THEOSISVissarion (Nechaev)
You have amassed the transgressions of Manasseh by your own volition, establishing as detestable idols various passions and multiplying, O soul, acts of indignation against God. Manasseh ruled over Judah after his father, King Hezekiah. While the father was devout, the son was exceedingly wicked. Manasseh dismantled all that Hezekiah had accomplished in promoting genuine piety throughout his reign. He reinstated the worship of Baal and Ashtoreth, which his malevolent grandfather Ahaz had introduced, and offered human sacrifices to Moloch in the valley of Gehenna. He worshipped the celestial bodies and engaged in sorcery.
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Moreover, he was a harsh oppressor of those fervent in the true faith; under his orders, the prophet Isaiah, who condemned his iniquity, was sawed in two with a wooden saw.
Regrettably, Christians can succumb to such evil, as they often willingly replace idols with passions that dwell within their hearts, thereby multiplying deeds that defy God and immersing themselves deeper in corruption. Self-gratification leads to further self-indulgence; their reliance on celebrities, be it singers or performers, reduces them to a state of utter disregard for their own dignity. An obsession with worldly entertainment not only fosters indifference but breeds animosity towards living in accordance with the Church's teachings. An attachment to earthly possessions can cause them to overlook honor and conscience.
In some, faith in God and reliance on Him have weakened to such an extent that they may even turn to sorcery, much like Manasseh did in his disgrace. Any attempts to admonish the followers of Manasseh are likely to be in vain; they often despise their reproachers and might resort to the same cruelty that Manasseh exhibited towards Isaiah, prepared to obliterate their critics if not for the restraint imposed by the fear of earthly consequences.