Hello,
I was conversing with a Greek Orthodox young man who was trying to convert me (of course, he cannot , but I figure this is an opportunity to convert him).
I said: "If you can tell me which one of your Orthodox saints had the stigmata, I will consider it." [I was not going to consider it, just trying to start a conversation]
He said: "It contradicts the Orthodox balanced position on Incarnation, Death and Resurrection, emphasizing on Christ's suffering on the cross. We understand Christ's suffering on the cross to have been once and for all. Experiencing the stigmata would not be in keeping with this understanding."
I said: "What about the Sacred Heart of Jesus devotion"?
He said:"Yes, but God rewards us with Grace, not suffering."
I quoted some Scripture [I am hoping I used the Scripture in the right context for this]:
"And if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him." (Romans 8:17)
"For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake." (Philipians 1:29)
"But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the Name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." (1 Peter 4:13-14)
And then I said, "I am not sure if same context, but suffering will help us reach Christ.
He said:"This is not proof enough for stigmata. Suffering yes, but God does not reward it to us. Peace and Grace. Suffering may be a means of obtaining Grace, but not a reward."
I said: "If you can explain St. Padre Pio and St. Francis of Assisi [meaning their stigmata], I will consider it [meaning 'converting']
He said: "Perhaps another time. Not because I can't, but because I am tired."
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Isn't St. Padre Pio's stigmata- pictural and docuмented proof of a stigmata- enough to say that stigmatas are real?
Is there anything that I can improve in the future during evangelization? Do I have any strong points?
Please pray for his conversion. He is a very intelligent young man, and he would be evenmoreso if he held true to the Catholic Faith.