🔴 Elder Parthenios Agiopavlitis, the abbot of the Athonite Monastery of Saint Paul, recently raised concerns over the dangers that mobile phones and the internet pose to monastic life.

Reflecting on nearly 50 years as abbot, Elder Parthenios recounted incidents in which monks, who had left the world for a life devoted to God, fell prey to modern technology’s temptations.

Elder Parthenios highlighted how the intrusion of mobile phones and internet access has caused significant harm to monks. “These devices are hazardous,” he warned, “Many monks have been deeply affected by mass media and the internet.”

He recounted the story of a young monk who sought his guidance after experiencing temptations in his cell. Upon inquiring, Elder Parthenios learned that the monks at this hermitage regularly used mobile phones. “They would stay up all night on their phones,” he explained, “which disrupts their focus on prayer and distances them from the core purpose of their monastic life—communion with God.”

Elder Parthenios emphasized the spiritual danger of bringing such distractions into a monastic setting. “It’s perilous to leave the world, go to the monastery or the wilderness, only to then turn to a computer or the internet. This behaviour is more than misguided—it’s destructive. When a monk encounters these distractions, his mind will wander to them even during prayer.”

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Detoxing from Your Phone: A Guide for Christian Professionals

While you may not be a monastic, in today's fast-paced digital world, it's easy for Christian professionals to become overwhelmed by the constant demands of their smartphones. These devices, while incredibly useful, can often distract us from our spiritual and personal lives. To find balance, it's important to intentionally create space for reflection, prayer, and meaningful connections without the interference of technology. By setting boundaries and prioritizing time away from screens, you can nurture your faith and well-being, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and centered life.

- Schedule regular "phone-free" times during your day, such as during meals or before bedtime, to focus on prayer and reflection.

- Use apps that limit screen time or block distracting notifications to help you stay present in the moment.

- Designate a specific area in your home as a "tech-free zone" to encourage family interactions and spiritual activities.

- Replace phone usage with activities that nourish your soul, like reading scripture, journaling, or spending time in nature.

- Join a faith-based group or community that supports digital detox efforts and holds each other accountable.

- Reflect on your phone usage habits and pray for guidance to use technology in a way that aligns with your values and faith.