by Father Paissy. 65 years old. Don't forget to pray 🙏 Consultations are open. (Satire account)

[starets-zosima-official]

It appears people are so fond of monastic wine. Enjoy that monastic wine, beware of overindulgence.

[brothermonk-sam]

I am here tonight at the Monk Gala, of course, to raise funds for the monastery yet again with our annual fashion show. I'm wearing custom linen from the house Saint Yves Laurent and I'm just so happy to be here raising money for a good cause

[brothermonk-sam]

uh. i don't think a humble monk needs all that

[frightvale]

i somehow ended up on a radical christian website and this was their system of upvotes and downvotes. Bless. 

[starets-zosima-official]

hi zosima i hope you are well, i recently bought a book on napoleon and now i have these, well, thoughts, about how some people are the chosen ones and how some aren't... i fear it's starting to consume me and i was thinking of writing an article about this theory, but i, a poor law student, don't quite know if i should actually carry out my writing; i'm very insecure. do you have any advice?

Dear child,

I apologize for not answering sooner, as the pilgrims required my assistance.

I am concerned about the material you have been reading. No law of nature dictates who is more worthy than others. When we all embrace that, we will all become more humble. Without that pride weighing us down like a cannon ball, more love can make its home in our hearts. If you find the subject of your article is tormenting you and consuming you, or saying such nonsense, I suggest you find another that does not feed the flames of your despair.

Starets Zosima

[starets-zosima-official]

What are your opinions on male pregnancy

Dear child,

You ask me something quite peculiar. The scriptures say childbearing is a woman's task, however, we should approach the matter with humility: God works in mysterious ways. I have never encountered a pregnant man, yet immediate experience is unreliable, for we are merely raindrops in a vast ocean. Our minds were made to build bridges beyond worldly experiences and what we believe to be true, that is the universal law of love. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28). The birth of a child is always a beautiful miracle, no matter who carried it out. If you know a pregnant man, pray for him🙏

Starets Zosima

[starets-zosima-official]

Sin is like a cigarette

[liselottw]

once you learn not to breathe in it makes life easier?

[miusovpierre]

One takes a couple 15 minute breaks each day to indulge in it?

[starets-zosima-official]

Speak for yourself, Mr Miusov.

Father Paissy

[starets-zosima-official]

Sin is like a cigarette

[liselottw]

once you learn not to breathe in it makes life easier?

[starets-zosima-official]

Our elder felt too tired to continue his post and is now taking a nap, so I will have to answer in his place. I believe he meant that people may think they are more free for stepping over their limits, but in reality, they are binding themselves, just as a smoker is bound by cigarette breaks when he could be doing anything else. But what do I know.

Father Paissy

[starets-zosima-official]

Sin is like a cigarette

[starets-zosima-official]

Nothing better than a glass of #MonasticWine... 🍷 Except maybe #God 😄 #Yep #ImAMonk 🌈

[katerinakhokhlakova]

what an enchanting glass of wine.. where do you get something like that? id love to share a glass of rainbow wine with you!

[starets-zosima-official]

Dear Madame Khokhlakova,

We do not have rainbow- coloured monastic wine, unfortunately. The seminarist staying in the monastery showed me this beautiful image and suggested me to post it. You can ask him about it.

Starets Zosima

[starets-zosima-official]

It is good that Mikhail Osipovich is in our monastery. Dear Alexey deserves to have a friend his age in his life.

[liselottw]

Oh I'm not sure they're exactly friends, father... I suggest you keep Mr Rakitin away from our sweet Alyosha, he's bad influence

[starets-zosima-official]

Dear child,

I know Rakitin's heart well enough, but who am I to judge? Alexey has chosen to share his time with him and I trust his choices will lead him to further spiritual growth.

Starets Zosima

[starets-zosima-official]

Nothing better than a glass of #MonasticWine... 🍷 Except maybe #God 😄 #Yep #ImAMonk 🌈

[starets-zosima-official]

It is good that Mikhail Osipovich is in our monastery. Dear Alexey deserves to have a friend his age in his life.

[starets-zosima-official]

Today I have been sent a box of treats to eat alongside my tea. Many will say monks shouldn't eat such things, but who I am to reject a well- intentioned gift? Prayers for whoever sent it 🙏

[starets-zosima-official]

[miusovpierre]

Good evening @starets-zosima-official . Any tips for dealing with that one distant relative who will not shut up and every word that leaves his fat sensual lips is pure idiocy and you just want to beat him over the head with a shovel sometimes but he's your relative even if spending over 5 minutes in his company makes you want to run and purchase the first ticket to the most distant french colonies

[starets-zosima-official]

Good evening, @miusovpierre.

You seem to have very strong feelings towards this distant relative of yours. Approach every person you meet with good faith and humility and you will feel more joyful all around. It appears you take certain delight in your offense as well. Perhaps think about that. Thoughts and prayers,

Starets Zosima

[starets-zosima-official]

I'm in love with a man of God, father. What do I do?

Listen, young woman. Take time to examine your heart and think deeply about the sort of love you feel for this man of God, and what is it that makes you love him. It may happen that what your heart desires cannot coexist with the life that the object of your affection has built for himself. Remain his friend, but love him humbly and respectfully as who he is. If he is your spiritual guide, it is best to keep your distance and find another. The words in Philippians 3:13–14 are wise ones. Grieve if you need to, but don't forget the path to happiness starts with you. Love is the glory of being alive when you are good and just. And don't forget to pray for courage. 🙏

-Starets Zosima

[starets-zosima-official]

Reminder not to leave for tomorrow what you can do today 🙏