Before the beginning of the Christmas Fast, it is worth talking about behavior on social networks.

Social networks have an amazing influence on people. They create the illusion of very close communication in so much close that familiarity begins to manifest itself, unusual in real communication, in people, it would seem, who are almost, or even completely unfamiliar.

In fact, we do not consider it normal to interfere in other people's conversations, provoke disputes and scandals on the street or in transport. But in some "Facebook" — it’s easy.

Communication in social networks to onlookers often looks like a table conversation accompanied by alcohol. Otherwise, it is difficult to explain the undue familiarity and sudden, not quite adequate, emotional outbursts, and frequent bad language.

And this is not only among non-believers. And believers also very often lose control over their own words. But the most unpleasant thing is that even some monastics, including those in holy orders, have the same ailment.

It is difficult to imagine anything more repellent from the Church for people than the disgraceful behaviour of the clergy and believers. But if in ordinary life this phenomenon is not so common, then the Internet creates a completely different mpression.

And whenever, if during the fast, it is worth remembering that we are called by the Lord Himself to restraint in words: "And I say to you that in the day when they are judged, men will have to give an account of every foolish word they have said. For by your words will your righteousness be seen, and by your words you will be judged." (Matthew 12:36-37).

What to do in this case? Should we completely leave social networks at least during the fast? But what to do if a job is connected with a permanent staying on the Internet?

Everything depends on the person himself and his self-control here. It is worth also consulting with the confessor. Someone clearly needs to disconnect from the network, possibly for a long time. Someone should limit their stay in them. Prayer before enteringtheInternet will also help us. After all, we pray before starting any action with a special prayer, and we pray before leaving home. And visiting the Internet is also a kind of "getting out of the house". Why not to pray before that? Also, when we drop each post, write each comment, we should not rush, it is important to pause at least for a few seconds, and make a sign of the cross. And this will surely protect both us and our neighbors from many thoughtless words and stickysituations.

Recorded by Natalia Goroshkova