OVERCOMING SEXUAL SINS ~ THE REQUIRED SPIRITUAL TOOLS (Father Spyridon)

The battle against sensual sins requires deep humility and constant perseverance, recognizing our dependence on divine grace to overcome temptations.

## From Ruin to the Desert

The story of **Saint Mary of Egypt** is a powerful example of transformation. She fled her home at **12 years old** and lived in **Alexandria** for **17 years**, given over to carnal passions. Her life changed drastically when she tried to enter a church to see the Holy Cross. An invisible force prevented her. After asking for help before an icon of the Mother of God, the **Theotokos**, she was able to enter, repented, and withdrew to the desert. There she spent **47 years** fasting and weeping for her sins, fighting without surrender until the end of her days.

## The Elevated Nature of Human Sensual

Unlike the animal kingdom, where sens is purely seasonal and for procreation, in humans it has a much more mystical and elevated purpose. Sens within marriage is blessed by God and reflects the sacred union between Christ and the Church. Conversely, any sensual relationship outside of marriage disfigures that spiritual image and directly wounds the soul. Christ elevates the sarracena requirement beyond the physical actions of the Old Testament; he teaches that anyone who looks with lust has already committed adultery in his heart, for God cares about inner purity.

## Factors That Fuel Passions

The Church Fathers point out that lack of control over the body fuels carnal desires through various triggers. Gluttony, that is, overeating, directly incites passions. Laziness, sleeping too much or staying in bed for too long, also fosters these evil desires. Excessive alcohol consumption weakens self-control and stimulates lust. Modern culture, through media, music, film, and advertising, manipulates people by intentionally stimulating these passions for profit. Therefore, it is essential to protect our eyes and ears from these influences.

## The Ultimate Spiritual Tools

Humility is the root of everything. Fasting, abstinence, and lack of sleep are useless without it. One must recognize their own inability to overcome these sins alone and depend entirely on divine grace. The Fathers affirm that "God prefers a humble defeat to a proud victory." The soldier's perseverance is crucial. Even if it seems that temptations are overwhelming us or that God has temporarily withdrawn his grace, we must continue to fight bravely until our last breath. Losing hope or fleeing out of cowardice brings spiritual dishonor. Absolutely everything that God allows in our lives has the sole purpose of saving us and drawing us to Him.