Would it be wrong as an Orthodox Christian to hate life? I hate life, after coming to the relization that life is nothing but the begining of death. After going to the naval hospital all around is death its saddening, especially this hospital where all the marines from Iraq get sent. 
the recent events in my life have changed my perspective on things.
In Christ
Nektarios
"All things are weaker then shadows all more elusive then dreams"
I feel pretty confident to say that it would be wrong for an Orthodox Christian to feel that way about life as every moment of it is a precious gift from God and I think that it would almost be like spitting in His face. That being said, it certainly can be hard not to feel that way in the face of suffering, and probably especially for those who suffer from mental sicknesses like, Depression, Bi-Polor ect..
PS. I see you decided to change your user name to your (Orthodox) name. Just so you know there is already a Nektarios around here, so for the sake of avoiding confusion perhaps you could be like Nektarios2 or something.
Nicholas (Savva)
Nektarios wrote:Would it be wrong as an Orthodox Christian to hate life? I hate life, after coming to the relization that life is nothing but the begining of death. After going to the naval hospital all around is death its saddening, especially this hospital where all the marines from Iraq get sent.
In Christ
Nektarios"All things are weaker then shadows all more elusive then dreams"
Dear Nektarios,
Earthly life prepares us for our eternal life. How we live that life, whether we endure pain and suffering with humilty and calm, or whether we rage against God, goes more toward determining our "worth" in the eyes of God than many things we do as Orthodox Christians. If we are blessed with health, how we seek out and help those less blessed, thanking God for the opportunity to minister to those He loves, is what we are called to do.
Losing someone we love is painful indeed, but remember that God gave you the gift of saying goodbye, and being of service. Many cannot say that to a loved one, as their loved ones may be taken home to God without warning. He also allowed you to see the suffering of others around you. What you take back with you from that is up to you. Pray that God gives you the strength to do His will, and to treat others around you as you would Christ Himself.
If you read the Athonite fathers, you will read story after story of how they were sanctified through either their own suffering, born patiently, or through the loving service to their brethren, done with tireless devotion.
Life on earth is a wonderful blessing, and God teaches us through every moment of it, if we open our hearts and let Him speak. In this way, we prepare ourselves for our eternal life.
You have my prayers, Nektarios.
Vicki
Nektarios/O.L. are you still with us?
Nektarios,
Keep praying - no matter who hard it is and how pointless it may seem at the moment! Despair is a heavy weight.
As to the dead and dying you see; all of us will die. For many this reality - especially to the young seems an abstract concept. Indeed in a society were ageing itself is avoided with creams, diets and surgery the reality may be difficult to grasp. But not for a soldier.
Metropolitan Philaret spoke of war and the Christian. He reminded us - speaking of the sacrifice of soldiers - that there is no greater love than we lay down our life for others. Painful as it is, these young people have done just this.
Keep praying, my young friend