Archpriest Ivan Shandra

Archpriest Ivan Shandra Talks and Texts about the Orthodox Church.

Why I Don’t Believe the Church Has a Secret Agenda>>>See the Link to the video in the comments.
06/05/2026

Why I Don’t Believe the Church Has a Secret Agenda
>>>See the Link to the video in the comments.

Does God Abandon Us When We Struggle? An Orthodox Priest Responds>>>LINK in the first comment
05/29/2026

Does God Abandon Us When We Struggle? An Orthodox Priest Responds
>>>LINK in the first comment

Orthodox Prayer vs. Secular Mindfulness: The Crucial Difference(Link to the video is in the comments)Sometimes people se...
05/15/2026

Orthodox Prayer vs. Secular Mindfulness: The Crucial Difference
(Link to the video is in the comments)
Sometimes people see no difference between Orthodox Christian prayer and unorthodox self-improvement practices. However, the distinction is vast, emphasizing that orthodoxy is not merely a routine or technique. It's a profound devotion of prayer, a way of life lived in constant awareness of God’s presence.
Is Orthodox hesychasm just another form of meditation? In this video, we explore the ancient tradition of inner stillness, the Jesus Prayer, and how Orthodox prayer differs from secular mindfulness.
Many people confuse Orthodox hesychasm with "self-improvement" or "mindfulness techniques." However, the Orthodox Church teaches that prayer is not a technique—it is a relationship. From the Desert Fathers to St. Gregory Palamas and the modern monks of Mt. Athos, we dive into the theology of divine energies, the role of the body in prayer, and the dangers of spiritual delusion (prelest).

Are Aliens Real? What the Orthodox Church Actually Says>>>Watch this video. Link is in the first comment below
05/08/2026

Are Aliens Real? What the Orthodox Church Actually Says
>>>Watch this video. Link is in the first comment below

📖 Now Available: A Journey Through the Whole Story of SalvationWhat if you could see the entire story of God and humanit...
05/04/2026

📖 Now Available: A Journey Through the Whole Story of Salvation
What if you could see the entire story of God and humanity—not as fragments, but as one continuous, living journey?
I’m grateful to share that my new book is now available:
From ‘Then’ to ‘Now’: God’s Providence in Action. The Story of God and People on a Journey from Creation to Theosis
This book grew out of real, in-person lectures in my parish—conversations, questions, and a shared desire to understand our faith more deeply. What began as teaching has now become something you can hold, reflect on, and return to.
Inside, you’ll discover:
- How Creation, Fall, and Redemption form one unified story
- The role of Israel and the fulfillment in Christ
- The life of the Church as the continuation of God’s work
- What theosis truly means—and why it is your calling
Today, many experience faith in pieces.
This book is an invitation to see the whole.
Not just to learn… but to understand.
Not just to read… but to see your place in God’s providence.
✨ Step into the Story. Discover Your Place in It.
👉 Check it out (links are in the comments):

Near-Death Experiences: Truth or Deception? | Orthodox Christian Perspective>>>Link in the first comment
05/01/2026

Near-Death Experiences: Truth or Deception? | Orthodox Christian Perspective
>>>Link in the first comment

Mary Magdalene Wasn't What You Might Think | Orthodox Explanation>>>Link in the first comment
04/24/2026

Mary Magdalene Wasn't What You Might Think | Orthodox Explanation
>>>Link in the first comment

In light of recent posts and responses, I have been asked this question: Who is a peacemaker in the Gospel?Here is the q...
04/13/2026

In light of recent posts and responses, I have been asked this question: Who is a peacemaker in the Gospel?
Here is the quote: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).
A peacemaker and a peace-keeper have different approaches to installing peace. But only the peacemakers are called the sons of God because they bring real peace by healing division among people, restoring hearts to be open to the Truth, and leading others toward God, just as the Son of God does through His incarnation, death, and resurrection.
Peacemaker does not ignore the truth or remain silent in the face of wrongdoings. Take an example from Christ Himself, Who spoke the truth boldly, and yet everything He did was for reconciliation and salvation. True peace is all about the presence of God and union with Him for the reason of becoming a whole person. So, to be called “sons of God” means to reflect God, the One who reconciles, who heals what is broken, to build bridges, and to demonstrate this peace through one’s actions. When we forgive, when we restrain anger, when we speak truth with humility and love, we participate in His work. True peacemakers work out of their humility and love for God and His creation. So, peacemaking helps restore relationships rather than pridefully winning the argument at any price.
Now, in a world full of fighting, division, and anger, the calling to be a peacemaker is needed more than ever. It begins in the heart with repentance and humility, accompanied by prayer and self-sacrifice. Only then can it flow into our families, our parishes, our churches, our communities, and even our conversations online. We change first, acquire the peace of Christ, and then we take this peace to others. Before speaking or acting, it is worth asking: ‘Does this bring peace, or does it deepen division?’ Because the peacemakers do not just keep quiet, they bring Christ into the situation. And that is why Christ calls them blessed. Pride is useless and must be sacrificed in the peacemaking process, but humility is the only way to succeed.
The link to the video is in the comments.

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