1. Question: How should an Orthodox Christian relate to illnesses?

There is no person on Earth who is devoid of diseases and sorrows. The sin of the forefathers changed the high position that the Lord granted to people. And, having lost Eden, man gained... decay and death. But God's mercy does not leave us, sinners and unworthy. Illnesses and sorrows are both hardships for us, and admonition, and reward from God. By them we, enduring them without complaint, are cleansed of sins, grow spiritually and prepare ourselves for eternity. Humility and patience, hope in the Lord and His good will – this is a truly Christian attitude.

If such behavior is such, then it strengthens the sick person morally, is imputed to him as a podvig. In this case, in the face of sorrows and ailments, a person shows the victory of the spirit over the flesh, of good over evil. Our Savior gave us an example of the greatest patience, love and meekness, enduring the sufferings of the Cross and praying for His crucifiers.

Illness is a time of self-examination, a time of reflection, a time of repentance. Let us remember that everything is from God: both sickness and health. And everything that is from God is for our good. Therefore, let us not lose heart. The merciful Lord will not send each of us more temptations than measure, for, according to the Apostle, God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to do, but when you are tempted he will also give you relief, so that you may be able to endure (1 Corinthians 10:13). Let us also keep in our hearts that which through many sorrows is fitting to enter into the Kingdom of God (Acts 14:22).

On the contrary, murmuring, protest, anger at everyone and everything ruin the inner world, aggravate suffering, and most importantly, diminish or destroy the spiritual fruit for which they were sent. This fruit is our salvation. Sometimes we are prevented from understanding and realizing this by lack of faith, careless attitude towards ourselves, and the like.

The years of atheism did not pass without a trace. Almost three generations of people grew up who did not know God and His Holy Church. In my practical medical work, I often encounter situations when a sick or grieving person does not understand the spiritual meaning of suffering (I mean baptized Orthodox), is very burdened by his well-being, is full of despondency and sorrow. It can be even worse: despair, anguish, the desire for death...

There is another problem that cannot leave any believing doctor indifferent. The lack of spirituality that has reigned in society for the past seventy-odd years has naturally affected medicine with all the ensuing consequences. How can we not remember the pre-revolutionary hospitals? Icons, lit lampadas, sisters of mercy, a priest – confessing, communing, unctioning. All this was... I am glad that now, by God's mercy, this tradition is gradually being revived. So far, not everywhere, but hospital churches are being recreated and consecrated, prayers are served in clinics. Sparks of faith and hope appear in the eyes of sick people. Joy and consolation settle in the souls. I want to believe that the Lord will give us time and strength to repent and improve.