Faith and science are two aspects often considered to be completely incompatible. Modern society invests in scientific studies aimed to export firm conclusions. Science produces evidence; only in this way can it respond to the needs of modern man. Faith, on the other hand, implies trust without the necessary provision of concrete evidence. Religion focuses on a spiritual approach rather than the firm knowledge of objective facts. It is reflected in Jesus Christ and the miracle of His incarnation; clearly, the scientific approach to this matter is clearly futile, not to say impossible.
While the relationship between faith and science has always occupied the minds of mankind, the same concern is reflected in various aspects of human activity. Thus, the division between medicine and religion, the priority of one over the other and their mutual influence on human health is often the subject of discussion.
Despite the polarization that often prevails, many scholars and the holy fathers of our Church argue that the collaboration of the two is the safest way to ensure the mental and physical health of an individual. Numerous studies have shown that faith can play an important role in a patient's recovery. On the other hand, through research and technological advances, medicine has been able to extend the life span and improve the quality of human life by providing the best possible treatment.
Science as a Gift from God
Christian theology upholds the model of life that follows the will of God, while at the same time giving each person an active role. Man must take advantage of the opportunities offered to him. Besides, refusing the help of others is often considered a sin and a sign of selfishness. Since man is not self-sufficient, let alone omnipotent, he must come to terms with the limitations imposed on him by his mortality. Consequently, he must learn to accept the help of his social environment, his family, doctors and scientists who work on ways to cure him, while at the same time accepting the help of God who stands by him at every moment of his life. Thus, along with having Jesus Christ as his helper and having faith in His miraculous grace, he should also receive the benefits of medical science. Moreover, these have been produced by both the human ability to learn and the natural tools that God has given man to survive, progress, and develop. The Old Testament states,
"And He gave skill to human beings that He might be glorified in His marvelous works" (Wis. Sirach 38:6)
Religion does not renounce medicine. On the contrary, every medical success praises the Lord. As a creative and intelligent being, a creature made in God’s image, man is called upon to make use of the natural world, the knowledge of his ancestors, his reason and his intellect, in order to provide the best possible care for his fellow human beings. This is the God-given mission of medicine and pharmacy, which makes them not incompatible with faith, but interrelated and complementary.
It is worth mentioning that our Church recognizes a number of saints who were physicians. Their scientific knowledge, combined with their faith in the Lord, graced their actions and sanctified their healing work. Thus, they became some of the most important physicians of all time. Saint Panteleimon, who lived in the 3rd century A.D., was such a figure. The monastery of the same name in Mount Athos honors and glorifies His mercy. The Holy Unmercenaries are also figures who practiced medicine in their lifetime and continue to miraculously heal the sick to this day. Saint Luke the Blessed Surgeon born in 1877, is a younger saint who turned science into an instrument of holiness and love for God.
Finally, there is a lively patristic discourse and texts of the saints of our Church that refer to the cooperation of the Orthodox Christian faith with the science of medicine.
Medical Science of Mount Athos
The monks of Mount Athos, showing humility and trust in our Lord, receive the God-given work of science with reverence. They value the examination of all doctors and trust in the remedies suggested to them. They seek medical treatment when necessary and take care of their health in every possible way. Recognizing that humans are psychosomatic beings, they try to maintain both their mental and physical health. Moreover, there are medical clinics within Mount Athos, where monks with appropriate training work as doctors, at the same time they praying for the Divine Grace to support their work.
Recognizing the importance of a healthy life, the Athonite monks also make use of the natural goods provided by the fertile land of Athos. They use oils, potions and other therapeutic products that protect and help people in the treatment of various diseases.
Although the production of such remedies began in order to meet the needs of the monasteries, their therapeutic properties and the widespread demand for them have led to an increase in production. Thus, today there are numerous Mount Athos products that are available to the believers all over the world.
You are welcome to visit our online shop to buy Athonite Remedies and other traditional products handcrafted by the monks.
May the Lord, through the prayers of our patroness, the Holy Mother of God, bless you, your family and all your loved ones!
