So today my team and I visited one of the largest Russian Orthodox Churches here in the Ukraine.
So first off, one of the buildings has a room dedicated to Jesus’ last days, so cool right… Well in this room there was a corridor to a small space with caskets of saints. People were praying to these dead saints and kissing their caskets… Which they aren’t in… They don’t even look up as they pass through to see Jesus the only Savior and Only way! I almost cried and it literally made me sick to see this all. It’s a reminder to never get too comfortable, then you just might miss all that is around you and all that Jesus Christ is trying to show you. To see is a prayer worth asking for!
Second, they have a building that is only used to preform exorcisms (it was closed, not just anyone is allowed in for obvious reasons). Interestingly enough though, when casting out demons they Only use the name of Jesus… Yet they pray and praise the saints/ “icons.” It’s just astounding, they understand the weight and importance of Jesus, even the demons tell them this… Yet they don’t praise ONLY JESUS!?!
James 2:19 “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe-and shudder!”
“Fun” Fact: Orthodox priests have chased our fellow squad mates out of villages in Moldova because they were TELLING THE TRUTH… THEY KNOW!!!! They are keeping salvation from the people because out of greed they “need” to sell the icons they make for money… This is what is happening and I praise God for the church’s we have worked with because they speak the truth despite the fact that everyone thinks they are crazy and sacrifice children and trade wives with each other… Which we know isn’t true. Pray for the people and these churches we’re working with, I know they would appreciate it!
